🪟 How to Get the New Windows 11 Start Menu (KB5067036) — Build 24H2/25H2

How to Get the New Windows 11 Start Menu (KB5067036) — Build 24H2/25H2

Microsoft is rolling out a redesigned Start Menu through the October 2025 preview update (KB5067036) for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2. This new Start Menu offers a more organized layout, a simplified app list, category views, and the ability to hide the “Recommended” section. If you don’t see it yet, you can install it manually or force-enable it using ViVeTool.

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What’s New in the Start Menu

The updated Start Menu focuses on a cleaner layout and better customization:

• App list on the main page: Access all installed apps without opening an extra view.
• Category and grid views: You can switch between views that display apps by category or in a compact grid.
• Hide Recommendations: You can turn off the “Recommended” section entirely if you prefer a minimalist layout.
• Resizable menu: You can now resize the Start Menu window by dragging its edge.
• Improved consistency: Icons, spacing, and animations align better with the overall Windows 11 design.

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Check Your Version and Requirements

Before installing, confirm that your system is eligible.

1. Press Windows + R, type winver, and press Enter.
2. Check the build number — it should be 26100.7019 (24H2) or 26200.7019 (25H2).
3. Make sure the September 2025 update (KB5043080) is already installed.
4. Ensure your device is enrolled in the Release Preview Channel if you haven’t received 24H2 or 25H2 yet.

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Option 1: Get It via Windows Update

This is the easiest and safest method.

1. Open Settings > Windows Update.
2. Turn on “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available.”
3. Click Check for updates.
4. Download and install KB5067036 (October 2025 Preview Update).
5. Restart your PC to complete the installation.

Once your device restarts, the new Start Menu will appear automatically.

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Option 2: Install the Update Manually

If Windows Update doesn’t show KB5067036, install it directly from Microsoft’s site.

1. Go to the Microsoft Update Catalog.
2. Search for KB5067036.
3. Choose the correct file for your system:
   • x64 (for Intel/AMD PCs running 24H2 or 25H2)
   • ARM64 (for Surface and Snapdragon-based PCs)
4. Download and open the .msu file.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the update.
6. Restart your computer after installation.

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Option 3: Force-Enable with ViVeTool (Advanced Users Only)

If the Start Menu doesn’t appear after installing KB5067036, you can enable it manually using ViVeTool.

1. Confirm KB5067036 is installed and your build matches 26100.7019 or 26200.7019.
2. Download ViVeTool from its official GitHub page.
3. Extract the ZIP file to a folder (for example, C:\ViVeTool).
4. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
5. Navigate to the ViVeTool folder: cd C:\ViVeTool
6. Run the following command: vivetool /enable /id:57048231,47205210,56328729,48433719 (If you get an error, try using vivetool.exe instead of vivetool.)
7. Restart your computer.

After restarting, you’ll have the new Start Menu features enabled.

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Customize the New Start Menu

Once active, you can adjust how the new Start Menu looks and behaves:

• Turn off Recommendations:
  Go to Settings > Personalization > Start, then disable “Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, and recent files.”
• Resize the Menu:
  Hover over the edge of the Start Menu and drag to make it taller or shorter.
• Switch Layout Views:
  Use the View options button in the Start Menu to toggle between List, Category, or Grid. Windows remembers your last choice.
• Rearrange Pinned Apps:
  Drag and drop your favorite apps to organize your pinned section.

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Can You Go Back to the Old Start Menu?

Currently, there’s no official way to revert to the old layout once the new Start Menu is enabled. However, you can reduce clutter by:

• Hiding “Recommended” and “Recently added apps.”
• Unpinning unwanted apps.
• Disabling “Phone Link” and “Suggestions” from the Start Menu settings.

If you prefer not to use ViVeTool, you can simply wait for the next cumulative update, as Microsoft plans to roll out the new Start Menu to all users in upcoming releases.

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Troubleshooting Tips

• If the Start Menu doesn’t appear after installation, recheck your build number using winver.
• Make sure ViVeTool was run as Administrator.
• Reinstall KB5067036 if the update didn’t complete successfully.
• Run sfc /scannow and DISM /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth if system files are corrupted.

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Summary

Step	Action	Description
1	Check build	Confirm you’re on 24H2/25H2 with KB5043080 installed
2	Install KB5067036	Get it via Windows Update or Microsoft Catalog
3	Enable via ViVeTool	Optional — for early access if not active
4	Customize	Use Settings > Personalization > Start
5	Restart	Required for all changes to apply

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