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How to Remove Common Program Groups From Start Menu
Quick ways to manage your Start Menu groups listing
3 min. read
Updated onOctober 5, 2023
updated onOctober 5, 2023
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Whenever you install apps in Windows, you’ll often find yourself with more programs than you know what to do with. These apps can be useful if you want an easy way to access certain tasks or settings in your Start Menu. However, they may not be needed for everyone.
If you’re one of those users who like a decluttered Start Menu interface, you can take charge of what appears here, and we show you how to achieve this by removing common program groups.
How do I remove common program groups from the Start Menu?
1. By using the Group Policy Editor
2. By using the Registry Editor
How do I add common program groups to the Start Menu?
Simply reverse-engineer the above steps if you wish for the common apps to make a comeback to your Start Menu. For the Group Policy option, set the option toDisabled,and for the Registry Editor, set the Value data to 0.
By removing all common program groups, remember that all the changes apply to all user profiles on that PC. This means that features like Homegroup will be unnecessary because you can’t share files anymore. You might as well go ahead andremove Homegroup, especially if it’s slowing down your device.
Hopefully, you now only have apps you want to see on your Start Menu. Should you encounter any issues with default apps, it is best touninstall the pre-installed apps, especially if you rarely use them.
And if it’s the Windows 11 interface that is giving you the ick, you can change that too. Most users prefer theclassic Start Menu, so don’t hesitate to revert to old ways.
Do you prefer the common program groups or to disable them? Let us know in the comment section below.
More about the topics:Fix Start Menu,Windows 11
Claire Moraa
Windows Software Expert
Claire has a knack for solving problems and improving the quality of life for those around her. She’s driven by rationality, curiosity, and simplicity, and always eager to learn more about Microsoft’s products. With a background in teaching and reviewing, she breaks down complex topics into easily understandable articles, focusing mostly on Windows 11, errors, and software.
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Claire Moraa
Windows Software Expert
With a background in teaching and reviewing, she breaks down complex topics into easily understandable articles, focusing mostly on Windows 11 errors.
Reviewed byAlex Serban
