Get Ahead of the Curve: How to Put Apps on Home Screen Windows 11

The new Windows 11 operating system brings a fresh look and feel, including a redesigned Start menu. This update also brings new ways to organize your apps, making it easier to find what you need quickly. However, navigating these changes can be a little confusing, especially when it comes to the question: how to put apps on home screen Windows 11?

This blog post will guide you through the process of customizing your Windows 11 home screen, making your apps readily accessible and your desktop more visually appealing.

Understanding the Windows 11 Start Menu

The Windows 11 Start menu is a central hub for launching apps, accessing settings, and searching for files. It’s a departure from the traditional Start menu, offering a more streamlined approach. Here’s a quick breakdown of its key elements:

• Recommended Apps: This section displays frequently used apps, making them easily accessible.
• Pinned Apps: Here, you can pin your favorite apps for quick access.
• All Apps: This section lists all installed apps alphabetically.
• Search Bar: This allows you to quickly search for files, apps, and settings.

Method 1: Pinning Apps to the Start Menu

The most common way to put apps on your home screen in Windows 11 is by pinning them to the Start Menu. This ensures they’re always visible and easily accessible. Here’s how:

1. Open the Start Menu: Click the Windows icon in the bottom left corner of your screen.
2. Find the App: Locate the app you want to pin. You can use the search bar or scroll through the “All Apps” list.
3. Right-Click and Pin: Right-click on the app’s icon and select “Pin to Start.”

Method 2: Creating a Start Menu Folder

For better organization, you can create folders within the Start menu to group related apps together.

1. Open the Start Menu: Click the Windows icon.
2. Navigate to “All Apps”: Scroll down to the “All Apps” section.
3. Right-Click and Create Folder: Right-click on an empty space within the “All Apps” list and select “New > Folder.”
4. Name the Folder: Type in a name for your new folder.
5. Add Apps to the Folder: Drag and drop the apps you want to group into the folder.

Method 3: Using the Taskbar

The Taskbar at the bottom of your screen provides quick access to your most frequently used apps. You can add apps to the Taskbar for even faster access.

1. Locate the App: Open the app you want to add to the Taskbar.
2. Right-Click and Pin: Right-click on the app’s icon in the Taskbar and select “Pin to taskbar.”

Method 4: Using the Desktop

While not directly on the Start menu, you can create shortcuts to your apps on your desktop for easy access.

1. Find the App: Locate the app you want to create a shortcut for.
2. Right-Click and Create Shortcut: Right-click on the app and select “Create shortcut.”
3. Move Shortcut to Desktop: Drag the newly created shortcut to your desktop.

Method 5: Using the “Open with” Feature

This method is particularly useful for files that are associated with specific apps.

1. Right-Click on a File: Right-click on the file you want to open with a specific app.
2. Select “Open with”: Choose “Open with” from the context menu.
3. Select the App: Select the app you want to use to open the file.
4. Check “Always use this app to open…” (Optional): If you want to set this app as the default for opening this type of file, check this box.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced App Organization

Once you’ve mastered the basics of adding apps to your home screen, you can explore more advanced techniques to personalize your Windows 11 experience:

• Live Tiles: Some apps support Live Tiles, which provide dynamic updates and information directly on the Start menu. To enable Live Tiles, right-click on an app’s icon in the Start menu and select “More > Turn live tile on.”
• Customize the Start Menu: You can adjust the size of the Start menu, rearrange pinned apps, and even hide or show certain sections. Right-click on an empty space in the Start menu and select “Settings” to customize the layout.
• Use the Widgets Panel: Windows 11 introduces a dedicated Widgets panel that provides quick access to information and news. You can customize the widgets displayed in the panel to suit your needs.

Final Thoughts: Making Windows 11 Your Own

By following these steps and experimenting with the various options, you can easily put apps on your home screen in Windows 11 and create a personalized and efficient desktop environment. Remember, the key is to find a system that works best for you and your workflow.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Can I remove apps from the Start menu?

A: Yes, you can remove apps from the Start menu. Simply right-click on the app’s icon and select “Unpin from Start.”

Q: How do I change the default app for opening a specific file type?

A: You can change the default app for opening a file type by right-clicking on the file, selecting “Open with,” and then choosing the desired app. You can also check the “Always use this app to open…” box to make this app the default for that file type.

Q: What are some of the best apps for Windows 11?

A: The best apps for Windows 11 depend on your individual needs and preferences. However, some popular options include:

• Microsoft Office: A productivity suite for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and more.
• Google Chrome: A fast and powerful web browser.
• Adobe Photoshop: A professional-grade image editing software.
• Zoom: A video conferencing tool for meetings and online communication.
• Spotify: A popular music streaming service.

By exploring and experimenting, you’ll be able to customize your Windows 11 experience and make it truly your own.