Windows 8.1 Metro Tiles

[mike86]

Hi,

 

Wondering if it is possible to redirect metro (or whatever they are called now) tiles, similar to the way you would do it with redirecting documents/start menu with a GP on windows xp/7.

 

I'm imaging and deploying 50 win8.1 netbooks out this week (lucky me) & would like some standard software to show on the metro screen, Rm Maths, Word, IE, etc.

 

I've managed to remove the default apps with a PS script but deploying the tiles is proving more difficult.

 

cheers

 

Mike

[DMcCoy]

There is a new group policy option to use a defined layout for the tiles, however to use it you will need to make sure the machines are 8.1 *enterprise* as pro doesn't support it.

[mike86]

cheers mate, they are pro, so looks like i'm starting the image again, if i install rsat on an 8.1 machine will i be able to get to these policies? We are only running 2003 dcs a the mo.

[chippo]

Have a look here..

 

How to specify a Fixed Start Screen Layout for Users in Windows 8.1

[DMcCoy]

Customize Windows 8.1 Start Screens by Using Group Policy specifies the relevant reg keys if you can't update the policy store on the server.

[mike86]

thank you, making some progress, i set the start screen how i wanted logged in as a local admin, exported the xml & followed the instructions, when i log on as a student i now get IE icon showing & the category is titled as i had done under the admin account, however none of the other shortcuts show, word etc, i'm assuming its permissions? However i pinned all the shortcuts from a location the students have access to. any ideas?

[mike86]

should mention i'm trying this on 8.1 pro, im guessing this is probably not supported?

[DMcCoy]

"Start screen control is supported in the Windows 8.1 Enterprise operating system, the Windows RT 8.1 operating system with sideloading enabled, and in all editions of the Windows Server 2012 R2 operating system."

[mike86]

cheers, doesn't look like we are licensed for 8.1 enterprise