How To Export And Import Start Menu Layout In Windows 10

In this tutorial, we are going to see how to export and import start menu layout In Windows 10. As you know, the new Windows 10 Start menu is customizable to your needs. You can pin apps, drag tiles, create groups of apps, resize tiles or even detach tiles.

Many users customize the Start menu right after installing their operating system. If you are one of these users, you should know that you can export and import your Start menu customization so that you can deploy the same layout on other Windows 10 devices or simply in case of reformatting.

Unfortunately, there is no easy way to export and import the Start menu layout in Windows 10. That said, you can use Windows PowerShell to export and import the Start menu layout in a .xml file format. Once you export the Start menu layout .xml file, you can then import it to other PCs running Windows 10. So, let’s find out together how to export and import the Start menu customization in Windows 10.
 

How To Export Start Menu Layout In Windows 10

Step 1: To check this, type PowerShell in the Windows search bar. Then right-click on Windows PowerShell and Run as administrator.
 

 

 
Step 2: In the PowerShell window, run the following command:

Export-StartLayout -Path "C:\Users\YourUserName\Desktop\Layout.xml"

 
This command will create a file in .xml format in the specified folder.
 

 
 

How To Import Start Menu Layout In Windows 10

Note: For safety’s sake, I encourage you to create a system restore point in case any bugs occur.

Step 1: Importing requires the use of the Local Group Policy Editor. So start by opening it. To do this, type Gpedit.msc in the Start menu, then press Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
 

 

 
Step 2: In the Local Group Policy Editor, navigate to the following folder: User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar

Step 3: On the right side of the window, double-click on Start Layout.
 

 
Step 4: Select Enabled. In the Options section, in the Startup layout file field, type the path to the .xml file.
 

 
Step 5: Finally, click on the Apply button, then on OK. Restart your PC and you’re done!