Windows 11 New Start Menu Keeps reverting back to the old one

Question

Windows 11 New Start Menu Keeps reverting back to the old one

Kak Mourinho 20

Hi All,
I recently did a fresh reinstall of Window 11 Pro via the Windows reset option. I downloaded and installed windows via the cloud. Once completed, I had the new star menu which i prefer. However, it keeps reverting back and forth between the old style and new style. It's getting really annoying
Is there a way to keep the new start menu withoout downloading any other programs ie vivetool?

Thanks in advanced

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Stephen Ward 0 Reputation points

2026-11-08T10:09:00.8433333+00:00

I have the same issue with Windows 11 Pro 26H2. I had the new start menu for weeks and suddenly (for no obvious reason) Windows reverted to the old start menu. SFC and DISM commands find no issues. Everything else works as it should. Why has the new start menu gone and how do I get it back?
JuliaMarvin 23,910 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-11-08T10:28:28.9+00:00

@Stephen Ward
Please start your own thread. Do not resurrect old threads.

Answer accepted by question author

0 additional answers

Stephen Ward 0 Reputation points

2026-11-08T10:09:00.8433333+00:00

I have the same issue with Windows 11 Pro 26H2. I had the new start menu for weeks and suddenly (for no obvious reason) Windows reverted to the old start menu. SFC and DISM commands find no issues. Everything else works as it should. Why has the new start menu gone and how do I get it back?
JuliaMarvin 23,910 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-11-08T10:28:28.9+00:00

@Stephen Ward
Please start your own thread. Do not resurrect old threads.

Answer 1

Hello,

I looked into this issue and found many similar reports in third‑party forums as well.

This behavior is commonly reported by Windows Insider users, because Insider builds receive features that are still under A/B testing. When the server‑side flag changes, Windows switches between the new and old Start menu design.

This is expected behavior and it is not caused by anything you did wrong.

Before we go further, could you confirm whether your device is enrolled in the Windows Insider Program (Dev, Canary, Beta, or Release Preview)?

The rollout of the new Start menu is still controlled by server‑side feature flags, and Insider devices are especially affected.

If you prefer the new design, the only option is to wait until the rollout is fully completed for your device. Once the feature is permanently assigned to your account/device, it will no longer revert.

Raul Gongora Vazquez 0 Reputation points

2026-05-04T15:45:52.6633333+00:00

Windows 11 is famous for having LOTS of errors and you still need a confirmation for this? Well, I can give it to you, I have the SAME issue, and NO, I am not using an Insider version, I bet the other guy wouldn't missed that if it was the case. So, please, fix the OS soon.