Start

Start is the primary interface for launching apps and recent documents in Windows 11. You open it, as before, by clicking the Start button in the Taskbar. But as with the Taskbar, Start is simplified in Windows 11, and it's now a centered floating window, not a menu or full-screen experience or in previous Windows versions.
Keyboard shortcut: You can also open Start by tapping WINKEY or by Ctrl + Esc.

Tip: As with previous Windows versions, you can open Start by clicking the Start button on the Taskbar or by typing WINKEY or CTRL + ESC.
Defaults
Start now offers a simplified user experience with the following interfaces.

Search. A prominent Search box at the top of Start lets you search for apps, settings, documents, and more, and you don't have to select it to get started. Just open Start and type. As you do, Start transitions into the Windows Search experience and provides filters so you can search only apps, documents, the web, settings, folders, or photos.

Pinned. This is a fully customizable grid of shortcuts you can access to launch your most frequently-used apps. Microsoft and your PC maker populate this section with shortcuts that you may or may not find useful. But you can delete or relocate pre-pinned shortcuts and add your own. You can also choose between an expanded or contracted view using a "Show all"/"Show less" toggle if there are enough shortcuts.

Tip: You can right-click app shortcuts in the Pinned section to access a context menu with additional choices like "Run as administrator" and "App settings."
Recommended. This section displays recently installed apps; recently accessed documents, images, and other files, and suggested apps (which will download and install from the Microsoft Store if clicked) by default. You can configure Start to only show some of these recommendations if desired.

All. This section displays shortcuts for all the apps installed on your PC. It is organized using a Category view by default, but you can change it to a more useful and alphabetical Grid or List view.

Account manager. At the bottom left of Start, you will find an Account manager button with your user profile picture and name. This displays an Account manager window when clicked with account-related notifications and a "Sign out" button.

Folder buttons. None are displayed by default, but you can configure Start to display one or more system app and folder buttons--with choices that include Settings, File Explorer, Documents, Downloads, Music, and others--between the Account manager and Power buttons at the bottom of the window.

Power. This button in the lower right of Start provides quick access to Lock, Sleep, Shutdown, and Restart options.

Mobile device. If you configure Windows 11 to access the content and capabilities of your smartphone or other mobile device, you can then access those features using the Phone Link app and, if enabled, a Mobile device slice on the right side of...