Press Win + R , type %ProgramData%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs , and hit Enter .
Press Win + R , type %AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs , and hit Enter . Special Start Menu Folders windows 11 start menu folder location
The Windows 11 Start Menu content is drawn from two primary folder locations on your hard drive, depending on whether the items are meant for all users or just your specific account . Primary Folder Locations System-Wide (All Users): Items here appear for every user on the PC. C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs Personal (Current User Only): Items here are unique to your login. %AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs Note: You can paste the above path directly into the File Explorer address bar to open it. Key Considerations Microsoft Store Apps: Many apps installed via the Microsoft Store do not have traditional shortcuts in these folders. They are managed differently by Windows and are typically stored in the hidden Primary Folder Locations System-Wide (All Users): Items here
Paste into ( Win + R ) or File Explorer address bar. Key Considerations Microsoft Store Apps: Many apps installed
Shortcuts located here appear in the Start menu for every person who logs into the computer. Path: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs
The Windows 11 Start menu may feel like a single, unified interface, but its content is actually pulled from multiple distinct system and user directories. Depending on whether an app was installed for all users or just one, its "source" folder will differ.