How To Get All Apps To Show In Shell:Appsfolder When Using Shell

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How To Get All Apps To Show In Shell:Appsfolder When Using Shell

Customization and convenient program access are essential components of improving user experience in the realm of Windows operating systems. Using the Shell to manage their application views is one area where users frequently want additional control. In order to optimize your workflow and provide smooth access to your apps, this post will explore how to successfully get all programs to display in theshell:AppsFolder.

A unique subdirectory in Windows called theshell:AppsFolder serves as a conduit between the underlying file system and the Windows Shell, or graphical user interface. Users can easily access all installed applications on the device by seeing them in this virtual folder. The Universal Windows Platform (UWP), which is intended to simplify applications across devices, serves as the foundation for the underlying functionality.

All installed apps, including desktop, Windows Store, and even some portable apps, should be shown when you access the shell:AppsFolder. Not all programs, nevertheless, may show as intended in some circumstances, which could cause confusion and hinder productivity.

You must first understand how to access the shell:AppsFolder before you can troubleshoot or modify how your apps look within it. The shell:AppsFolder can be opened in a variety of ways; here are a few simple ones:

Making Use of the Run Dialog:

  • Press

    Windows + R

    to open the Run dialog.
  • Type

    shell:AppsFolder

    and hit

    Enter

    . This will open the folder where all applications are located.

Using File Explorer:

  • Open File Explorer.
  • In the address bar, type

    shell:AppsFolder

    and press

    Enter

    .

When you open this folder, your computer’s installed apps will appear in a grid.

Why Apps Might Not Show Up

It’s important to know what can prevent some apps from being displayed before we go over how to make sure all programs show up in theshell:AppsFolder. Here are a few typical explanations:

Type of App:

  • Not all applications are recognized as apps by the Shell interface. Traditional desktop applications might not show by default, particularly if they were not installed using the Windows Store.

Permissions for Users:

  • Sometimes, applications do not appear if the user does not have the necessary permissions to view or access them.

Installations that are corrupt:

  • An improperly installed application may also fail to appear in the

    AppsFolder

    .

Applications That Are Hidden:

  • Some apps can be configured to be hidden from the user interface due to developer settings.

Problems with User Profiles:

  • Corrupted user profiles or settings can also prevent applications from appearing in the desired location.

Method 1: Renewing the App List

Refreshing the app list is the first step if any apps are missing. Changing the operating system’s settings or even utilizing built-in instructions will do this:

Re-register every application:

  • Open PowerShell as Administrator (search for PowerShell, right-click and select “Run as Administrator”).
  • Enter the command:

    Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml"}
  • This will re-register all the Universal Windows Platform apps, ensuring that any existing applications are rightly displayed.

Empty the Cache:

  • Your app cache might be glitching, which can lead to erratic behaviors. Resetting your app cache can often resolve issues with apps not displaying.
  • Execute the commands:

    Get-AppXPackage | foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml"}

Method 2: Creating Shortcuts for Desktop Applications

Shortcuts can be used to access standard desktop programs even if they are not included in the shell:AppsFolder. Here’s how to make a shortcut by hand and make sure it appears:

Find the App:

  • Use File Explorer to navigate to the installation directory of the application (usually within “C:Program Files” or “C:Program Files (x86)”).

Make a shortcut:

  • Right-click the application executable (e.g.,

    .exe

    file) and select “Create shortcut.”
  • Once created, you can drag this shortcut to the desktop or any other location for quick access.

Put in the Apps Folder:

  • To display it in the

    shell:AppsFolder

    ,

    • Open the

      shell:AppsFolder

      as previously described.
    • Copy the shortcut into the

      AppsFolder

      . The application should now be visible therein.
  • Open the

    shell:AppsFolder

    as previously described.
  • Copy the shortcut into the

    AppsFolder

    . The application should now be visible therein.

Method 3: Using Group Policy Editor

The Group Policy Editor is an additional potent tool for users of Windows Professional or Enterprise editions. You have complete control over your system settings with this tool, including app visibility:

Editor for Open Group Policies:

  • Press

    Windows + R

    , type

    gpedit.msc

    , and press Enter.

Go to Policies:

  • Expand the

    User Configuration

    section.
  • Navigate to

    Administrative Templates

    >

    Start Menu and Taskbar

    .

Make Showing Apps Mandatory:

  • Look for a policy named

    Do not keep a history of recently opened documents

    .
  • Ensure this policy is set to “Not Configured” or “Disabled” to allow all apps to be shown.

Method 4: Enabling Hidden Apps

Some apps might purposefully hide themselves. Try the following if you think some apps were concealed:

How to Use the Registry Editor:

  • Press

    Windows + R

    , type

    regedit

    , and press Enter.
  • Navigate to

    HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionUninstall

    .
  • Look for values that correspond to your missing applications, ensuring there s no key disabling them from appearing.

Restore the configuration:

  • Some applications allow for restoring visibility from their own settings. Always check each app s settings or help documentation if they allow for showing hidden apps.

Method 5: User Profile Migration

Making a new user profile can occasionally fix issues with corrupted user profiles or improper program display. To create a new user profile, follow these steps:

Open Settings:

  • Press

    Windows + I

    to open Settings.
  • Navigate to

    Accounts

    >

    Family & other users

    .

Make a New User:

  • Click on

    Add someone else to this PC

    .
  • Follow the prompts to create a new user account.

Look for apps:

  • Log into the new account and check the

    shell:AppsFolder

    to see if all applications are now displayed.

Method 6: Utilizing Third-Party Tools

Third-party apps may occasionally be able to help you manage visibility inside the shell:AppsFolder. Here are a few noteworthy choices:

StartIsBack:

  • This is a tool that can restore the classic Windows Start menu and allows for more customization with accessible apps. It s particularly helpful for managing how apps appear.

Traditional Shell:

  • Similar to StartIsBack, Classic Shell allows you to have a customizable start menu, along with other modifications to how your apps are displayed.

Conclusion

Having the ability to see every application inside the shell:For Windows users, AppsFolder greatly improves accessibility and productivity. You now have a full range of methods to make sure you can easily access all of your required programs, whether you’re using third-party tools, changing settings, or troubleshooting missing applications.

Keeping things neat and orderly: AppsFolder customizes your user experience while streamlining your productivity. You can make sure that your apps are available, visible, and used whenever you need them by using these techniques. Cheers to computing!

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