How to Find Programs on Windows 11
Getting around Windows 11 can sometimes feel like navigating a maze. With all those apps and icons competing for your attention, it’s easy to feel a bit overwhelmed. But here’s the good news: once you get the hang of it, finding that newly installed app or the one you used last week becomes a breeze. Windows 11 offers several simple ways to access your programs—no need to be a tech expert.
The Reliable Old Start Menu
First up, the Start menu — it’s still your main point of reference. Click or hover over the Start button in the bottom-left corner, and it opens right up. You’ll see pinned apps on the left (your most-used ones) and your recent or frequently used apps on the right. Pro tip? Make use of the search bar at the top. Just type a few letters of the app you’re after, and chances are you’ll find it without scrolling endlessly.
If you prefer using the keyboard, press Win + Q or Win + S to open Search instantly. That’s a handy way to find apps without moving your mouse. You can also click the grid icon to see all installed apps if you’re feeling a bit adventurous.
Taskbar Tips and Tricks
The Taskbar? Think of it as your personal launch pad. If there are certain programs you use all the time, pin them there. Right-click the app in the Start menu or File Explorer and select Pin to Taskbar. It’s a real time-saver when you’re in the middle of something important—no need to dig through menus to find what you need. You can also drag apps directly from the Start menu or desktop onto the Taskbar for quick access.
Search Like a Pro
The Search bar on the Taskbar is pretty powerful. It’s like having a virtual assistant right at your fingertips. Press Win + S and start typing. Windows will display a list of matching apps, files, and settings—super handy if you can’t quite remember where a particular app lives or if your Start menu is getting cluttered.
Once you’ve found the app, right-click it and choose Open file location. This lets you see where exactly it’s installed, which can be useful if you need to troubleshoot or create a shortcut.
File Explorer to the Rescue
If you’re comfortable digging a bit deeper, File Explorer can help you locate programs. Open it from the Taskbar or Start menu, then navigate to This PC and check out the Program Files or Program Files (x86) folders. Usually, you’ll find installed apps there, in locations like C:\Program Files or C:\Program Files (x86). Sometimes, handy programs hide in your user’s AppData folder—look in C:\Users\your username\AppData\Local or Roaming. For quick access, typing %ProgramFiles% or %AppData% into the address bar does the trick. Remember, executable files (.exe) are what you click to start apps.
Chat with Cortana
If talking to your PC sounds like fun, Cortana’s your mate. Simply say “Hey Cortana,” or click her icon if it’s visible. Ask her to “Open [Program Name],” and if she can find it, she’ll typically launch it for you. Just keep in mind, Cortana might not always be thrilled about opening third-party apps, so her success rate can vary.
You can also launch programs quickly using the Run dialog. Press Win + R, type the name of the executable (like notepad), and hit Enter. It’s a quick way to jump straight into what you need without extra clicks.
With these methods in your toolkit, finding programs on Windows 11 should become more straightforward and less of a treasure hunt. Usually, it’s just a few clicks away.
Top Tips to Make Your Experience Smoother
A few clever tricks can save you heaps of time. First, pin your most-used apps for easy access. Second, organise your Start menu by grouping similar apps together—keeps things tidy and functional. Creating desktop shortcuts for your most relied-upon programs can also cut down on unnecessary steps.
And don’t forget to keep your Windows system up to date via Settings > Windows Update. An up-to-date system is less likely to throw tantrums when you’re trying to access your apps. Lastly, get comfortable with keyboard shortcuts: Win + S for search and Win + R for Run are real time-savers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I pin a program to the Start menu?
Easy! Just right-click the app—either from the Start menu or from a shortcut—and select Pin to Start. This adds a handy tile to your menu. Of course, if you prefer a minimalist look, you can always unpin it later.
Can I search for programs using the Windows key?
Absolutely! Pressing the Windows key opens the Search bar instantly. Just start typing, and Windows will display matching options. Alternatively, Win + S brings you straight to Search. Hit Enter on the selection, and you’re away—simple as that.
How do I remove an app from the Taskbar?
Just right-click the icon and choose Unpin from Taskbar. It’s a quick way to tidy up your workspace, especially if an app no longer needs quick access. Sometimes, accidental unpinning happens, but it’s easy to fix.
Where can I find newly installed apps?
New apps often show up at the top of the Start menu, usually under a “Recently added” section. If they’re shy, try the Search bar with Win + S—that’s often the fastest route. You can also browse the app list alphabetically to locate them.
Can Cortana open programs installed outside the Microsoft Store?
Yes! Cortana can launch any executable you have access to. Simply say “Open [Program Name],” and she’ll give it a go. For trickier names, you might need to specify the full path or create a shortcut with a simpler name.
Finding programs on Windows 11 doesn’t have to be a puzzle. Once you get familiar with these features and shortcuts, the process becomes a lot more intuitive. Hopefully, these tips save you some time and frustration.