Windows 11 introduced several interface improvements, including updates to the Start Menu. In newer Windows 11 builds, Microsoft added a Category view that automatically organizes apps into groups such as Productivity, Social, Entertainment, and Utilities. This feature is designed to make it easier to find apps quickly by grouping similar ones together.
While the Category view can be useful for some users, others prefer a simpler Start Menu where apps appear in a traditional alphabetical list or where only pinned apps are displayed. If you prefer a cleaner layout, you can turn off or avoid the Category view by adjusting how apps are displayed in the Start Menu.
If you want to turn off Category view in the Windows 11 Start Menu, follow the steps below.
How to Turn Off Category in Start Menu of Windows 11
Use the following method to switch back to the normal Start Menu layout.
1. Open the Start Menu
First, access the Start Menu on your computer.
- Click the Start button on the taskbar.
- The Start Menu will open showing pinned apps and other sections.
2. Switch to the App List View
You can change how apps appear by switching to the full app list.
- In the Start Menu, click All apps at the top-right corner.
- The apps will appear in an alphabetical list instead of categories.
This view removes the category grouping and shows all installed apps in a standard list.
3. Disable App Recommendations (Optional)
Although categories cannot always be fully removed in certain builds, you can reduce suggestions.
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Go to Personalization.
- Click Start.
- Turn off:
- Show recently added apps
- Show most used apps
- Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more
This reduces extra items appearing in the Start Menu.
4. Use the Pinned Apps Layout Instead
You can focus only on pinned apps to avoid categories.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Personalization > Start.
- Select More pins.
This expands the pinned apps section and minimizes other areas.
Conclusion
The Category view in the Windows 11 Start Menu automatically groups apps into categories to help users locate them more easily. However, some users prefer the traditional list view or a cleaner layout without categorized sections.
By switching to the All apps list, adjusting Start Menu settings, or prioritizing pinned apps, you can effectively avoid the Category layout and customize the Start Menu to better suit your preferences in Windows 11.
