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How to Fix Can’t Pin Tiles to Start Menu in Windows 10: Step-by-Step Solutions

Many Windows 10 users enjoy customizing their Start Menu by pinning tiles for quick access to apps. However, sometimes the option to pin tiles simply stops working. This can be frustrating, especially when you rely on the Start Menu to stay organized.

Fortunately, there are several straightforward ways to fix the issue of not being able to pin tiles to the Start Menu. These solutions range from simple checks to more detailed troubleshooting steps.

This guide will walk you through each step clearly, helping you restore your ability to pin tiles without confusion. Whether you are a beginner or have some technical experience, these instructions are easy to follow.

By the end, you’ll know how to fix this problem and get your Start Menu working smoothly again.

Quick Note: What to Check Before You Start

  • Make sure your Windows 10 is up to date. Sometimes, system updates fix bugs related to the Start Menu.
  • Restart your computer. A simple reboot can resolve temporary glitches causing the pinning issue.
  • Check if you are signed in with a standard user account. Certain restrictions in non-administrator accounts may limit pinning.
  • Verify that the apps you want to pin are installed and working properly.

Step 1: Restart Windows Explorer

Windows Explorer controls the Start Menu and taskbar. Restarting it can fix minor glitches that block pinning.

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. In the Processes tab, scroll down and find Windows Explorer.
  3. Right-click on Windows Explorer and select Restart.
  4. Wait a few seconds for the interface to refresh, then try pinning a tile again.

This step refreshes the Start Menu system without rebooting your whole PC.

Step 2: Run the Start Menu Troubleshooter

Microsoft offers a troubleshooter tool designed specifically to fix Start Menu problems.

  1. Download the troubleshooter from the official Microsoft website or search for “Start Menu troubleshooter Windows 10.”
  2. Run the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions.
  3. Allow the tool to detect and repair issues automatically.
  4. Once complete, test if pinning tiles works.

This tool can identify settings or corrupted files that might block pinning.

Step 3: Check Group Policy Settings (For Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise)

Sometimes, system administrators or previous configurations disable the ability to pin tiles using Group Policy.

  1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
  2. Navigate to:
    User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar
  3. Look for a policy named “Do not allow pinning programs to the Taskbar”.
  4. If it is set to Enabled, double-click it and set it to Not Configured or Disabled.
  5. Click Apply and OK.
  6. Restart your PC and try pinning tiles again.

This step is important because Group Policy can block pinning even if everything else seems fine.

Step 4: Reset the Start Menu Layout

If the Start Menu layout is corrupted, resetting it can help restore normal functionality.

  1. Press Windows + R, type powershell, and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open PowerShell as administrator.
  2. Type or paste the following command and press Enter:
Get-StartApps | foreach {Remove-StartMenuPinnedTile -PackageFamilyName $_.PackageFamilyName}

This command clears all pinned tiles, allowing you to start fresh.

Alternatively, you can manually delete the tile database:

  1. Navigate to %LocalAppData%TileDataLayerDatabase in File Explorer.
  2. Delete the contents of the Database folder.
  3. Restart your PC to rebuild the database.

After this, try pinning tiles again. Keep in mind that resetting the layout will remove all your custom pinned tiles.

Step 5: Create a New User Account

If the problem persists, it might be due to a corrupted user profile.

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Accounts > Family & other users.
  3. Click Add someone else to this PC.
  4. Follow the prompts to create a new user account.
  5. Sign out of your current account and log in to the new one.
  6. Try pinning tiles from the new profile.

If pinning works on the new account, your original profile may be corrupted and might need repair or recreation.

Alternative Method: Use PowerShell to Pin Tiles

If the right-click pin option is missing, you can use PowerShell commands to pin apps manually.

  1. Open PowerShell as administrator (Windows + X, then select Windows PowerShell (Admin)).
  2. Run the following command to pin an app, replacing AppName with the actual app package name:
Start-Process shell:AppsFolderAppName

This method is more technical and usually used when other options fail.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why can’t I pin new tiles but can unpin existing ones?

This usually indicates a permission or system file issue. Restarting Windows Explorer or running the Start Menu troubleshooter often helps.

Is there a limit to how many tiles I can pin?

Windows 10 does not have a strict limit, but performance can degrade if too many tiles are pinned.

Can antivirus software block pinning tiles?

Some security programs may interfere with system functions. Temporarily disabling antivirus can help identify if it’s causing the problem.

Will resetting the Start Menu layout delete my pinned tiles?

Yes, resetting removes all pinned tiles and restores the default layout. You will need to re-pin your favorite apps.

How do I find the app package name for PowerShell pinning?

You can list installed apps and their package names by running Get-AppxPackage in PowerShell.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above solutions fix the issue, consider these final options:

  • Run the System File Checker tool by opening Command Prompt as administrator and typing sfc /scannow. This repairs corrupted system files.
  • Perform a Windows 10 repair install using the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s official website. This keeps your files but refreshes system files.
  • Contact Microsoft Support or visit the official Windows community forums for more personalized help.

Conclusion

Not being able to pin tiles to the Windows 10 Start Menu can disrupt your workflow, but it’s usually fixable with a few simple steps. Start by restarting Windows Explorer and running the troubleshooter, which often solve the issue quickly.

If the problem persists, check Group Policy settings, reset the Start Menu layout, or create a new user account to isolate the issue. Advanced users can try PowerShell commands, while anyone can repair system files or perform a repair install as a last resort.

By following this step-by-step guide, you can regain full control over your Start Menu and enjoy a personalized Windows 10 experience again.

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