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      How to Export Start Menu Layout on Windows 11

      Overview

      Windows 11 uses JSON files to customize or modify the Start menu layout. For Windows 10, we were able to export an XML file to customize the start menu and taskbar layout. Device restriction policies helped us to implement start layout settings for Windows 10 PCs using the XML file.

      There are three main sections of the Windows 11 Start Menu Layout. You can segregate them into Pinned, All Apps, and Recommended. You can customize only pinned apps in Windows 11 start menu using JSON files at this point time.

      The customization of All Apps and Recommended apps are not possible using a JSON file.

      Steps

      • Manually build the start menu layout on your device.
      • Create a temp folder in the root C:\ drive.
      • Launch PowerShell and run the below command:
      Export-StartLayout -Path “C:\temp\StartMenuLayout.json”
        • Open the newly created JSON file under C:\temp to confirm everything is ok.

        • Edit JSON file using NotePad ++

          Let’s now finalise the Windows 11 StartMenuLayout.json file using NotePad ++, or you can use Visual Studio Code. Similar to Windows 10 XML file, you will see three supported pinned apps options for Windows 11. The StartMenuLayout.json file contains all the information required.

            • DesktopApplicationLinkPath – You need use shortcut links with this option (.lnk). Not recommended.
            • AppUserModelID – Best option for modern apps.
            • DesktopApplicationID – Best option if you want to use the actual executables.
        • Save any modifications and send the file in a support ticket to Devicie team to create a configuration profile. Make sure you highlight what group the configuration profile needs to be assigned to.