Remove Realtek Audio Console From Start Menu

manintan · 21 Dec 2021

In my start menu I have the entry Realtek Audio Console. When I right click the file there is nothing that shows me the file location of the shortcut to delete or move it. I do not want to uninstall the program, I would like it to not appear in the start menu or I would like to move the start menu to another location.

I have two ways I would like to deal with this start menu entry.
1. If possible I would like to move it to Windows System folder in the start menu to retain it being in the Start Menu.
2. I would just like to remove the start menu entry.

Are there registry settings for application entries in the start menu or clues on where to look?

dalchina · 22 Dec 2021

Hi, the start menu (shortcuts) is mostly but not exclusively made up of two folders. These are not accessible using Win 10's start menu, but are if you use Open Shell (free) - an excellent start menu which also makes editing or changing the start menu easy - drag 'n drop, right click access to those folders.

The folders are:
%userprofile%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs
C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs

Google could help you with this - e.g.

Remove Realtek Audio Console From Start Menu-1.jpg

spunk · 22 Dec 2021

This is just a shortcut, if you don't want to see the shortcut, right click and Delete it, it will not delete the program

manintan · 22 Dec 2021

Thank you for the replies, I have checked the start menu folders and have never seen it listed there as a shortcut sadly so I dont know how it is three if it must be in one of the two folders indicated. It is a mystery I would like to solve.

Maybe this clue would help. In my start menu I also have an entry listed as "Nvidia Control Panel", this same entry does not appear in the folders listed so it appears to exhibit the same behavior that upon right click it has no show file location.

spunk · 22 Dec 2021

These are in the C:\Windows\System32\ there is more to that string, but you shouldn't mess with anything in this folder or it will make your system unstable

dalchina · 23 Dec 2021

If it's not in the folders, did you install it as a Store app? Those shortcuts do not appear in those folders.

I suspect you don't have any control over it, unless the app itself allows it.

Here are ways you may have installed it:
Realtek Audio Console Download and Install. Quickly & Easily! | Mos Tech Tips

unifex · 23 Dec 2021

Windows 10 start menu is a disastrous mess (and even more so in 11), which looks like it was created by several developer teams in parallel without any communication. Somehow "store apps" are treated completely differently from the normal "desktop programs" which only leads to confusion (or, in my case, to deleting all store apps altogether). Realtek Console is only useful if you are really serious about computer audio (or actually work with audio) and have the corresponding equipment. For my setup, where I have two simple speakers attached to the desktop, it just does not do anything at all. If you are like me, you can easily uninstall it and forget about the issue.

manintan · 23 Dec 2021

Well I guess its best not to mess with it as I do use its features. Removing it from System32 could lead to system instability as would likely something like nvidia control panel.

It may take time for people to find it and maybe they will now with windows 11 out, given that windows 11 is similar in some ways to windows 10. But maybe there will be a simple regedit tweak that can just hide these types of entries from the start menu without removing any system files.

Thank you all for your help :)

spunk · 23 Dec 2021

@unifex. Please start your own thread in the Windows 11 forum If you want help or comment on Windows 11.
If you uninstall the Realtek Audio control panel, you will also uninstall the Realtek driver for your speakers.
If you don't like Windows 10 or 11's Start Menu we suggest installing the Open-Shell app which gives you a Windows 7 looking Start Menu with the All Programs list. You might find it easier to navigate. Windows (Store) Apps will still be separate from Programs but that's the way it's going to be from now on.

unifex · 25 Dec 2021

spunk said:

@unifex. Please start your own thread in the Windows 11 forum If you want help or comment on Windows 11.
If you uninstall the Realtek Audio control panel, you will also uninstall the Realtek driver for your speakers.
If you don't like Windows 10 or 11's Start Menu we suggest installing the Open-Shell app which gives you a Windows 7 looking Start Menu with the All Programs list. You might find it easier to navigate. Windows (Store) Apps will still be separate from Programs but that's the way it's going to be from now on.

On my Windows 10, I have Realtek drivers and I do not have Realtek Console, so obviously one thing is independent from another making your statement incorrect.

Now, personal preference is a personal preference. My preference is not to install third-party add-ons such as the Open-Shell. At the same time, I am allowed to dislike what Microsoft did with its Start Menu even if I continue using it. The OP asked about removing Realtek Console from the Start Menu. My advice is to look at whether it's actually being used and if not (as in my personal case), remove it. If you think that's a bad idea, you can say so, but don't be condescending and don't tell me what to do. Also, why are you referring to yourself in plural, you are not a king, are you?