Force Enable New Windows 11 25H2 Start Menu UI
Force Enable the New Windows 11 25H2 Start Menu UI
The recent Windows 11 25H2 update from Microsoft brings several improvements, including a redesigned Start Menu. While many users are enjoying the updated experience, some haven't seen the new UI appear yet. This guide will show you how to force enable the revamped Start Menu using a handy third-party tool, ViveTool.
What's New with the Windows 11 25H2 Start Menu?
The new Start Menu in Windows 11 25H2 introduces a cleaner, more organized layout with default categories. This provides a fresh look and improved navigation compared to the previous basic Start Menu.
Prerequisites: Ensure You Have Windows 11 25H2 Installed
Before proceeding, confirm your system is updated to Windows 11 25H2. You can check this by going to Settings > Windows Update and checking for updates.
Step 1: Download and Extract ViveTool
VeeTool is a free, open-source tool that allows you to enable or disable hidden features in Windows. Head over to the ViveTool GitHub repository and download the latest version.
Extract the contents of the downloaded zip file to a folder on your computer. Remember the path to this folder, as you will need it later.
Step 2: Enable the New Start Menu UI with ViveTool
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Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Right-click on the Start button and select 'Windows Terminal (Admin)' or search for 'cmd' and right-click to run as administrator.
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Navigate to the ViveTool Directory: In the Command Prompt, type
cd /d [path to ViveTool folder](replace[path to ViveTool folder]with the actual path you extracted earlier) and press Enter. -
Run the Enable Command: Type
vivetool /enable /id:47205210,49221331,49381526,49402389,49820095,55495322and press Enter. This command will enable the necessary identifiers for the new Start Menu UI. -
Restart Your PC: After the command has finished executing, close the Command Prompt and restart your Windows 11 computer.
Enjoy Your New Start Menu!
Once your PC has restarted, you should see the updated Windows 11 Start Menu with its new categories. You can choose between Category, List, and Grid views by clicking on 'View Categories'.
The new Start Menu may appear slightly larger than the previous version. Microsoft is expected to add more customization options in future updates, allowing users to tailor the Start Menu to their preferences.
