Start menu has returned with Windows 10 and is a prominent feature of the latest version of Windows operating system. The new Start menu offers the best features of Windows 7 Start menu as well as some of the new features introduced first with the Start screen in Windows 8.
Although the Start screen is very much present in Windows 10 and can be enabled under Start menu properties, most users are happy with the new Start screen, as the new Start menu offers all the features of Start screen without having to switch to the Start screen.
The Start menu can be personalized in a number of ways. The app tiles on the right-side can be resized, repositioned and removed. In addition to that, you can pin almost everything from files to folders to Control Panel to Recycle Bin to the left side of the Start menu for quick access.
After personalizing and organizing your Start menu, you might want to lock the Start menu to prevent others or yourself from accidentally changing the layout. Luckily, you can restrict users from altering the Start menu layout by making appropriate changes in Group Policy.
Stop users from changing Start menu layout
Complete the given below instructions to restrict users from altering Start menu layout in Windows 10.
NOTE: This will not affect the Start screen, meaning users will be able to change the Start screen layout.
Step 1: Open Local Group Policy Editor. To do so, type Gpedit.msc in Start menu search box or Run command box and then press enter key.
Step 2: In the Local Group Policy Editor, navigate to Computer Configuration, Administrative Templates, and then Start menu and Taskbar.
Step 3: Here, on the right-side, double-click the entry labelled Start Menu Layout to open its properties, select Enabled, and then click Apply button.
You might need to restart the Explorer or reboot your PC to apply the changes. That’s it!
From here onwards, no one will be able to alter the Start menu layout. To remove the restriction, follow the above steps and change Start Menu Layout to Not Configured.
