Customize Windows 7 & Vista Start Menu

Customizing the Windows 7 Start Menu

Transitioning from Windows XP to Windows 7 may necessitate adjustments to your workflow, particularly concerning the Start Menu. This article provides helpful guidance to help you effectively manage and personalize the Start Menu in both Windows 7 and Vista.

Adding the Videos Folder to the Start Menu

By default, the Start Menu includes links to several key locations, but the Videos folder isn't among them. To integrate it, right-click the Start button and choose "Properties." Navigate to the "Start Menu" tab and select "Customize."

Scroll down the list to locate "Videos" and set its display option to "Display as a link." Confirm your selection by clicking "Ok."

The Videos folder will now be readily accessible from your Start Menu.

Integrating Internet Search into the Start Menu

Add Internet Search to Start Menu Recently, we demonstrated how to perform website searches directly from your desktop using Windows 7 search connectors. Another useful feature is adding Internet search functionality to the Start Menu itself. Note that this requires the Local Group Policy Editor, which is only available in Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate editions of Windows 7.

Begin by opening the search box and typing "gpedit.msc."

Within the Local Group Policy Editor, navigate to "User Configuration \ Administrative Templates \ Start Menu and Taskbar."

Locate and double-click the "Add Search Internet link to Start Menu" setting under the "Setting" section.

Enable the setting by selecting "Enabled," then apply and confirm your changes.

Now, when initiating a search from the Start Menu, you'll find the "Search the Internet" option available.

Managing Recent Programs Display

The default size of program icons within the Start Menu can be adjusted. If you wish to display a greater number of recent programs, the menu can become excessively large. To address this, right-click on the Start button, select "Properties," and then click the "Customize" button.

Uncheck the box labeled "Use large icons" and click "Ok." You can also increase the number of recent programs displayed under the "Start menu size" settings.

This results in smaller icons, allowing more items to be displayed without expanding the menu's footprint on the screen, as illustrated.

Further Start Menu Customization Options

Even More Start Menu Tweaks Below is a compilation of additional Start Menu customizations that have been previously covered, offering further opportunities to refine your Windows experience. While most apply to Windows 7 and Vista, some are also relevant for Windows XP.

Disable Highlighting New Programs in Windows 7, Vista, and XP
Get the Classic Star Menu in Windows 7
Enable Run Command on Windows 7 or Vista Start Menu
Change the Number of Recent Items Shown on the Windows 7 and Vista Start Menu
Change the Windows 7 or Vista Power Buttons to Shut Down/Sleep/Hibernate
Stop Windows Update from Hijacking the Sleep/Shutdown Button
Enable "Pin to Start Menu" for Folders in Windows Vista/XP
Remove the Username from the Start Menu in XP

These suggestions should provide a solid foundation for customizing your Start Menu. We anticipate sharing more tips in the future. We encourage you to share your own favorite Start Menu tweaks and how they enhance your Windows management.