Reset/restore "Frequently Used Programs" in start menu

user587 · 12 Jun 2013

Hi all :)

I've been searching for an hour to find out how to restore my Win7 Start Menu's list of frequently used programs to factory settings.

I've clicked 'remove from list' for several programs, and I want to reset all the counts and exclusions to like it is when you first install Win7. Because right now all I have is Sticky Notes sitting atop the list

Does anyone know how to do this? I would be in your eternal gratitude!

Many thanks

Edit: Needed more

:)

Golden · 12 Jun 2013

Hi,

See if this helps:

Jump Lists - Reset and Clear All Items

Regards,
Golden

Bongo · 12 Jun 2013

Welcome to the Seven Forums

Also look at those tutorials they may help

Look at option 1 step 4
Start Menu - Customize

Start Menu All Programs in Windows 7 - Restore Default Shortcuts

Jerry

user587 · 12 Jun 2013

I had a look through those but unfortunately they weren't what I was after.

I'm referring specifically to the list of frequently used programs you see when you left-click the

Start Menu button , on the left above the Run/Search textbox and "All Programs" button.

Bongo · 12 Jun 2013

OK I know what you are asking about now, I have not found a way to restore it to default, but look at these 2 tutorials 1 shows how to reset it but I think it clears it all, the 2nd shows how to backup and restore it(after it is backup first).

Start Menu - Reset Pin To Area

Start Menu - Backup and Restore Pinned Items in Windows 7

If you want I can install Home Premium in VMware and get a list of default programs.

Let me know
Jerry

I installed Home Premium and here is what it looks like.

Reset/restore "Frequently Used Programs" in start menu-hp.png

jonnyhotchkiss · 28 Mar 2016

OK this is experimental (composing this as I go), but might have the answers for clearing the MFU, not just fixing jump-list pinning (which is all I see posted)... holler if 'better late than never'!

I've just set Start Menu 'recent programs' to 10, and can see some entries (I've, ahem, highlighted the usual suspects)

If you just want to clear all data, try the userassist tool, from didier stevens (hint: CLEAR ALL!).

I tried it (first cleared, and the same entries were still visible. I set to 0, then set to 20, and the list is empty).