Create Custom Start Menu Tiles for PC Games - Windows 10
Windows 10 Live Tiles: Leveraging Game Information
The redesigned Start menu in Windows 10 has generated varied opinions since its introduction. However, users who find value in live tiles can personalize their experience.
Creating Live Tiles from Games
It is possible to generate dynamic live tiles directly from select games. These tiles offer at-a-glance updates regarding your gaming progress.
Specifically, these tiles can showcase details such as earned achievements and the total duration of playtime for supported titles.
This functionality allows for quick access to key gaming statistics without needing to launch the game itself. It provides a convenient overview of your gaming activity.
For those who actively track their gaming accomplishments, this feature offers a useful and visually engaging way to stay informed.
The availability of this feature depends on whether the game developer has integrated support for live tiles within Windows 10.
Installing Pin More from the Windows Store
The initial step involves installing the Pin More application directly from the Windows Store. Access your Start menu and locate the Store tile to begin the process.
Its appearance may vary depending on your system’s configuration.
Within the Store, utilize the search function and enter "Pin More." This will direct you to the application’s dedicated page.
Pin More is offered in two versions: a complimentary trial and a full, paid version priced at $2.99. The trial version provides complete access to all features.
However, a limitation exists; you can only pin up to four tiles concurrently without purchasing the full license.
Proceed with the application’s installation. Once complete, select the "Open" button to launch Pin More and commence customization.
Linking Your Gaming Accounts to Pin More
The initial step involves connecting the accounts where your games are located, such as Steam, Origin, UPlay, or Battle.net, to the Pin More application.
Pin More currently offers direct integration with Steam, Origin, UPlay, and Battle.net platforms. Upon linking one of these services, the application will either automatically identify the games installed on your computer, or prompt you to log in with your credentials to generate a list of available games.
For demonstration purposes, a Steam account will be utilized to illustrate the capabilities of Pin More.
To establish a connection with your Steam account, input your Steam ID into the designated field shown above, and then click the "Connect to Steam" button. Pin More will then display a comprehensive list of all games associated with that account.
The process of adding accounts and games was consistent across UPlay and Origin. However, Battle.net relies solely on automatic detection. Therefore, any games you wish to create tiles for must be installed within the standard "Battle.net" folder on your hard drive for Pin More to recognize them; otherwise, manual addition will be necessary.
Although Pin More provides an option to add games from sources outside of these four clients, the live tile will not be updated with information regarding achievements or playtime. In such instances, it is often simpler to locate the game's icon on your desktop or hard drive and select "Pin to Start" from the context menu.
Personalizing Your Gaming Experience: Creating Live Tiles
Related: Guidance on Adding, Removing, and Customizing Tiles within the Windows 10 Start Menu
To establish a uniquely tailored live tile for your favorite game, locate it within the list provided below and select it to access its configuration settings.
As illustrated, we have selected the action sports game, "Rocket League." Should the game be installed through a supported client, Pin More will automatically offer resources for both Medium and Wide tile styles on your Start Menu.
Should you desire distinct logos for Small or Large live tiles, you must first acquire them from an external source. Subsequently, these images need to be resized to dimensions of 150 x 150 pixels or 300 x 300 pixels, respectively.
To incorporate a custom image for the tile, click the plus symbol situated in the lower-right corner of the tile size you intend to modify.
Then, navigate to the downloaded image within your downloads folder and select "Open."
Upon addition, you will be presented with the option to include the game's title at the tile's base, alongside a choice of dark or light text coloration for the title.
Following this, configure the information displayed on your live tile, and the number of achievements shown simultaneously.
Utilize the scroll bar at the bottom to navigate to the right, revealing four drop-down menus. The first allows you to choose between displaying achievements or total playtime.
It’s important to note that this functionality is only available for games that support achievement tracking or playtime recording. For instance, while Rocket League on Steam can showcase both medals and playtime, Hearthstone on Battle.net (lacking these features) will only display the customized icon.
If your game features achievements, you can select their display order: either by unlock date (descending) or randomly.
You can also determine the number of achievements displayed on a single tile, choosing between unlocked and locked achievements – the latter serving as motivation for future gameplay.
This option is exclusive to Wide and Large tile formats, as Small and Medium tiles lack sufficient space for the necessary text.
Finally, you can customize the background color of the live tile when displaying achievements or playtime.
This setting will be applied automatically when you save your tile configuration. To do so, click the thumbtack icon in the bottom-left corner of the Pin More window.
Confirm your changes by selecting "Yes" when prompted to pin the tile to your Start menu, and the process is complete!
If successful, the live tile will now appear on your Windows 10 Start menu. It will function like any other live tile, alternating between the game's logo and an informational display showcasing either a recently earned achievement, an unearned achievement, or your total playtime.
Customizing Your Live Tile Experience
Should you wish to modify a game’s live tile, simply select the small thumbtack icon. This icon is positioned in the bottom-right corner of the game’s banner.
This action will initiate the editing process, allowing for personalization.
Showcasing Gaming Achievements
A great number of PC gamers take pride in their accomplishments. The ability to display these achievements through live tiles provides a rewarding visual element when accessing the Start menu.
Furthermore, live tiles offer a convenient method for rapidly launching frequently played games with a single click.
This feature serves as both a display of personal progress and a functional shortcut.
- Live tiles allow for the exhibition of in-game achievements.
- They provide quick access to your preferred PC games.
- The thumbtack icon is the key to tile customization.
Utilizing live tiles enhances the overall gaming experience on Windows 10.
It’s a simple yet effective way to personalize your Start menu and celebrate your gaming successes.
