Windows 11 Show All Apps By Default: Start Menu Customization Guide

I spent my first Windows 11 week hunting for apps in that tiny pinned section. The fix to show everything by default is buried in settings, but it’s shockingly simple once you know where to look.

Between you and me, Microsoft’s Start menu changes frustrated even my dad—he rebuilt IBMs from scrap but struggled with this. The solution takes 30 seconds and doesn’t require registry edits or third-party tools.

You’ll get a full app list that actually makes sense, no more digging through folders or typing every program name. The change sticks across reboots and updates, unlike some temporary workarounds.

Works on any Windows 11 install, fresh or upgraded. Here’s how to set it and forget it.

What Youll Need

Step-by-Step Instructions for Showing All Apps by Default in Windows 11

Here’s the clean method I use to make the Start menu display your full app list immediately.

Right-click the Start button or press Win + I to open Settings. Navigate to Personalization, then select Start from the left sidebar. This is where all Start menu behaviors are configured.

If you don’t see the Start option immediately, ensure you’re in the Personalization section – it’s the third item down in the main Settings menu. The layout is consistent across all Windows 11 versions.

In the Start settings, look for the option labeled Show app list in Start menu. This toggle controls whether your full applications list appears by default or remains hidden behind the “All apps” button.

Slide the toggle to the On position. The change takes effect immediately – no restart required. You’ll notice the Start menu now opens directly to your complete app collection.

Click the Start button to test. The menu should now default to showing your full app list rather than the pinned items view. Your pinned apps will still appear at the top, but the complete alphabetical list loads automatically.

If the behavior doesn’t change, double-check that you didn’t accidentally adjust the wrong setting. The toggle must be in the On position and the setting must be applied to your user account.

While you’re in Start settings, consider adjusting related options. You can show more pinned items by changing the Pinned and Recommendations counts. I recommend keeping pinned items between 3-6 for best visibility.

Also verify that Show recently added apps is enabled if you want new installations to appear prominently. These small tweaks make the Start menu work exactly how you prefer.

If multiple people use the computer, each user must configure this setting individually. The Start menu behavior is tied to user profiles, not system-wide settings.

Log into each account and repeat Steps 1-3. This ensures everyone gets the same streamlined Start menu experience without having to hunt for their apps each time.

Tips and Common Mistakes

These practical pointers will help you avoid common issues when customizing your Start menu.

Settings Navigation: In Step 1, if you’re struggling to find the Personalization section, remember it’s the third option down in the main Settings menu. I’ve seen users overlook this because Windows 11’s layout can be subtle at first glance.

Toggle Verification: For Step 2, after sliding the “Show app list in Start menu” toggle to On, click the Start button immediately to confirm the change. Sometimes the setting needs a moment to register, so don’t panic if it doesn’t update instantly.

Multi-User Setup: As mentioned in Step 5, each user account needs individual configuration. I learned this the hard way when my roommate couldn’t see the changes I made on my profile. Save yourself the confusion by logging into each account separately.

Visibility Optimization: In Step 4, when adjusting pinned items, stick to the 3-6 range I recommend. Any more than that and your Start menu becomes cluttered, defeating the purpose of the alphabetical list we just enabled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Now you can effortlessly show all apps by default in Windows 11, making your Start Menu more efficient and personalized! 🎯 Take a moment to explore the new layout and enjoy quicker access to your favorite apps. If you’re ready to fine-tune your experience further, consider customizing app groups or pinning your most-used programs for even faster navigation.