Start Layout in Windows 11 for All users

Question

Hi,

Is it not supported /possible to override the Windows 11 default start layout?

I am trying to set the following start layout for all users:

Following this article and created json file as
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/customize/desktop/customize-the-windows-11-start-menu

{  
  "primaryOEMPins": [  
    { "packagedAppId": "Microsoft.Windows.Photos_8wekyb3d8bbwe!App" },  
    { "desktopAppId": "Chrome" },  
    { "desktopAppId": "308046B0AF4A39CB" },  
    { "desktopAppId": "{7C5A40EF-A0FB-4BFC-874A-C0F2E0B9FA8E}\\Notepad++\\notepad++.exe" }  
  ],  
  "secondaryOEMPins": [  
    { "desktopAppId": "::{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}" },  
    { "packagedAppId": "windows.immersivecontrolpanel_cw5n1h2txyewy!microsoft.windows.immersivecontrolpanel" }  
  ],  
  "firstRunOEMPins": [  
    { "packagedAppId": "Microsoft.WindowsNotepad_8wekyb3d8bbwe!App" }  
  ]  
}  

Now copied this LayoutModification.Json file in mounted image as:
D:\Mount\Users\Default\Appdata\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Shell

Once image is deployed, the result wasn't as expected:

Answer 1

Hi there,

Have you tried looking into the Pin conflicts?

Third-party apps: Before Microsoft attempts to pin a third-party app, it first checks whether the exact same app is already pinned by the OEM on any page. If it is, Microsoft keeps the OEM app pinned in its place.

First-party apps defined by Microsoft on Page 1: Microsoft first-party apps (ex: Microsoft Edge, Mail, Store) pinned on Page 1 cannot be moved by the OEM. If the OEM attempts to pin one of these apps on Page 1 as well, it will be ignored.

Elevating Microsoft first-party apps: OEMs may pin a Microsoft first-party app (ex: Calculator, Camera) on Page 1 and move its position to Page 1 so long as either it is not already pinned by Microsoft on Page 1 or is not pinned.

---

If the reply is helpful, please Upvote and Accept it as an answer

Answer 2

Hi,

Is it NOT possible to override default layout completely?

What is really meant by "page1" in the following?

Now eventually, some pins are back when connected to internet. But how to get rid from the promotional apps to be appear on the start?