Microsoft – Add common locations to Windows 11 Start menu

Microsoft – Add common locations to Windows 11 Start menu

Problem

Users new to Windows 11 may notice that links to common locations are missing from the start menu.

Applies to

  1. Windows 11

Resolution

In its default state the Windows 11 Start menu is missing links to some common locations.  This may be particularly noticeable for those who have migrated directly from Windows 7.0.  

Using the mouse

  1. Click Start > Settings > Personalisation > Start > Folders.
  2. In the next window the following locations are displays, click to toggle each on as required:

    Settings
    File Explorer
    Documents
    Downloads
    Music
    Pictures
    Videos
    Network
    Personal Folder

  3. When done close the Settings window.


Idea
In use
When you click Start button the folder locations selected earlier will now appear near the bottom of the Start menu to click on.



Using the keyboard

  1. Press Windows to open Start menu.
  2. Then type Settings and press ENTER on the result.
  3. Then press TAB key to reach Home, then press down arrow to select Personalisation and press ENTER.
  4. Then press TAB to reach Background, then press down arrow to select Start and press ENTER.
  5. In the next window the following locations are displayed:

    Settings
    File Explorer
    Documents
    Downloads
    Music
    Pictures
    Videos
    Network
    Personal Folder

  6. Press TAB to navigate through the choices then use SPACEBAR to enable the toggle for any that are required.
  7. When done press ALT+F4 to close the window.


Idea
In use
  1. When the Start menu is opened using the Windows key, press the TAB key to rotate through Start menu items, including the selected folder locations.
  2. To activate any folder location press SPACEBAR or ENTER on it.



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