Force classic Start Menu

Supported OS tags: WindowsServer2003, WindowsServer2008, WindowsVista, WindowsXP

This setting affects the presentation of the Start menu. The classic Start menu in Windows 2000 Professional allows users to begin common tasks, while the new Start menu consolidates common items onto one menu. When the classic Start menu is used, the following icons are placed on the desktop: Documents, Pictures, Music, Computer, and Network. The new Start menu starts them directly. If you enable this setting, the Start menu displays the classic Start menu in the Windows 2000 style and displays the standard desktop icons. If you disable this setting, the Start menu only displays in the new style, meaning the desktop icons are now on the Start page. If you do not configure this setting, the default is the new style, and the user can change the view.

This policy has no additional user input fields.

• User
  Add "Run in Separate Memory Space" check box to Run dialog box

  At least Windows 2000
• User
  Add Logoff to the Start Menu

  Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, Windows XP, and Windows 2000
• User
  Add Search Internet link to Start Menu

  Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7
• User
  Add the Run command to the Start Menu

  Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, and Windows Vista
• User
  Change Start Menu power button

  Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7
• User
  Clear history of recently opened documents on exit

  At least Windows 2000
• User
  Clear the recent programs list for new users

  Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows 10