The Start Menu in Windows 10 is an essential feature that helps you access your apps, settings, and files quickly. Sometimes, you might want to resize it to see more or fewer tiles and shortcuts at a glance. Adjusting the size of the Start Menu can make your experience more comfortable and personalized.
This guide will walk you through the simple steps to resize the Start Menu in Windows 10. Whether you want a bigger view or prefer a compact menu, resizing is easy and can be done in just a few clicks.
No special skills or software are needed to resize the Start Menu. Just follow the instructions carefully, and you’ll be able to adjust it exactly how you want.
Let’s get started with the step-by-step process to resize your Start Menu and improve your Windows 10 experience.
Quick Note Before You Begin
- Make sure your Windows 10 is up to date for the best performance and compatibility.
- Resizing the Start Menu works only on desktop and laptop devices, not on tablets in tablet mode.
- You need to be logged into your user account; guest accounts might have limited customization options.
- If your Start Menu is not opening or responding, resizing will not work until that issue is fixed.
How to Resize the Start Menu in Windows 10: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Open the Start Menu
Click on the Windows icon located at the bottom-left corner of your screen or press the Windows key on your keyboard. This action opens the Start Menu, where you can see your pinned apps, live tiles, and shortcuts.
Step 2: Move Your Mouse to the Edge of the Start Menu
Once the Start Menu is open, place your mouse cursor on the edge of the menu. You can do this on the right side or the top edge, depending on which direction you want to resize.
The cursor will change to a double-headed arrow (↔ for horizontal resizing or ↕ for vertical resizing). This change means the menu can now be resized.
Step 3: Click and Drag to Resize
Click and hold the left mouse button, then drag the edge of the Start Menu outward or inward:
- Drag to the right to make the Start Menu wider and show more tiles or longer app names.
- Drag to the left to make it narrower if you prefer a simpler view.
- Drag upward to increase the height, allowing you to see more pinned apps or tiles vertically.
- Drag downward to decrease the height if you want a shorter menu.
Release the mouse button when you reach your desired size. The Start Menu will stay at this new size until you change it again.
Step 4: Adjust Tiles and Content if Needed
After resizing, you might want to rearrange the tiles or shortcuts for better organization. You can drag tiles to new positions or remove unwanted ones by right-clicking and selecting Unpin from Start.
Resizing helps you see more tiles without scrolling or keep the menu compact for a cleaner desktop look.
Alternative Method: Use Tablet Mode for Fullscreen Start Menu
If you want a much larger Start Menu that covers the entire screen, you can enable Tablet Mode. This mode is useful for touch devices or when you want a fullscreen Start Menu experience.
To enable Tablet Mode:
- Click the Action Center icon on the taskbar (it looks like a speech bubble).
- Click Tablet mode to turn it on.
Now, when you open the Start Menu, it will appear fullscreen. To exit Tablet Mode, repeat the steps and turn it off.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I resize the Start Menu beyond a certain size?
Windows 10 limits the maximum size of the Start Menu to maintain usability. You can only resize it within a certain range horizontally and vertically.
Why can’t I resize my Start Menu?
If the Start Menu doesn’t resize, ensure it is fully opened and not in tablet mode (unless you want fullscreen). Also, check if your system is updated and that your user account has customization permissions.
Does resizing the Start Menu affect other UI elements?
No, resizing only changes the Start Menu’s size. It does not affect the taskbar or other windows on your desktop.
Can I resize the Start Menu using keyboard shortcuts?
Currently, Windows 10 does not provide direct keyboard shortcuts for resizing the Start Menu. Using the mouse to drag the edges is the simplest way.
When Nothing Works
If you cannot resize the Start Menu despite trying the steps, there might be a deeper issue with your Windows 10 system. Here are some final options:
- Restart your computer and try again.
- Run the Windows Troubleshooter for Start Menu problems by going to
Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot. - Check for Windows updates to ensure your system is current.
- Consider resetting the Start Menu layout by using PowerShell commands (advanced users only).
- Visit the official Microsoft support page for Start Menu issues: Microsoft Support.
Conclusion
Resizing the Start Menu in Windows 10 is a straightforward way to customize your workspace and improve your access to apps and settings. By simply dragging the edges of the menu, you can adjust its width and height to fit your preferences.
Remember to check your system settings and updates if you experience any problems. For those looking for a fullscreen Start Menu, Tablet Mode offers an alternative approach.
With these simple steps, you can make the Start Menu work better for you and enjoy a more personalized Windows 10 experience.