Windows 11 new Start Menu…


S

Sweaty

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Windows 11
Microsoft has released a new major update for Windows 11 that includes a new Start Menu with many groups/folders (in my case 8) where each group contains 4 app shortcuts.

I would like to move some apps between the new folders, but also be able to remove and add new ones that are not already present in the folders.

Furthermore, I would like to change the name of some of these "8" folders since they do not all reflect reality - at least not in Denmark.

Unfortunately, I accidentally deleted 2 of these folders with their contents. I do not know what they were called and what they contained :(

I would like to have the 2 folders back because the 6 remaining folders look completely wrong on my Start Menu, but I can't figure out how (no user manual).

How do I handle these tasks when there was no explanation of how to use the new thing?

Sorry for my bad English – it's not my language.

Sweaty
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 5700G
    Motherboard
    Erica6
    Memory
    Micron Technology DDR4-3200 16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
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    Realtek ALC671
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    Samsung SyncMaster U28E590
    Screen Resolution
    3840 x 2160
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG MZVLQ1T0HALB-000H1
Do you have a Windows or Macrium back up ?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 11 Pro 25H2 26200 8457
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
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    HP Omen45L
    CPU
    Intel Core I9 12900K
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    HP 8917
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    HP
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Your English is great - Because the accidentally deleted folders with their contents could be replaced with a backup - even with a free version like Hasleo

A good link about this is What are the best Windows Rescue disks available based on WinPE 11

A wise man said :

Files that you don't have at least two copies of are files you don't care about!
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 11 Pro 25H2 26200 8457
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Omen45L
    CPU
    Intel Core I9 12900K
    Motherboard
    HP 8917
    Memory
    32 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 24GB
    Sound Card
    HP
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 HP 27 & 23
    Screen Resolution
    3840x2160
    Hard Drives
    2 TB Samsung 990 EVO 2 TB Samsung 1 TB SATA ST1000
    PSU
    HP 800 Watt
    Case
    HP
    Cooling
    Water
    Keyboard
    Logo Tech G 213
    Mouse
    Logi Tech 502
    Browser
    FireFox
    Antivirus
    MS Defender / Malwarebytes Prem.
    Other Info
    Omen 45SL purchased from HP 12 2022 - Brother Printer MFC-L2700DW APC 500 Back UPS Macrium Reflect Home 8.1 25H2 Oct 2025 KEK CA 2023 cert April 2026
You should be able to restore a deleted folder from the Windows 11 Start Menu
by checking the Recycle Bin (though Ive never personally done that)
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 (up to date)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel i5 12400
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Z690 UA
    Memory
    Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    On Board the Z690
    Sound Card
    On Board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    43" Samsung tu7000
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1440
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG SSD 1TB NVMe M.2
    PSU
    Thermaltake smart 500w 80+
    Case
    LIAN LANCOOL_205M
    Cooling
    Bunch of fans . . . :o) (lights dont work)
    Keyboard
    Unicomp: Ultra Classic White Buckling Spring USB
    Mouse
    M510
    Internet Speed
    50mbps on Ethernet
    Browser
    Fire Fox
    Antivirus
    Windows
    Other Info
    Love this computer but I still prefer Win-7 like I love my old Lazy Boy Recliner . . . it just feels better.
  • Operating System
    WIN-7-64BIT and Win-11 pro for testing on unsupported hardware
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Home built
    CPU
    i5-3570K CPU @ 3.40GHz, 3801 Mhz, 4 Core(s), 4 Logical Processor(s)
    Motherboard
    GA-Z77-HD3
    Memory
    16 GB - Crucial Ballistick 4GB PC3-14900 DDR3-1333 MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
    Sound Card
    On Board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS VP278
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    4 - internal Samsung 2.5" SSD, 1 WD HDD 7200 and some external drives
    PSU
    EVGA 550w
    Case
    Old Gygabyte Tower
    Cooling
    Yes
    Keyboard
    Unicomp - UNIOP4A USB (like the old IBM Model H that I started with)
    Mouse
    M510
    Internet Speed
    50mbps
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows
    Other Info
    The only thing it lack is USB-3.2 on the front face but it has 3.0 on the back
Sweaty said:
I would like to move some apps between the new folders, but also be able to remove and add new ones that are not already present in the folders.
Click to expand...

