How to change Start Menu all apps view in Windows 11

What is the “All Apps” View?

The All apps view in Windows 11 is a complete alphabetical list of every program installed on your computer. You can use the windows 11 start menu ⊞ list view to find software that is not pinned to your main screen or listed in your recent files, tracking down any application you need.

• Pinned: Apps you choose to keep visible and easy to access.
• Recommended: Apps or files Windows thinks you might want to open soon.
• All apps: This section shows every single program installed on your computer.

The "All apps" section in Windows 11 displays every program installed on your computer. You can change how Windows 11 shows this program list in at least three different ways, affecting how you find and open your applications.

• Category View: This is the default view. Windows groups apps by type, like “Creative apps” or “Utilities.” If a category has at least three apps, it shows up. Otherwise, apps go into an “Other” category.
• Grid View: This shows your apps in a grid, sorted alphabetically. It’s good for quickly scanning your programs.
• List View: This is a simple, alphabetical list of all your apps.

Windows typically remembers your last chosen view. However, if you want to enforce a specific view or if the standard method isn’t working, the Registry Editor offers a solution.

Opening the Registry Editor

Exercise caution while editing the registry, as incorrect changes can disrupt Windows.

Step 1Open the Run Box

Access this box using one of these methods:

• Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard at the same time.
• Right-click the Start button and choose Run from the menu.

A small window will appear, featuring a box labeled "Open:".

Step 2Type the Command

In the "Open:" box, type the following command:

regedit

Step 3Press Enter or Click OK

After typing the command, press the Enter key or click OK. A permission prompt might appear; click Yes to proceed.

Only change settings if you know what you're doing. Follow these steps exactly to stay safe.

Finding the Right Setting in the Registry

Now that you're in the Registry Editor, find the specific setting for the Start menu's "All apps" view.

Step 4Go to the Correct Location

Open Registry Editor (a tool for changing advanced system settings) and find the correct folder path to set up your windows 11 start menu list view. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Start in the left sidebar to find the setting you need to change.

Go to this path:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Start

After reaching this location, look for a setting named AllAppsViewMode in the right-hand section.

Changing Your "All Apps" View

Now configure Windows to use your preferred view.

Step 5Change the View Setting

You can change your windows 11 start menu list view by modifying the AllAppsViewMode value in Registry Editor. Double-click the setting and type 0 for category view, 1 for grid view, or 2 for list view to switch how your installed programs appear.

Double-click on AllAppsViewMode. A small window will open for "Value data:". Enter the number that corresponds to your desired view:

• For Category View (Default): Enter 0.
• For Grid View: Enter 1.
• For List View: Enter 2.

Enter only the number (0, 1, or 2). The "Base" should typically be set to "Hexadecimal." Click OK after entering your number.

Step 6Close Registry Editor and Restart Explorer

Restart Windows Explorer (the process managing your taskbar and desktop) to apply the change. Open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc, find Windows Explorer in the list, and click Restart to apply the change.

To apply your change, restart Windows File Explorer. This program manages your taskbar, desktop icons, and Start menu, so restarting it makes the changes visible without rebooting your entire computer.

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Task Manager.
• In Task Manager, find Windows Explorer under the "Processes" tab.
• Right-click on Windows Explorer.
• Select Restart from the menu.

Your taskbar and desktop icons disappear for a moment and then return, indicating that the Windows Explorer process has restarted. This restart is a necessary step when you make certain changes to your Windows settings.

Step 7Check Your Start Menu

Open your Start menu and click the All apps button. Your applications should now appear in the view you selected (Category, Grid, or List).

Summary

You can switch to a windows 11 start menu list view by editing a single value in Registry Editor and restarting Windows Explorer. This quick registry tweak lets you replace the default grid layout with a simple list, category view, or grid layout depending on your preference.