Start Menu repeatedly changing itself from 6-column to 8-column layout??

My start menu is usually 8-columns / 8-icons wide, but I've noticed it changing on its own accord to 6-columns / 6-icons, and then later... back again! I can't tell what is causing this. I think perhaps it's due to certain games (Overwatch) momentarily altering the desktop resolution or something? Even though that game also uses my default resolution.

The other day when this happened, restarting explorer.exe fixed it and reverted it back to 8-column.

This was annoying then, but now it seems to have become stuck on the 6-column width, as per the screenshot. So now it's maddening, as there's no way to change it!

I want the 8-column width, but it's stuck. I don't want to resort to any sort of third-party tools because I'd much rather figure out the actual root cause.

• Windows 11, 2560x1440 resolution (1440p), Windows set at default 100% scaling

Don't know what build you are using but the latest builds either already have or will soon have the Start menu size choice in the start menu settings. You'll be able to choose from default, small, and large so you can select large and that should lock your size from that point on.

FrancoDT said:

Don't know what build you are using but the latest builds either already have or will soon have the Start menu size choice in the start menu settings. You'll be able to choose from default, small, and large so you can select large and that should lock your size from that point on.

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Oh, that's great info - thanks!

My build version is 26200.9168 and this is what my 'Start Settings' screen looks like (if this is the wrong menu, please let me know)

orzplay said:

Oh, that's great info - thanks!

My build version is 26200.9168 and this is what my 'Start Settings' screen looks like (if this is the wrong menu, please let me know)

View attachment 180466

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That's the settings menu but you don't have it yet. If you use vivetool you can enable it now with that, I have the code if you need it. If you don't want to use vivetool you should be getting the feature before long as it's on beta and Release Preview builds now.

FrancoDT said:

That's the settings menu but you don't have it yet. If you use vivetool you can enable it now with that, I have the code if you need it. If you don't want to use vivetool you should be getting the feature before long as it's on beta and Release Preview builds now.

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Thanks very much for your wisdom. I'll be patient and wait.

Just curious, but do you have any idea why I did have the 8-column, but it was switching back and forth after gaming? (I presume that's the trigger anyway).

I read it depends on the windows scaling factor and/or desktop resolution (unsure if true) but it's a very weird thing to happen, changing back and forth like that.

orzplay said:

Thanks very much for your wisdom. I'll be patient and wait.

Just curious, but do you have any idea why I did have the 8-column, but it was switching back and forth after gaming? (I presume that's the trigger anyway).

I read it depends on the windows scaling factor and/or desktop resolution (unsure if true) but it's a very weird thing to happen, changing back and forth like that.

Click to expand...

Best guess since the default size is based on your screen scaling and screen resolution and tends to adjust automatically based on those your game is probably altering one of those while in the game.

im not sure if this will work but it maybe of help.

best of luck Steve ..

XxXxX said:

im not sure if this will work but it maybe of help.

Change Start Menu Size in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to change the size of the Start Menu for your account in Windows 11. The Start menu is comprised of three sections: Pinned, All apps, and Recent. Starting with Windows 11 build 26300.8553 (Experimental 25H2), build 26100.9267 (RP 24H2), and build 26200.9267 (RP...

www.elevenforum.com

best of luck Steve ..

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Many thanks Steve, that IS actually very informative! Just the sort of thing that should help. Unfortunately as that menu item isn't in my build yet (no 'Start Menu Size' option for me yet) the only alternative is to use registry - but the key doesn't exist yet either so I think I'll just wait for the updated Windows build.

Strange considering the physical functionality of sizing is already happening on my machine with it switching between the two (and on its own accord too)