How to customize (or replace) the Windows Start menu

It could be time for a change.

The Start menu is usually at the heart of everything you do on Windows, giving you easy access to all of your installed applications as well as the files and folders that are on your system. You’ll likely be spending a lot of time looking at and using the Start menu, so it makes sense to get it configured the way that best suits you.

There are more ways to tweak and personalize the Windows Start menu than you might have realized, and with the help of third-party software, you can even replace it altogether (it’s a bit like reskinning Android). We’ve covered your options below. (If you’re a macOS user, we have a similar guide for you here.)