Forum Discussion
Windows 11, Start button menu, make it show all apps by default
I upgraded to Windows 11 this week and I don't like the new Start button menu. I don't want "pinned" apps. I want to see All Apps in a list like before. Why don't we get the option to choose how we want things to look? So frustrating.
Barbara
To all the clowns that said Microsoft never listens....they have brought back the show all apps by default ability. Took way too long but better late than never! You'll have to wait for it to get released. Currently in an insider build.
You can access the "All Apps" list by clicking on the "Start" button (or pressing the Windows key) and then selecting "All apps" at the top-right corner of the menu. This will allow you to view all installed applications without going through the pinned section.
The easiest method is to simply press the Windows key and then type in the name of the desired software. Then press return and the desired program will start. It is a little bit more difficult to switch back to Windows 10. But I will definitely do it. DirectX 12 Ultimate is also available on Windows 10, otherwise Windows 11 has nothing that Windows 10 didn't already have (at least no absolutely necessary tools). The easiest way is to choose a Linux distro that has a user interface you like. Then just get to grips with Linux for a few weeks and you'll be much less annoyed afterwards.
OMNIDROID2995Sometimes we don't remember the exact name of the app. Took me ages to remember the name Handbrake instead of "that pineapple app".
For me the easiest method was installing Windhawk with the "Show all apps by default in start menu" Mod. Boom, done. I also use that app to be able to re-arrange taskbar thumbnails (Taskbar Thumbnail Reorder).I know you left this reply a year ago, but I just wanted to thank you for writing this and for introducing me to Windhawk. 😺
- You can try searching online for ways to customize the Start button menu or consider switching to a third-party software that can provide a more customizable experience.
- I thinkk these two suggestions are a bit, um, obvious !
@Everyone - Almost 8 billion people on this planet. Obviously MS can't give everyone what they want but of course they listen to customers (within reason). This post is about the start menu. If all you're going to do is hate on MS then take it somewhere else.
Microsoft hasn't addressed the issue? Am I getting that right?
- Is the pope Catholic !
- I understand that frustration, I think it should be an option to all apps in the Start menu. But to be fair, Windows 10 Start also required that you click a button to see all apps.
Personally, I like the new Start menu. I mainly use a handful of apps that I keep in the taskbar. Secondary apps I keep organized in folders in the Start menu so they don't take too much space. And I find the recommended section handy to access recent documents along with the additional folders you can add next to the Power button.
However, I do occasionally wish I could access All apps more easily from the keyboard. A shortcut (kind of..) I found is to hit the Windows keyy and then the Tab key twice to navigate to the All apps button, and then hit the Space or Enter key to select All apps. So just three extra quick keystrokes.I have been waiting since beta/dev versions of 11 came out. Sent in constant recommendation to allow Windows 10 Start Menu. Even if I had to go into control panel a make a change to a setting would be agreeable.
I wonder what age group the focus groups were. Oh maybe they forgot to ask people who have been using Windows since day 1.
The best solution to all your problems unfortunately requires a lot of time to learn and change. But it is possible. I also had a Windows 11 upgrade forced on me this night. At first I thought, "Well, I'll give it a try".
However, I'm not happy because of the very reason you're complaining about here and the constraints Microsoft is putting on us.
I am a bit deeper in the Linux matter and therefore use "Manjaro".
For beginners I recommend "Linux Mint".
However, I would recommend that you familiarize yourself with the Bash (Like Microsoft CMD/Powershell).
Like this:
- learn the basic Bash commands
- learn the package manager of your Linuxdistribution
- check if there are Linux versions of theprograms you use
- install Steam and create an account atValve (to use Proton for all other Windows
programs)
If you have an Nvidia graphics chip, it can lead to high CPU loads with multimedia. The driver installation is also a bit more difficult. Nvidia is unfortunately a bit sloppy. But it gets better from year to year.
EVERYTHING AFTER THAT IS EXPERIENCE.
You can still use Windows on the side. I will try the next few days to get rid of Windows completely. With Linux I can expect costly interruptions in time. Microsoft Windows forces me to stay awake at night purely by chance.
- I created an account just to add my frustration with the windows 11 start menu here. It is the worst UX I have ever experienced in my life. Having no option to default to all apps is incredibly short sighted and just goes to show you that MS is opting for a user hostile approach that allows them to jam more ads into the start menu that the average person won't be able to contend with.
- So far, this is the best answer I've been able to find for getting Windows 11 to work correctly.
https://www.intowindows.com/how-to-show-all-apps-by-default-in-windows-11-start-menu/- I installed it and it worked like a champ. Thank you!
OK, everybody seems to like this, but it does not work for me. I download the installation and run it. It seems to run fine (no errors) and when I right click on Taskbar Properties I can change the default to Windows 10. I restart to make sure I have a clean start and I get ---- the same old Windows 11 default of Pinned apps on the start button. The Taskbar appearance has changed, so I know that something has happened, but the one thing that I wanted has not changed?????
John
Did you right click the task bar, click properties, click on the start menu (4th down in the list?) and change the settings in there? Set it to win 10, then should change..
If, like me you dont use the tiles on the right of the windows start menu, just right click and remove from start menu.
I've now just got a "A-Z" list on my start button with the user and power buttons.. Brilliant 🙂
Thanks to The_PC_Clinic
Why is everything not as simple as this? Got my W10 start layout back.. Many thanks for pointing to this great little tool
- The usual story from my experience.
New version once again laughing like the evil at the usage of familiar habits...
Bill payed, Gates closed, accept to spend the rest of your life behind bars with dazzling tasks..
