Add Downloads folder to the Windows Vista Start menu

Add “Downloads” Folder to the Windows Vista Start Menu

We saw how to add the Videos folder to the Windows Vista Start menu. Here is another registry hack to add the Downloads folder to the Start menu by replacing Games.

Note: The registry hack below replaces Games link in the Start menu with Downloads. If you apply this hack, the Games Explorer functionality will get disabled. However, you can run individual games from Start, All Programs, Games folder. Also, instructions are provided in this article on how to reverse the changes.

Replacing Start menu Games with Downloads

1. Download downloads-sm-vista.zip and save the file to your Desktop

2. Unzip the file and extract the two .REG files to your Desktop

3. Right-click on the file downloads_sm.reg and choose Merge

4. Click Yes when asked for confirmation.

5. Logoff and login back (or restart explorer.exe) so that the Start menu is updated.

Editor’s Note: The Info Tip text ("Play and manage games on your computer") that appears when you hover the mouse cursor over the Videos icon seems to be unchangeable.

Undo Information

To reverse the above registry hack, right-click on the file undo-downloads_sm.reg (included in the above Zip file) and choose Merge. Click Yes when asked for confirmation. Logoff and login back.

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21 Responses to “Add “Downloads” Folder to the Windows Vista Start Menu”

TooCrooked

said this on Monday, July 19th 2010 12:27 am

What a gorgeous hack!