How to Rename App Folders in Windows 11 Start Menu
App folders in the Windows 11 Start Menu let you group related programs together so you can find them faster. You can rename any folder in Windows 11 version 22H2 or later with just two clicks to keep your app list neat and organized.
Click the “Edit name” button that appears when you open a created app folder. Then, type your desired name into the text box and press Enter to save. This allows you to easily organize your Start Menu by task or type.
Start Menu App Grouping vs. File System Folders
Start Menu app folders in Windows 11 are for organizing shortcuts only, not actual program files stored on your computer.
Why do this?
Organizing apps into labeled folders keeps your workspace clean and helps you launch favorite tools faster.
What happens when done?
Neatly categorized Start menus let you group apps by task or type, making navigation much smoother.
How to Rename App Folders in 🪟 Windows 11 Start Menu
To rename app folders in the Windows 11 Start menu , open the menu, click the folder you want to change, and click the text box below the icons. Type your new label and press Enter on your keyboard. This keeps your apps organized and makes your most-used programs much faster to find every day.
- Open your Start menu .
- Create a folder by dragging one app icon on top of another.
- Click on the folder to open it.
- Click the “Edit name” button.
Once “Edit name” is clicked, a text box appears at the top of the folder.
- Type your preferred name into the box.
- Press the Enter key on your keyboard to save the new name.
Advanced Management: Shell:AppsFolder
Press Windows Key + R, type Shell:AppsFolder, and press Enter to open a special directory containing every installed application shortcut in one location.
Troubleshooting and Permissions
If folder renaming fails, you likely lack the administrative rights needed to modify system protections in sensitive directories.
Summary
Sorting apps by category through Start Menu folder renaming speeds up daily workflows without altering underlying computer files.
Can I rename pre-installed 🪟 Windows 11 app folders?
Can I rename pre-installed Windows 11 app folders?
Custom folders created in the Pinned section are fully editable. System-level folders and core app directories cannot be renamed directly, as the operating system protects them to prevent instability.
Does renaming an app folder break the application shortcut?
No. Renaming a folder in the Start Menu only changes the display label. It does not affect the file path or the target of the shortcut. Applications continue to launch normally regardless of the assigned folder name.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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