How to customize which folders appear on Start menu on Windows 10

You can choose which folders appear on the Start menu left rail for quicker access to Documents, Downloads, Network, and more — Here's how to do it.

On Windows 10, the Start menu has been redesigned and now it features a section with Live Tiles, a list of all your apps, and a left rail that includes by default the power options, quick access to the Settings app, and user profile menu.

However, you’re not limited to those default options in the left rail. In fact, you can add and remove the items (folders) that appear on the Start menu. For example, you can add a quick access to different folders, including Documents, Downloads, File Explorer, Network, and more.

In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to choose which folders appear on Start on your Windows 10 PC.

How to pick which folders appear on Start

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Click on Personalization.

  3. Click on Start.

  4. Click on the Choose which folders appear on Start link.

    Windows 10 Start menu settings
    Windows 10 Start menu settings
  5. Toggle the switch to add or remove quick access to different system folders, including: File Explorer, Settings, Documents, Downloads, Music, Pictures, Videos, HomeGroup, Network, and Personal folder.

    Windows 10 Start menu folders settings
    Windows 10 Start menu folders settings

Once you completed the steps, open the Start menu to see the folders in the left rail. You can also click the menu button in the top-left to see their names.

Start menu folders
Start menu folders

What folders do you have set up on your Start menu? Tell us in the comments below.

About the author

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.