Key Points
- Add or remove user program groups by enabling Hidden items in File Explorer and navigating to C:\Users\<User>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs, where you can delete unwanted folders/shortcuts or create new folders and copy shortcuts to reorganize the Start Menu.
- Changes apply only to the current user profile, as items stored in the AppData\Programs folder affect one user, while common program groups in ProgramData affect all users.
- Restart Windows Explorer if updates don’t appear, and note that in managed environments, Start Menu policies may override user-level modifications.
You can typically find Start Menu shortcuts in two locations: one for all users and one for individual accounts. User program groups in Windows 11 enable personalization and control without requiring modifications to system entries. Managing program groups helps users declutter the Start Menu or prepare standardized layouts.
Adding or removing user program groups from the Start Menu in Windows 11
Adding or removing user program groups from the Start Menu in Windows 11 involves locating the groups, modifying them as needed, and applying relevant policies.
📌 Prerequisites:
- Windows 11 device
- Access to the user profile that requires modification
- File Explorer visibility of hidden items
- Optional administrative tools for automation
Step 1: Find the user program groups in the Start Menu
This step shows you where Windows 11 stores Start Menu shortcuts for the current user account.
📌 Use Case: A user wants to clean up their Start Menu or is trying to find where shortcuts are stored.
- Click the File Explorer icon > View.
- Hover over Show, then click Hidden items to view hidden folders.
- Copy and paste the following path in the address bar:
C:\Users\<YourUsername>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs
- Press Enter.
Step 2: Remove user program groups
This step explains how to remove unwanted shortcuts or folders from the Start Menu.
📌 Use Case: A user feels their Start Menu is cluttered or sees unused and unwanted apps.
From the same folder in Step 1 (…\Start Menu\Programs), look through the folders and shortcuts. If you see a folder or shortcut you don’t want, right-click the item, then click Delete.
If you don’t see changes, right-click the taskbar, click Task Manager, find Windows Explorer, right-click it, and then select Restart to refresh the Start Menu.
Step 3: Add or reorganize user program groups
This step shows you how to create your own folders and shortcuts.
📌 Use Case: A user wants to group apps or have clearer names and a more organized Start Menu.
- In the Programs folder, right-click a space and select New > Folder.
- Name the folder something you like.
- Right-click an existing shortcut, select Copy, open your new folder, then right-click and select Paste.
NinjaOne services that help modify user program groups
You can use NinjaOne to automate user program group management by deploying PowerShell scripts and enforcing Start Menu standards across different devices. This way, administrators maintain consistent experiences for onboarding and managing user profiles, reducing manual configuration.
Enjoy a cleaner Start Menu layout by adding or removing user program groups
Managing user program groups in Windows 11 allows for customized Start Menu settings without affecting other system users. IT teams can optimize Start Menu organization and improve usability by editing the user-specific Programs directory.
Related topics:
- How to Restart the Start Menu Process in Windows 11
- How to Deploy a Custom Start Menu Layout Using PowerShell and XML
- Enable or Disable Recent Items in Start, Jump Lists, and File Explorer in Windows 11
- How to Manage Pinned Apps in the Windows 11 Start Menu
- How to Disable Search on the Taskbar and in the Start Menu in Windows 11
