Here is how to open the Win + X menu in Windows 11. It remains available in the latest version of the operating system.
Microsoft introduced the Win + X shortcut almost ten years ago when the company showed Windows 8. The Win + X menu is a convenient way to access some of the frequently used tools in Windows: Command Prompt (now Windows Terminal,) Disk Management, Device Manager, Task Manager, File Explorer, shutdown commands, etc. Unfortunately, you cannot customize the Win + X menu, but it seems that most users are okay with what Microsoft offers there by default.
In Windows 11, the taskbar and the Start menu went through a significant redesign. The taskbar is now centered, and the Start menu no longer offers Live Tiles. Still, the Win + X shortcut is there with all the convenient options.
Open the Win + X menu in Windows 11
The first option is obvious: press the Win + X shortcut. That will bring the familiar menu to the focus.
Second, right-click the Start menu. In Windows 11, the Start menu button lives at the center of the taskbar by default. You can disable the centered taskbar in Windows 11 if you do not like it. Keep in mind that right-clicking empty space in the bottom-left corner in Windows 11 does nothing unless you switch the taskbar alignment to the left.
Finally, if you own a computer with a touchscreen, you can tap and hold the Start button until the Win + X menu shows up on the screen.
Tip: Although you cannot change the shortcuts available in the Win + X menu, you can slightly customize it and rename individual entries. We have a dedicated guide that describes how to rename shortcuts in the Win + X menu. That post also provides more insights on how the Win + X shortcuts work. The reviewed method still works in Windows 11.
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I’ve used your Win+X Menu Editor very successfully for years to customise the menu. Thank you — much appreciated!
Does your editor still work in Windows 11?
I have not tried yet.