Organize All Apps List in Windows 8

The Windows 8 Start Menu and Application Organization

The introduction of Windows 8 presented a somewhat cumbersome change to the Start menu, effectively flattening the traditional programs list into a single "All Apps" view.

A significant issue arose as numerous applications hadn't been optimized for this altered interface.

Consequently, the "All Apps" list often became cluttered with redundant shortcuts, including links to help files, web pages, and uninstallation routines.

Improving Application Management in Windows 8.1

Windows 8.1 addressed this concern by allowing the Start button to directly access the "All Apps" list.

This functionality underscored the importance of maintaining a well-structured and organized "All Apps" list for efficient navigation.

The shortcuts displayed within this list are sourced from the conventional Start menu folders, offering a degree of familiarity and control.

Proper organization of these folders is crucial.
A streamlined "All Apps" list enhances usability.

Therefore, taking the time to curate the contents of these folders can significantly improve the user experience in Windows 8.1.

Deleting Shortcuts

Removing a shortcut is a straightforward process. Simply right-click the desired shortcut within the All Apps list and choose "Open File Location" from the toolbar that appears.

This action will automatically launch the Start menu folder containing the shortcut. You can then delete the shortcut just as you would delete any other file.

Shortcut Locations

Windows utilizes two distinct folders for its shortcuts. One folder applies system-wide, while the other is unique to your individual user account.

Deleting a shortcut from the system-wide Start menu folder requires administrator privileges, prompting a UAC (User Account Control) confirmation. This deletion will also remove the shortcut from the Start menus of all other user accounts on the computer.

Upon returning to your Start screen, the removed shortcuts will no longer be visible in your apps list. Repeating this procedure will help streamline your All Apps list.

What Shortcuts Can Be Removed?

Consider deleting shortcuts to websites or help files that you rarely access. Uninstaller shortcuts can also be safely removed.

In many cases, you can right-click an application in the All Apps list and select Uninstall to remove the program directly from Windows 8. If this option isn't available, the program can still be uninstalled through the Control Panel.

By managing your shortcuts effectively, you can maintain a cleaner and more organized All Apps experience.

Arranging Desktop Application Shortcuts

Windows utilizes two distinct locations for storing Start menu shortcuts. Consequently, organizing your Start menu necessitates modifications within both of these folders.

Access to these folders can be gained by right-clicking any shortcut contained within them and selecting "Open File Location." Alternatively, they are directly accessible at the following paths:

C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs
C:\Users\NAME\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs

These folders should be managed in a manner consistent with typical file system navigation. For instance, grouping all utility applications into a dedicated category might be desirable.

To achieve this, a new folder labeled "Utilities" would be created. Then, the desired shortcuts are moved into this folder, and the original shortcuts are deleted.

When shortcuts are placed within a folder, they will be displayed together in the Start menu under a heading corresponding to the folder’s name.

If shortcuts are positioned directly within the primary Start menu folder, they will be interspersed with the modern applications currently installed on your system.

Shortcut names can be altered just like any other file. Simply right-click the shortcut, select "Rename," and the change will be reflected in your All Apps list.

Creating Custom Application Shortcuts

It is also straightforward to integrate a shortcut for an application that doesn't automatically create one, such as a portable program or any other non-installing executable.

Begin by accessing your complete applications list. Then, right-click on an existing shortcut and choose the "Open File Location" option.

This action will reveal the Start menu folder. Within this folder, you are free to incorporate any desired shortcut. To add an executable file (.exe), simply copy it.

Right-click within the Start menu folder and select "Paste Shortcut" to generate the new shortcut.

The placement of the shortcut is flexible. Consider creating a dedicated folder to organize these custom additions.

By placing the shortcut within a new folder, it will be categorized into its own distinct section, mirroring the organization of standard desktop application shortcuts.

Eliminating Modern Applications

It is not possible to simply remove Windows Store applications from the comprehensive applications listing without fully uninstalling them. The 'All Apps' section functions as a directory of all installed Modern applications.

Consequently, to eliminate a Modern app from this display, a right-click followed by the uninstall process is required.

This action completely removes the application from your system.

Understanding the All Apps List

The 'All Apps' list serves as an inventory of every Modern app currently installed on your Windows operating system.

Unlike traditional desktop applications, these Modern apps cannot be hidden or removed from the list without undergoing the complete uninstallation procedure.

Therefore, the only method for decluttering the 'All Apps' view involves uninstalling unwanted applications.

Uninstalling a Modern App

Right-click on the application within the 'All Apps' list.
Select the "Uninstall" option from the context menu.
Confirm the uninstallation when prompted.

Following these steps will remove the Modern app and its associated files from your computer.

Applying Your Modifications

Occasionally, alterations weren't reflected instantly. A restart of the Explorer.exe process proved insufficient to trigger an update in some instances. The resolution involved logging out of the user account and subsequently logging back in – a step you might need to undertake if changes aren't applied without delay.

It's important to note that, similar to past Windows versions, users who personalized their Start menus will find ongoing organization necessary as new applications are installed.

Maintaining an Organized All Apps List

As you install new software, continued management of your shortcuts will be required to maintain order.

Ideally, software creators will reduce the number of unnecessary shortcuts included within their Start menu folders. This would contribute to a more streamlined and less cluttered All Apps list for all users.

A cleaner All Apps list would improve the user experience and reduce the need for frequent reorganization.

The goal is to provide a more efficient and user-friendly interface for accessing installed applications.