Groups, as in these? (Categories)

sz4q5TbRen.webp

  • To move: open the group and drag the file (shortcut) to another group & let the shortcut go - Kind of like a Mobile Phone or Tablet.
  • To duplicate: Hold down the CTRL key on your keyboard and drag the file (shortcut) to another group.
  • AND (I think) to create a new group/category, drag one shortcut on top of another & let it go to create a group/category.
  • To rename: right click on a shortcut, rename. May not work on some Windows Apps.
    • For most personally installed Apps/Software you could try renaming shortcuts via the following Start Menu locations:

%ProgramData%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs

%AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs

If you deleted a group, you may have to re-create the Start Menu Group. Unless you deleted the app shortcuts, as you don't know what they are, we won't know. I don't use the Windows Start Menu so I can't advise on anything else.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 Build 26200.8524
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Sin-built 2013
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4770K CPU @ 3.50GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus VI Formula
    Memory
    32.0 GB of I forget and the box is in storage.
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte nVidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super OC 6GB
    Sound Card
    Onboard thingy
    Monitor(s) Displays
    5 x LG 25MS500-B - 1 x 24MK430H-B - 1 x Wacom Pro 22" Touch Screen Tablet
    Screen Resolution
    All over the place
    Hard Drives
    Too many to list.
    OS on Samsung 1TB 870 QVO SATA
    PSU
    Silverstone 1500
    Case
    NZXT Phantom 820 Full-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D15 Elite Class Dual Tower CPU Cooler / 6 x EziDIY 120mm / 2 x Corsair 140mm somethings / 1 x 140mm Thermaltake something / 2 x 200mm Corsair.
    Keyboard
    Corsair K95 / Logitech diNovo Edge Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech: G402 / G502 / Mx Masters / Mx Air Cordless
    Internet Speed
    2000/500Mbps
    Browser
    All sorts
    Antivirus
    Kaspersky Premium
    Other Info
    ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
    TP-Link BE9300 WiFi 7 Bluetooth 5.4 (Archer TBE550E)
    TP-Link TX201 V1 2.5GB Lan

    Grandstream HT812 - VoIP
    ASUS DSL-AX82U - Mesh
    ASUS RT-AC68U - Mesh
    ASUS RT-BE88U Router

    Brother MFC-L2880DW Printer

    I’m on a horse.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 Build 26200.8524
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    LENOVO Yoga 7 14IRL8 - 7i EVO OLED 14" Touchscreen i5 12 Core 16GB/512GB
    CPU
    Intel Core 12th Gen i5-1240P Processor (1.7 - 4.4GHz)
    Memory
    16GB LPDDR5 RAM
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Xe Graphics Processor
    Sound Card
    Optimized with Dolby Atmos®
    Screen Resolution
    QHD 2880 x 1800 OLED
    Hard Drives
    M.2 512GB
    Antivirus
    Defender / Malwarebytes
    Other Info
    …still on a horse.
antspants said:
Groups, as in these? (Categories)

View attachment 161029

  • To move: open the group and drag the file (shortcut) to another group & let the shortcut go - Kind of like a Mobile Phone or Tablet.
  • To duplicate: Hold down the CTRL key on your keyboard and drag the file (shortcut) to another group.
  • AND (I think) to create a new group/category, drag one shortcut on top of another & let it go to create a group/category.
  • To rename: right click on a shortcut, rename. May not work on some Windows Apps.
    • For most personally installed Apps/Software you could try renaming shortcuts via the following Start Menu locations:

%ProgramData%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs

%AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs

If you deleted a group, you may have to re-create the Start Menu Group. Unless you deleted the app shortcuts, as you don't know what they are, we won't know. I don't use the Windows Start Menu so I can't advise on anything else.
Click to expand...
Thank you for your interest in my problems 😊

I have tried countless options, but I have not been able to get any useful results.

I have also tried to pull a shortcut from an open group, but I am not allowed to do that at all.

I am completely stuck.

