# Replace the Start Menu with Raycast

> Available on: Windows

Use the Win Key to open Raycast instead of the Start Menu and get faster access to apps, files, settings, AI, and more.

Raycast is the fastest interface to get work done on your computer: a launcher where you can find apps, files, folders, windows, links, commands, AI, snippets, and more from one place.

If you already use the **Win Key** to launch apps or search for files from the Start Menu, you can keep that same muscle memory and do this with Raycast instead.

## What Can Raycast Do That the Start Menu Does?

Start Menu features available directly in Raycast include:

- Launch apps, including [games](https://manual.raycast.com/games) from your installed game launchers.
- Search files and folders from the main search bar, or use [File Search](https://manual.raycast.com/file-search) for more advanced options.
- Open Control Panel items and [Windows Settings](https://manual.raycast.com/search-bar).
- Trigger [System Commands](https://manual.raycast.com/system-commands) directly, like locking your screen, sleeping, restarting, shutting down, emptying the Recycle Bin, or toggling Wi-Fi.
- Keep frequent apps close with favorites, [aliases, or hotkeys](https://manual.raycast.com/command-aliases-and-hotkeys).
- Uninstall apps or run them as administrator where supported.
- Find apps by name or executable, including `.exe` names where indexed.
- Navigate, search, and act from the keyboard.

## Give It a Go!

To try it, set **Win Key** as your Raycast hotkey during onboarding or go to **Settings -> General -> Raycast Hotkey** and select **Replace Start Menu**. You can always change this shortcut later.

Changing the **Win Key** does **not** remove the Start Menu. It only changes what happens when you press the **Win Key** on your keyboard. You can still open the Start Menu from the Windows icon in the taskbar at any time.

If you use the **Win Key** to glance at the taskbar, you can keep that too. In **Settings -> General**, enable **Show taskbar when Raycast opens** so the taskbar appears with Raycast for a quick glance at the time, system tray, battery status, notifications, widgets, and other Windows controls.

Raycast can do much more than replace the Start Menu, and a big part of the fun of Raycast is discovering everything it can do, one small time-saver at a time. Our [Manual](https://manual.raycast.com) and [Quickstart guide](https://manual.raycast.com/quickstart) are designed to help you on this journey.


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## Need Help?

Contact Raycast Support if you have any questions or would like help with Replace the Start Menu with Raycast. Use the **Send Feedback** command directly in Raycast to report bugs and billing issues, log feature requests, or any other queries you would like to speak to us about.

You can view all Raycast Support contact options at https://manual.raycast.com/contact-support