MC1234094 Medium
Coming soon to organizations: Customize the Start menu with updated policies
Summary AI-generated
A new dynamic Start menu with improved app views and updated policies will roll out to organizations beginning Q2 2026; admins get more control via new HideCategoryView and ConfigureStartPins policies.
Suggested actions AI-generated
- Review and update Start menu policies
- Prepare for new Start menu rollout
- Inform users of UI changes
Written by Azure OpenAI (gpt-4.1) from the text of the post below. It can be incomplete or wrong; the original post is authoritative.
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Original post from Microsoft
The updated Start menu is gradually rolling out. It brings the “All \[apps\]” section to the top level of the Start menu with new views (category and grid). The size of the Start menu is dynamic to the user's device. Additionally, updated policies now make it easier for you to configure Start.
When will this happen:
Start menu began gradual rollout in October 2025 to general audiences. The rollout of Start menu to organizations will begin in the second quarter of the calendar year 2026.
How this will affect your organization:
Devices will begin updating to show the new Start menu. In addition to the existing policies, the following policies give you more control:
- HideCategoryView: This is a net new policy that can be applied to the updated Start menu design. Turn off the new category view in the "All \[apps\]" section, so devices show the grid view by default. Note: If you already have HideAppList enabled, you don't need to enable HideCategoryView since devices won't have the "All \[apps\]" section.
- ConfigureStartPins: This policy can be applied to all versions of Start and only includes an update. When the optional applyOnce flag is set, the pinned layout is applied only during initial provisioning. After that, users can customize their Start menu without those changes being reset during routine policy refreshes. This addresses a previous issue where users’ pinned sections could be unexpectedly refreshed.
What you need to do to prepare:
Review the new policies above and make changes accordingly. See additional information.
Additional information:
- Review policies in Start Policy CSP.
- Learn more at Start policy settings.
- Learn more about HideCategoryView Start Policy CSP.
- Learn more about ConfigureStartPins Start Policy CSP.