Customize the Windows 7 Start Menu

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    The Start Menu in Microsoft Windows is the first place most users go when they interact with the operating system. But the way the Start Menu is configured is not set in stone. Windows 7 allows users to change which applications will be listed in the menu and how they will be presented. This customization process is relatively straightforward and simple and you don't even have to use regedit.

    Customization
    This image shows a typical Start Menu with application links down the left side and library and folder links down the right. At the bottom of the left side of links is the All Programs link.

    This gallery is also available as a TechRepublic blog post and download. Image created by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

    Caption by: Mark Kaelin

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    The typical list of All Programs. With a few clicks of the mouse we can customize these menus.

    This gallery is also available as a TechRepublic blog post and download. Image created by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

    Caption by: Mark Kaelin

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    To start the process in Windows 7, right-click the Start Button in the lower left corner and click the Properties entry.

    This gallery is also available as a TechRepublic blog post and download. Image created by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

    Caption by: Mark Kaelin

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    Click the Customize button in the Properties window to get to the Customize Start Menu window shown in the next screenshot.

    This gallery is also available as a TechRepublic blog post and download. Image created by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

    Caption by: Mark Kaelin

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    As you can see there are many ways to customize the Start Menu.

    This gallery is also available as a TechRepublic blog post and download. Image created by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

    Caption by: Mark Kaelin

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    For our example, we'll change three things. First, let's add the Network entry to the right-hand side navigation window of the Start Menu. Find the Network checkbox in the list and check it.

    This gallery is also available as a TechRepublic blog post and download. Image created by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

    Caption by: Mark Kaelin

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    Second, we'll add the Run command to the Start Menu by adding a check to the appropriate checkbox.

    This gallery is also available as a TechRepublic blog post and download. Image created by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

    Caption by: Mark Kaelin

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    Third, we will add Administrative tools to the both the Start Menu and the All Programs list by clicking the appropriate radio button.

    This gallery is also available as a TechRepublic blog post and download. Image created by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

    Caption by: Mark Kaelin

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    Click OK twice to put the changes into effect. Now, when we go back to the Start Menu you can see several new items in the list.

    This gallery is also available as a TechRepublic blog post and download. Image created by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

    Caption by: Mark Kaelin

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    Likewise, the All Programs list now has an entry for Administrative tools.

    Choices
    The examples in this document are just three of many customizations you can make to the Windows 7 Start Menu. I am sure if you look through the Customization list you can find some changes you’d like to make to personalize your Windows experience.

    This gallery is also available as a TechRepublic blog post and download. Image created by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

    Caption by: Mark Kaelin

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The typical list of All Programs. With a few clicks of the mouse we can customize these menus.

This gallery is also available as a TechRepublic blog post and download. Image created by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

Caption by: Mark Kaelin

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