Windows 10: Start Menu Icons

I've tried something:
I modified the chrome.VisualElementsManifest.xml sheet inside the C:/ProgramFiles/Google/Chrome/Application folder with my own accent color only, let it apply by way of letting it rebuilding it's own icon cache, then I removed the .xml file from the folder.
From then on, all Chrome shortcuts automatically appear on the list and as tiles as desired.
(I'm still making sure this method has no adverse repercussions!)

 

@nt62

I’m happy for you. I really am, but it didn’t answer the OP’s question. As requested? Here’s the outcome:

Aren’t they wonderful? Better than dead icons IMO. Pin to Start or Taskbar options in Edge. And the Start tile is live.

I posted one. Would you like to see more? Don't know where you got that fudge.

I’ll give you that one. It doesn’t yet anyway. Heck, it doesn’t even use my color scheme for a border. It uses what I call mortician grey. Very drab.

Why would I need my browser for that? I have the Bing desktop app, which for me has great variety of wallpapers on different tabs. Open it in the morning, pick one, download, and close it out. Don't need the search bar, for there's Cortana. You do use Cortana, yes? Great feature.

Some of us post here just about every day: Show Us Your Desktop [6] - Windows 10 Forums





If I come across a pic that I like I save it and simply right click it to choose the option in FE.

That’s what we’re all using here, so what’s your point?

Yes, if anyone can find a way, Edwin will. *Smile

What’s this below? A fake tile?

I see you edited and added more. Ok. See you later…..

 

Hello. @Tony K

no. it's a rectangular selection of a screenshot with the shortcut arrow removed.





The OP would be well served to use Edge. It does exactly what is requested, I think.
The limitation is with Chrome which has no option to "pin to start"

I don't use Windows 10.
So, I guess, I don't belong here.

On my testing OS of 10, ... did not see any option using Edge to create a start tab.
If there is that option, I missed it.
Edge is an excellent browser.

It's entertaining IMHO to see a live ocean scene or waterfall on the start page of a browser.
I like to be able to run animations behind start tabs.
Would post here but don't know how to except uploading to You Tube. (not worth the time)
My desktop is always animated - video wallpapers or some kind of animation.

Edwin is very good. So are others, frankly, I am too tired to seek code manipulations.
That is why I stay away from Powershell command line activity.

Yes, it is great but not for me. Not a fan.
Cortana is not a part of server 2016 that I am aware of.

I offered what is available using the Chrome browser as a typical enduser.
The fact that Windows 10 does not move icons from the start menu to a tile by pinning is a menu issue.
Code edits or anything like rebuilding icon caches or edits to XML files are beyond the scope of normal use.

The issue would be resolved by using Edge.

 

Okay, quite simple really:

You need to be signed on as Administrator,
you'll need to Show Hidden Files, Folders and Drives.

1. Navigate to the Chrome Apps folder at C:\Users\{yourname}\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Chrome Apps and delete all shortcuts;

2. Close Chrome;

3. Navigate to C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application, Take Ownership of the chrome.VisualElementsManifest.xml file, copy it to your Desktop, right click the copied file and choose Edit(in Notepad), modify the BackgroundColor value to a Hex color value of your choice, modify the ForegroundText to light or dark, remove everything highlighted in yellow, click File/Save, merge the file back to the Chrome Application folder, choose Replace, give permission to Continue.





Now, when you add a site to the folder:





... it will add it to the folders list, and Pin a Tile to the Start Menu if the Setting is enabled:
(You can delete the Desktop shortcut if you wish)





There is one drawback:

The shortcuts will open a new tab in a new window along with your hometab,
in order to solve that, you'll need to right click and open the Properties of each shortcut in the Chrome Apps folder and change the Target string:





... by removing the ID:





... and replacing it with the URL of your choice, (with a space and quotes):





click Apply and OK and you should be all set!
Now the shortcut will open in a new tab in the current window.

On a personal note:
I enjoy accomplishing things that I know the Operating System is capable of, it may not always be the best way, but, it is a way!
I hope you find this somewhat helpful! *Smile

 

Thanks I will try it later tonight

 

Edge Start Tiles are nice cuz you can choose from 4 different sizes and they can become live tiles , if the site supports it, but,
you can't drag them to the Desktop or Taskbar.

 

Hi Edwin, Everything is fine until step 3. I cannot find "C:\ Program Files\Google\ Chrome\Application".?
I even tried using search to find "C:\ Program Files\Google\Chrome\ Application". It gave "No Result for"C:\ Program Files\Google\Chrome\ Application".
All I get at this point is "Google Toolbar Notifier"Am I missing something.
I have folder options set to show hidden folders and drives.Does this process work with "Windows 10 Home"? ,Any ideas?

 

Sorry, it'll be in C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Chrome\Application

 

Thanks Edwin-everything worked, brilliant of you.

 

*Thumbs

I didn't invent the method, I just polished it a bit! *Wink