Windows 11 Start Menu Lacks Manual App Controls

Windows 11's newly redesigned Start menu presents a single-page layout, but users are raising concerns over its organization. The main issue is the lack of manual controls for categorizing apps, resulting in many applications being grouped inaccurately under 'Other.'

Microsoft's Response and User Feedback

Microsoft has acknowledged the user dissatisfaction and confirmed awareness of the problem. Many users have observed that apps, including popular ones like Spotify, end up bundled with unrelated apps; some report up to 48 apps within the 'Other' category, scattered across multiple pages. Users are encouraged to submit feedback with examples to help address these categorization issues.

Current System and Potential Improvements

The categorization within the Windows 11 Start menu currently employs a local system that matches an app's package family name to a predefined category ID without contacting Microsoft servers. If an app's category is unknown or if fewer than three apps exist in the same category, they are defaulted to 'Other.' Users are pushing for the ability to manually reassign apps or create new categories. Microsoft, while receptive to feedback, has yet to commit to specific changes for manual categorization.

Update: 17 Jun 2026