Windows Common Start Menu Programs Folder

Understanding the Common Start Menu in Windows

Windows uses two sets of Start Menu folders: one for all users and one for the current user. What you see in the Start Menu is a combination of both.

Common (All Users) Start Menu

The Common Start Menu contains shortcuts and folders that appear for every user who logs on to the computer.
Typical location:

C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu

Anything placed here—apps, folders, shortcuts—will show up for all users.

Individual User Start Menu

Each user also has their own personal Start Menu folder. Items stored here appear only for that specific user.

Typical location:

C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu

How Windows displays the Start Menu

When you open the Start Menu, Windows merges:

• The Common Start Menu (shared items)
• The User Start Menu (personal items)

This combined view is what you see under All apps.

Reviewed on 12/01/2026