Vista Tutorial - Start Menu - Customize

**Brink** · **OPTION ONE:**

How to Customize the Start Menu in Vista

Information

This will show you how to set and use the Customize options for both the Normal and Classic Start menu. These will allow you to customize how links, buttons on the right side, icons, and menus look and behave in the selected Start menu.

RELATED LINKS:

EXAMPLE: The Normal Start Menu and Classic Start Menu

OPTION ONE:
How to Customize the Normal Start Menu

1. Right click the Start button and click on Properties. (See screenshot below)

2. Click on the Customize button. (See screenshot below)

3. Select the options you want. (See screenshot below)
The Top section - Allows you to select the buttons and how they open on the dark right side of the Start menu. You can also customize how icons and menus appear in the Start menu.

Start Menu Size - Allows you to change how many recent programs will be displayed in the white left side of the Start menu.
NOTE: For more, see: How to Use the Recent Items List in Vista

Show on Start Menu - Choose if you want a Internet or E-mail shortcut displayed on the Start Menu. You can click on the drop down menu by each one to select which program you want to use for each if you have more than one installed.
NOTE: If the Internet Explorer or Windows Mail option is grayed out, then this just means that they are not set as the default program.

4. Click on OK when done.

5. Click on OK. (See screenshot below step 2)

OPTION TWO:
How to Customize the Classic Start Menu

1. Right click on the Start button and click on Properties. (See screenshot below)

2. Click on the Customize button. (See screenshot below)

3. Select the options you want. (See screenshot below)
A) Add, Remove, Advanced, Sort buttons - Allows you to add or remove items from the Classic Start Menu.
NOTE: For more, see: How to Add or Delete a Shortcut or Folder From the Start Menu in Vista

B) Clear button - Clears the recently opened documents, programs, and web sites. These are not displayed in the Classic Start menu.
NOTE: For more, see: How to Use the Recent Items List in Vista

C) Advanced Start Menu Options - Allows you to select the buttons and how they open on the dark right side of the Start menu. You can also customize how icons and menus appear in the Start menu.

4. Click on OK when done.

5. Click on OK. (See screenshot for step 2 above)

That's it,
Shawn

scissormetimbers · 08-12-2008

how do u add programs to the list of the ones that appear on the upper right side of the normal vista start menu? for example if i wanted to put downloads on that list how do i do it?

**Brink** · 08-12-2008

Hi Scissormetimbers,

You cannot add anything that is not already in the list in Option One above.

For Downloads, you can:

1. Dot Personal folder with Display as a menu in Option One. From there you can select Downloads.

2. Pin the Downloads folder to the Start menu (left side). This tutorial will show you how to enable pinning folders.
Start Menu - Pin Folder To

Hope this helps,
Shawn

scissormetimbers · 08-12-2008

ok thanks for the help shawn

**Brink** · 08-12-2008

You're welcome Scissormetimbers.

o0omolieo0o · 08-16-2008

Hi Shawn, I like the start menu as below, and can you show me where is this topic or can you write a topic about this (Customize that area).
Thanks

**swarfega** · 08-16-2008

Hi, molie, I notice your using XP 32-bit, you do realise this is a forum geared towards vista 64-bit?

**Brink** · 08-16-2008

Hi Molie, and welcome to Vista Forums.

Unfortunately you can only add or remove the buttons, on the dark right side of the Start Menu, that are listed in the Customize window in the screenshot below Option One step 4. The only way you can customize it further is to use some 3rd party program like Stardock WindowBlinds.

Stardock.com - Your Edge In Software

Sorry,

Shawn

o0omolieo0o · 08-16-2008

Hi swarfega
The main windows i use is XP, but i like vista and i use vista to relax.

@ Thanks.

bennys · 10-30-2008

Hello! Mod...I am not sure if this question I'm about to ask belongs in this thread. Feel free to move it to the proper place if needed.
How can I add a program shortcut to the Accessories from the Startup Menu?
Thanks for any reply.