Display a Tiles-Only Start Menu in Windows 10

Display a Tiles-Only Start Menu in Windows 10

The Windows 10 Start Menu combines two navigation styles into one interface: a traditional alphabetical list of installed applications on the left and Live Tiles on the right. While this hybrid design offers flexibility, not every user enjoys having both sections displayed at the same time. Some users prefer a cleaner, more streamlined Start Menu that focuses entirely on tiles, especially when using a touchscreen device or customizing Windows for quick access to frequently used apps.

Although Windows 10 does not include a single option labeled “Show Only Tiles,” it is possible to configure the Start Menu so that only the tile section is visible. By adjusting a few settings and resizing the Start Menu, you can create a minimalist layout that resembles the Start screen found in earlier versions of Windows.

This guide explains how to display only tiles on the Windows 10 Start Menu, customize tile layouts, and optimize the interface for your workflow.

Why Show Only Tiles on the Start Menu?

Many users choose a tile-only layout for practical and aesthetic reasons.

Benefits of Using Only Tiles

Displaying only tiles can offer several advantages:

• Cleaner Start Menu appearance
• Faster access to favorite applications
• Better touchscreen usability
• Larger icons for easier navigation
• Personalized app organization
• Reduced visual clutter

For users who rely on a handful of frequently used programs, a tile-only layout can improve productivity.

Understanding the Windows 10 Start Menu

Before making changes, it helps to understand how the Start Menu is organized.

Left Panel

The left side typically contains:

• User account
• Power button
• Settings
• Recently added apps
• Alphabetical app list

Right Panel

The right side displays:

• App tiles
• Live Tiles (if supported)
• Tile groups
• Pinned shortcuts

The goal is to minimize or hide the left panel while keeping the tile section visible.

Method 1: Hide the App List in the Start Menu

Windows 10 includes a built-in option to hide the application list.

Step 1: Open Settings

Click:

Start → Settings

Or press:

Windows + I

Step 2: Open Personalization

Navigate to:

Personalization → Start

Step 3: Turn Off the App List

Locate the option:

Show app list in Start menu

Turn it Off.

Once disabled, the alphabetical application list disappears, leaving a much cleaner Start Menu.

Method 2: Disable Recently Added Apps

You can further simplify the Start Menu.

Navigate to

Settings → Personalization → Start

Disable:

• Show recently added apps

This removes newly installed application shortcuts from the Start Menu.

Method 3: Hide Most Used Apps

Windows can also hide the frequently used apps section.

Turn off:

Show most used apps

Doing so removes another portion of the left panel.

The Start Menu now appears significantly less cluttered.

Method 4: Resize the Start Menu

Even after hiding the app list, the Start Menu may still reserve some space on the left.

Resize the Width

1. Open the Start Menu.
2. Move the mouse pointer to the right edge.
3. When the resize cursor appears, drag the edge inward.

Continue resizing until the tile area fills nearly the entire Start Menu.

This creates the appearance of a tile-only interface.

Method 5: Enable Full-Screen Start

Some users prefer an experience similar to Windows 8.

Enable Full Screen

Navigate to:

Settings → Personalization → Start

Enable:

Use Start full screen

The Start Menu now occupies the full display while emphasizing tiles.

This option is especially useful for:

• Tablets
• Touchscreen laptops
• Convertible devices

Method 6: Remove Unnecessary Tiles

A tile-only Start Menu works best when it contains only useful applications.

Unpin Unwanted Tiles

Right-click any tile.

Select:

Unpin from Start

Repeat until only essential applications remain.

This creates a clean, organized interface.

Method 7: Create Tile Groups

Windows allows tiles to be grouped logically.

Examples

You might create groups such as:

• Productivity
• Office
• Browsers
• Media
• Games
• Utilities

Grouping applications improves navigation and organization.

Method 8: Rename Tile Groups

Each tile group can have its own label.

To Rename a Group

Move the mouse above a tile group.

Click:

Name group

Enter a descriptive title.

Examples include:

• Work
• Creative Apps
• Communication
• Development
• Entertainment

Named groups make the Start Menu easier to navigate.

Method 9: Resize Individual Tiles

Windows offers multiple tile sizes.

