Microsoft frequently experiments with UI improvements in Windows 11, and one of the most noticeable changes is the redesigned Start Menu. Sometimes Microsoft rolls it out slowly through controlled feature rollouts, so even if you’re on the latest build, you may not see the new design immediately.
If you’re tired of waiting or simply want to try out the updated Start Menu right now, you can force-enable it manually using a well-known tool called ViveTool. This utility allows you to turn on hidden or experimental features already present in your system.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to force enable the new Start Menu in Windows 11, step by step.
What You’ll Need
To enable the new Start Menu, you’ll need a few basic things:
- A PC running Windows 11 Insider Preview (Dev, Beta, or Canary channels usually get UI features early).
- Administrator access to apply system-level changes.
- A tool called ViveTool, which lets you enable features hidden behind feature flags.
- A stable internet connection to download ViveTool and confirm Windows updates.
Once you have these, you’ll be ready to unlock the new Start Menu.
How to Force Enable the New Start Menu in Windows 11
Follow the steps below to activate the updated Start Menu using ViveTool.
1. Make Sure Your Windows 11 Build Supports the New Start Menu
Microsoft only includes the new Start Menu in certain builds. Typically, it appears in newer Insider builds first.
To check your build:
- Press Windows + R to open Run.
- Type winver and press Enter.
- Note your Windows 11 version and build number.
If you’re not on a supported Insider build, join the Dev or Canary Channel:
- Open Settings.
- Go to Windows Update.
- Select Windows Insider Program.
- Enroll in Dev Channel or Canary Channel.
- Restart your PC after updates finish.
2. Download ViveTool on Your PC
ViveTool is a safe, open-source command-line utility widely used to enable hidden Windows features.
- Open your browser and search for ViveTool GitHub.
- Download the latest ZIP release.
- Extract the ZIP file to a folder, such as the Desktop or Downloads.
You’ll use Command Prompt to run ViveTool, so remember where you extracted the folder.
3. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
To run ViveTool commands correctly:
- Click Start.
- Type cmd in the search bar.
- Right-click Command Prompt.
- Choose Run as administrator.
This ensures Windows allows feature configuration changes.
4. Navigate to the ViveTool Folder
Once Command Prompt opens, move into the folder where you extracted ViveTool.
If you placed it on the Desktop, type:
cd %userprofile%\Desktop\ViveTool
Adjust the path based on where you extracted it.
5. Enable the New Start Menu Feature
Microsoft hides experimental UI elements behind feature IDs. The new Start Menu is one of them. Use ViveTool to turn it on.
Run this command:
vivetool /enable /id:42058345
Or, if ViveTool is inside a folder named “ViveTool”, the command may need to be:
.\vivetool.exe /enable /id:42058345
After running the command, you should see a confirmation message saying the feature is enabled successfully.
6. Restart Your PC to Apply Changes
The new Start Menu won’t appear until you restart Windows.
- Click Start.
- Select Power.
- Choose Restart.
When your system boots back up, the new Start Menu should now appear automatically.
7. Roll Back (If You Don’t Like the New Design)
If you prefer the older Start Menu layout or something breaks, you can disable the feature just as easily.
Run:
vivetool /disable /id:42058345
Restart your PC again, and Windows will revert to the previous Start Menu design.
Wrapping Up
The new Start Menu in Windows 11 offers a refreshed, modern look, and if you enjoy testing upcoming UI features, ViveTool is the perfect way to unlock them early. Microsoft doesn’t always push these features to everyone at once, so manually enabling them gives you an early peek at what’s coming.
If you’re curious about Windows features still under development, or you want your system to feel more cutting-edge, forcing the new Start Menu is a fun and safe way to explore what Microsoft is working on.
