How to Disable the Left-Side Expanding Panel in the Windows 10 Start Menu

The Windows 10 Start Menu offers a left-side expanding panel that provides quick access to frequently used apps, settings, and your profile. However, if you find it distracting or inconvenient, you can easily disable it. This guide explains how to do so.

Ways to Disable the Expanding Panel

1. Using System Settings

To disable the expanding panel through system settings, follow these steps:

  1. Click on the Start menu, then select Settings (gear icon).
  2. Go to Personalization.
  3. Select Start from the left menu.
  4. Turn off Show recently added apps and Show recently opened items in Jump Lists. This will reduce the amount of information in the panel, making it less "busy".

2. Using Local Group Policy Editor (for Windows 10 Pro and higher)

If you have Windows 10 Pro or higher, you can use the Local Group Policy Editor:

  1. Open the Run dialog with the Win + R keys, type gpedit.msc, and click OK.
  2. Navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar.
  3. Locate the setting Remove Access to the Expanding Panel and double-click on it.
  4. Select Enabled to disable the panel, then click Apply.

3. Editing the Registry (for advanced users)

This method is recommended for those familiar with editing the Windows registry:

  1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press OK.
  2. Go to this key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced.
  3. Find the EnableXamlStartMenu entry and change its value to 0 to disable the expanding panel.
  4. Close the registry editor and restart your computer for the changes to take effect.