How to Enable Expanded Start Menu in Windows 11

This article explains how to enable the expanded Start menu that displays all pins in Windows 11.

What is the Expanded Start Menu?

Windows 11 now has a new, bigger Start menu. It shows all your pinned apps at once. The feature combines the “All” menu and “Pinned” and “Recommended” sections into one large, scrollable layout.

Why would you want this? The expanded menu lets you see everything pinned without scrolling through multiple sections.

How to Enable the Expanded Start Menu

To use this feature, you’ll need to use a tool called ViVeTool. Don’t worry—it’s not complicated.

Step 1: Get ViVeTool

First, learn how to download and use ViVeTool in Windows. Windows Settings

Step 2: Open Command Prompt or Terminal

Open the Command Prompt or Windows Terminal on your computer.

Step 3: Run the Command

Copy and paste this command, then press Enter:

vivetool /enable /id:49402389,49221331,47205210,48433719

Step 4: Restart Your Computer

Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Turning On “Show All Pins by Default”

Step 1: Open Settings

Click on the Start menu and select Settings. Or press Windows key + I to open Settings app directly.

Step 2: Go to Personalization

In the Settings app, click Personalization on the left side.

Step 3: Click Start Settings

On the right side, click the Start tile to open its settings.

Step 4: Enable “Show All Pins by Default”

Toggle “Show all pins by default” on or off. When it’s on, your new larger Start menu will display all your pinned apps at once.

Step 5: Close Settings

You’re done! Close the Settings app.

What Happens When You Enable It?

Once enabled, your Start menu becomes bigger and shows all your pinned applications at the same time. No more scrolling to find apps. Everything appears in one expanded view.

Want to Switch Back?

Don’t like the bigger menu? Simply go back to Settings and toggle “Show all pins by default” off. Your Start menu will return to its original layout.

Summary

The expanded Start menu in Windows 11 is a simple way to see all your pinned apps without scrolling. Using ViVeTool, you can enable this hidden feature in just a few steps. Then, use the Settings app to turn on “Show all pins by default.” If you ever want to go back to the regular Start menu, just toggle the setting off. This gives you full control over how your Start menu looks and works.