When it comes to viewing all installed apps on your Windows 10/11 PC, there are two options. You can use the Start menu or navigate to Settings > System > Apps & features (Windows 10) or Settings > Apps > Installed apps section to view all installed apps as well as classic desktop programs.
The methods mentioned above are not useful when you want to view and launch all installed apps from one place. Although the Start menu displays all installed apps and programs, you need to scroll up/down to view all apps/programs. While you can see all apps in Settings > System > Apps & features, you can’t launch apps from there, and navigating to the Apps & features section does take a couple of clicks.
Wouldn’t it be great if it was possible to add all installed programs and apps to a single folder and launch apps/programs from there? Luckily, in Windows 10, there is an option to view all installed apps from one place, and you can launch apps from there.
Method 1 of 2
View all installed apps and programs via File Explorer in Windows 10/11
Step 1: Open the Run command box. To do this, simultaneously press the Windows logo and R keys on the keyboard.
Step 2: Type the following command in the box and then press the Enter key to open the Applications folder, which displays all installed apps as well as classic desktop programs.
Shell:AppsFolder
From here, you can open apps/programs, pin or unpin them to the Start/taskbar, or even initiate the Uninstall process.
Tip: You don’t need to enter the above command each time to view all installed apps. The Run command will save this command and display the last used command when you open it. You just need to open the Run command box and press Enter key.
Method 2 of 2
View all installed programs and apps via Settings in Windows 10/11
Step 1: On Windows 10, go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features page to view all installed apps, including the default apps, apps installed from the Store, and classic desktop programs. On Windows 11, navigate to Settings > Apps > Installed apps page to see all installed apps and classic programs.
Keith Morgan says
Was forced into “up-grading to Windows 11” by them saying they are cutting support for W10 later this year. It is a nightmare with rubbish help files/videos. I don’t want them (or others) putting new software, except security updates which they should be legally obliged to keep up to date, on MY computer. Windows seem to go through a good operating system followed by a rubbish one, and this has gone on for many years now.
Ristiina Wigg says
Repair shop upgraded computer to Windows 11 without asking me. It is so hard to use.
I’m trying to find my aps & keep getting advice to click the start button.
DO NOT SEE A START BUTTON.
Hate Windows 11
David Robinson says
I have lost all colours on my computer , how do I get them back please. windows 11
DeNeece Butler says
Stop changing things!!!! Making it confusing, especially for seniors. Not to mention frustrating, exasperating and stressful! If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Why do you keep changing things? What about asking a user if he/she would like to have your proposed changes made before you do it? Your idea of authoritatively making things easier, quicker, with more options sucks!! Here’s an acceptable option. Ask me first!!!
Barbara Hollis says
How can I get McAfee off my computer and keep it off. I think I have gotten rid of it, and it pops up again. Can I totally block it? I spent a large amount of time today trying to get it off my husband’s computer and about four hours tonight trying to remove it from mine. I think I have it licked and it shows its ugly head again. HELP, please.
Ron j Brown says
I don’t like the new crap that you loaded on me. I want it removed. I hate it and it screws me up. Leave my unit alone. I don’t want stuff to just show up when I ask for something else.
Bello Kilgori says
Need support to update official email.
hambisa says
the computer is very most if use acttivel
melissa says
I can’t find my microsort app to download my apps
D says
Run command way to Apps does not work. Only can access installed apps via Control Panel. ?(?-?)?
Cecelia dolan says
All my apps disappeared on my kindle. How can I get them back
Bobby L Larkin says
High hopes for AV. Anti-Virus
shirley palmer says
I am trying to find my documents file that has letters and recipes in it but cant locate the same
RITA BLOM says
I TURNED ON MY COMPUTER QNE I FOUND A NEW WINDOWS PROGRAM AND DID NOT SAY ANYTHING IT WAS ALREADY DOWNLOADED ON MY LAPTOP I WANT IT REMOVED IMMEDIATEELY BECAUSE NOW MY PROGRAMES ARE DIFFERENT AND I CAN’T USE MY COMUTER PLEASE HELP ME…
Hoang Nguyen Khoi says
Hi. I install my app already but I try 2 method and I can’t see my install app
Kristi says
Hi.Can you guys help me i want to update my windows 10 but it says that i need to manually install VirtualBox which i cant find it anywhere.Thank you in advance.
Miles Webster says
I know this is old but in case someone else stumbles upon this I would like to answer the question by Dummy User posted on My 4th 2018. It does not look like it was answered. His or her question was:
When I do this, I am getting below message. Any idea how to fix this? Thanks for your time.
C:\Users\Alienware>Shell:AppsFolder
The filename, directory name, or volume label syntax is incorrect.
This command is not application in the way most people thing of it. When the command is executed through Run prompt – or from the address toolbar if you have it enabled – system knows the context and responds accordingly. You need to preface the command with “Start”. Try typing the following command:
start shell:appsfolder
Adding “start” before the command should work correctly. It is worthwhile look up this command as you can easily do quite a few things with it. Interestingly this command often will not work from the run prompt.
Barbara Rogers says
Tried to install Office Home & Student on PC & it failed. Tried to go to website BMS Innovations recommended & was informed website could not be found. Called an 800 number that was listed & it turned out to be a scam. Went to Microsoft & it tells me that my activation code has been used. Also said installed but I can’t find it.
Lowell Burns says
How come my family tree app has disappeared off of my page
Lee Russell says
Thank you for this solution! It allows me to see ALL apps, including older versions that I still prefer (Paint versus Paint 3D, for example.)
FYI, you can automate this using a simple batch file:
Open a plain text editor like Notepad. Type in the following:
@echo off
start Shell:AppsFolder
Save this with an appropriate name, such as “All Apps.bat”. The name can be anything you want, just be sure to end it with the “.bat” extension. Place it on your desktop or in the start menu.
Now, you can view all programs by double-clicking on the batch file icon.
Ian Bartlett says
when I open Applications millions appear, most of which I do not know anything about. It is the same in Task Manager. Two questions: One, how to know which apps I do not need? Two, how to identify Antivirus apps? Or rather, how to identify which apps are causing Restore to notwork properly?
Dummy User says
When I do this, I am getting below message. Any idea how to fix this? Thanks for your time.
C:\Users\Alienware>Shell:AppsFolder
The filename, directory name, or volume label syntax is incorrect.