The Start menu is one of the most frequently used features in Windows 10, providing quick access to our favorite apps, files, and settings. However, have you ever wondered why some of your installed apps don’t appear in the Start menu? This can be frustrating, especially when you need to access an app quickly. Fortunately, Windows 10 provides an easy way to show all apps in the Start menu, and we’re here to guide you through the process.
Understanding the Start Menu in Windows 10
Before we dive into the solution, let’s take a moment to understand how the Start menu works in Windows 10. The Start menu is divided into three main sections: the left rail, the middle section, and the All apps list.
- The left rail displays your most frequently used apps, as well as any folders or groups you’ve created.
- The middle section shows your recently installed apps, as well as any apps that you’ve pinned to the Start menu.
- The All apps list, which is what we’re interested in, displays all the apps installed on your system.
By default, Windows 10 only shows a subset of your installed apps in the All apps list. This is because the operating system tries to prioritize the apps you use most frequently. However, this can sometimes lead to important apps being hidden from view.
The Problem: Hidden Apps in the Start Menu
So, why do some apps not appear in the Start menu? There are a few reasons for this:
- App installation issues: Sometimes, apps may not install correctly, which can prevent them from appearing in the Start menu.
- App settings: Certain apps may have settings that prevent them from showing up in the Start menu.
- Windows 10 optimization: Windows 10 may prioritize certain apps over others, causing some apps to be hidden from view.
Whatever the reason, it’s frustrating to have to search for an app or navigate through the File Explorer to find it. That’s why we need to explore ways to show all apps in the Start menu.
Solution: Show All Apps in the Start Menu
Now that we’ve understood the problem, let’s move on to the solution. To show all apps in the Start menu, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Open the Start Menu
Click on the Start button located at the bottom left corner of your screen. This will open the Start menu.
Step 2: Click on the All Apps Button
In the Start menu, click on the “All apps” button located at the top right corner of the screen. This will open the All apps list.
Step 3: Click on the “Show all” Option
In the All apps list, click on the “Show all” option located at the top right corner of the screen. This will display all the apps installed on your system.
Alternatively, you can also use the Windows key + Tab to open the All apps list directly.
Troubleshooting: What to Do When Apps Are Still Missing
In some cases, even after following the above steps, some apps may still not appear in the Start menu. Here are a few troubleshooting steps to help you resolve the issue:
Check App Settings
Some apps may have settings that prevent them from showing up in the Start menu. Check the app’s settings to see if there’s an option to show the app in the Start menu.
Check App Installation
If an app is not installed correctly, it may not appear in the Start menu. Try reinstalling the app to see if that resolves the issue.
Check for Windows 10 Updates
Sometimes, Windows 10 updates can cause issues with app visibility in the Start menu. Check for any pending updates and install them to see if that resolves the issue.
Customizing the Start Menu: Tips and Tricks
Now that we’ve shown you how to show all apps in the Start menu, let’s explore some tips and tricks to customize the Start menu to your liking:
Pinning Apps to the Start Menu
You can pin your favorite apps to the Start menu for quick access. To do this, right-click on an app in the All apps list and select “Pin to Start”.
Creating Folders in the Start Menu
You can create folders in the Start menu to organize your apps. To do this, right-click on an app in the All apps list, select “More”, and then click on “Create folder”.
Resizing the Start Menu
You can resize the Start menu to fit your screen. To do this, click and drag the top edge of the Start menu upwards or downwards.
Conclusion
In conclusion, showing all apps in the Start menu in Windows 10 is a straightforward process that requires just a few clicks. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to view all your installed apps in the Start menu. Remember to troubleshoot any issues that may arise and customize the Start menu to your liking. Happy computing!
What is the default behavior of the Start menu in Windows 10?
The default behavior of the Start menu in Windows 10 is to only show a limited number of frequently used apps and recently installed apps. This is intended to provide quick access to the apps you use most often, but it can be frustrating if you need to find an app that is not listed.
However, this default behavior can be changed to show all installed apps in the Start menu. This can be done by following a few simple steps, which will be outlined in this guide. By showing all apps in the Start menu, you can easily find and access any app you need, without having to search for it or navigate through multiple menus.
Why can’t I find an app in the Start menu?
If you can’t find an app in the Start menu, it may be because it is not among the frequently used apps or recently installed apps that are shown by default. Alternatively, the app may not be installed correctly or may be hidden from the Start menu.
To resolve this issue, you can follow the steps outlined in this guide to show all apps in the Start menu. This will ensure that you can find any app you need, regardless of how frequently you use it or when it was installed.
How do I show all apps in the Start menu?
To show all apps in the Start menu, you need to click on the “All apps” button at the top right corner of the Start menu. This will expand the Start menu to show all installed apps, including those that are not frequently used or recently installed.
Alternatively, you can also use the Windows key + Tab to open the All Apps view directly. From here, you can browse through all your installed apps and find the one you need.
Can I customize the Start menu to show specific apps?
Yes, you can customize the Start menu to show specific apps by pinning them to the Start menu or taskbar. This will ensure that your favorite apps are always easily accessible, without having to search for them in the All Apps view.
To pin an app to the Start menu or taskbar, simply right-click on the app’s icon and select “Pin to Start” or “Pin to taskbar”. You can also use the drag-and-drop method to pin apps to the taskbar.
Will showing all apps in the Start menu slow down my computer?
Showing all apps in the Start menu will not slow down your computer. The Start menu is designed to handle a large number of apps, and displaying all of them will not have a significant impact on your computer’s performance.
In fact, showing all apps in the Start menu can actually improve your productivity by providing quick access to all your installed apps. This can save you time and effort, and make it easier to find the apps you need.
Can I hide apps from the Start menu?
Yes, you can hide apps from the Start menu by right-clicking on the app’s icon and selecting “Unpin from Start”. This will remove the app from the Start menu, but it will still be available in the All Apps view.
Alternatively, you can also use the Windows Settings app to hide apps from the Start menu. To do this, go to Settings > Personalization > Start, and toggle off the switch next to “Show recently added apps”.
Is showing all apps in the Start menu a new feature in Windows 10?
No, showing all apps in the Start menu is not a new feature in Windows 10. This feature has been available in previous versions of Windows, including Windows 8 and Windows 7.
However, the Start menu in Windows 10 has been redesigned to provide a more streamlined and personalized experience. The default behavior of only showing frequently used and recently installed apps is intended to provide quick access to your most used apps, while the All Apps view provides a comprehensive list of all installed apps.