How to show or hide Start menu app list on Windows 10

Windows 10 has an option that lets you hide the apps list in the Start menu, and here's how to do it.

Show or hide all apps Start menu
Show or hide all apps Start menu

The Start menu has been through many transformations over the years, and with Windows 10, Microsoft has introduced yet another design that combines a list of all the available apps installed in the system along with a section of app tiles in the right side.

However, if you do not like the default view, you can use the Start settings page to hide the all apps list from the menu for a more compact and personal design.

In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to show or hide the app list in the Windows 10 Start menu.

How to control Start menu app list on Windows 10

To show or hide the app list in the Start menu, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings on Windows 10.

  2. Click on Personalization.

  3. Click on Start.

  4. Turn on or off the Show app list in Start menu toggle switch.

    Show/hide app list Start menu
    Show/hide app list Start menu

When turning off the option, the Start menu will only display the tiles section. However, the menu will now include two buttons in the top-left corner to switch between all apps and pinned tiles sections. In addition, you will also see a badge notification every time there is a newly installed app that you have not open.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.