If you are like me then you have about enough programs listed in the start menu to fill the entire screen (I have four columns). It is very frustrating trying to find a program when they are listed in the order they were installed. So why not organize it alphabetically?
Manual Instructions
1. Click Start -> Programs
2. Mouseover an item on the Programs list
3. Right-click or hit the context menu button (or Shift+F10)
4. Select “Sort by Name” on the context menu that appears
Done, your start menu is sorted.
Infuriatingly simple isn’t it? So why did Microsoft not make this feature automatic?
They did, but you have to go out of your way to force windows to sort it.
Automatic Instructions
[Start]> [Run]> Type “Regedit”
Find the registry key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MenuOrder
Right click MenuOrder in the left pane, click Permissions… then click Advanced button
Remove the checkmark from the “Inherit from parent the permission entries that apply to child objects. Include these with entries explicitly defined here” entry.
In the Security dialog box that opens, click Copy and you’ll be taken back to the Advanced Security Settings for MenuOrder window. Click OK and you’ll return to the Permissions for MenuOrder window.
Clear the checkmark next to Full Control in both your account and all security groups where you are a member.
Do not change the Read permission.
Exit Registry and Reboot
To verify that the tweak has completed successfully, log off the system and log back in then open Start and All Programs menu. Click on one of the items and try to drag it to a new location within the order of the folders. If all went well you will be unable to reposition the item. The black line that normally appears showing where the selected item would be repositioned will either be missing totally or appear as a faint shadow.
February 25, 2007 at 4:39 pm |
[...] isn’t it? Go here for info on how to modify your Registry to get Windows to sort them automatically. context menu, [...]
March 21, 2007 at 5:21 pm |
[...] However, Microsoft Windows lacks much in the way of customization in obvious areas (such as the autoplay menu, or making your start menu programs sort itself alphabetically). [...]
November 19, 2007 at 7:24 pm |
I did this but it also affects the Favorites menu. Now I’m trying to un-do the mod but can’t (I keep getting an error saying I don’t have permissions). How can I un-do this tweak? Thanks
December 14, 2007 at 6:00 pm |
Why didn’t I think of that. I’m always clicking everything to see what it does and never tried that. Thank you very much. And free info the best kind a double thank you.
March 24, 2008 at 2:54 pm |
[...] However, Microsoft Windows lacks much in the way of customization in obvious areas (such as the autoplay menu, or making your start menu programs sort itself alphabetically). [...]
May 6, 2008 at 7:24 am |
Good tip but it only works with enries that have a sub menu