Hide Category view in the Start Menu

Policy ID: HideCategoryView
Scope: Computer Configuration, User Configuration
Supported on: At least Windows 11 Version 24H2
Source: Administrative Templates (.admx) for Windows 11 2026 Update (26H2) (version 1.0)
Category: Start Menu and Taskbar

Description

This policy setting allows you to hide the category view in the Start Menu.

If you enable this policy setting, the Start Menu will no longer show the category view as an option and will default to grid view.

Registry

ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE

HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer View registry values

HideCategoryViewREG_DWORD

UserHKEY_CURRENT_USER

HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer View registry values

HideCategoryViewREG_DWORD

Other policies in the same category

View all policies in this category (27)