How to Enable Expanded Start Menu in Windows 11

What is the Expanded Start Menu?

The Windows 11 expanded Start menu ⊞ is a hidden layout option that shows all your pinned apps in one large grid instead of spreading them across multiple pages. This view lets you see and open your favorite programs instantly without needing to scroll through extra pages or dig through separate sections every time you open the menu.

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

Enabling the Windows 11 expanded Start menu ⊞ requires using a free command-line utility called ViVeTool (a tool that unlocks hidden features in Windows). You download the ⬇️ tool, open Command Prompt or Windows Terminal, and run a specific command to turn on the hidden layout feature in your operating system.

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

Open Command Prompt or Windows Terminal.

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"

Showing all pins by default on the Windows 11 expanded Start menu requires changing a setting in the Windows Settings app. You open Settings, go to Personalization, and select Start settings to find the toggle that keeps all your pinned apps visible at once without extra clicking.

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?

This expands the Start menu so it shows all your pinned applications at the same time. 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.