Why are there two start menu folders?


patrik025

Well-known member
Local time
11:56 PM
Posts
31
OS
Windows 11 Pro 64-bit
Why are there two start menu folders, and not one? One is located in the AppData, and one is located in the ProgramData.
 
Windows Build/Version
Windows 11 22621.1343

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At a glance

Windows 11 Pro 64-bitAMD A10-7860KDDR3 16GBAMD Radeon R7 Graphics (IGD)
OS
Windows 11 Pro 64-bit
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Manufacturer/Model
MSI
CPU
AMD A10-7860K
Motherboard
MSI A88XM-E35 V2
Memory
DDR3 16GB
Graphics Card(s)
AMD Radeon R7 Graphics (IGD)
Sound Card
AMD High Definition Audio Device
Monitor(s) Displays
Samsung LU28R55
Screen Resolution
1920x1080
Hard Drives
Samsung 870 QVO 2TB (SSD)
WDC WD40EFAX-68JH4N1 4TB (HDD)
Cooling
Active cooling (Fan)
Keyboard
Connect IT NEO
Mouse
Rapture Cobra
Browser
Firefox & Microsoft Edge (dualistic)
Antivirus
Avira Free Security
The entries in those folders combine to create your [sole] Start menu.
- The AppData ones is for the currently-logged-in user. Applications that are installed just for a single user are likely to put a shortcut in these folders. My BBC iPlayer is in mine.
- The ProgramData one is for all users. Conventional applications such as Foxit Reader are likely to put a shortcut in these folders because they are installed for all users.

Denis
 
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Windows 11 Home x64 Version 25H2 Build 26200....
OS
Windows 11 Home x64 Version 25H2 Build 26200.8037
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