- The shell:appsfolder command allows you to access all the applications installed on Windows 11 from a special folder.
- With this command you can quickly create shortcuts and manage applications to optimize your experience.
- There are other useful shell commands to access hidden system functions and folders.
The shell:appsfolder command in Windows 11 It may seem like a little-known technical term, but it is actually a surprisingly useful tool. Useful. Allows users to quickly access all the applications installed on your computer from a special folder. This feature is especially valuable for those who want to improve their use of the operating system, customize shortcuts or better manage their applications.
If you are looking for ways to optimize your Windows 11 experience, knowing how to take advantage of this command can make a big difference. In this article, we will break down its use in detail. utility, how to use it and the many possibilities it offers to get the most out of your PC.
What is shell:appsfolder and what is it used for?

The command shell: appsfolder is a special path in Windows that opens a system folder where all the applications installed apps, including traditional apps and UWP (Universal Windows Platform) apps downloaded from the Microsoft Store. This is useful for finding and managing apps without manually searching for each app. executable.
One of the main advantages of this folder is that it makes it easier to create Shortcuts to applications in locations such as the desk, the taskbar or any other custom folder. In addition, it is a handy tool to configure applications to run automatically at system startup.
How to open the shell:appsfolder folder

Accessing this folder is very simple and you can do so through the Windows 'Run' dialog box:
- Press the keys Windows + R to open the 'Run' dialog box.
- Write shell: appsfolder and press 'Enter'.
When you run it, a File Explorer window will open showing the complete list of applications installed on your system. From here you can perform multiple actions, such as create shortcuts or manage applications.
Creating shortcuts from shell:appsfolder
If you are one of those who prefer to have specific applications always at hand on the desktop, Creating shortcuts with this command is an excellent solution. Here's how to do it:
- Open the shell:appsfolder folder following the steps above.
- Search for the desired application in the displayed list.
- Take the right click on the application icon and Select 'Create Shortcut'.
- Windows will ask you if you want to send the shortcut to the desktop. Click Click 'Yes'.
And ready! Now you will have a quick access on your desktop that you can move and customize to your liking.
Setting up applications at startup
Another interesting feature related to this command is the ability to manage the applications that run automatically when the system starts. To do this, you need to know two additional commands:
- shell: startup: Opens the folder where startup applications are managed for the current user.
- shell: common startup: Opens the folder to configure startup applications for all users on the computer.
To add an application to the system startup, simply drag and drop its shortcut from the shell:appsfolder to the corresponding startup folder.
Useful additional shell shortcuts in Windows

The shell:appsfolder command is not the only shell shortcut available in Windows. There are a wide variety of commands that allow you to quickly access various applications. folders and hidden system functions. Some of the most useful ones include:
- shell: downloads: Open the downloads folder.
- shell:recent: Shows recently opened files.
- shell:desktop: Takes you directly to the desktop.
- shell:controlpanelfolder: Opens the Control Panel.
These commands They are especially useful for advanced users or those who want to save time when navigating the system.
Tips to maximize your utility
To get the most out of the shell:appsfolder command and other similar shortcuts, here are some handy tips:
- Customize your shortcuts to always have the applications you use most at hand.
- Organize your home folders to optimize system performance.
- Experiment with various shell commands to Discover new hidden features and tools.
With a little practice, these shortcuts can transform the way you interact with your operating system.
Now that you know everything that the shell:appsfolder command can offer you, it's time to put what you've learned into practice. This tool, along with other shell commands, is key for those looking to customize and optimize their Windows 11 experience. Everything you need is just a command away.
I am a technology enthusiast who has turned his "geek" interests into a profession. I have spent more than 10 years of my life using cutting-edge technology and tinkering with all kinds of programs out of pure curiosity. Now I have specialized in computer technology and video games. This is because for more than 5 years I have been writing for various websites on technology and video games, creating articles that seek to give you the information you need in a language that is understandable to everyone.
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