How to Rename App Folders in Windows 11 Start Menu

Is your Windows 11 Start menu feeling messy? You can now group your apps into folders and give them custom names. This makes it much easier to find the tools you use every day.

Start Menu App Grouping vs. File System Folders

It is important to understand the difference between the Start Menu and your actual computer files. When you group apps in the Start Menu, you are creating a visual shortcut container. This does not change the actual file location on your hard drive. Renaming these folders only changes how they appear in your menu. It does not move or rename the actual program files stored in C:\Program Files or C:\ProgramData.

Why do this?

Organizing your apps into labeled folders keeps your computer workspace clean and helps you launch your favorite tools faster.

What happens when done?

Your Start menu will be neatly categorized, allowing you to group apps by task or type, making navigation much smoother.

How to Rename App Folders in Windows 11 Start Menu

You must be using Windows 11 Build 22579 or newer to see these options. If you are not in the Insider Preview program, you will need to wait for a future public update.

1. Open your Start menu.
2. Create a folder by dragging one app icon on top of another.
3. Click on the folder to open it.
4. Click the “Edit name” button.

Once you click “Edit name,” a text box will appear at the top of the folder.

5. Type your preferred name into the box.
6. Press the Enter key on your keyboard to save the new name.

Advanced Management: Shell:AppsFolder

Pro Tip: You can view every application installed on your system by using the hidden Shell:AppsFolder command. Press Win + R on your keyboard, type shell:appsfolder, and hit Enter. This window shows all shortcuts in one place. While you can create shortcuts here, renaming items in this folder does not always change the name in the Start Menu, as the Start Menu uses its own database for pinned items.

Troubleshooting and Permissions

Sometimes you cannot rename a folder. This usually happens if the folder contains system-protected shortcuts. If you are trying to rename folders inside C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs, you will need Administrative privileges. Right-click the folder, select Properties, and check the Security tab to ensure your user account has full control.

Summary

Renaming folders in the Windows 11 Start menu is a great way to personalize your computer. By using this feature, you can group apps by category, such as “Work,” “Games,” or “Media.” This helps you find your tools quickly and efficiently. Always remember that Start Menu grouping is separate from your actual file system directories like C:\Windows\System32 or AppData.