[Resolved] Windows Server 2025 Terminal RDP Start Menu Pinned Items

Question

Have a good day, everyone,

I created an R&D environment to upgrade my servers, which are currently Terminal 2019, to Terminal 2025. I took care of all GPOs and RDP licensing. I have only one problem left. No matter what I do, I cannot apply the pinned items on the start menu in Server 2025 to all users by GPO or any other way. We used to print from GPO with .xml extension. We achieved this with start2.bin file on our computers with Windows 11. However, it does not accept both in Server 2025. A method with JSON extension was mentioned, but again in the MS forum, it is stated that it is not possible to print it with GPO. How can we make this very simple process possible in Server 2025? The profiles of RDP users are kept on another server as a traveler profile. I could not find a solution for this in any source. I am waiting for your help.

Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

Hello again

First of all, I would like to thank @Karlie for the information you shared.

Unfortunately, I could not solve the problem with the information you shared. However, as a result of my research, I came to a conclusion. I share the method I have found in order to be a solution for others.

First of all, I logged in with a user on the Server 2025 operating system. I pinned the program or other shortcuts I wanted to pin.

I noticed that the file of the programs I pinned was saved at

Users\USERNAME\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.Windows.StartMenuExperienceHost_cw5n1h2txyewy\LocalState

There will be a file called start2.bin. I took this file to be a source file where I can access it.

I copied this file to the same directory of each user with GPO but without success.

Then I copied the same file to the following path (If the specified folders do not exist, you need to create them on the servers with script, bat or other solutions)

Users\Default\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.Windows.StartMenuExperienceHost_cw5n1h2txyewy\LocalState

Then, when I logged in with other users, I saw that the pinned items specified in the source start2.bin file I created came up successfully.

I hope this helps.

Best regards

Orhan AY

Answer 2

Hello,

This article might be useful: Customize The Start Layout For Managed Windows Devices | Microsoft Learn

The JSON file can be applied to devices using the Start policy CSP only. It's not possible to apply the JSON file using group policy.

Other references:

Customizing Windows 11 default Start Menu during OSD using LayoutModification.json

Windows 11 Deploy Default Startmenu Layout - Administrator

Note: Since the websites are not hosted by Microsoft, the links may change without notice. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy of this information. 

I hope this information helps.

Best regards,

Karlie Weng