Create App Folders in Windows 11 Start Menu

Grouping similar apps into folders in the Windows 11 Start menu keeps your pinned apps organized and reduces scrolling. You can create a folder by dragging one app icon onto another, then name it anything you like. This guide walks you through the process, common mistakes, and troubleshooting tips.

What You’ll Need

• A PC running Windows 11 (version 22H2 or later, though folders work in earlier builds too)
• At least two apps pinned to the Start menu (you can pin apps by right-clicking them in the All apps list and selecting “Pin to Startâ€�)

Step-by-Step

1. Open the Start menu by clicking the Windows icon in the taskbar or pressing the Windows key on your keyboard.
2. Locate the apps you want to group. They can be in the “Pinned� section or in the “All apps� list. If an app isn’t pinned yet, right-click it in “All apps� and choose “Pin to Start.�
3. Drag one app icon onto another. Click and hold the first app icon, then drag it directly on top of the second app icon. Release the mouse button when the second icon highlights or shows a small folder outline.
4. A folder will appear containing both apps. The folder is automatically named “Folder� by default.
5. Rename the folder by clicking the folder once to select it, then clicking the “Name� field that appears at the top of the folder (or right-click the folder and choose “Rename�). Type a descriptive name like “Productivity� or “Games,� then press Enter.
6. Add more apps to the folder by dragging them onto the folder icon. You can also drag apps out of the folder to remove them.
7. Open the folder by clicking it. The apps inside will expand in a grid. Click any app to launch it. To close the folder, click anywhere outside it.
8. Rearrange apps inside the folder by dragging them to a new position within the folder grid.

Common Mistakes

• Dragging too quickly: If you drag and release too fast, Windows may treat it as a click instead of a drag, so the folder won’t form. Move slowly and hold the icon for a moment before releasing.
• Dropping on the wrong spot: The folder only forms when you drop the icon directly on top of another icon. Dropping it between icons or on empty space just moves the app.
• Forgetting to pin apps first: Apps in the “All appsâ€� list are not in the Pinned section. You must pin them before you can group them.
• Not naming the folder: Leaving the folder as “Folderâ€� makes it hard to find later. Always rename it to something meaningful.
• Dragging a folder onto another folder: This creates a folder within a folder, which can be confusing. Instead, open the first folder and drag its contents into the second, or delete the first folder and re-create it.

Tips

• Use descriptive names like “Work,â€� “Media,â€� or “Utilitiesâ€� to quickly identify the group.
• Keep folders to 8-10 apps to avoid excessive scrolling inside the folder.
• Combine similar apps: Group all Microsoft Office apps in one folder, all browsers in another, etc.
• Use the All apps list to find apps that aren’t pinned yet. Right-click any app there and choose “Pin to Start.â€�
• You can also drag folders to reposition them in the Pinned section, just like individual apps.
• To remove a folder, drag all apps out of it one by one. When the folder is empty, it disappears automatically.

Troubleshooting

• Folder won’t form: Make sure you are dragging an app icon, not a tile or a shortcut from the desktop. Also, ensure both apps are in the Pinned section. Try restarting Windows Explorer (right-click the taskbar, choose “Task Manager,â€� find “Windows Explorer,â€� right-click and select “Restartâ€�) and try again.
• Folder name won’t change: Click the folder to select it, then look for the “Nameâ€� field at the top of the Start menu (not inside the folder). If you don’t see it, right-click the folder and choose “Rename.â€� Type the new name and press Enter.
• Apps won’t drag out of a folder: Open the folder, then drag the app icon to the main Pinned area. If it doesn’t work, try dragging it to the edge of the folder window.
• Folder disappeared: If you accidentally dragged all apps out, the folder is gone. Re-create it by dragging two apps together again.
• Start menu is not responding: Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager, find “Windows Explorer,â€� right-click and choose “Restart.â€� This refreshes the Start menu without restarting your PC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create folders in the Start menu on Windows 10?
No, folders in the Start menu are a Windows 11 feature. Windows 10 uses live tiles and folders on the tile grid, which work differently.

Can I put a folder inside another folder?
Yes, you can drag a folder onto another folder, creating a nested folder. However, this can become confusing, so it’s usually better to keep folders flat.

How do I delete a folder?
Drag every app out of the folder. When the folder is empty, it automatically disappears. There is no explicit “delete folder� option.

Can I rename a folder after creation?
Yes. Click the folder to select it, then click the name field at the top of the Start menu (or right-click and choose “Rename�). Type the new name and press Enter.

Do folders sync across devices?
Start menu layout, including folders, can sync if you sign in with the same Microsoft account and have “Sync your settings� enabled. Go to Settings > Accounts > Windows backup to check.

Why can’t I drag an app from the All apps list?
Apps in the All apps list are not pinned. You must first right-click the app and choose “Pin to Start,� then drag it from the Pinned section.

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