How to Hide the All Apps List in the Start Menu on Windows 11

The Start Menu in Windows 11 provides quick access to your pinned apps, recent files, and the All Apps list. However, not everyone wants the full app list visible—especially on shared computers, work environments, or minimalist desktops. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough on how to do it.

Method 1: Using Group Policy Editor

The Local Group Policy Editor allows you to control advanced system settings without modifying the registry manually. This method works only on Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.

Step 1. Open Group Policy Editor

Press Win + R and type gpedit.msc then press Enter.

Step 2. Navigate to the Start Menu Policy

In the left panel, expand the following folders in order:

User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar

Step 3. Locate the Policy Setting

In the right panel, scroll through the list and find Remove All Programs list from the Start menu. Double-click this policy to open its settings window.

Step 4. Enable the Policy

Select Enabled, then click Apply and OK. When you select Enabled, additional configuration options may appear depending on your Windows build. These options determine how the All Apps list behaves:

• Collapse will not display the app list next to the pinned tiles in Start. An “All apps” button will be displayed on Start to open the all apps list. This is equivalent to setting the “Show app list in Start” in Settings to Off.
• Collapse and disable setting will do the same as the collapse option and disable the “Show app list in Start menu” in Settings, so users cannot turn it to On.
• Remove and disable setting will remove the all apps list from Start and disable the “Show app list in Start menu” in Settings, so users cannot turn it to On. Select this option for compatibility with earlier versions of Windows.

Method 2: Using Registry Editor

This method manually applies the same policy setting using the Windows Registry.

Step 1. Open Registry Editor

Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open it.

Step 2. Navigate to the Following Key

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\PoliciesExplorer

If the Explorer key does not exist, create it: right-click Policies, select New > Key. Name this new key Explorer.

Step 3. Create a New DWORD Value

Right-click on the newly created Explorer key, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name this new value NoStartMenuMorePrograms.

Step 4. Modify the Value

Double-click the NoStartMenuMorePrograms value. In the Value data field, change it from 0 to 1 and click OK.

Step 5. Apply the Change

Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Conclusion

Hiding the All Apps list in Windows 11 can help improve privacy, reduce clutter, and limit access to installed programs. Whether you're managing a shared computer or just want a cleaner Start Menu, the methods above give you full control.