Available Sizes

• Small
• Medium
• Wide
• Large

To Resize

Right-click a tile.

Select:

Resize

Choose the preferred size.

Larger tiles make frequently used apps easier to find.

Method 10: Turn Off Live Tiles

Some applications display constantly updating information.

Examples include:

• Weather
• News
• Calendar

If you prefer static tiles:

Right-click a tile.

Choose:

More → Turn Live Tile Off

Static tiles reduce distractions and may slightly improve performance.

Customizing Tile Layout

An organized tile layout improves efficiency.

Pin Frequently Used Apps

Right-click an application.

Select:

Pin to Start

Arrange important applications near the top.

Suggested Layout

First row:

• Browser
• Email
• File Explorer

Second row:

• Microsoft Office
• Calculator
• Settings

Third row:

• Media apps
• Communication tools
• Utilities

Customize the arrangement to match your workflow.

How to Add New Tiles

Adding tiles is simple.

Method

Locate an application.

Right-click it.

Choose:

Pin to Start

The app immediately appears in the tile area.

How to Remove Tiles

Removing tiles does not uninstall applications.

Right-click the tile.

Select:

Unpin from Start

The program remains installed on the computer.

Can You Remove the Left Side Completely?

Not entirely.

Windows 10 always retains a minimal navigation panel containing items like:

• User account
• Power button
• Settings

However, by disabling:

• App list
• Most used apps
• Recently added apps

and resizing the Start Menu, you can make the interface appear almost entirely tile-based.

Using Tablet Mode

Tablet Mode further emphasizes tiles.

Enable Tablet Mode

On supported devices:

Settings → System → Tablet

Or use Quick Settings.

Tablet Mode enlarges interface elements for touch interaction.

Backing Up Your Tile Layout

Windows stores tile layouts automatically.

If using Microsoft account synchronization, some personalization settings may sync across compatible devices.

For enterprise environments, administrators can deploy predefined tile layouts using Group Policy or provisioning packages.

Troubleshooting Tile Problems

Occasionally, Start Menu tiles may not behave as expected.

Tiles Not Appearing

Possible solutions include:

• Restart Windows Explorer
• Sign out and back in
• Restart the computer

Tiles Missing Icons

Try rebuilding the icon cache or reinstalling the affected application.

Tiles Won’t Resize

Ensure the application supports tile resizing.

Some desktop applications only allow one tile size.

Resetting the Start Menu

If customization causes issues, resetting the Start Menu can help.

Options Include

• Creating a new user profile
• Running the Start Menu troubleshooter (when available)
• Re-registering Windows apps using PowerShell

Always create a restore point before making advanced system changes.

Tips for Creating an Efficient Tile-Based Start Menu

Keep Only Frequently Used Apps

Avoid pinning every installed program.

Use Logical Groups

Organize tiles according to task or department.

Turn Off Live Tiles

Static tiles create a cleaner appearance.

Resize Important Applications

Make frequently used programs larger.

Remove Unnecessary Shortcuts

Keep the interface simple and uncluttered.

Advantages of a Tile-Only Start Menu

Many users appreciate this layout because it offers:

• Faster navigation
• Better organization
• Larger click targets
• Personalized workspace
• Cleaner appearance
• Improved touchscreen experience

The tile interface can be especially beneficial for users who launch applications visually rather than alphabetically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Completely Remove the Left Panel?

No. Windows 10 always keeps a minimal navigation area.

Will Hiding the App List Uninstall Programs?

No. Applications remain installed and accessible through Search or File Explorer.

Can I Restore the App List Later?

Yes.

Simply return to:

Settings → Personalization → Start

Enable:

Show app list in Start menu

Does This Work on Windows 11?

No.

Windows 11 uses a redesigned Start Menu that no longer includes Live Tiles, so this customization is specific to Windows 10.

Final Thoughts

While Windows 10 does not provide a dedicated “Show Only Tiles” option, it offers enough customization features to create a Start Menu that closely resembles a tile-only interface. By hiding the app list, disabling recently added and most-used apps, resizing the Start Menu, organizing tile groups, and removing unnecessary shortcuts, you can build a clean, efficient workspace tailored to your preferences.

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