How to Install New Windows 10 Start Menu on Windows 10 (build 20161)

Are you bored of seeing an old Start Menu again and again? Then it’s time to bring some changes at least to Start Menu as of now. So, in this guide, you will learn 2 different ways to get or install new  Windows 10 Start Menu.

Meanwhile, The new Windows 10 Start menu has been redesigned and is full of the fluent design language of Microsoft, but it does take some time to actually get new tiles and tricks. The improved Start menu is reportedly part of some A / B testing introduced in Windows 10 Build 20161 and does not all Windows Insiders get it.

The company explains the transition as’ a more elegant design that eliminates the solid color backplates behind the logos in the app list and adds the tiles with a white, partially transparent backdrop. This style provides a stunning stage for your devices, especially the Office and Microsoft Edge Fluent Style icons, as well as the revamped icons for built-in apps like Calculator, Mail, and Calendar that Microsoft began rolling out earlier this year.

However, The new Start Menu is available in the Dev channel for those using Windows 10 build 20161. However, unfortunately, not all users who have built 20161 can view the new start menu, as Microsoft uses the A / B test method.

You Might Also Like: How to Change Mouse Pointer Color on Windows 10

Method 1. Install New Start Menu From Insider Program 

Since the new Start menu is still being tested, it is only available in the Dev channel for people running Windows 10 build 20161. But it is not necessary to install the right operating system. Microsoft conducts A / B checks, and the redesigned start menu is available to only a subset of insiders.

Step 1. Press Windows + I to open Windows Settings and click Update & Security.

Windows Settings

Step 2. Click the Windows Insider Program on the left-hand side pane.

Windows Insider Program

Step 3. Click Get started and then click Link an account.

Step 4. Select your account type and click Continue.

Step 5. Select Dev Channel, click Confirm and click Confirm again on the next page.

Step 6. Click Restart Now.

Step 7. Once your PC restart, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.

Step 8. Click Resume updates or Check for updates.

Step 9. Now you have to wait for a while. Because it will take some time to download and install Windows 10 Insider Preview 20161.1000 (rs_prerelease)

Step 10. When downloaded and installed, now simply click Restart now.

The new Windows Start menu should be available now. Open the Start menu and check for Windows programs including Office tiles to validate this. When these systems have strong colors in comparison to the Start menu, you have a new Start menu.

Windows 10 Start Menu

Method 2. Get New Start Menu on Windows 10 Using ViveTool

In the second method, you need to use a third-party tool called “ViVeTool“. ViVeTool is an open-source tool created by two well-known Windows enthusiasts, Rafael Rivera and Albacore. ViVeTool can enable hidden features in Windows, which exist in the OS by hidden by Microsoft and/or under the A/B testing.

Step 1. Download ViveTool and extract it on the desktop with folder name ViveTool.

ViveTool

Step 2. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and if you’re prompted click Yes.

Step 3. Now, head to c:UsersrezafDesktopViveTool using cmd.

Step 4. Type in the following command:
ViVeTool.exe addconfig 23615618 2

Step 5. Press enter and restart your computer. when Windows loads you should be able to see the new Start menu.

Wrapping Up 

That’s it. This is how you can get or install a new Windows Start menu on Windows 10 PC. First check the Windows Insiders Program, link your account and if you’re eligible then you can install a new start menu from here. Meanwhile, if you can’t find the new Start menu then use ViVeTool.