To pin an app, find it in Start or Search, right-click it, and choose Pin to Start. To remove a pin, right-click the app in Start’s Pinned section and choose Unpin from Start. Unpinning removes the shortcut from Start; it does not uninstall the app.
Pin an app to Start
- Open Start by selecting the Start button or pressing the Windows key. You can also type the app’s name in the taskbar’s Search box.
- If you opened Start, select All to browse installed apps. In Search, locate the app in the results.
- Right-click the app and select Pin to Start. The app appears in Start’s Pinned area. See Microsoft’s Windows Start menu instructions.
Unpin an app from Start
- Open Start and find the app in the Pinned section.
- Right-click the app’s pin and select Unpin from Start.
This removes the app’s shortcut from the Start menu. It does not uninstall the app, so you can still look for it in All or Search. Microsoft’s procedure is specifically to remove the pinned item.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Reorder or group your pinned apps
Drag a pin to move it to a different position. To group pins, drag one app onto another to create a folder. You can rename the folder and drag additional pins into it. These options are described in Microsoft’s Start menu customization guide.
Recommended Free Tools
Start menu pinning is different from taskbar pinning
Pin to Start adds an app to the Start menu’s Pinned area. Pin to taskbar adds an icon to the taskbar; removing it there uses Unpin from taskbar. Use the command that matches where you want the shortcut. Microsoft documents the separate taskbar commands in its taskbar customization guide.
#1 Best Overall
- 1.1 GHz (boost up to 2.4GHz) Intel Celeron N5030 Quad-Core
If “Pin to Start” is missing
Microsoft’s general Windows 11 instructions describe the pin command but do not establish that every app, Windows build, or organization-managed device will show the same context-menu options. If the command is absent for a particular app or device, the cited instructions do not identify the cause. Check the app’s available context-menu options or ask your organization’s IT administrator if the device is managed.
Keyboard and screen-reader navigation
You can open Start with the Windows key and navigate its Pinned and All sections using keyboard and screen-reader controls. Microsoft provides section-by-section accessibility guidance in Use a screen reader to explore and navigate the Start menu in Windows.
Rank #2
- 256 GB SSD of storage.
- Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
- Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
App-launch personalization is a separate setting
Windows has an app-launch tracking control used for personalization of Start and search results. It is not required for pinning or unpinning. Microsoft lists it under Start > Settings > Privacy & security > General; see its general privacy settings guide.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesQuick Recap
Rank #4
- 【Efficient Performance】 Powered by Intel Core i3 processor (2 cores, 4 threads, up to 3.4GHz) with 12GB RAM and 256GB SSD. Handles multitasking, office software, online classes, and HD video streaming smoothly. Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Backlit Keyboard & Complete Package】Comes with a cool backlit keyboard. Comes with awebcam, dual stereo speakers (8Ω/1.0W each), DC charger, and user manual – ready for late-night studying, online classes, video conferencing, and daily productivity
- 【Vibrant Display】 15.6-inch Full HD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with 16:9 aspect ratio delivers crisp images and vivid colors – perfect for studying, watching lectures, or entertainment. Thin-bezel design maximizes viewing area
- 【Fast Connectivity & Expansion】 Equipped with WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2 for stable, high-speed wireless. Features 3 x USB 3.0, HDMI 2.1, Type-C (supports PD3.0 fast charging), and a TF card slot expandable up to 2TB – easily connect external monitors, mice, drives, or expand storage for all your files
- 【Long Battery Life & Portable】 Built-in 11.55V 5000mAh/57.75Wh high-capacity battery delivers approximately 7 hours of mixed-use battery life – enough for a full day of classes and assignments. Lightweight at just 1.63kg (3.6 lbs) and 19.5mm thin, plus a compact packing size – easily slips into a backpack for campus, library, or coffee shop
Rank #3
- 14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
