Add Custom Shortcuts to the Windows 11 Win+X Menu

You can add your own app, folder, or command shortcuts to the Windows 11 Win+X menu, also called the Power User menu, by placing shortcuts in its user-specific Start menu folders. Windows does not provide a built-in editor for this menu, so the process involves making a shortcut, putting it in the right group, and refreshing Explorer.

What You’ll Need

A Windows 11 account with permission to access its Start menu shortcut folders. Administrator permission is only needed for shortcuts that require elevation or changes to shared, all-user locations.
The target app, file, folder, or command you want to open. For an app, know its executable location or have an existing shortcut you can copy.
Optionally, a shortcut-management utility such as Win+X Menu Editor. It is not required, but can make adding and arranging entries easier. Download utilities only from a source you trust.

Step-by-Step

Open the Win+X menu and check its groups. Press Windows+X, or right-click the Start button. The menu is organized into groups separated by lines. The built-in groups have names such as Group1, Group2, and Group3; you will use those folders to choose where a shortcut appears.
Open the current account’s WinX folder. Press Windows+R, enter %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\WinX, and press Enter. File Explorer should open the folder. If it does not exist, check that the path was entered correctly and that you are using your own Windows account.
Choose a group folder. Open Group1, Group2, or Group3 to see the shortcuts already assigned to that section. Choose a group based on where you want the entry to appear. The folder names are internal organization; the visible menu does not show them.
Create a shortcut to your target. In File Explorer, right-click a blank area, choose New > Shortcut, and follow the wizard. Enter the full path to an app or file, or use a valid command. For a folder, browse to it or enter its path. Give the shortcut a short, recognizable name; that name is what the menu displays.
Move the shortcut into the chosen group. Copy or move the new .lnk file into the Group folder. You may also copy an existing shortcut into the folder, then rename the copy. Avoid deleting or renaming the built-in shortcuts unless you intend to change those existing menu entries.
Refresh the menu. Sign out and back in, or restart Windows Explorer. To restart Explorer, press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager, find Windows Explorer in the processes list, right-click it, and choose Restart. The taskbar may briefly disappear while Explorer reloads.
Test the shortcut. Press Windows+X and check the chosen section. Select the new entry and confirm that it opens the intended target. If it works from File Explorer but not from Win+X, recheck its location, name, and whether the menu has refreshed.

Common Mistakes

Putting the shortcut in the wrong folder. A shortcut elsewhere in the Start menu, such as the general Programs folder, does not automatically appear in Win+X. It must be inside a Group folder under the WinX path.
Copying the target instead of its shortcut. Copying an app executable or a folder into the group is not the same as adding a link. The group should contain a Windows shortcut file, usually ending in .lnk.
Using a path that only works from one location. A shortcut can point to a file that has moved or to a drive that is not available. Test the target path before adding it.
Expecting a shortcut to run as administrator automatically. The menu entry does not grant elevated permissions. If elevation is needed, set it in the shortcut’s properties or use an approved administrative method, and confirm any permission prompt.
Changing system entries unnecessarily. Removing, renaming, or replacing built-in shortcuts can make the menu harder to use. Make a backup of the WinX folder before reorganizing its contents.

Tips

Use concise names that make sense in a compact menu. Avoid duplicate names so you can tell custom entries apart from built-in tools.
To create a shortcut for a command, enter the command in the shortcut wizard’s location field. If it needs a particular working directory or arguments, check the shortcut’s Properties and configure the target carefully.
Keep a copy of your custom shortcuts somewhere outside the WinX folder. This makes them easier to restore after account changes or Windows maintenance.
A shortcut editor can help you add, remove, and reorder entries, but it does not change the underlying limits of the Win+X menu. Back up the existing menu before applying changes with a third-party tool.

Troubleshooting

The shortcut does not appear: Confirm it is a .lnk file inside one of the three Group folders under %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\WinX. Restart Windows Explorer or sign out and back in. If you used an editor, apply or save its changes before refreshing.

The shortcut appears but does nothing: Right-click the shortcut in the group folder and open Properties. Check the target path and any arguments, then use the shortcut from that folder to test it. Restore the file or command path if the target was moved.

Windows blocks access to the folder: Check that you opened the path under the account you are currently using. Do not change folder permissions broadly to force access; ask an administrator if your account is restricted.

The menu looks unchanged after restarting Explorer: Sign out and sign back in, then check again. If the entry still does not show, remove only the custom shortcut, recreate it, and place it in a group folder. Keep a backup before changing existing menu items.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add any program to the Win+X menu?
Usually, yes, if you can create a Windows shortcut that points to it. Programs that require special arguments, permissions, or a particular working directory may need extra shortcut configuration.

Can I add a website or a folder?
Yes. Create a shortcut to the folder, or create one that opens the web address in your browser. Test it before relying on it from the menu.

Can I change the order of custom entries?
Windows does not provide a built-in ordering control for Win+X shortcuts. A compatible menu editor may offer reordering; back up the folder before using one.

Will custom shortcuts appear for every user on the PC?
The path in this guide is for the current account, so its entries are generally user-specific. Shared menu locations and permissions can differ, and modifying them may require administrator access.

Will a Windows update remove my shortcuts?
Custom entries may survive updates, but do not rely on that. Keep a separate backup of the shortcuts and check the menu after major Windows changes.

Do I need to install a menu editor?
No. You can add shortcuts manually with File Explorer. An editor is optional if you prefer a visual way to manage or rearrange entries.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

More in this bed

The whole Tech How-To bed →