Unable to pin items to start menu - context menu entry missing

[wwc-trevor]

Describe the bug

When I am trying to pin programs to my start menu, the option to do so is missing from all context menus.

To Reproduce

Steps to reproduce the behavior:

1. Run MicroWin on the latest 24H2 ISO from Microsoft (as of 11/20/24).
2. Select Windows 11 Pro (default selection).
3. Choose no other options.
4. Install resulting ISO.
5. Try to Pin items to Start Menu.
6. Option is missing.

Expected behavior

For me to have an option to Pin programs to Start Menu that is the default option for Windows 11.

Screenshots

Additional context

This was done by MicroWin. The util does not have options to disable this. I am in a domain environment. We do not have any GPOs affecting this. I am working under a non-admin user and have admin rights using UAC.

[CodingWonders]

@wwc-trevor, I can't replicate this:

https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/65f7e667-dc1f-4395-b8ff-9e0c64bf1164

[wwc-trevor]

I am not sure how this happened either. I am just trying to avoid another reformat. Is that my next option or is there anything else to check?

Video Example

https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/939bce7b-7b58-48ce-990a-9072f126aec9

[CodingWonders]

@wwc-trevor, could you follow this guide? It could be because of how you configured your GPOs

[wwc-trevor]

The GPO section did not work. Even after a reboot. Going all the way to page 3 of the linked article it talked about a registry key. That appears to have worked. I am not sure how it was set.

I will put instructions below for anyone looking for the potential solution in the future if they run into this.

Note: All commands must be run as Admin.

Check and see if Start Menu is locked in Registry.

See if the registry property for LockedStartLayout is set to 1.

PowerShell Query

`Get-Item -Path "registry::HKey_Local_Machine\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer\"` 

Turn off the lock

Set the property to 0

PowerShell Change Registry

`Set-ItemProperty -Path "registry::HKey_Local_Machine\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer\" -name LockedStartLayout -Value 0` `Get-ItemProperty -Path "registry::HKey_Local_Machine\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer\"` 

Now you can pin items to the Start Menu.

Pin to Start Menu Restored


[wwc-trevor]

Since we solved this specific issue, I will now close this bug. Thank you @CodingWonders for your assistance.