Pin To Start Menu is an option available in the right-click context menu of files. This is a very useful option for quick access. If you notice that the Pin To Start Menu not working or greyed out on your Windows 11/10 computer, then this post is intended to help you. In this post, we will identify the possible causes, as well as provide the most appropriate solutions you can try to help you remediate this issue.
Pin To Start Menu not working or greyed out
If you’re faced with this issue, you can try our recommended solutions below in no particular order and see if that helps to resolve the issue.
- Modify the NoChangeStartMenu and LockedStartLayout registry values
- Re-register the shell32.dll file
Let’s take a look at the description of the process involved concerning each of the listed solutions.
1] Modify the NoChangeStartMenu and LockedStartLayout registry values
Since this is a registry operation, it is recommended that you back up the registry or create a system restore point as necessary precautionary measures. Once done, you can proceed as follows:
- Press Windows key + R to invoke the Run dialog.
- In the Run dialog box, type regedit and hit Enter to open Registry Editor.
- Navigate or jump to the registry key path below:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
- On the right pane, double-click on the NoChangeStartMenu entry to edit its properties.
If it is not present, you have to create a new one. Right-click anywhere on the right pane and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name the key NoChangeStartMenu.
- In the properties window, set the Value data to 0.
- Click OK to save changes.
Next, navigate to the registry location below.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer
- On the right pane, double-click on the LockedStartLayout entry to edit its properties.
If it is not present, you have to create a new one. Right-click anywhere on the right pane and select New > DWord (32-bit) Value. Name the key LockedStartLayout.
- In the properties window, set the Value data to 0.
- Click OK to save changes.
- Restart your computer.
On boot, check if the Pin To Start Menu not working or greyed out issue in Windows 10 is resolved. Else continue with the next solution.
FIX: Can’t Pin Apps to Taskbar.
2] Re-register the shell32.dll file
To re-register the shell32.dll file, do the following:
- Press Windows key + R to invoke the Run dialog.
- In the Run dialog box, type cmd and then press CTRL + SHIFT + ENTER to open Command Prompt in admin mode.
- In the command prompt window, type the command below and press Enter.
regsvr32 /i shell32.dll
Restart your computer.
On boot, check if the Pin To Start Menu not working or greyed out issue in Windows 10 is resolved.
Hope this helps!
