· Livecodo Editorial · Engineering · 5 min read
Hidden Apps on Your Windows Laptop? Use This Secret Windows Run Command
Discover a hidden Windows feature that lets you view your installed apps using shell:appsfolder. Find unused apps, uninstall them, and create shortcuts easily.
If you’ve ever tried to declutter your PC or find a missing application, you’ve probably opened Windows Settings or the classic Control Panel. But neither of these lists shows the full picture. Discovering Windows hidden apps requires a powerful, built-in shortcut that power users rely on: shell:appsfolder.
The Secret Windows Run Command
Press Win + R and enter this exact command into the Run box:
What Is shell:appsfolder?
In Windows, shell:appsfolder is a special shell namespace identifier that opens the Applications Virtual Folder in File Explorer.
Unlike regular folders that exist at a physical path like C:\Program Files, the Applications shell folder is an indexed system directory that aggregates every single application registered on your system into one master interface:
All App Architectures
Combines traditional Win32 .exe software, modern Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps, and Microsoft Store packages.
Find Hidden Bloatware
Reveals background helper apps, OEM manufacturer utilities, and pre-installed tools that omit Start Menu icons.
Direct Desktop Shortcuts
Easily create desktop shortcuts for Microsoft Store apps that lack a traditional executable file path.
How to Find All Installed Apps on Windows (Step-by-Step)
Follow these quick steps to inspect your complete Windows application inventory:
Open the Run Dialog
Press the keyboard shortcut Win + R on your keyboard (or right-click the Windows Start button and select Run).
Type shell:appsfolder
In the Open field, type or paste the command:
shell:appsfolderHit Enter or Click OK
File Explorer will instantly launch into the master Applications view, displaying every installed app with its high-resolution icon.
Manage, Shortcut, or Uninstall
Right-click any item in the folder to:
- Create shortcut on your desktop.
- Pin to Start or Pin to Taskbar.
- Uninstall unused apps or hidden bloatware.
Why Control Panel & Settings Miss Hidden Apps
Many Windows users wonder why they need a special command when Windows already provides Installed Apps in Settings:
shell:appsfolder queries the underlying Windows AppX package manager and Shell registry directly, giving you an unfiltered, 100% complete view.
Top Windows Run Commands for Power Users
Beyond shell:appsfolder, Windows contains several secret shell shortcuts that save hours of clicking through menus:
| Command | Destination / Function | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| shell:appsfolder | All Installed Applications | Finding hidden apps & creating Store shortcuts |
| shell:startup | Current User Startup Folder | Adding programs that auto-launch on boot |
| shell:common startup | All Users Startup Folder | System-wide startup applications |
| shell:downloads | Direct Downloads Directory | Quick file access |
| cleanmgr | Windows Disk Cleanup Utility | Purging temporary files & cache |
| ms-settings: | Windows Settings App | Instant navigation to PC settings |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does shell:appsfolder work on Windows 11?
shell:appsfolder works seamlessly on Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, and Windows 8. It uses the native Windows Shell subsystem.Can I uninstall apps directly from this folder?
Can I create a desktop shortcut for the shell:appsfolder itself?
explorer.exe shell:appsfolder. Name it "All Apps" and you'll have a permanent 1-click icon!Does using shell:appsfolder require administrator privileges?
shell:appsfolder to inspect their installed software.Final Thoughts: Master Your Windows Laptop
Knowing essential Windows laptop tricks like shell:appsfolder empowers you to keep your system lean, organize your favorite tools, and uncover hidden or forgotten bloatware.
Next time you want to declutter your PC or create a quick shortcut for a stubborn Windows Store app, remember: Win + R → shell:appsfolder!
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