Windows 11 Show Most Used Apps Greyed Out

In the world of Windows 11, there's a frustrating issue that many users have encountered: the most used apps appearing greyed out.

This can be quite puzzling for users who rely on these apps for their daily tasks. So, why does Windows 11 show most used apps greyed out? Let's dive into the details.

Understanding the Issue: Windows 11 Show Most Used Apps Greyed Out

Windows 11 is the latest operating system developed by Microsoft, offering several new features and enhancements. However, like any other operating system, it is not free from issues. One common issue faced by Windows 11 users is the "Most Used Apps" section appearing greyed out in the Start Menu. This can be frustrating for users who heavily rely on the Most Used Apps feature to quickly access their frequently used applications.

The greyed-out Most Used Apps section can be attributed to various factors, including system settings, user account issues, or bugs in the operating system itself. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue and offer potential solutions to resolve it.

Possible Causes of Windows 11 Show Most Used Apps Greyed Out

When encountering the issue of the Most Used Apps section being greyed out in the Windows 11 Start Menu, it is important to consider the following potential causes:

• Incorrect system settings.
• User account issues.
• Corrupted system files.
• Outdated or incompatible drivers.
• Bugs in the Windows 11 operating system.

By identifying the possible causes, users can take the appropriate steps to troubleshoot and resolve the issue. Let us explore each possible cause in detail:

Incorrect System Settings

One common cause of the Most Used Apps section appearing greyed out in the Windows 11 Start Menu is incorrect system settings. Incorrect settings relating to the Start Menu or the taskbar can impact the visibility and functionality of the Most Used Apps feature. To address this, users can try the following:

• Restart the system: Sometimes, a simple system restart can resolve temporary glitches and refresh the Start Menu.
• Check the Start Menu settings: Ensure that the Most Used Apps feature is enabled in the Start Menu settings. To do this, right-click on the taskbar, select "Taskbar settings," and navigate to the "Start" tab. Make sure the "Show most used apps" option is toggled on.
• Reset the Start Menu: If the issue persists, resetting the Start Menu to its default settings can help. Open the Windows PowerShell as an administrator and enter the command "Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers | Reset-AppxPackage" to reset the Start Menu.
• Create a new user account: In some cases, user account issues can cause the Most Used Apps feature to be greyed out. Creating a new user account and transferring your data can help resolve this. To create a new user account, go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users and click on "Add account."

User Account Issues

User account issues can also lead to the Most Used Apps section being greyed out in the Start Menu. This can happen if the user account is not granted the necessary permissions or if the user profile is corrupted. To address user account issues, users can follow these steps:

• Run Windows Store App Troubleshooter: Windows provides a troubleshooter specifically designed to identify and fix issues related to the Windows Store and user accounts. To run the troubleshooter, go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot and select "Windows Store Apps."
• Create a new user account: If the issue persists, creating a new user account and transferring your data can often resolve user account-related issues. This can be done by going to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users and clicking on "Add account."
• Perform a system file check: Corrupted system files can also affect user accounts and cause issues with the Start Menu. Running a system file check can help identify and repair any corrupted files. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator and enter the command "sfc /scannow."

Corrupted System Files

Corrupted system files can cause various issues in Windows 11, including problems with the Most Used Apps feature in the Start Menu. To check and repair corrupted system files, users can follow these steps:

• Run DISM command: DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) is a command-line tool that can repair corrupted system files. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and enter the command "DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth." Let the process complete, and then restart the system.
• Perform a system file check: As mentioned earlier, running a system file check using the Command Prompt can help identify and repair corrupted files. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and enter the command "sfc /scannow."

Outdated or Incompatible Drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers can also contribute to issues with the Most Used Apps feature in the Windows 11 Start Menu. To ensure that the drivers are updated and compatible, follow these steps:

• Update drivers manually: Users can visit the manufacturer's website of their respective hardware components (such as GPU, network adapter, etc.) and download the latest drivers from there. Ensure that the downloaded drivers are specifically designed for Windows 11.
• Use Windows Update: Windows Update can automatically detect and download the latest drivers for the hardware components on your system. Go to Settings > Windows Update and click on "Check for updates."

Bugs in the Windows 11 Operating System

Lastly, bugs in the Windows 11 operating system can also lead to the Most Used Apps section being greyed out in the Start Menu. If none of the previous solutions have resolved the issue, it is advisable to wait for Microsoft to release updates that address these bugs. Keeping your system up to date with the latest Windows 11 updates will ensure that any known bugs are patched.

In conclusion, the greyed-out Most Used Apps section in the Windows 11 Start Menu can be attributed to various factors such as incorrect system settings, user account issues, corrupted system files, outdated drivers, or bugs in the operating system. By following the appropriate troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, users can effectively resolve the issue and regain access to their frequently used applications.

