How to Add or Remove Start Menu Program Groups in Windows 11

Common program groups are Start Menu shortcuts stored in shared system folders. These shortcuts are visible to every user on the device and often include software installed for all users.

When cleaning up a shared PC or streamlining a work device, managing the Start Menu is essential. This guide details how to remove a program from the Start Menu and add common groups in Windows 11 for all users.

Managing Start Menu Program Groups: Procedures and Prerequisites

Managing common program groups streamlines the Windows 11 Start Menu. This reduces clutter and creates an efficient user experience. For organizations, it ensures standardized application access and a consistent All apps listing across devices.

📌Use case: This task is key during device rollouts or software deployments. Removing program group entries for outdated apps and adding new ones creates a clean, work-ready menu for every user. It also clears default manufacturer bloatware that hinders productivity.

📌Prerequisites: Before you start, confirm these requirements:

• Windows 11 device and admin rights: You need access to the device and an administrator account.
• Understanding of folder paths: Common Windows 11 Start Menu groups are controlled by the C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs folder.
• Optional advanced tools: For large-scale changes, knowledge of PowerShell or endpoint management (like Microsoft Intune) is recommended to automate the process.

With these basics covered, we can move to the practical steps for adding and removing items.

Understanding common vs. per-user Start Menu folders

To manage Windows 11 Start Menu groups, know where shortcuts live. This lets you remove clutter or deploy standard layouts.

Core folder locations

• Two key paths control visibility:
  1. Common (All Users) Folder: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs
     • Changes here affect every device user.
  2. Per-User Folder: C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs
     • Changes here affect only that single profile.

💡Note: Modify the Common folder to impact all users.

How and why this works

Windows merges both folder contents when building the menu. This separates system-wide software from personal shortcuts.

Use the Common path for managed environments. IT can add or remove shortcut entries in the All apps list for all users from this location.

Editing the correct folder gives direct control. Change the Common path for device-wide updates. Use the per-user path for individual customization.

How to remove common program groups from the Start Menu

Removing a program group entry cleans up the shared Start Menu for all users on a device. This is useful for removing shortcut entries for outdated software or hiding pre-installed applications from the All apps list.

Step-by-step procedure:

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Navigate to: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs
3. Find the shortcut or folder for the app.
4. Delete it or move it to backup.
5. The change applies at the next login.
6. Refresh the Start Menu to confirm the entry is no longer visible.

After completing these steps, the selected shortcut entries will no longer appear in the All apps list for affected users.

How to add common program groups for All Users

Adding items to the common Start Menu folder ensures every user on a device has immediate access to the same core applications. This method ensures that all users see the same application shortcuts in the Start Menu.

Step-by-step procedure:

Open File Explorer with administrator privileges.

1. Navigate to the common folder:

C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs

2. Create or copy the desired application shortcuts (.lnk files) into this folder.
3. For organization, create subfolders and place shortcuts inside them.
4. Rename any shortcuts or folders to match your naming convention.
5. Log out and back in, or have another user log in, to confirm the entries appear.
6. Test that each new shortcut launches the application correctly.

After completing these steps, the added programs and folders will appear in the Start Menu for all current and future users on the device. This helps you create a consistent, managed software environment.

How to hide common program groups without deleting them

Hiding common groups removes them from view without deleting files. This action is helpful for temporarily restricting access or simplifying menus.

Step-by-step procedures:

• Group Policy Method (Pro/Enterprise/Education)
  1. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc.
  2. Navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar.
  3. Enable the “Remove common program groups from Start Menu” policy.
  4. Restart the computer or log out.
• Registry Method (All Editions, including Home)
  1. Open Registry Editor (regedit).
  2. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer.
  3. Create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value named NoCommonGroups.
  4. Set its value to 1.
  5. Restart Windows Explorer or the computer.

⚠️ Warning: Misconfiguration of the Windows Registry can cause system instability. Read this guide on how to back up your registry.

Once applied, all shortcuts in the common Start Menu folder will disappear from view for the targeted users. The applications remain fully installed and runnable via other methods. Settings are easily reversed by disabling the policy or deleting the Registry value.

How to use PowerShell to manage program groups (Automation)

Using PowerShell automates adding or removing Windows 11 Start Menu groups across multiple computers. This is essential for efficient, large-scale deployment and standardization.

Core automation procedures

Key automated tasks include deploying scripts and exporting layouts.

1. Find Start Menu paths programmatically.
   • Run [Environment]::GetFolderPath(‘CommonStartMenu’) to retrieve the common folder path.
   • OR; run [Environment]::GetFolderPath(‘StartMenu’) for the per-user path.
     1. This ensures scripts target the correct location regardless of system variations.
2. Deploy shortcuts to the Common Folder.
   • Create a PowerShell script that copies shortcut (.lnk) files from a network share to C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs.
     1. This automates adding approved applications for all users during provisioning.
3. Apply Registry policy remotely.
   • Use PowerShell to set the NoCommonGroups registry value across multiple devices. Run:

Set-ItemProperty -Path “HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer” -Name “NoCommonGroups” -Value 1

• • This will hide common groups without manual intervention.

