- Windows 11 allows you to group applications into folders within the start menu, optimizing space and organization.
- Customization options include changing the number of visible shortcuts, adding quick folders, and modifying the menu's visual appearance.
- The new Start menu includes display modes, automatic categories, and dynamic adaptation to screen size.
El start menu of Windows 11 has evolved significantly since its launch, incorporating new options that allow users greater flexibility when organizing and accessing their favorite applications and documents. Microsoft has taken important steps to make their computer experience more their own, approaching the convenience offered by mobile systems such as Android e iOS.
Within all Recent improvements highlights the possibility of group applications into folders within the Start menuThis feature, introduced since the 22H2 update, allows users to keep their digital workspace much more organized and efficient. Want to know how to get the most out of these options, what you can (and can't) change, and what the limits and limitations are? Tricks most useful? Here's the most complete and clear guide to getting the most out of the Windows 11 Start menu.
What are Start Menu Folders in Windows 11?
One of the main features added by Microsoft in Windows 11 is the option to Create and customize folders directly in the Start menu. Unlike the typical folders you manage in File Explorer, These folders are intended to group shortcuts of apps and programs, not for storing documents or files.
This feature allows you, for example, group all office, gaming, or editing applications into a single visual accessThis frees the Start menu from excess icons and makes it much easier to navigate, while also optimizing space. Just like on Android or iOS, you can name each folder to more quickly identify the type of apps it contains, and even use emojis for a more expressive display.
How to create and customize folders in the Start menu
The possibility of create folders in the start menu It is very simple and accessible for any user. You just have to drag one application icon over another, and Windows will automatically create a new folder grouping the two. If you click on the folder, you can drag more apps into it or rearrange them to your liking.
When you create a new folder, Windows 11 names it "Folder" by default, but you can easily change it by clicking the text at the top and typing a custom name. You can combine words, phrases, and even emojis, making it easier to quickly identify your groups of apps.
Apps inside folders can be reordered simply dragging their icons and placing each one where you prefer. In addition, You can move the folder as another icon within the start menu., adjusting it to the position that is most comfortable for you.
Other customization parameters in the start menu
The Windows 11 Start menu isn't just about folders. In the system setting (Settings > Personalization > Home) you'll find more options that affect both the organization and the appearance and accessibility of the menu:
- Number of items displayed: Adjust how many shortcuts and recommendations you want to see, choosing from 'More pinned items,' 'Default,' or 'More recommendations.' This way, you can prioritize recent apps or files based on how you work.
- Show recently added apps: Enables or disables the automatic appearance of shortcuts for newly installed apps.
- Show most used applications: Decide whether you want the system to highlight the apps you use most.
- Show recently opened items: Allows you to view files and apps opened from the Start menu or File Explorer in the recommendations section.
- Quick Folders: Add shortcuts to important locations like Network, Pictures, Music, Downloads or your personal folder right next to the power button, making it easy to access your most used resources.
Improvements to application organization and display
With the latest Windows 11 update, the Start menu has left behind the old two-page system. Now everything is presented with a vertically scrolling interface, making it much faster and more direct to find any application.
Apps appear first at the top (pinned apps), followed by the recommendations area, and finally the list of all installed apps. For those looking for even more control, It is possible to disable the recommendations section and the newly added apps section. directly from settings.
Highlights the incorporation of two display modes in the application list:
- Automatic categories: Apps are grouped by type (Games, Productivity, Creativity, etc.), prioritizing the ones you use most frequently in each group. However, categories are only created if you have at least three apps of the same type; otherwise, they'll go into the "Other" category.
- Grid view: Apps are displayed alphabetically in a grid, making them easier to locate and making better use of screen space.
The system will remember the last view you used, making navigation even more tailored to your preferences. Plus, the menu automatically adjusts to the screen size: on large monitors, it can display up to eight columns of pinned apps, while on small devices, it adapts to fit the screen size.
Additional customization settings
If you want to give a unique touch to the start menu, you can modify its appearance beyond the organization of apps:
- Remove pinned apps: Right-click the icon and select 'Unpin from Start'. This will remove them from the top of the screen, although they remain installed on your system.
- Send hidden apps to the visible part: If you have a lot of pinned apps and one is out of view, you can drag it or click 'Move to Top'.
- Add new apps to startup: From 'All Apps', right-click on the app you want and choose 'Pin to Start'.
Limitations and aspects to take into account
While customization possibilities have improved, Windows 11 still has some limitsFor example, the category grouping system works automatically and does not allow you to manually move an app to another category, which makes some users miss the flexibility that older versions had or even others OS.
Categories only appear when there are three or more apps of the same type, and if you uninstall one and the group drops below that limit, the category disappears and the apps are moved to "Other." You also can't create completely custom categories like you can on Android, although you can do so through individual folders in the pinned area.
Advanced customization for developers with MSIX packages
For advanced users or developers, It is possible to customize the grouping of start menu shortcuts by editing the MSIX package manifest.This is especially useful for businesses or when a suite of applications needs to be displayed under a single, identifiable folder:
- Open your app's manifest file (you can do this from the packaging tool or with a text editor).
- Make sure you have the namespace uap3 declared in the node .
- Within , locate the entries and adds the attribute VisualGroup in each element . This way, all apps with the same VisualGroup value will appear in the same folder in the Start menu.
This level of customization is only available for apps packaged in MSIX and requires manual intervention in the manifest, but it opens the door to greater organization for corporate or development environments.
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