Hello! Windows is an operating system that has numerous options and features. However, we tend not to take full advantage of these functions. This is the case of the Power Menu or WinX menu as it is also known. In fact, from there, we can access several system utilities in a simple way and without having to navigate through multiple options. In short, it is a great way to manage various administrative tools. Moreover, this menu is found in both Windows 10 and Windows 11. In short, this Winx is a gateway to many system settings. Read on to Control the WinX menu like a pro.
What is the Windows WinX menu.
The Power Menu or Menu WinX was first introduced by default in Windows 8, then continued in Windows 10 and is now also available in Windows 11. It was designed for advanced users to quickly access applications used to manage the system. Therefore, we can define it as a pop-up menu with shortcuts to administration, settings, and other Windows tools. This menu is divided into groups separated by a horizontal line. Below is the list of applications:
Options contained in the WinX menu
- Applications and features: we accede to the configuration of applications of Windows 10 and Windows 11. From there it is possible to modify, to eliminate and to repair applications.
- Mobility Center: allows you to edit settings for screen brightness, volume, battery status, an external display, among other functions.
- Power options: we can change the power plan we have active from Settings by accessing the Power and battery section in Windows 11 and Startup/Shutdown and Sleep in Windows 10.
- Event Viewer: Displays this application that can be useful to us in case something goes wrong while executing any action in the operating system.
- System: only available in Windows 10. Opens the About tab found in the Settings menu and allows us to access information and our device such as the processor, RAM, or Windows edition.
- Device Manager: displays this useful tool, through which we can navigate and manage Windows drivers and hardware.
- Network connections: from here we access the Network and Internet section found in Configuration. Consequently, we will be able to view and manage the network connections.
- Disk Manager: allows you to manipulate disks and partitions using this tool.
- Computer Management: From here, we have access to many of the administrative and useful functions of Windows.
- Windows PowerShell: open this tool in Windows 10.
- Windows PowerShell (Admin): Same as the previous option, but with administrator privileges.
- Task Manager: direct access to this application that allows you to manage applications and their running processes.
- Configuration: We will be able to customize all the operating system settings.
- File Explorer: From here, we will be able to manage and access our files.
- Search: Here we can search for things in the system
Power options
- Run: This option allows you to run Windows files and commands.
- Shut down or sign out: Access to Sign Out, Sleep, Shutdown and Restart options.
- Desktop: minimizes all open windows and gives us access to the desktop.
These are all the advanced options present in the WinX menu
How to open the WinX in Windows 10.
There are several options to access this menu. First, you can use a keyboard shortcut by pressing the Win+X combination. The other option is to right-click on the start button. This Windows-shaped icon is in the lower-left corner of the screen. From a touch interface, it is also possible to activate the WinX menu by a long touch on the start button. On the other hand, you can also use any action equivalent to a right mouse click on the start menu.
Accessing the WinX menu folder.
All tools displayed within this menu are located in a dedicated folder. Consequently, they are grouped into three subfolders: Group1, Group2 and Group3. To access them, just go to the following path:
C:\Users\user\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\WinX
It is also possible to access it using the Run application. Note that you can invoke it from the menu itself. Therefore, you only have to execute this command:
%LOCALAPPDATA%/Microsoft/Windows/WinX
How to Customize it with Win+X Menu Editor
The major drawback of the WinX menu is that it is fixed. That is, it cannot be changed or modified from any part of the operating system. However, we can use a third-party tool called Win+X Menu Editor. This application is available for free from here. It is a compressed file. Therefore, when unzipping it you must double-click on WinXEditor.exe.
This will display a menu with a list of all the divided administration options, organized by groups. In the upper left part we will have the possibility to add a program, create a new group or delete. Furthermore, on the right side, we will have the button to restore to the default values to return to the original WinX menu.
Add a new item
To do so, it is necessary to select the group where we want to add them. Then click on the Add a program button. As a result, a list of options will be displayed. In fact, you can install any program installed on your PC, add presets, add Control Panel items and add an administrative tools item.
After making any changes, it is necessary to restart Windows Explorer to set it. Fortunately, this is something we can do from within the tool itself.
Adding and deleting a new group
Suppose you want to add a new group containing shortcuts. Therefore, just click on the Create a group. A new group, such as Group4, will be added automatically.
It is possible to delete items from the original input list, new programs that have been added, or even groups. As a result, we can always customize the WinX menu. Just click on the item you want to remove and click on Remove.
In case we delete an item accidentally, we can always use the Restore defaults button to return to the default values. Moreover, kindly note that this program does not delete programs or features of the operating system. In fact, it merely changes the appearance of the WinX menu.
Very well, we have ultimately seen how to control the WinX menu like a pro. All in all, a great option to get the most out of the operating system. See you later!
