Policy
Prevent users from customizing their Start Screen
Windows 11 25H2
Policy overview
Key metadata and intent for this policy.
Supported OS tags: Windows10, Windows10RT, Windows11, Windows2000, Windows7, Windows8, Windows81, WindowsRT, WindowsRT81, WindowsServer2003, WindowsServer2008, WindowsServer2012, WindowsServer2012R2, WindowsServer2016, WindowsVista, WindowsXP
This policy setting allows you to prevent users from changing their Start screen layout. If you enable this setting, you will prevent a user from selecting an app, resizing a tile, pinning/unpinning a tile or a secondary tile, entering the customize mode and rearranging tiles within Start and Apps. If you disable or do not configure this setting, you will allow a user to select an app, resize a tile, pin/unpin a tile or a secondary tile, enter the customize mode and rearrange tiles within Start and Apps.
Registry values
How enabled and disabled states update the registry.
| Registry location | Type | Enabled value | Disabled value |
|---|---|---|---|
| HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\NoChangeStartMenu | REG_DWORD | 1 | 0 |
Policy elements
Inputs and configuration options exposed by this policy.
This policy has no additional user input fields.
Other policies in this category
Explore related policies at the same level.
- UserAdd "Run in Separate Memory Space" check box to Run dialog boxAt least Windows 2000
- UserAdd Logoff to the Start MenuWindows Server 2008, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, Windows XP, and Windows 2000
- UserAdd Search Internet link to Start MenuWindows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7
- UserAdd the Run command to the Start MenuWindows Server 2008, Windows 7, and Windows Vista
- UserChange Start Menu power buttonWindows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7
- UserClear history of recently opened documents on exitAt least Windows 2000
- UserClear the recent programs list for new usersWindows Server 2008, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows 10
- UserClear tile notifications during log onAt least Windows Server 2012, Windows 8 or Windows RT
- ComputerConfigure Start PinsAt least Windows 11 Version 24H2
- UserConfigure Start PinsAt least Windows 11 Version 24H2
- UserConfigure Taskbar Small Button BehaviorAt least Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education with Windows Sandbox
- ComputerConfigure Taskbar Small Button BehaviorAt least Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education with Windows Sandbox