Ever install an app in Windows XP and have it put it at the bottom of the All Programs list? Sure, we all have. Wished it would automatically alphabetize each entry? It’s really not that hard. Here is what you need to do:
Run regedit and browse to
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer
Right-click the MenuOrder key (in the left-hand pane) and select Permissions
Click Advanced. Deselect “Include from parent the permission…”
Click Copy at the Security pop-up. Click OK.
Back in the permissions view, select your user-name and deselect “Allow” next to Full Control in the Permissions pane at the bottom of the window. Repeat this step for any groups you are a part of (Administrators etc.)
Reboot. Now when you install applications they will be alphabetized automatically.
One thing I noticed after doing this is that now my All Programs list displays all my program folders first (in alphabetical order) and then any individual applications (not in an application group folder). When I install a new application it is indeed put into alphabetical order. Also before the change my All Programs list would typically display a shortened list of recently used applications which could then be expanded to the full list. Now it seems like to just displays the full list all the time and on occasion an abbreviated list. Overall however, I like the change as I don’t have to search through an unorganized list of applications (which in my case is quite long).
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