Forum Discussion
How to Remove These Annoying Category Folders in the Windows 11 Start Menu?
Need help! Many category folders (such as "Productivity tools," "Creativity," "Games," etc.) have automatically appeared in my Start Menu, grouping the application icons that were previously displaye...
Those category folders in the Windows 11 Start menu can’t be turned off. They’re part of Microsoft’s new Start menu layout and are automatically applied.
What you can do:
- Click View (top-right of Start) and switch between Category and List view
- Use List view to see all apps alphabetically without folders
- Pin apps you use often to the Pinned section to avoid categories
What you can’t do:
- There’s no setting, registry option, or policy to permanently disable the category folders
- They will reappear if Microsoft keeps this layout enabled
Summary:
Category folders in the Windows 11 Start menu are by design and can’t be removed. The only workaround is switching to List view or pinning apps.