Windows 11 Show Most Used Apps Greyed Out

In Windows 11, the "Most Used" section in the Start Menu sometimes appears greyed out, preventing users from accessing their frequently used apps. This issue can be frustrating, but there are a few potential causes and solutions to consider:

1. Privacy settings: It's possible that your privacy settings are limiting the tracking of your app usage. To resolve this, go to Settings > Privacy > Activity history and ensure "Let Windows track app launches to improve Start and search results" is enabled.

2. Reset Start Menu layout: Greyed-out apps on the Most Used section can be resolved by resetting the Start Menu layout. Right-click on the Taskbar, select "Taskbar settings," then click on the "Start" tab. Scroll down and click on "Reset" under the "Reset your Start layout" section.

3. Disable Tablet Mode: If you are using a tablet or a 2-in-1 device, make sure Tablet Mode is turned off. Open the Action Center by clicking on the notification icon in the taskbar, then disable Tablet Mode if it's enabled.

4. Update Windows and drivers: Keeping Windows and your device drivers up to date can fix various issues. Go to Settings > Windows Update and check for any available updates. Additionally, visit your device manufacturer's website to update specific drivers.

By following these steps, you can troubleshooting the issue of greyed-out apps in the Most Used section of the Windows 11 Start Menu and regain access to your frequently used apps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about the issue of "Windows 11 Show Most Used Apps Greyed Out" along with their answers:

1. Why are my most used apps greyed out in Windows 11?

In Windows 11, the most used apps are displayed on the Start Menu for easy access. However, if you notice that these apps appear greyed out, it could be due to a few reasons. One possibility is that Windows 11 hasn't collected enough data yet to determine your most used apps. Another possibility is that there is a glitch or error in the operating system.

To resolve this issue, you can try restarting your computer and see if that refreshes the list of most used apps. You can also try updating your Windows 11 to the latest version, as updates often include bug fixes. If the problem persists, you may need to contact Microsoft support for further assistance.

2. Can I manually add or remove apps from the most used apps list in Windows 11?

By default, Windows 11 automatically adds and removes apps from the most used apps list based on your usage patterns. However, there is currently no built-in option to manually add or remove apps from this list in Windows 11.

If you want to prioritize certain apps in the most used apps list, you can try using the "Pin to Start" or "Pin to Taskbar" options. This will place the app icon on the Start Menu or Taskbar for quick access, regardless of its usage frequency.

3. How can I customize the most used apps section in Windows 11?

While you cannot manually add or remove apps from the most used apps list, you can customize the overall appearance and layout of the Start Menu in Windows 11 to suit your preferences.

To customize the most used apps section, you can:

• Resize the Start Menu: Right-click on the taskbar and select "Taskbar settings." Under the "Taskbar behaviors" section, you can adjust the size of the Start Menu.
• Choose different layouts: In the Start Menu settings, you can select different layouts, such as simplified or full screen, to change the appearance of the most used apps section.
• Customize the app list: You can choose to hide or show certain app shortcuts in the Start Menu to declutter the most used apps section.

4. Are there any third-party apps or tools that can enhance the functionality of the most used apps section in Windows 11?

Yes, there are third-party apps and tools available that can enhance the functionality of the most used apps section in Windows 11. These apps provide additional customization options, such as the ability to manually add or remove apps from the most used apps list, create custom app categories, and more.

Some popular third-party apps for customization in Windows 11 include Start11, Open-Shell, and Stardock's Start10. These apps offer a range of features to personalize and optimize your Start Menu experience.

5. Will the issue of greyed out most used apps be fixed in future Windows 11 updates?

It is possible that Microsoft will address the issue of greyed out most used apps in future updates of Windows 11. Microsoft regularly releases updates to fix bugs and improve the overall performance of the operating system.

To ensure that you have the latest updates installed, you can go to Settings > Windows Update and check for updates. It is recommended to keep your Windows 11 up to date to benefit from these updates.

In conclusion, if you find that the "Most Used" apps are greyed out on your Windows 11 system, there are a few potential reasons for this. Firstly, it could be a bug or glitch in the operating system itself, in which case Microsoft may release an update or patch to fix the issue. Secondly, it could be due to changes in your usage patterns or the apps that you have installed, causing the system to prioritize other apps over the ones that were previously marked as "Most Used."

To troubleshoot this issue, you can try restarting your computer, updating Windows, or resetting the "Most Used" apps list. Additionally, you can manually pin your favorite apps to the Start Menu for easier access. If none of these solutions work, it might be worth reaching out to Microsoft Support for further assistance. Remember, technology can sometimes have its quirks, but with a little patience and troubleshooting, you can usually find a way to resolve the issue and get your "Most Used" apps to show up normally again.