How to Enable Expanded Start Menu in Windows 11
The expanded Start menu in Windows 11 lets you see all your pinned apps at once in a larger grid instead of a small box. This layout displays every app you keep handy, helping you open programs faster without scrolling through a long list.
Microsoft includes this wider view as a built-in choice for anyone who wants more space for shortcuts right on the main screen.
Enable the expanded Start menu by first using ViVeTool with the command vivetool /enable /id:49402389,49221331,47205210,48433719 and restarting your PC. Then, open Settings, go to Personalization Start Settings, and toggle on “Show all pins by default.
What is the Expanded Start Menu?
This layout displays all pinned apps in one place, eliminating the need to scroll through extra pages to find what you want. A larger view makes accessing favorite programs directly from the Start menu much faster. Improved navigation lets you find necessary tools without digging through separate sections.
All pinned items appear at once in this configuration. Eliminating the need to scroll through different sections makes navigation quicker.
How to Enable the Expanded Start Menu
A free utility called ViVeTool unlocks this hidden Windows 11 feature by toggling an internal flag. Downloading the software package and running a specific command via Command Prompt or Windows Terminal activates the capability.
Step 1: Get ViVeTool
Downloading and configuring ViVeTool requires obtaining the archive first. Instructions for this setup process live in a separate guide. Windows Settings
Step 2: Open Command Prompt or Terminal
Command Prompt or Windows Terminal needs to be opened next.
Step 3: Run the Command
Execute the command below by pasting it into the window and pressing Enter:
vivetool /enable /id:49402389,49221331,47205210,48433719
Step 4: Restart Your Computer
Rebooting the machine applies the modifications.
Turning On "Show All Pins by Default"
Enabling the larger menu allows configuring Windows 11 to display all pinned apps by default. Opening the Settings application, navigating to Personalization, and selecting Start settings locates the required toggle.
Clicking the Start menu accesses Settings. Alternatively, pressing Windows key + I opens the Settings app directly.
Step 2: Go to Personalization
Personalization appears on the left side of the Settings window.
Step 3: Click Start Settings
The Start tile sits on the right side of the panel.
Step 4: Enable "Show All Pins by Default"
Toggling "Show all pins by default" activates the layout. Active states force the expanded menu to display every pinned application simultaneously.
Step 5: Close Settings
That is all it takes, and the Settings app can now be closed.
What Happens When You Enable It?
Activation expands the Start menu dimensions to display all pinned applications concurrently. Eliminating scrolling streamlines navigation. Everything appears inside a single unified view.
Want to Switch Back?
Reverting to the original configuration involves returning to Settings and toggling "Show all pins by default" off. The Start menu restores the default layout immediately.
Summary
The Windows 11 expanded Start menu displays all pinned apps without requiring scroll actions. ViVeTool activates the capability, while the Windows Settings app handles subsequent configuration steps.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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