Try this Reg:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\IvoSoft\ClassicStartMenu]
"ShowAppsMenu_State"=dword:00000000
"ShowAppsMenu"=dword:00000000
"StartScreenShortcut_State"=dword:00000000
"StartScreenShortcut"=dword:00000000
These are the Group Policy settings to hide apps folder item and Start screen shortcut for all users. The easier way to configure them is via Group Policy templates. I just tried these. For a new user account, the apps item and Start screen shortcut do not show in the Classic style.
Thanks for the kind words about Classic Shell. You can show your support by donating too.
