How to Customize the Windows XP Start Menu

Customize the Windows XP Start menu to keep your most frequently used applications easily accessible. Add or "pin" shortcuts to programs to the Start menu, change the position of shortcuts and create your own submenus to keep the desktop tool organized and helpful.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Add a program to the Windows Start menu. "Pin" a shortcut to an application such as Microsoft Word directly to the Start menu to avoid slow navigation through submenus. Navigate the Start menu to the application link. Right-click on the link name (Microsoft Word in this case) and select "Pin to Start Menu." Alternately, a shortcut can be added to the Start menu by dragging it from the desktop.

2. Organize shortcuts and Windows Start menu items. Left-click and hold the item or shortcut that you want to move. Drag the item to a new location. A black line will mark the insertion point. Release the mouse button when the insertion point is in the desired location.

3. Create a submenu. Right-click on the Start button and select "Properties." Select the "Start menu" option button and click the "Customize..." button. Choose the item to turn into a submenu from the list on the "Advanced" tab. Select the "Display as menu item" option under the item name. Click "OK" and then "Apply."

Tips & Warnings

• Open an item that has been converted to a submenu by right-clicking on the submenu name. Select "Open."
• "Unpin" an item from the Start menu by right-clicking on the item name and selecting "Unpin from start menu."
• Move items from the Start menu to the desktop by right-clicking on the item name and selecting the "Send to" and "Desktop" options.