How to export Windows 10 start menu layout?

Exporting your Windows 10 Start Menu layout is a straightforward process using PowerShell, allowing you to save your personalized tile arrangement for backup, deployment, or transfer to another PC.

How to Export Windows 10 Start Menu Layout?

Saving your customized Windows 10 Start Menu layout is a valuable way to preserve your preferred tile organization. This process creates a .json file that captures the exact arrangement and grouping of your Start menu tiles, making it easy to replicate your setup across different user profiles or machines.

Why Export Your Start Menu Layout?

There are several compelling reasons to export your Start Menu configuration:

Backup: Create a safety net for your personalized layout. If something goes wrong or you reset your PC, you can easily restore your preferred setup.
Deployment: For IT administrators, exporting a standardized Start Menu layout allows for consistent deployment across multiple user accounts or devices in an organization.
Migration: When setting up a new Windows 10 computer, you can import your exported layout to instantly replicate your familiar Start Menu without manual reconfiguration.
Testing: Experiment with different layouts and quickly revert to a saved version if a new arrangement doesn't work out.

Step-by-Step Guide to Exporting Your Start Menu Layout

The most reliable method to export your Windows 10 Start Menu layout is by using Windows PowerShell. Ensure you are signed in with the same user account that has the customized Start Menu you wish to export.

Here's how to do it:

Create a Destination Folder:
Before exporting, create a dedicated folder where you want to save the layout file. For example, you could create a folder named Layouts directly on your C: drive, resulting in the path C:\Layouts. This helps keep your files organized.
Open Windows PowerShell:
- Click on the Start button or press the Windows key.
- Type PowerShell in the search bar.
- Right-click on Windows PowerShell in the search results and select Run as administrator. This is crucial to ensure you have the necessary permissions.
Run the Export Command:
In the PowerShell window, enter the following command (cmdlet) and press Enter:
```
Export-StartLayout -Path "C:\Layouts\LayoutModification.json"
```
- -Path "C:\Layouts\LayoutModification.json": This specifies the full path and filename for your exported layout file. You can change C:\Layouts to your chosen folder and LayoutModification.json to any desired filename (e.g., MyCustomStartLayout.json).
Example:
If you created a folder named StartLayouts in your Documents directory, the command might look like this:
```
Export-StartLayout -Path "$env:USERPROFILE\Documents\StartLayouts\MyPersonalLayout.json"
```
Verify the Export:
After running the command, navigate to the folder you specified (e.g., C:\Layouts). You should find a file named LayoutModification.json (or whatever you named it). This file contains all the data representing your current Start Menu layout.

Understanding the Exported File

The exported file is in JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) format. This plain text file describes the structure of your Start Menu, including:

Tile groups: The sections you've created (e.g., "Productivity," "Entertainment").
Pinned apps: Which applications are pinned to the Start Menu.
Tile sizes: Whether an app is a small, medium, wide, or large tile.
Arrangement: The precise order of tiles within each group.

You can open this .json file with a simple text editor like Notepad to view its contents, though manual editing is generally not recommended unless you are familiar with the JSON structure and the layout schema.

Importing Your Start Menu Layout

While this guide focuses on exporting, it's worth noting that once you have your .json file, you can import it to apply the layout to another user or computer using the Import-StartLayout cmdlet or through Group Policy/MDM solutions. For more detailed information on managing Start layouts, you can refer to official Microsoft documentation such as the Customize and export Start layout guide.

Key Considerations

User Account: The export reflects the Start Menu layout of the currently logged-in user.
Administrative Privileges: Running PowerShell as an administrator ensures the command executes without permission errors.
File Location: Choose an easily accessible and memorable location for your exported layout file.
Windows 10 Specific: This method is designed for Windows 10. Start Menu management has evolved in later Windows versions.

By following these steps, you can confidently export and manage your Windows 10 Start Menu layouts, enhancing your productivity and ensuring a consistent user experience.