Pin to Start Menu Windows 10: Folders, Websites & More
Customizing Your Windows 10 Start Menu
The Start menu in Windows 10, which transforms into a Start screen on tablets, offers functionality beyond simply launching applications.
Users are able to "pin" various items for rapid access. These items extend beyond applications to include folders, websites, and more.
Pinning Options for Enhanced Access
You can directly access frequently used resources through the Start menu by pinning them. This streamlines your workflow and improves efficiency.
Pinning options encompass a wide range of elements. These include shortcuts to settings, specific email folders, notes, and even contacts.
Pinning Applications to the Start Menu
Adding applications to the Start menu is a straightforward process. Begin by navigating to the "All apps" view.
From there, locate the desired application, right-click on its icon, and select the "Pin to Start" option. This will add the application to your personalized Start menu.
This method allows for a customized and efficient user experience, placing your most-used programs within easy reach.
Pinning Folders, Drives, and Locations to the Start Menu
Related: 10 Methods for Personalizing the Windows 10 Start Menu
Pinning folders to the Start menu is easily accomplished by first navigating to the desired folder within the File Explorer application.
A right-click – or a prolonged press – on the folder, followed by selecting "Pin to Start," will add it to your Start menu.
Drives, such as your C: or D: drives, can also be pinned to the Start menu using the same method. Simply right-click the drive and choose "Pin to Start."
This functionality extends to libraries, network locations, and even HomeGroup folders accessible through File Explorer.
It's important to note that Windows 10 does not support pinning individual files to the Start menu, with the exception of executable (.exe) files.
Websites
Microsoft Edge provides a convenient feature for creating shortcuts to frequently visited websites.
To pin a website, launch the Edge browser and access the desired webpage. Then, select "Pin this page to Start" from the browser's menu options.
Certain websites offer the functionality of a live tile when pinned.
For instance, a news website’s tile may dynamically display the most recent headlines.
This allows for quick access to updated information directly from the Windows 10 Start menu.
Customizing the Start Menu with Settings ScreensWithin the Windows Settings application, it's possible to pin specific screens and categories directly to the Start menu for rapid access. This functionality is initiated by opening the Settings app, which can be found via the Start menu selection labeled "Settings".
To accomplish this, a simple right-click (or a long-press on touch-enabled devices) on the desired icon or category is required. From the context menu that appears, choose the "Pin to start" option.
Pinning Specific Settings
For instance, a direct shortcut to the Windows Update screen can be established using this method. Alternatively, any other screen contained within the Settings app can be pinned for convenient access.
This feature allows users to personalize their Start menu, streamlining access to frequently used system configurations and information.
By utilizing the "Pin to start" option, users can tailor the Start menu to their individual needs and preferences.
Managing Email with Folders and Accounts
The Mail application allows for the pinning of specific items directly to your Windows Start menu. This functionality provides quick access to frequently used email components.
For users managing several email accounts, shortcuts to individual accounts can be pinned. This streamlines access and avoids navigating through the full application.
Pinning Accounts and Folders
If you utilize a system of multiple email folders for organization, shortcuts to these folders can also be pinned. This offers immediate access to specific categories of messages.
Pinning is a convenient method for prioritizing and quickly reaching essential email destinations. It enhances the user experience by reducing the steps required to access important information.
Consider pinning frequently checked accounts or folders to maximize the benefits of this feature within the Mail app.
Pinning Notes in OneNote for Quick Access
The OneNote application provides a feature enabling users to pin shortcuts directly to their notes. This functionality facilitates rapid access to frequently consulted notes, bypassing the need to navigate through the standard OneNote interface.
How to Pin a Note
To utilize this capability, launch the OneNote application that is bundled with Windows 10. Locate the desired note page, then right-click on it or perform a long-press action.
From the context menu that appears, select the option labeled "Pin to Start".
This action will create a tile for the selected note on your Windows 10 Start Menu. Clicking this tile will instantly open the pinned note within OneNote.
Pin to Start offers a streamlined workflow for accessing important information quickly and efficiently.
The process ensures that key notes are always readily available, enhancing productivity and user experience.
By leveraging this feature, users can customize their Start Menu to include direct links to the notes they use most often.
Contacts
It is also possible to affix contacts to the Start menu for quick access. Launch the "People" application that comes with Windows 10 and identify the desired contact. A right-click or prolonged press on the contact, followed by selecting "Pin to Start," will add the contact to your Start screen.
The tile displayed will utilize the profile picture associated with that person within your contacts list.
To eliminate a tile, a right-click followed by "Unpin from Start" can be used. Alternatively, a long press will reveal an "Unpin" icon for removal.
The right-click or long-press menu also provides options to modify the tile’s dimensions and deactivate live tile updates.
Tiles can be freely repositioned on your Start menu or screen through a simple drag-and-drop action. Simply click and hold, then move the tile to its new location.
Future updates may enable additional content types from other applications to be pinned to the Start menu.
