Windows 11: The easy way to import and export start layouts

In Windows 11, the Start menu has been redesigned and features a simplified set of apps arranged in a grid of pages, unlike its predecessor, the Users have folders, apps, and groups on the Start menu.

You can customize the Start menu layout and import and export it to other Windows devices to personalize it to your liking.

In this guide, we’ll discuss step-by-step instructions for importing Start Layout to customize the default layout on Windows 11.

What is Import-StartLayout in Windows 11?

Import Start Layout is a cmdlet used in Windows 10 and earlier versions to import a custom layout for the Start menu into a mounted Windows image.

When you run this command to import a layout, it does so using an XML file that contains applications, groups, folders, and application icons of different sizes. Once the command is executed, it replaces the current Start menu configuration for the default user account.

However, in Windows 11, things don’t work the same way. You can still export the Start menu layout using Export-StartLayout to get the configuration in a JSON file format, which cannot be imported using the Import-StartLayout cmdlet because it is not an XML file.

Instead, you can use other methods, such as using Mobile Device Manager, Microsoft Intune, or copying the start.bin file in the user profile to achieve the desired results.

Changing the Start menu layout is helpful for administrators who want to build a customized Start menu based on the preferences of their clients or organizations.

It ensures that users have access to relevant and most commonly used applications on their computer's Start menu options to reduce clutter.

In addition to the layout, Windows 11 also has many other changes, such as the Start menu location; if you don't like the newer arrangement, you can move the Start menu to the newer layout in a few simple steps. Move left.

How to import start layout in Windows 11?

Before we get to the detailed steps for customizing the Start menu, here are some prerequisite checks you need to perform:

• Log in to your computer with administrator rights.
• Keep a JSON file containing pinned apps and their order handy.
• Back up important data before performing this operation.
• Must have access to a mobile device manager such as Microsoft Intune.
• Verify that the device you want to make changes to is registered.

When everything is ready, go to the instructions to import the default Start menu layout.

1. Use Intune to create a profileMicrosoft

1. Log in to the Intune Management Center.
2. Go to Device from the left pane, select Profiles, and click Create Profile.
3. For Platform, select Windows 10 and later from the drop-down list, for Profile, select Template, and then select Custom Definition" as "templatename".
4. Select Create.
5. Next, under "Basic Information", fill in the "Name and Description" fields and click "Next".
6. For configuration settings, select OMA-URI and click the Add button.
7. In the Add Row popup, use the following information:
   • Name – Windows 11 Start Menu Layout
   • Description – Enter a suitable description. This field is optional
   • OMA-URI: Input – ./vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Start/ConfigureStartPins
   • Data Type – String
   • Value – Paste the contents of the JSON file you created or exported
8. Select Save and click Next .
9. Configure the remainder of the policy in custom profile settings; when finished, click Create to save the custom profile.

You can further customize the Start menu layout by turning context menus on or off, hiding apps, and more.

2. Deploy changes to user profiles

1. After you create a policy, you can deploy it at any time by double-clicking the profile to open Properties.
2. Go to Assignment and click Edit.
3. Add all users and groups or selected users and groups and click "View and Save" to apply.
4. The policy is assigned when you click Save, but the group receives the settings every time a device checks in using the Intune service.

After the policy is deployed, the existing layout of the Start menu for the default user profile will be replaced with the new layout. To make sure everything is in place, you can check your PC’s registry keys.

Unfortunately, the Import-StartLayout command does not work on Windows 11 because the command only supports the XML file format, which is not generated by Export-StartLayout on current versions of Windows.

Additionally, Windows 10’s Group Policy approach has limitations with the latest Windows iterations.

If you're used to Windows 10 Classic View and want to stick with it, even after upgrading to Windows 11, read this guide to learn how to modify Windows 11 to Classic View.

How to export start layout in Windows 11?

1. Press to open Windows File Explorer. WindowsE
2. Go to C or your system drive, click New,then click on the folder, and name it is the layout.
3. Next, press the key, type power shell, and click Run as administrator. Windows
4. Now copy and paste the following command to export the Start menu layout and press Enter: <strong>Export-StartLayout -Path "C:\Layouts\ LayoutModification.json."</strong>
5. The layout file can be accessed by right-clicking the layout file and selecting Visual Studio or Notepad.
6. In a layout file, you can see pinned apps on the Windows 11 Start menu; you can add or remove apps or links, or change the order in which they appear.

So, that’s how to customize the Start menu layout to your liking using Import Start Menu Layout in Windows 11 on a single or multiple computers .

If you don’t like your current Start menu configuration and want to get the classic menu on your Windows 10 computer, check out this guide to find out how.

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