Windows 10 v1709 Start Layout

[mansin]

Hi.

We have just started testing Windows 10, to start deployment soon. Currently on Windows 8.1.

We are using the GPO method for start menu distribution and have the startlayout.xml in place.

 

Here is an example of the XML:

 

 

The only issue we're having is, that if there is a application that's part of the XML but it's NOT installed, it leaves a annoying gap between tiles. Trying to find out how to get the tiles to auto adjust and avoid the gap.

 

Here is an example:

 

 

Any suggestion greatly appreciated. Thanks

Manny

[free780]

Unless you push out lnk files to the all users start menu you will get the gaps. Most start layouts I've seen just have office and edge/IE/Chrome for this reason.

[mullet_man]

Yeah we keep just the basics on the start layout so it's stuff that's installed on all devices so there are no gaps. We have subject based software in folders on the all programs section in the start menu.

 

I think gaps show even if you direct to a lnk file which is a program that doesn't exist. The start layout is a massive PITA and you've done well to get it as full as that.

[free780]

Gets even more fun trying not to override users customisations after a upgrade.

[mansin]

Thanks all for your replies. We have 4 schools to cater for, as we are a MAT. We would have to cater slightly different start layout for each school. It's worked really well for Windows 8.1, no GAP issues at all.

[mansin]

Sorry, one more question. Is it possible to have two different start layouts through GPO? Want to bring Windows 10 to live environment for testing and need both Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 start layouts through GPO.

Thanks

[sted]

Sorry, one more question. Is it possible to have two different start layouts through GPO? Want to bring Windows 10 to live environment for testing and need both Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 start layouts through GPO.

Thanks

 

wmi filters do a policy for each start menu apply a windows 8.1 wmi to that policy and a w10 one to that policy

[mansin]

wmi filters do a policy for each start menu apply a windows 8.1 wmi to that policy and a w10 one to that policy

 

Nice one. But how do I physically have two different XML files in this section? The WMI filter will work to apply according to version of Windows, but I need to have Windows 8.1 & 10 available in this location.

 

 

Thank again.

[mansin]

Sorry, ignore the last post. So I apply both win 8.1 & win 10 GPO to the same place but have them separate using the WMI filters?

 

Thanks

[sted]

you have \\server\share\win81.xml and \\server\share\win10.xml you have a policy for each that has a wmi filter on it thats where you put in the path to the xml file so it only applies if the pc is running that os the other os will be denied running the other policy

[synaesthesia]

I'm looking at this currently and the first thing that's come to mind is to have the shortcuts copied to each machine at logon (saves it relying on a network connection). Currently the XML files typically pick up the shortcut locations from the app GUID or the .lnk from the start menu, so by replacing those with a local link elsewhere, the shortcut and icon will always be available however just won't work for the workstations without it installed.

[mansin]

What would happen if I was to put 2 GPOs like shown below? The working Windows 8.1 is the one in green. IF I add the Green one as well, will the OSes pick the correct one and apply or would it mess things up.

 

 

I've just tried the WMI filter method but it completely messed up the current Windows 8.1 working GPO. Had to take off the WMI filter.

 

BTW this is what I put in the WMI Filters:

 

Wndows 10

select * from Win32_OperatingSystem where Version like "10.%" and ProductType="1"

 

Windows 8.1

select * from Win32_OperatingSystem where Version like "6.2.%" and ProductType="1"

 

Thanks

Edited November 14, 2017 by mansin

[sted]

i usually test wmi filters by creating a policy that just dumps a shortcut on the desktop that goes to google but the file is named win10 test.url or similar that case worst case scenario is you have some pointless files on a pc.

 

the wmi's look ok at first glance but its been a while since i wrote rather than borrowed existing ones and i dont have any to hand but i would probably simplify it to 6.% and 10.% unless you actually have any windows 8.0/7/vista boxes there

 

edit i think you have too many .s in your numbers i think 6.2% or 10.%

Edited November 14, 2017 by sted