Windows 11 has introduced a refreshed look with elegant design changes, but the revamped Start Menu has been a topic of debate among users. While some appreciate its simplicity, others miss the extensive customization options available in Windows 10.
Though live tiles and app groups are no longer part of the Start Menu, Windows 11 allows you to create folders within the pinned apps section, providing a way to organize your apps more effectively.
To declutter your pinned apps without unpinning favorites, you can group related apps into folders. This feature helps categorize applications, such as placing all your games or productivity tools in separate folders, making navigation more streamlined.
To create a folder in the Start Menu, click on the 'Start' icon on the taskbar to open the Start Menu. In the pinned apps section, find the first app you want to include in the folder.
Step 1: Click and hold the app's icon, then drag it over another app you wish to include in the same folder. When the bottom app appears highlighted, release the mouse button.
A new folder will automatically be created, containing both apps. In its minimized state, the folder will display the icons of the included apps.
Step 2: To view the apps inside the folder, click on the folder icon. The folder will expand above the Start Menu, showing all the apps it contains.
Step 3: To add more apps to the folder, simply drag additional apps onto the folder icon while the Start Menu is open.
Please note that in the minimized state, the folder will display up to four app icons. If more apps are added, only the first four will be visible on the folder icon.
Step 4: To rearrange apps within the folder, click on the folder to expand it. Then, drag and drop the apps to reorder them as desired.
Step 5: If you want to remove an app from the folder, expand the folder, then drag the app out and drop it anywhere in the pinned apps section. The app will be removed from the folder and appear separately in the Start Menu.
To delete a folder entirely, remove all apps from it except one. When only one app remains, the folder will automatically dissolve, and the app will appear individually in the pinned apps section.
Currently, Windows 11 does not allow users to name these folders. Microsoft is expected to introduce the ability to name and rename folders in future updates, enhancing the customization options further.
Folders in the Start Menu add a layer of organization to Windows 11, helping you keep your applications tidy while retaining the modern aesthetic of the updated interface. While it may not replace the extensive customization of Windows 10, this feature offers a practical solution for managing your apps efficiently.
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