How to enable the Start screen in Windows 10

Updated: 12/31/2020 by Computer Hope
Windows Logo

While many users have moved over to Windows 10, some of them enjoyed or became accustomed to a feature in Windows 8 and 8.1 called the Start screen. Fortunately, Windows 10 offers a way to change traditional desktop (the one that includes the Start button and Taskbar) back to the more tablet-friendly layout that includes the start screen. To proceed, scroll down to one or both of the sections below, and then follow the instructions.

How to bring back the Start Screen

Note

You cannot enable the Start screen if you have more than one monitor connected to your computer.

  1. In the bottom-right corner of your screen, click the icon to open the Action Center; circled in red below.

Action Center button

  1. In the lower section of the window that opens, locate and click the Tablet mode tile.
  2. The Start screen is now enabled and may be accessed by clicking the Start button or pressing the Windows key.

Make the Start menu full screen

If you'd prefer not to use Tablet mode, you can also make the Start menu a full screen with large tiles when you boot the computer by following the steps below.

  1. Press the Windows key, type Settings, then press Enter.
  2. In the Settings window, select Personalization.

Windows 10 settings screen

  1. On the next screen, select Start from the menu on the left side.
Start full screen
  1. Under the Preview section, toggle the switch under Use Start full screen.
  2. From now on, your computer should boot with a full-screen Start menu.
Tip

To return the Start menu to normal, repeat steps 1-3 in the section above then toggle the switch under Use Start Screen full to Off.