The redesigned Start menu in Windows 11 delivers a centered, streamlined launcher focused primarily on pinned application icons and recent files. However, in stripping away the traditional Windows 10 Start menu rail, Microsoft placed the user profile icon on the bottom-left and the Power button on the bottom-right, leaving the wide expanse of space between them completely vacant by default.
For users who frequently navigate to system settings, file storage directories, or external drives, reaching those tools often requires extra keystrokes or cluttering the main pinned application grid. Fortunately, Windows 11 includes a dedicated customization feature that allows you to populate that vacant bottom bar with direct, one-click shortcut icons for Settings, File Explorer, Documents, Downloads, Music, Pictures, Videos, Network, and your Personal User Folder.
Available Shortcut Folders for the Windows 11 Start Menu
Windows 11 allows you to toggle up to nine system shortcuts directly onto the bottom strip alongside the Power button:
- Settings: Launches the modern Windows 11 Settings application instantly.
- File Explorer: Opens a fresh File Explorer window to your default landing page (Home or This PC).
- Documents: Direct shortcut to your personal Documents library folder.
- Downloads: Immediate access to your system Downloads directory for quick file triage.
- Music: One-click jump to your local Music media folder.
- Pictures: Opens your primary Pictures directory.
- Videos: Opens your system Videos folder.
- Network: Launches the Network neighbourhood window to view shared computers and NAS devices.
- Personal folder: Direct shortcut to your root user profile directory (
C:\Users\<Username>).
How to Add Shortcuts Next to the Power Button in Start Menu
You can configure these bottom-row shortcuts through the Windows 11 Personalisation settings:
- Open Settings by pressing the keyboard shortcut Windows + I (or right-click the Start button and choose Settings).
- In the left-hand navigation pane, click on Personalisation.
- Scroll down the right-hand panel and click on Start.
- On the Start customization page, click on Folders.
- You will be presented with a list of toggles for all nine available system shortcuts:
- Toggle Settings to the On position.
- Toggle File Explorer to On.
- Toggle Downloads, Documents, or any other directories you regularly use to On.
- Close the Settings window.
Now, press the Windows key on your keyboard or click the Start button on your taskbar. Notice that clean, elegant monochrome icons for your selected folders now sit neatly in a row immediately to the left of the Power button, providing frictionless, one-click access without consuming valuable pinned grid real estate.
How to Rearrange or Remove Power Button Shortcuts
The shortcut icons are arranged in a predefined system order (Settings first, followed by File Explorer and specific directories). If your bottom bar begins to feel too crowded or you no longer require a particular shortcut:
- Press Windows + I to reopen Settings.
- Navigate to Personalisation > Start > Folders.
- Simply toggle off any shortcuts you wish to remove.
The icon will immediately disappear from your Start menu without affecting the underlying files or folders on your storage drive.
Using Folder Shortcuts with Keyboard Navigation
In addition to mouse clicking, these bottom-rail folder icons integrate smoothly into keyboard-only navigation workflows in Windows 11:
- Press the Windows key to open the Start menu.
- Press the Tab key repeatedly to move focus past the search box and pinned app sections until your selection lands on the bottom shortcut strip.
- Use the Left and Right Arrow keys to highlight the exact folder icon you need (such as Downloads or Settings).
- Press Enter to launch the folder immediately.
Enabling these bottom-rail folder shortcuts transforms the Windows 11 Start menu from a simple app launcher into a complete, balanced control hub tailored to your everyday workflow.