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Start Menu won't show some shortcuts

I have installed Microsoft Professional Pro 2024 on two computers. I created a folder for Microsoft Office and moved the application shortcuts into it on both computers. I placed this in the C:\Program Data\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\ Programs directory so it would show on the Start Menu. On one computer it works just fine. On the other, this folder will not show up on the Start Menu. I tried everything which copilot suggested (which as usual, is a total waste of time because copilot is pretty much useless) but this folder will only appear in the Start Menu on one computer and not on the other.

I also created a shortcut to open PowerShell, but this will not appear on the start menu on either computer. I tried copying the default PowerShell shortcuts from the C:\Users\Default\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Windows PowerShell directory, but these will not appear on the Start Menu either.

I am running Windows 11 Pro 23H2 with all updates installed.

Can anyone help?

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Hello, Martin Walker

Welcome to Microsoft Community.

Problems with the Windows Indexing Service can sometimes cause issues with the Start Menu. Rebuilding the index might fix this. You can find detailed instructions here: Fix problems in Windows Search - Windows Client | Microsoft Learn.

Another thing you can try is creating a new local administrator account. If the Start Menu works correctly in the new account, the problem might be with your user profile. In this case, migrating your data to the new account is a possible solution.

How to Manage User Accounts in Windows - Microsoft Support

If none of these steps work, reinstalling Windows might be necessary. You can choose to keep your personal files during the reinstallation process.

How to reinstall Windows with the installation media - Microsoft Support

Yuhao L

Microsoft Community Technical Support

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Question Info

Last updated April 17, 2025 Views 28 Applies to: