How to enable the new Windows 11 Start menu that's hidden by default

Unlocking the New Windows 11 Start Menu: A Hidden Gem Finally Accessible

Microsoft has quietly rolled out a significantly revamped Start menu for Windows 11, a feature that's been eagerly anticipated by many users. However, this exciting upgrade isn't automatically enabled; it's currently lying dormant, waiting for a simple activation. This guide, initially spotted on Neowin and personally tested, aims to demystify the process, offering a small but crucial tip to streamline the experience and save you precious time and potential frustration.

Why the Excitement? A Glimpse at the Enhanced Start Menu

The new Start menu promises a more intuitive and user-friendly interface. Gone is the often-criticized, intrusive "Recommended" section, replaced by the flexibility to sort your applications into distinct categories. Furthermore, users can now choose from three distinct visual modes, offering a personalized touch to their daily computing experience. The initial exploration of this activation method revealed no adverse effects or warnings, paving the way for a smooth transition. This update, delivered via the October cumulative update (KB5067036) for build numbers 26100.7019 or 26200.7019, isn't a security patch but rather a feature enablement for the 24H2 and 25H2 versions of the operating system, signaling Microsoft's phased rollout strategy.

Pre-Flight Checks: Ensuring You Have the Necessary Update

Before diving into the activation process, it's paramount to confirm that your system has indeed received the relevant update. Navigate to Settings, then Windows Update, and examine your Update history. If the specified October update is present, you're ready to proceed. This initial verification is akin to ensuring you have the right ingredients before starting a complex recipe; it prevents unnecessary troubleshooting down the line.

The Activation Blueprint: A Step-by-Step Guide

The core of enabling this new Start menu lies in a small, yet powerful, utility called ViVeTool. This open-source program acts as a key, unlocking hidden features within Windows. Here’s how to wield it:

1. Download and Extract ViVeTool: Obtain the ViVeTool application from its GitHub repository. Once downloaded, simply extract its files to a convenient location on your computer. Think of this as gathering your tools before starting a DIY project.
2. Launch Command Prompt as Administrator: Access the Command Prompt with administrative privileges. A quick search in the Windows search bar will readily locate it. This elevated access is crucial, much like a master key, allowing the tool to make the necessary system modifications.
3. Navigate to the ViVeTool Directory: Within the Command Prompt, you’ll need to direct it to the folder where you extracted ViVeTool. The critical command here is `cd /d d:/path/to/folder` (replace `d:/path/to/folder` with the actual path to your ViVeTool files). This specific syntax, the `cd /d` command, is a subtle but essential detail within Windows 11's command-line environment. Without it, navigating to your desired directory might prove surprisingly stubborn, akin to trying to fit a square peg in a round hole.
4. Execute the Activation Command: With the correct directory established, input the following command and press Enter: `vivetool /enable /id:57048231,47205210,56328729,48433719`. This string of numbers acts as a unique identifier, signaling to ViVeTool precisely which feature to unlock.
5. Restart Your System: The final, indispensable step is to reboot your computer. This allows Windows to recognize and implement the changes.

A Smooth Transition: Personal Experience and Final Thoughts

As demonstrated in the accompanying visuals, the process was indeed successful, and the new Start menu was readily available. It's plausible that this new Start menu will be enabled by default in future rollouts, rendering manual intervention unnecessary for many. This thoughtful approach from Microsoft aims to ensure a seamless user experience, gradually introducing enhancements without overwhelming the user base. The ability to declutter the Start menu and personalize its appearance is a welcome evolution, bringing a touch of modern elegance and efficiency to the Windows 11 experience. It’s a small change that makes a noticeable difference in the daily interaction with your operating system, much like finding the perfect organizational system for your workspace.