How to use the hidden index to locate apps in Windows 11

¿How to use the hidden index to locate apps in Windows 11? If you're one of those who enjoy experimenting with Windows or are looking for a faster and more efficient way to find your apps in Windows 11, you've probably wondered if there are any secret or lesser-known methods for searching. Windows 11 has different systems and tricks for locating apps both from the start menu and from other areas of the system, one of the most interesting (although few people exploit it to the fullest) being known as hidden index to locate applicationsIn this article, we explain in detail how it works, what it's for, and how to make it your best ally. We'll also explore other advanced search, tool management, and system optimization features that make Windows 11 a very flexible system for managing thousands of apps. Read on to improve your productivity and stop wasting time searching for icons.

Microsoft's operating system has evolved a lot in recent years, especially since the arrival of Windows 11Beyond the aesthetic changes and the new approach to the Start menu, the ways we access and organize our apps have improved significantly. Here we'll focus not only on the famous hidden index within the app list (an alphabetical table that allows you to quickly jump between hundreds of items), but also on other lesser-known resources, advanced search functions, taskbar optimization, File Explorer tricks, shortcuts, third-party apps, and official tools that make organizing your computer easier. Let's get started with how to use the hidden index to locate apps in Windows 11.. 

What is the Windows 11 hidden index and what is it for?

When we talk about hidden index in Windows 11 We're referring to that special list that appears in the "All Apps" menu of the Start menu. If you have dozens or even hundreds of programs installed, you'll know how difficult it can be to quickly find a specific app without remembering its exact name. This is where the hidden index comes into play: a feature that groups and displays apps by the initial letter of their name, facilitating ultra-fast access to any tool.

This index is not automatically visible when you open the start menu, but it can be accessed by clicking on any of the letter headings (like "A" or "C") that separate apps in the alphabetical list. When you click on a letter, Windows displays a panel with all the apps beginning with that letter, allowing you to jump directly to that section. This is especially useful when you have a lot of apps and want to avoid endless scrolling looking for one whose name you only partially remember.

Using the hidden index saves time and improves productivityIt works with pre-installed apps and those you've installed manually, whether from the Microsoft Store or classic programs. Its purpose is simple: streamline software access and organization.

How to access and use the hidden index step by step

Follow these simple steps to take advantage of this feature:

• Open the start menu by clicking the Windows icon or pressing the Windows key.
• Choose "All applications", usually located in the upper right corner.
• You'll see an alphabetically sorted list, with letter headings separating the apps.
• Tap or click the letter (e.g., "G") in the header of any blockThe index will automatically open with all the apps that begin with that letter.
• Click on the letter corresponding to the name of the app you are looking for. Windows will take you directly to that section, skipping the rest of the list.

This way, you can access any app in just a few clicks, even if you have multiple apps installed. It's a built-in feature, so you don't need to install any additional add-ons.

Advantages of using the alphabetical index over other search methods

Why choose this hidden index instead of using the Start menu search? Here are several ways to do it. important advantages:

• You avoid writing errors: If you can't remember the exact name of the program or make mistakes when typing, the letter index can still help you.
• Faster: Clicking a letter is often faster than typing the full name, especially on touchscreens.
• Does not limit the results: Unlike some search engines that prioritize the most used apps, all the apps you have installed appear here.
• For visual users: If you remember icons or initials, it will be easier for you to locate applications by their initial letter.

This index is a powerful tool for quickly managing programs and not relying solely on global search or desktop shortcuts..

Advanced customization: pinning and unpinning apps to the Start screen

Windows 11 also allows customize the start menuThere are no longer tiles like in previous versions; instead, you can "pin" the apps you use most so you always have them at hand.

• To pin an app: Open the Start menu, go to "All apps," right-click the app, and select "Pin to Start." This will show it on your home screen.
• To unpinRight-click its icon in Start and choose "Unpin from Start." This is perfect for keeping your list clean and organized.

This system combines the hidden index for quick searches with shortcuts on the home screen for frequently used apps, facilitating efficient organization.

Additional organization: folders, shortcuts, and start menu

Another less known feature is the ability to add customizable folders and shortcuts in the start menuFrom the settings section, you can add quick access to folders like Downloads, Pictures, or Music.

• Configure Quick Folders: Go to “Settings > Personalization > Home” and under “Folders,” turn on the ones you want to appear in the menu.

This way you will have your favorite directories just a click away, avoiding unnecessary searches.

Visual improvements: themes and screen modes

Appearance also influences productivity. Windows 11 lets you switch between light and dark mode, change backgrounds, colors and sounds to your liking, and even download complete themes from the Microsoft Store.

• Configure the themes in “Personalization > Colors” and adjust mode, transparencies and schemes.
• Download new themes to refresh your system's look.
• Change backgrounds on virtual desktops to visually differentiate them.

These changes not only improve the aesthetics but also the organization and visual experience of the work environment..

Tricks and shortcuts to speed up your daily work

In addition to the hidden index, Windows 11 offers numerous shortcuts to quickly access functions:

• Windows+W: Opens the information widgets.
• Windows+N: Focus on notifications.
• Windows+A: Open quick settings such as brightness, volume, WiFi.
• Windows+Z: Split screen view for managing windows.
• Windows + V: clipboard history.
• Windows + G: Xbox Game Bar for recording and capturing.
• Windows + Tab: virtual desktop management.
• Windows +.: Quickly insert emojis.

Mastering these shortcuts lets you get the most out of Windows without navigating through menus.

Advanced use of Windows Search: classic and improved options

The search engine in Windows 11 has improved in recent versions, offering two main modes:

• Classic: Searches basic user profile folders and files.
• Improved: Expands your search to more locations, including the desktop and other custom folders.

You can modify which folders to index in Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Search. In addition, it supports advanced commands and operators to refine results, such as “date:>2024-05-01” or “type:pdf AND report”.

Third-party tools to enhance application and file search

If you want something more powerful, apps like Everything o DocFetcher offer real-time, more comprehensive search. Everything scans the entire master file table to locate any item in seconds, while

DocFetcher allows you to search within documents, creating customized and automatically updatable indexes.

Taskbar optimization: pin, unpin, and rearrange

La taskbar It's still a quick way to access frequently used apps. You can:

• Pin apps: From Start or Search, right click and “Pin to taskbar.”
• Unpin: same, right click and “Unpin”.
• reorganize: drag the icons where you prefer.

Windows highlights the active app and displays open apps with a line underneath, making multitasking easier.

File Explorer and its search index

El File Browser It has a powerful search function with its own index that analyzes names and content, allowing you to sort results by different criteria. To learn more about search functions in Windows, you can check out our complete guide on Classic and improved search in Windows 11.

Lesser-known features and resources for searching for apps and files

Windows 11 includes several little-known but useful functions:

• Hidden app menu: Type “Shell:AppsFolder” in your browser’s address bar to access all your installed apps.
• clipboard history: With Windows + V check what you copied recently.
• Pin folders to quick access in the browser.
• Widgets and shortcuts for news, calendar, and featured apps.
• Responses from notifications: Interact with apps or quick notifications.
• Windows Recall: Experimental feature to search for past activities, files, or related sites with semantic descriptions.

How to manage app permissions and privacy

Control the permissions and privacy settings From "Settings > Privacy & Security." You can review granted permissions (location, microphone, camera) and decide which apps have access to your data, improving system security and privacy.

Advanced management: virtual desktops and different backgrounds

The virtual desktops They allow you to manage multiple environments in Windows. Create several and assign applications to each one (work, leisure, editing). They're managed with "Windows + Tab," and you can navigate between them with "Control + Windows + Left/Right."

You can also assign different wallpapers to each desktop, helping to visually distinguish them and organize specific tasks.

Setting up notifications and focus assistance

To avoid interruptions, Windows 11 has the Concentration assistant, which limits notifications to the most important ones at specific times or activities, with options for prioritizing and summarizing notifications you missed.

Extra features: screen recording, dictation, and quick tools

Windows 11 also offers quick features for everyday work:

• Screen recording: with “Windows + G” and the capture tool.
• Dictation: with “Windows + H” to type by voice.
• Repair apps: From “Settings > Applications”, select the repair and reset option to resolve issues.

Maintenance and optimization: system updates and cleanup

To maintain performance:

• Update software: Use WingetUI or similar tools.
• Manage home: In Task Manager, disable apps that slow down startup.
• Delete temporary files: from storage settings.
• Uninstall unused apps: in “Apps & features”, and filtering by size.

Advanced customization and accessibility options

Windows 11 allows fully customize your environment: sounds, pointers, icons, backgrounds, themes, and more. You can adjust them to your tastes and needs for a more comfortable and personalized experience.

Find and recover lost or updated files

If you lose files after updating or for other reasons, Windows 11 includes mechanisms to restore access or recover temporary profiles. From "Settings > Accounts," check if your profile is temporary and restart your system if necessary to recover your data and settings.

Controlling new experimental features: Windows Recall

Microsoft has released experimental features such as Windows Recall or Memories. Allows you to save snapshots of your activity to search later by text, images, or descriptions, protecting data with Windows Hello and creating a timeline of daily activity.

It's an advanced feature that increases productivity and control, but requires careful management of privacy and what information is stored.

Workarounds to restore previous Windows menus and functions

If you prefer to return to the old system functions, you can:

• Use tools like winaero tweaker to return to classic menus and styles.
• Run the classic panel by typing “control” in Run (Win + R).
• Add custom toolbars with specific utilities.

These options are useful for those looking for maximum customization and flexibility.

Managing and filtering notifications and permissions after updates

Periodically review the notification settings Go to "System > Notifications" and adjust alerts and permissions according to your preferences. This ensures efficient management of alerts and protects your privacy when updates change.

Ultimately, Windows 11 offers a variety of tools, tricks, and hidden features to optimize the search and management of applications and filesThe hidden index is one of the most direct and effective methods for navigating between multiple apps, but its true potential is unlocked by combining it with other options: startup customization, virtual desktops, shortcuts, specialized search engines, and experimental features like Recall. Spending a few minutes configuring these options will allow you to create a fast, organized, and completely controlled work environment, where you'll never waste time searching through icons and endless menus again.