How to remove "System" label on Start icons?

DJNelson · Jan 22, 2026

I'm still not sure whether I was looking at an ad browser or an android tablet the first time I pushed the windows key on a factory windows 11 install, but I replaced the start menu on my machine with the old windows 10 start menu.

Edwin · Jan 22, 2026

antspants said:
... who sits and stares at an icon and it's name in the start menu?

It's not really that..., it's just that MS does lame sh*t and that becomes an issue!

antspants · Jan 22, 2026

Edwin said:
It's not really that..., it's just that MS does lame sh*t and that becomes an issue!

What issues does the word "System" cause? Other than aggravating OCD

cheaterslick · Jan 22, 2026

antspants said:
Who even uses the start menu anymore?

I do, sometimes. How do you access your programs? Through the desktop?

antspants · Jan 22, 2026

For anyone that has no clue about what we as veterans know, the word system on icons is probably a good system. It is at least an indication that it belongs to the OS?

CarlSD · Jan 22, 2026

antspants said:
What issues does the word "System" cause? Other than aggravating OCD

Indeed.

I like a nice "clean" Start Menu that isn't cluttered up with useless rubbish (without having to resort to using other software like StartAllBack).

It's bad enough that they already have unremovable icons like "Get Started" on the Start Menu. Seriously - Windows 11 has been out for over 4 years now and the last time I did a clean install on this PC was last April. If I haven't "Got Started" by now I probably never will.

Edwin · Jan 22, 2026

antspants said:
What issues does the word "System" cause?

Nuthin really, I just want a Normal Menu where I can put what I want, where I want and name it what I want.
Don't want to be tethered to something that's exclusive by design.

garlin · Jan 22, 2026

antspants said:
For anyone that has no clue about what we as veterans know, the word system on icons is probably a good system. It is at least an indication that it belongs to the OS?

System indicates they're non-removable apps.

Technically, that's not completely true as the following apps can be removed using Remove-AppxPackage:

GameBar (Microsoft.XboxGamingOverlay)

Get Started (Microsoft.GetHelp)

Phone Link (Microsoft.YourPhone)

Store (Microsoft.WindowsStore)

But you can't uninstall them from the Settings App UI.

Marcus Vinicus · Jan 22, 2026

antspants said:
I get that people don't want what they don't want. But who sits and stares at an icon and its name in the start menu? Who even uses the start menu anymore?

I have this also, but for the life of me would never have noticed if it wasn't for this thread.

I have Powertoys installed and hit Winkey + ALT + spacebar.

CarlSD · Jan 22, 2026

This thread reminds me - I did manage to get rid of the "Windows Backup" icon from the Start Menu a couple of years back with a Registry file I found on a forum - might have been here, I can't remember. Then I disabled the Windows Backup Service.

So far it hasn't come back. Even after upgrading to 25H2 a few months back. I'll be doing a 25H2 Windows install soon on another PC I've just finished putting together and I'll be able to find out if that Registry file still works.

glasskuter · Jan 22, 2026

I'm with @antspants. I run the native GUI and as long as my Windows works for me (and the way I work), the small stuff just doesn't bother me. The only place I see "system" is in the all apps list which I might scroll once in a blue moon. I have most used apps on my taskbar, and shortcuts for other stuff I use less often in a folder, also on the taskbar. MS could put a big ol' pile of poop next to those app names and it would be fine with me.

I understand folks can be adament about what they want. But, TBH I sometimes can't understand the "Why" of some of it. Windows will not stay the same forever. It's always going to change stuff that some people won't like. I just roll with the flow...change what I can and live with the rest. MS does own the OS and can do what they please with it. We're lucky that we've been able to change as much as we have.

idgat · Jan 22, 2026

Actually I rarely go into the "All" menu listing. Judicious pinning of shortcuts to either Start or toolbar just about covers all my shortcut needs, don't even see that extraneous minutiae

pseymour · Jan 22, 2026

glasskuter said:
MS could put a big ol' pile of poop next to those app names and it would be fine with me.

an artist's rendering...
View attachment 160818

cheaterslick · Jan 23, 2026

pseymour said:
an artist's rendering...
View attachment 160818

Interesting looking menu you got there. Never seen one like it before.

Apesbrain · Jan 23, 2026

If anyone discovers a new vivetool command to remove these labels, please post it here. Thanks.

Edwin · Jan 23, 2026

Odd! It worked for me!

Edwin · Jan 23, 2026

... Both machines, 23H2 and 26H1...

Apesbrain · Jan 23, 2026

Edwin said:
Odd! It worked for me!

You did this by using vivetool?

Edwin · Jan 23, 2026

Apesbrain said:
You did this by using vivetool?

Yeah, the ID from your Post #1.

Apesbrain · Jan 23, 2026

Ok, this is interesting:

vivetool /fullreset
Reboot
vivetool /disable /id:44571814,44573982
Reboot

The labels are gone, but so is the "new version" Start Menu with "All" now back at the top right. I can live with that.

How to remove "System" label on Start icons?

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