Start Menu Extension

  • Article

Updated: July 20, 2012

Applies To: Windows Server 2008 R2

Group Policy includes the Start Menu preference extension. For users, this extension allows you to:

  • Require a specific configuration of the Start menu.

  • Configure an initial configuration of the Start menu, but allow end users to make changes.

  • Configure several Start menu settings while leaving others to the discretion of each end user.

Note

  • The Start menu was deprecated in Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8 Release Preview, so the Start menu preference extension does not apply to computers running these operating systems.

  • To add a shortcut to, modify a shortcut on, or remove a shortcut from the Start menu, use a Shortcut preference item. For more information, see Shortcuts Extension.

    • Getting started

    You can create and configure Start Menu preference items for any domain-based Group Policy object (GPO). You configure the settings by editing a GPO using the Group Policy Management Console. When editing a GPO, you can find this preference extension at the following location:

    User Configuration

    **   └ Preferences**

    **      └ Control Panel Settings**

    **         └ Start Menu**

    For information about how to use this extension to create and configure a preference item, see the following topics: