Why are there two start menu folders?


patrik025

Well-known member
Local time
9:52 AM
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

My Computer

System One

  • 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
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home x64 Version 23H2 Build 22631.3447
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