Issues with Windows 11 New Start Menu: Can’t Create New Categories and Clubs Apps as “Other”

Exploring the Updated Start Menu in Windows 11’s 24H2 Update

The much-anticipated 24H2 update for Windows 11 is on the horizon, featuring a revamped Start menu that promises to enhance user experience significantly. This latest iteration transforms the Start menu into a more expansive and user-friendly interface, allowing users to interact with apps and tools more efficiently than ever before.

Comparison of new Start menu and old Start menu

What’s New in the Start Menu?

The most striking change in the new Start menu is the elimination of the “Recommended” feed, giving users a clean interface that utilizes the available screen space more efficiently. Here’s a comparative look at what’s included in the new menu:

Single Scrollable Page: Unlike the previous structure, everything you need is now conveniently located on a single scrollable page. Access your installed apps and run commands without needing to sift through separate sections.
App Category View: The inclusion of a new Category view groups applications logically, facilitating easier navigation. However, it’s important to note that while Microsoft has organized apps into categories, users cannot create personalized groups.

Understanding Categories in the New Start Menu

The new Start menu categories include:

Utilities & Tools: Includes essential apps like the Clock, Calendar, and Settings.
Productivity: Contains widely-used applications such as web browsers and productivity tools like Microsoft Office.
Games: This section features the Xbox app and games both installed on your device and some pre-installed options.
Social: Hosts communication apps like Telegram and WhatsApp.
Entertainment: Incorporates media applications such as Netflix and Windows Media Player.
Creativity: Features apps designed for artistic expression, including Paint and Photos.
Information & Reading: Contains apps for news, weather, and navigation.
Other: For apps that do not fit existing categories.

It’s crucial to recognize that if you have fewer than three apps in a specific category, that category will not be displayed. For instance, if you only have the Paint app installed, it will be categorized under “Other”instead of “Creativity.”

Overview of the new layout for the Start menu

How Apps Are Categorized

Microsoft has implemented a localized JSON file mechanism to auto-categorize apps. This means that the categorization process does not send your app list to external servers—everything occurs directly on your device, ensuring your privacy is maintained. Ultimately, although the Categories feature is robust, there is an expectation that Microsoft might roll out enhancements that would enable custom category creation, allowing users more control over their app organization.

For further insights, check out this

video

showcasing the new features.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the main changes in the Windows 11 24H2 Start menu?

The main changes include a single page for all apps, a selectable Category view for easier navigation, and the removal of the “Recommended”feed, providing a cleaner interface.

2. Can I create my own app categories in the new Start menu?

No, Microsoft has confirmed that users cannot create custom categories. Apps will be organized into predefined categories, and if there are fewer than three apps in a category, that section will not appear.

3. How does Microsoft categorize apps in the new Start menu?

Microsoft utilizes an on-device JSON file to automatically categorize apps without sending any user data to its servers. This keeps categorization local and private.

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