[1809, ou] Problems with StartLayout.xml on Windows 10 LTSC

[Jackatron]

I'm going to start this by saying how much of a nightmare it is to successfully deploy a Start Layout XML File.

 

I'm trying to deploy this XML file via GPO. I'm trying to set both the Taskbar and the Start Menu layouts within one file, as I don't think there's really any other way of doing it.

 

I'm running Windows 10 LTSC version 1809, fresh install and I'm just having so many weird problems trying to get it to work.

 

First of all, I did manage to get it working once and everything seemed fine, then all of a sudden it just started behaving erratically and would not display correctly.

 

Here is the XML file in question: Layout2020.xml

 

What's Happening?

When I logon as any user (admin or non-admin), the taskbar loads all of the correct icons like it should from the XML file. However, the start menu just appears to be completely bugged and none of the tiles show up. (see below)

 

 

as you can see, it's like it's completely stopped loading in the rest of the start menu.

 

So then I try restarting explorer.exe and then it shows up like this:

 

 

Notice how the start menu now looks correct, but it still doesn't show any of the tiles that I wanted as defined in my XML file.

 

If anybody knows why this isn't working, help would be greatly appreciated.

 

 

Update:

 

Just tried this on Windows 10 Enterprise 1903 and it works perfectly, maybe it's a problem with 1809?

Edited May 13, 2020 by Jackatron

[stottio]

Absolute nightmare, hate it, so complicated and the worst development in Windows 10. Windows 7 was so easy just dragging and dropping to folders!!! I have given up as doing my nut in and frankly I don't trust it will continue to work. I have decided no start menu and just share a desktop like the old days. Works well, way easier and don't have to worry about the designed for home use start menu anymore!

[Arthur]

Just tried this on Windows 10 Enterprise 1903 and it works perfectly, maybe it's a problem with 1809?

Is your 1809 install fully up-to-date with Windows updates?

 

Are you using the user or computer Start Layout GPO?

 

If the specified file is not available when the user logs on, the layout won't be changed.

 

I use the per-machine GPO and store the XML file on the C: drive (in a folder within ProgramData) to avoid issues.