Restricting changes to the Start menu layout in Windows 11 is critical for organizations and individuals who need a consistent interface across devices. This is especially important in environments such as classrooms, kiosks, or managed workstations, where accidental or intentional changes to the Start menu can lead to confusion, wasted time, or support requests. Windows 11 offers several ways to lock down the Start menu layout, with varying levels of control and compatibility depending on your management tools and system configuration.

Locking the Start Menu Layout Using Group Policy Editor

Step 1: Launch the Group Policy Editor by pressing Windows + R, typing gpedit.msc, and pressing Enter. This tool is available on Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.

Step 2: In the Group Policy Editor, navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar.

Step 3: Double-click on the Start Layout policy. Set it to Enabled, then specify the path to your exported Start Menu layout XML file. This file defines the exact arrangement of pinned apps and tiles that users will see.

Step 4: Click Apply and then OK to enforce the policy. The next time a user signs in, the Start menu layout will be locked, preventing pinning, unpinning, or rearranging of tiles.

This method is the most robust option for domain-joined environments or standalone devices running compatible editions of Windows 11. It ensures that the layout remains fixed as long as the policy is enabled and the XML file is accessible.

Locking the Start Menu Layout Using the Registry Editor

Step 1: Open the Registry Editor by pressing Windows + R, typing regedit, and pressing Enter. If prompted by User Account Control, confirm your choice.

Step 2: Navigate to the following registry path for user-specific settings:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer

For system-wide settings that apply to all users, use:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer

If the Explorer key does not exist, right-click the Windows folder, select New > Key, and name it Explorer.

Step 3: Inside the Explorer key, right-click in the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it LockedStartLayout.

Step 4: Double-click LockedStartLayout, set its value to 1, and click OK.

Step 5: Restart the PC or sign out and sign back in to apply the changes. The Start menu layout will now be locked, and users will not be able to pin, unpin, or move tiles.

Editing the registry directly offers granular control, but it is less user-friendly and riskier than using Group Policy. Always back up the registry before making changes, as incorrect edits can cause system instability.

Customizing and Deploying Start Menu Layouts with Exported Configuration Files

For organizations managing multiple Windows 11 devices, especially with tools like Microsoft Intune or Configuration Service Provider (CSP), exporting and deploying a Start menu layout as an XML or JSON file streamlines the process.

Step 1: On a reference device, arrange the Start menu exactly as desired, pinning and unpinning apps as needed.

Step 2: Open Windows PowerShell and run the following command to export the layout:

Export-StartLayout -Path "C:\Layouts\LayoutModification.xml"

For environments using CSP or Intune, you may need to export as a JSON file:

Export-StartLayout -Path "C:\Layouts\LayoutModification.json"

Step 3: Deploy the exported file using your preferred method:

  • With Group Policy, specify the XML file in the Start Layout policy as described above.
  • With Intune, upload the JSON file in the configuration profile under Configure Start Pins.
  • For CSP, configure the appropriate OMA-URI settings, referencing the exported file.

When a full Start layout is applied via these methods, users cannot pin, unpin, or uninstall apps from Start. Any attempt to change the layout will be reverted at the next sign-in. If you want to allow some user customization, consider using a partial Start layout, which locks only specified groups or tiles while leaving the rest of the Start menu open for changes.

Policy Settings and Limitations

Windows 11 exposes several policy options for Start menu management beyond layout locking. Administrators can:

  • Prevent users from customizing Start (Prevent users from customizing their Start policy).
  • Block uninstallation of applications from Start.
  • Remove or hide sections such as All Apps, Recommended, or Recently Added.
  • Control pinned folders and power options visible on the Start menu.

It's important to note that some features available in Windows 10, such as partial Start layout locking via Group Policy, are not fully supported in Windows 11. The ability to lock down only specific groups or tiles is more limited, and many options require full layout enforcement.

Additionally, if you are managing Windows 11 devices with Intune or through CSP, some settings—like Configure Start Pins—are only available through those platforms and not via Group Policy. For domain-joined devices not managed by Intune, options for granular Start menu control are more restricted.

Locking the Start menu layout in Windows 11 creates a stable, predictable user experience and reduces support issues. Choose the method that best fits your environment and management tools, and always test changes on a reference device before deploying broadly.