Regards,
Sweaty
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Is your user account an admin account?
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 Build 26200.8524
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Sin-built 2013
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4770K CPU @ 3.50GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus VI Formula
    Memory
    32.0 GB of I forget and the box is in storage.
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte nVidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super OC 6GB
    Sound Card
    Onboard thingy
    Monitor(s) Displays
    5 x LG 25MS500-B - 1 x 24MK430H-B - 1 x Wacom Pro 22" Touch Screen Tablet
    Screen Resolution
    All over the place
    Hard Drives
    Too many to list.
    OS on Samsung 1TB 870 QVO SATA
    PSU
    Silverstone 1500
    Case
    NZXT Phantom 820 Full-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D15 Elite Class Dual Tower CPU Cooler / 6 x EziDIY 120mm / 2 x Corsair 140mm somethings / 1 x 140mm Thermaltake something / 2 x 200mm Corsair.
    Keyboard
    Corsair K95 / Logitech diNovo Edge Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech: G402 / G502 / Mx Masters / Mx Air Cordless
    Internet Speed
    2000/500Mbps
    Browser
    All sorts
    Antivirus
    Kaspersky Premium
    Other Info
    ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
    TP-Link BE9300 WiFi 7 Bluetooth 5.4 (Archer TBE550E)
    TP-Link TX201 V1 2.5GB Lan

    Grandstream HT812 - VoIP
    ASUS DSL-AX82U - Mesh
    ASUS RT-AC68U - Mesh
    ASUS RT-BE88U Router

    Brother MFC-L2880DW Printer

    I’m on a horse.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 Build 26200.8524
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    LENOVO Yoga 7 14IRL8 - 7i EVO OLED 14" Touchscreen i5 12 Core 16GB/512GB
    CPU
    Intel Core 12th Gen i5-1240P Processor (1.7 - 4.4GHz)
    Memory
    16GB LPDDR5 RAM
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Xe Graphics Processor
    Sound Card
    Optimized with Dolby Atmos®
    Screen Resolution
    QHD 2880 x 1800 OLED
    Hard Drives
    M.2 512GB
    Antivirus
    Defender / Malwarebytes
    Other Info
    …still on a horse.
Odd I have the new menu, and no icons can be dragged to other categories and you can't create new ones. I was under the impression Windows Automated this and it could not be modified.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 25H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Built
    CPU
    Intel i9 14900KF
    Motherboard
    ASUS Z790 ProArt Creator WiFi
    Memory
    64GB Corsair Vengeance RGB
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI 4090 Suprim X
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 x Asus 24". 1 x Asus 32"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080 & 2560 x 1440
    Hard Drives
    Multiple
    PSU
    Corsair 1200HX
    Case
    Corsair 7000D RGB
    Cooling
    Corsair H150I Capellix XT
    Keyboard
    Corsair K70 RGB PRO
    Mouse
    Corsair M55 RGB Pro
    Internet Speed
    1000Mbps
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Default
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 25H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Built
    CPU
    Intel i7 6800K
    Motherboard
    ASUS Z99 Deluxe
    Memory
    32GB DDR4 (Corsair)
    Graphics card(s)
    ASUS GTX 1080ti
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1x Viewsonic 24" 1x LG 19"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080 & 1600 x 900
    Hard Drives
    3 x SATA SSD
    PSU
    650W Gigabyte Bronze
    Case
    Coolermaster HAF-X
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-15 Chroma black
    Keyboard
    Generic RGB
    Mouse
    Microsoft Basic
    Internet Speed
    1000Mbps
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Default
PurSpyk!! said:
Odd I have the new menu, and no icons can be dragged to other categories and you can't create new ones. I was under the impression Windows Automated this and it could not be modified.
Click to expand...
I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one having the same problems as me 😊

I had also tried everything before I came here to the Forum with questions, but I thought I must have overlooked something. Apparently I haven't 😊 It's probably Microsoft, or maybe they were a little too quick on the trigger?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
PurSpyk!! said:
Odd I have the new menu, and no icons can be dragged to other categories and you can't create new ones. I was under the impression Windows Automated this and it could not be modified.
Click to expand...