4. Repair missing program group entries.
   • Re-register built-in apps by running:

Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | %{ Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml” }

• • This restores missing icons in the All apps list.

This automation ensures every device has identical program groups in the “All apps” section. Changes can be rolled out or reversed instantly across the entire network from a central point using existing management tools.

How to restore default program groups after making changes

Restoring defaults reverses changes and fixes a hidden or cluttered “All apps” list. This is needed when configurations remove necessary shortcuts or a clean baseline is required.

Restoration methods

Use these approaches to reset the Windows 11 Start Menu groups in the All apps section.

1. Reverse visibility policies.
   • Registry: Delete the NoCommonGroups value in HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer.
   • Group Policy: Set “Remove common program groups from Start Menu” to Disabled or Not Configured.
2. Restore shortcuts from backup.
   • If you backed up the common folder before making changes:
     1. Copy the saved shortcuts back to C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs. This restores deleted program group entries immediately.
3. Reinstall Affected Applications.
   • For missing shortcuts that were not backed up, run the application installer again.
     1. Most software automatically recreates its Start Menu shortcuts during installation or repair.

Completing these steps will return the Start Menu to a defined default state. Hidden common groups will reappear. Missing default app icons will be restored. All users will see the intended, sanctioned layout for their environment.

Key considerations for managing Start Menu groups

Understanding these essential considerations prevents common pitfalls and ensures effective long-term management of your Windows 11 Start Menu groups.

Self-regenerating application entries

Some enterprise software automatically recreates its shortcuts during updates or repairs. Permanently removing a program group entry for these apps may require configuring the application installer itself or using a persistent Group Policy.

Removal does not equal uninstallation

Deleting a shortcut only removes the Start Menu link. The actual application remains fully installed on the system and may still be launchable from its installation directory or via system search.

Centralized policy overrides manual changes

In managed environments, Group Policy or MDM-enforced settings may override manual changes to Start Menu entries. Always verify existing IT policies before customizing program groups on a managed device.

Simplified groups aid shared workstations

For multi-user computers, a minimal set of well-organized common groups reduces clutter and improves navigation for all users. This is ideal for libraries, classrooms, or shift-work stations.

Documentation ensures consistency

Maintaining clear records of changes, whether manual edits, script deployments, or policy settings, is crucial for troubleshooting and ensuring consistent management across different administrators or over time.

Troubleshooting common Start Menu program groups issues

If your changes to Windows 11 Start Menu groups don’t work as expected, these targeted solutions can help.

Shortcut Does Not Appear in Start Menu

First, confirm the shortcut is in C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs. You need administrator rights to modify this folder. Try opening File Explorer “as Administrator” to ensure you have the correct permissions.

Shortcut Persists After Deletion

The shortcut likely exists in a user’s personal folder. Check and delete it from C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs. A removed common shortcut can be overridden by a per-user copy.

Inconsistent Layout Across Different Users

This issue usually indicates a centralized policy overriding local changes. A Group Policy or MDM setting may be controlling Start Menu entries. Verify whether any enforced policies are affecting program group visibility.

Start Menu Search Still Shows Removed Apps

Windows Search uses a separate index. You must rebuild this index. Select Settings > Privacy & Security > Searching Windows. Click “Advanced indexing options” and choose “Rebuild.”

Restored Shortcuts Are Not Recognized

The Shell needs to reload the menu. Restart the Windows Explorer process. Open Task Manager, find “Windows Explorer,” and select “Restart.” A full computer reboot will also apply all changes.

Manage common program groups with NinjaOne

NinjaOne enables IT teams to automate Start Menu management across entire device fleets through centralized policy.

• Centralized policy and automation: Administrators deploy organization-wide policies and PowerShell scripts via NinjaOne. Through these scripted automations, Windows 11 Start Menu shortcut entries can be added or removed across managed devices, ensuring a standardized and compliant configuration.
• Validation and reporting: The platform can monitor configuration state through custom scripts and policy-based checks. This allows administrators to identify non-compliant devices and generate reports to support troubleshooting and consistency efforts.
• Efficient workflow: The process is direct—build a script, deploy it via NinjaOne, and enforce it with policy. This automates manual setup for provisioning, user changes, and updates.

Success requires administrator permissions and pilot testing. Use NinjaOne’s scripting templates and documentation to build reliable automation.

Manage your Start Menu program groups to achieve better control

Whether you’re an IT administrator or a power user, knowing how to remove a program from the Start Menu is essential for a clean interface. The methods, from manual edits to policy and automation, give you complete control, ensuring every user has a streamlined, consistent experience.

Related topics

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• How to Restart the Start Menu Process in Windows 11
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