How to add folders on Start next to the Power button on Windows 11

The Start menu lets you decide which folders to appear next to the Power button, and here's how to customize the experience on Windows 11.

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@Pureinfotech
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Windows 11 folders next to Power button on Start
Windows 11 folders next to Power button on Start

On Windows 11, by default, the Start menu shows the profile and Power menus in the bottom rail. However, you can also display quick access to folder locations next to the Power button in this area like in previous versions.

For example, you can add or remove access to Settings, File Explorer, Documents, Pictures, Network, and other folders. And this is possible by customizing the Start settings from the Settings app.

In this guide, you will learn the easy steps to choose the folders that can appear on Start next to the Power button on Windows 11. (See also this video tutorial with the steps to complete this task.)

Choose which folders appear on Start next to the Power button

To add or remove folders next to the Power button in the Start menu, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings on Windows 11.

  2. Click on Personalization.

  3. Click the Start page on the right side.

    Start settings
    Start settings

  4. Click on Folders.

  5. Turn on the toggle switch for the folders you want to appear next to the Power button on Windows 11, including:

    • Settings.
    • File Explorer.
    • Documents.
    • Downloads.
    • Music.
    • Pictures.
    • Videos.
    • Network.
    • Personal folder.

    Choose folders appear next to Power button
    Choose folders to appear next to the Power button

Once you complete the steps, open the Start menu, and the buttons to the locations you selected will appear next to the Power button.

Start with folders next to the Power button
Start with folders next to the Power button
About the author
Avatar for Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].