Windows 11 introduces the new Category view for app managing

The capability has to be enabled through ViveTool.

2 min. read

Published on August 12, 2024

published on August 12, 2024

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Windows 11 Beta users recently got a sneak peek at a new Start menu Category view, the newest feature discovered for a while now. This feature, inspired by the simplicity of iOS’s app launcher, allows users to arrange their installed apps into categories.

The feature is currently hidden in the latest Beta build, but you can uncover it using a third-party app, such as ViveTool.

According to the popular Windows Insider, update your device to Windows 11 build 22635.4010. Get ViveTool from GitHub, unpack it, use some command prompts, and then restart to explore the new Category view in Windows 11. But don’t be surprised if your pinned apps don’t disappear; this view gives you another way to sort through your app collection.

Here's the new category view in Start > All apps in build 22635.4010 – in this update, it works!

Only app icons are shown, some apps are also in smaller groups within categories (trying to open them doesn't work yet). https://t.co/4AsZjWYy5R pic.twitter.com/TgBsAEvAZR
— phantomofearth 🌳 (@phantomofearth) August 9, 2024

To satisfy those wondering how this magic takes place, it seems like Windows puts apps into a JSON file. But still, the most crucial question is: How will this feature work with all kinds of apps not in the Microsoft Store? This is a puzzle we all want to see solved. Hopefully, Microsoft will spill the beans soon.

This update might show an image of a more structured and easy-to-use Start menu for the daring who enjoy playing around and discovering new things. However, remember that beta always has its share of minor difficulties.

More about the topics: Windows 11, Windows Update

Claudiu Andone

Windows Toubleshooting Expert

Oldtimer in the tech and science press, Claudiu is focused on whatever comes new from Microsoft. His abrupt interest in computers started when he saw the first Home Computer as a kid. However, his passion for Windows and everything related became obvious when he became a sys admin in a computer science high school. With 14 years of experience in writing about everything there is to know about science and technology, Claudiu also likes rock music, chilling in the garden, and Star Wars. May the force be with you, always!