You may be correct. It was a couple of weeks ago I was playing with it. Looking at it now, I think I may have been creating Folder Groups in the Pinned area at the top.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 Build 26200.8524
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Sin-built 2013
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4770K CPU @ 3.50GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus VI Formula
    Memory
    32.0 GB of I forget and the box is in storage.
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte nVidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super OC 6GB
    Sound Card
    Onboard thingy
    Monitor(s) Displays
    5 x LG 25MS500-B - 1 x 24MK430H-B - 1 x Wacom Pro 22" Touch Screen Tablet
    Screen Resolution
    All over the place
    Hard Drives
    Too many to list.
    OS on Samsung 1TB 870 QVO SATA
    PSU
    Silverstone 1500
    Case
    NZXT Phantom 820 Full-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D15 Elite Class Dual Tower CPU Cooler / 6 x EziDIY 120mm / 2 x Corsair 140mm somethings / 1 x 140mm Thermaltake something / 2 x 200mm Corsair.
    Keyboard
    Corsair K95 / Logitech diNovo Edge Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech: G402 / G502 / Mx Masters / Mx Air Cordless
    Internet Speed
    2000/500Mbps
    Browser
    All sorts
    Antivirus
    Kaspersky Premium
    Other Info
    ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
    TP-Link BE9300 WiFi 7 Bluetooth 5.4 (Archer TBE550E)
    TP-Link TX201 V1 2.5GB Lan

    Grandstream HT812 - VoIP
    ASUS DSL-AX82U - Mesh
    ASUS RT-AC68U - Mesh
    ASUS RT-BE88U Router

    Brother MFC-L2880DW Printer

    I’m on a horse.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 Build 26200.8524
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    LENOVO Yoga 7 14IRL8 - 7i EVO OLED 14" Touchscreen i5 12 Core 16GB/512GB
    CPU
    Intel Core 12th Gen i5-1240P Processor (1.7 - 4.4GHz)
    Memory
    16GB LPDDR5 RAM
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Xe Graphics Processor
    Sound Card
    Optimized with Dolby Atmos®
    Screen Resolution
    QHD 2880 x 1800 OLED
    Hard Drives
    M.2 512GB
    Antivirus
    Defender / Malwarebytes
    Other Info
    …still on a horse.
The new default Category view automatically groups your apps by category for quick access to your most used categories and apps. So, if your most used apps are Outlook and Solitaire, you can expect those apps to bubble up to the top in their respective categories. Categories are formed when there are at least 3 apps in each respective category. Otherwise, they will remain in the “Other” category.

Change Start Menu All apps View in Windows 11​

Click to expand...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
This is why I use Grid view cause Category won't let me arrange as I want.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 25H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Alienware 18 Area-51
    CPU
    Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX (24-Core)
    Motherboard
    Alienware
    Memory
    64GB DDR5 6400MT/s
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 and Intel UHD Graphics
    Sound Card
    Onboard, Realtek high-performance Audio chips (ALC3329 & ALC1708))
    Monitor(s) Displays
    300HZ 18-inch QHD 500 nit Comfort View+
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1600
    Hard Drives
    2TB NVMe M.2 PCIe Gen 5 SSD
    Case
    Magnesium Alloy
    Cooling
    Advanced Cryo-Tech Quad-Fan Cooling system & large vapor chamber
    Keyboard
    Cherry MX ultra low profile mechanical keyboard with per key AlienFX RGB lighting
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 4
    Browser
    Vivaldi (main), Firefox, Chrome, Edge
    Antivirus
    MS Defender and Malwarebytes Free
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 25H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Microsoft Surface Laptop 7
    CPU
    Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite (12 Core) ARM based CPU
    Motherboard
    Microsoft Corp.
    Memory
    16GB LPDDR5
    Graphics card(s)
    Qualcomm Adreno X1-85
    Sound Card
    Omnisonic speakers with Dolby Atmos spatial sound
    Monitor(s) Displays
    120 Hz 13.8-inch 600 nit PixelSense Flow touchscreen
    Screen Resolution
    2304x1536
    Hard Drives
    1TB NVMe Gen 4 SSD
    Case
    Anodized Aluminum
    Cooling
    Traditional active cooling fan system
    Keyboard
    Mechanical QWERTY, backlit when in use
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 4 and Surface Arc Mouse
    Browser
    Vivaldi (main), Firefox, Chrome, Edge
    Antivirus
    MS Defender and Malwarebytes Free
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