Revert to the Classic Start Menu in Windows 11 (Most current version)

Neither action changes anything. I have been in IT support for over 25 years and have used these tools personally and professionally. Obviously these settings have been nerfed my Microsoft for some reason. Next suggestions? I have tried this on the latest Win11 Home and Pro versions. Same results.

It would be fantastic if Microsoft would start acting like what they are, a VENDOR, not the CLIENT.

Here is a short blunt answer: Not possible.

Hi EOY_8592,

Welcome to the Microsoft Q&A forum.

In Windows 11, the Start menu was redesigned and the classic Windows 10 or Windows 7 Start menu layout is no longer available as a built‑in option. There isn’t a supported setting or switch to fully restore the classic Start menu experience in Windows 11.

You can adjust Windows 11 to feel more familiar using these supported personalization settings:

1 - Move Start to the left

• Right‑click the taskbar and select Taskbar settings.
• Expand Taskbar behaviors.
• Set Taskbar alignment to Left.

2 - Reduce or hide “Recommended” items

• Open Start > Settings > Personalization > Start.
• Turn off recommendation options to keep Start more focused on pinned apps.

3 - Organize pinned apps like a classic layout

• Right‑click apps to Pin to Start or Unpin from Start.
• Drag pinned apps to reorder them.
• Drag one app onto another to create folders for cleaner grouping.

4 - Add quick‑access folders

• In Settings > Personalization > Start, select Folders.
• Turn on commonly used folders (Documents, Downloads, etc.) so they appear next to the Power button.

Additionally, you can consider using third‑party Start menu applications (such as Start11, StartAllBack or Open‑Shell) that are designed to replicate the classic experience. Please note that these tools are optional and not part of Windows, availability and behavior can vary by device configuration and organizational policy.

Disclaimer: Microsoft provides no assurances and/or warranties, implied or otherwise, and is not responsible for the information you receive from the third-party linked sites or any support related to technology.

Let me know if you need further assistance, feel free to ask me by clicking "Add Comment" or "Add Answer" if you cannot add comment so your response will be visible. Thanks for your effort.

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That the functionality for the user community to revert to a useful condition after Win11 intro, until MS nerfed that functionality, is infuriating and those of you shilling aren't real teckies! All they did was slap a huge launchpad for shortcuts in front of the Start menu! Ignoring the obvious fact that you have the Taskbar and the limitless Desktop to do just that. Who asked for such a foolish, worthless, pointless change? MS just giving busywork for the devs? As someone who supported hundreds at USPS, thousands at DHS, and 10s of thousands at Credit Suisse, those user communities would have demandied a working GrpPol to fix this crap!

Hi EOY_8592,

I understand how disruptive this change can feel. Unfortunately, at the moment, there isn’t a supported configuration to revert Windows 11 to the classic Windows 10 or Windows 7 Start menu behavior across managed environments.

Please note that this is a user-to-user support forum. Moderators, contributors including external Microsoft employees cannot directly intervene in Microsoft product features or access back-end systems. Our role is limited to providing technical guidance on reported issues, requests, or ideas.

Given these limitations, the most appropriate avenue for product changes or feature requests is to submit feedback through the official Microsoft feedback channels (or press Windows + F to open Feedback Hub app).

You don't explain what you mean by a "classic Start menu". Your idea of a classic Start menu could be different from the next person's idea. FWIW I bought Start11 from Stardock, and I have exactly the kind of Start menu I like. With all its configuration choices, it might even be what you're looking for.

He asked about classic view from 24H2. On 25H2 style now changed to new "st***d" style. Now, without any warning, all applications are displayed under the pinned applications, and we want to display them by pressing a button.