Two paths for Win10 start shortcuts

Question

Few of my shortcuts in Start suddenly disappeared. When I tried to discover why, I found that there are two paths for shortcuts in Start:

C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs

and

C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs

Why is that? Where I should eventually put my shortcuts manually (not via drag'n'drop in start) to show them in Start menu? Thanks.

Answer 1

Shortcuts (.LNK files) go in both locations depending if

(a) All users - first choice {Program Data) OR

(b) Per User - second location above in User folder.

Do not mix them up and allow the program installer to pick the correct location.

All are available in the Windows 10 Main Start menu.

Answer 2

You can't get shortcuts on your Start Menu my putting them in

C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs 

or

C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs

Shortcuts must be outside of your Programs folders, right clicked on and "Pin to Start".

Learn how to backup and restore the Windows 10 start menu. It will come in handy.

Backup both Programs folders everyday so that you can right click on the backup and "Pin to Start".