Windows 10: Customizing the Start Layout file.

Hello guys, hoping for a bit of assistance.


We have Windows 10 1809 build LTSC, which I am currently writing policies for. One of the policies is customizing the start layout - specifically pinning items to the task bar. I want to keep the start menu free of any live tiles, so I have exported an edited the following xml file, and imported it to some test machines via the Start Layout group policy (UC > Policies > Administrative Templates > Start Layput *note also applied to Computer with same issue):


<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<LayoutModificationTemplate
xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/Start/2014/LayoutModification"
xmlns:defaultlayout="http://schemas.microsoft.com/Start/2014/FullDefaultLayout"
xmlns:start="http://schemas.microsoft.com/Start/2014/StartLayout"
xmlns:taskbar="http://schemas.microsoft.com/Start/2014/TaskbarLayout"
Version="1">
<DefaultLayoutOverride>
<CustomTaskbarLayoutCollection PinListPlacement="Replace">
<defaultlayout:TaskbarLayout>
<taskbar:TaskbarPinList>
<taskbaresktopApp DesktopApplicationLinkPath="%APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Accessories\Internet Explorer.lnk"/>
<taskbaresktopApp DesktopApplicationLinkPath="%APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\System Tools\File Explorer.lnk" />
</taskbar:TaskbarPinList>
</defaultlayout:TaskbarLayout>
</CustomTaskbarLayoutCollection>
</DefaultLayoutOverride>
</LayoutModificationTemplate>


The policy appears to apply fine, pinning my chosen applications to the task bar - but I am also left with several live tiles, and I cannot work out why?




If I export the startlayout from the machine I have applied the policy too, this is what I see:


<LayoutModificationTemplate xmlns:defaultlayout="http://schemas.microsoft.com/Start/2014/FullDefaultLayout" xmlns:start="http://schemas.microsoft.com/Start/2014/StartLayout" Version="1" xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/Start/2014/LayoutModification">
<LayoutOptions StartTileGroupCellWidth="6" />
<DefaultLayoutOverride>
<StartLayoutCollection>
<defaultlayout:StartLayout GroupCellWidth="6" />
</StartLayoutCollection>
</DefaultLayoutOverride>
</LayoutModificationTemplate>


Checking HKCU > Software > Policies > Microsoft > Windows > Explorer > StartLayoutFile I see my custom file pushed out by my policy.


So, to summarise I am struggle to see why my custom task bar is not appearing as it should. I am not great with XML, so could it be the xml file that is the issue?


I have referred to https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/configuration/start-layout-xml-desktop and https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/configuration/configure-windows-10-taskbar for guidance, but don't seem to be getting anywhere.


Any help would be greatly appreciated!!


Thanks


Matthew




:)

 

Start Menu and Taskbar customization

Not freeware. Suggest looking on microsoft.com for how to modify the layout xml file. and is the only way to make those changes.

 

Cannot remove Keyboard Layout

Hi,

It is possible that you need to configure your keyboard layout that is why you still see it in the list even you already remove it. To address your issue, we suggest that you follow the steps on this

thread provided by DikkeryDok last October 27, 2017 to remove the specific keyboard layout you are referring to.

Let us know if you need further assistance.

 

How to reset the tile layout in the start menu

Hi,

We would like to know more about your concern with resetting the tile layout in the Start menu. Kindly answer the following:

• Is your computer connected in a domain?
• Which build of Windows 10 are you using?
• Have you tried the steps given by DaveM121 on a different user profile?
  

We'll be waiting for your response.