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Use Start’s built-in controls to pin apps, folders, and websites, organize shortcuts into folders, and choose how installed apps appear. The steps below use Windows 11 labels; if an option differs on your device, check Settings > Personalization > Start.
Pin an app, folder, or website to Start
Windows 11 lets you add shortcuts from Search, File Explorer, or Microsoft Edge. These controls are built into Windows and Edge; no separate utility is needed.
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Pin an app from Search
- Open Start, or select Search on the taskbar, and type the app’s name.
- Right-click the app in the results and select Pin to Start.
Pin a folder from File Explorer
- In File Explorer, find the folder you want to access from Start.
- Right-click it and select Pin to Start.
Pin a website from Microsoft Edge
- Open the website in Edge.
- Select the three-dot menu, then choose More tools > Pin to Start.
Remove pins and arrange the pinned grid
To remove a shortcut, right-click its pin in Start and select Unpin from Start. This removes the pin from Start; use the app, folder, or website’s original location to open it later.
To change a pin’s position, drag it to another spot in the pinned grid. To group related shortcuts, drag one pin onto another. Start creates a folder; open it to rename it or drag additional pins into it. To remove a pin from a folder, open the folder and drag the pin out. Microsoft says the folder disappears when only one pin remains. Microsoft’s Start menu guide documents these Windows controls.
#1 Best Overall
- KEYBOARD: The keyboard works for Windows with hot keys that enable easy access to Media, My Computer, Mute, Volume up/down, and Calculator
- EASY SETUP: Experience simple installation with the USB wired connection
- VERSATILE COMPATIBILITY: This keyboard is designed to work with multiple Windows versions, including Vista, 7, 8, 10 offering broad compatibility across devices.
- SLEEK DESIGN: The elegant black color of the wired keyboard complements your tech and decor, adding a stylish and cohesive look to any setup without sacrificing function.
- FULL-SIZED CONVENIENCE: The standard QWERTY layout of this keyboard set offers a familiar typing experience, ideal for both professional tasks and personal use.
Choose how pinned and installed apps are shown
Keep the Pinned section expanded
If the pinned area is collapsed, select Show all to expand it. Start remembers that choice the next time it opens.
Choose an All apps view
In the All section, choose Category, Grid, or List. Category groups apps, Grid presents them in a grid, and List presents them as a list. This is a scanning preference, not a performance setting; Start remembers the last view you selected.
Rank #2
- All-day Comfort: The design of this standard keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and full-size standard layout with F-keys and number pad
- Easy to Set-up and Use: Set-up couldn't be easier, you simply plug in this corded keyboard via USB on your desktop or laptop and start using right away without any software installation
- Compatibility: This full-size keyboard is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later, plus it's a reliable and durable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Spill-proof: This durable keyboard features a spill-resistant design (1), anti-fade keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height, meaning this keyboard is built to last
- Plastic parts in K120 include 51% certified post-consumer recycled plastic*
Adjust Recommended and the folders beside the power button
Open Settings > Personalization > Start to manage Start options, including Recommended content and which common folders appear beside the power button. The available folder choices include Documents, Downloads, Music, Pictures, Videos, Network, and Personal folder. Turn off Recommended providers there if you want to change what appears in that section. Microsoft notes that the Pinned and Recommended sections collapse if all pins are removed or all Recommended providers are turned off.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Windows 11 controls are distinct from Windows 10’s Start menu instructions. If a label or option described here is missing, use the Start settings page on your device; Microsoft’s general guide covers both Windows versions, but its Windows 10 tile and full-screen directions do not apply to these Windows 11 steps. See Customize the Windows Start Menu.
Rank #3
- All-day Comfort: This USB keyboard creates a comfortable and familiar typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and standard full-size layout with all F-keys, number pad and arrow keys
- Built to Last: The spill-proof (2) design and durable print characters keep you on track for years to come despite any on-the-job mishaps; it’s a reliable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Long-lasting Battery Life: A 24-month battery life (4) means you can go for 2 years without the hassle of changing batteries of your wireless full-size keyboard
- Simply plug the USB receiver into a USB port on your desktop, laptop or netbook computer and start using the keyboard right away without any software installation
- Simply Wireless: Forget about drop-outs and delays thanks to a strong, reliable wireless connection with up to 33 ft range (5); K270 is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
Open and navigate Start with the keyboard
Press the Windows key to open Start. Microsoft also documents keyboard navigation through Pinned and All apps in its Start menu navigation guidance.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 7 Unique Backlight Color: 7 Elegant LED backlight with 3 brightness level.
- Easy Setup: Simply insert the 1.2M (4 feet) USB wire into your computer and use the keyboard instantly.
- Ergonomic design: Scissors X structure gives you the comfortable typing experience, low-profile keys offer quiet and comfortable typing.
- Ultra Thin and Light: Compact size (16.7 X 4.5 X 0.24in) and light weight (17.4oz) but provides full size keys, arrow keys, number pad, shortcuts for comfortable typing.
- Package contents: Arteck Backlit USB wired Keyboard, welcome guide, our 24-month warranty and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Durable and Reliable: This USB keyboard features a curved space bar, spill-resistant design (2), durable keys that can withstand 10 million keystrokes, and sturdy, adjustable tilt legs
- Comfortable, Familiar Typing: You’ll enjoy a comfortable and familiar typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys and number pad
- Full-size Sculpted Mouse: The high-definition optical USB mouse puts comfort and control in your hands with smooth, accurate tracking and an ambidextrous shape that feels good hour after hour
- Simple Set-Up: Simply plug the keyboard and mouse into the USB ports on your desktop, laptop, or netbook and you're ready to work; compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
- Clear and Convenient: The bold, bright white and long-lasting characters make the keys on this PC or laptop keyboard easy to read and extra durable
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