Windows 11 Start Menu reverts to Category View

Question

Windows 11 Start Menu reverts to Category View

User2345 5

On my PC the Start Menu always reverts back to Category after changing it. Is there a known fix for this issue? For more information ask me. As i know there is no GPO that defined that should affect this issue.

Current OS Version
Windows 11 64 Bit
OS Version 10.0.6.26100.XXXX

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2 answers

Your answer

Answer 1

Lucus-V 13,115 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Hi User2345,

I noticed that you're currently running Windows 11 build 26100.XXXX, which may not be on the latest update. As a first step, please ensure the device is fully updated by installing all available Windows Updates and then retest the behavior. This helps determine whether the issue has already been addressed in a more recent build.

To help us investigate further, could you provide the following information?

Is the device:
- Personal device
- Microsoft Entra ID joined
- Domain joined
When does the Start Menu revert to Category View?
- After a restart?
- After signing out and back in?
- Randomly during use?
Does the issue occur for all users on the device or only a specific user profile?

Additionally, could you provide the following screenshots?

A screenshot of the Start Menu after it reverts back to Category View.
If possible, a screenshot of the Start Menu before it reverts.

I look forward to your update.

Lucus-V 13,115 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-07-10T16:33:25.1566667+00:00

Hi User2345,

I hope everything is going well on your end. Just wanted to check in and see how things are going for you lately, anything you'd like to share or discuss?
Shellie Patterson 0 Reputation points

2026-07-16T13:14:42.4133333+00:00

This happens to me multiple times a day. I imagine it's part of domain policy's refreshing but it is super-annoying. Please Microsoft, fix this so GPUPDATE won't reset it 10 times a day.
Jean-Seb 25 Reputation points

2026-08-27T13:35:08.7433333+00:00

We have the same problem since the new new new start menu with the option the show either category, list or grill. We also found the problem but don't know how to fix it. We apply during OSD a startmenu layout, using this method using a ppkg

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/configuration/start/layout?tabs=intune-10%2Cgpo-11&pivots=windows-11

We did add the applyonce=true since it's addition, which solve the problem that the layout reset each logout. But since the change with category/list/grill view, it always reset this portion of the layout. Removing the configuration for the pins prevent the change, but it also stop the pins from being configured on new user login.

Its Windows 11 Enterprise, Hybrid-Join and AD Only, at each logout/restart (which cause a logout).

User change to list

Revert back to Category view after logout

Answer 2

Andrea 0

Hello,

Issue was introduced in June's CU. Is there a plan from Microsoft to address is in the upcoming releases?

https://james-rankin.com/articles/quickpost-windows-11-start-menu-reverts-to-category-view-after-group-policy-refresh/

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