Windows News
The Problem: Microsoft's 25H2 Start Menu Overhaul
Windows 11's 25H2 update introduced a redesigned Start menu that has left many users frustrated. The new layout removes the ability to show recently added apps, hides the recommended section behind a toggle, and forces a grid-based app list that cannot be resized. For power users and IT administrators who rely on quick access to frequently used applications, this change feels like a step backward.
Microsoft's rationale, as stated in official documentation, is to streamline the user experience and reduce clutter. However, the practical impact on productivity is undeniable. Users who upgrade to 25H2 are met with a Start menu that requires more clicks to reach the same destinations. The company has not provided built-in options to revert to the previous layout, leaving the community to find its own solutions.
Open-Shell: The Classic Start Menu Revival
Open-Shell, formerly known as Classic Shell, remains the gold standard for restoring a traditional Start menu on modern Windows. Version 4.4.191, released in early 2025, adds full compatibility with Windows 11 25H2. The tool replaces the native Start menu entirely with a customizable classic interface that includes:
- Classic style with two columns: All Programs list on the left, shortcuts on the right
- Windows 7 style: A single-column layout with cascading menus
- Customizable skin support: Change colors, transparency, and button styles
To install Open-Shell on 25H2, download the latest build from the official GitHub repository. Run the installer as administrator and select the components you want: Start menu, Classic Explorer, and IE9. After installation, right-click the Start button and choose "Settings" to configure the menu layout. Key settings to adjust:
- Replace Start button: Check this to use a custom button image
- Main settings > Start menu style: Choose "Classic with two columns" for the most familiar experience
- Customize Start menu: Add or remove items like Control Panel, Run, and Shut Down
One caveat: Open-Shell does not integrate with Windows 11's modern context menus or the new taskbar. You may experience slight delays when opening the menu for the first time after boot. The developer community actively maintains the project, with updates typically arriving within weeks of major Windows builds.
ExplorerPatcher: Restoring the 22H2 Start Menu
ExplorerPatcher, developed by valinet, takes a different approach. Instead of replacing the Start menu, it patches the Windows shell to restore the 22H2 version. Version 22621.3880.66.3, released in December 2024, fully supports 25H2. The tool offers a single setting that reverts the Start menu to the previous layout, complete with the ability to show recently added apps and a resizable app list.
Installation is straightforward: download the installer from the GitHub releases page, run it, and restart Explorer. The Start menu will immediately revert to the 22H2 style. For advanced customization, open the Properties window from the system tray icon (right-click the Windows logo on the taskbar). Here you can:
- Disable the recommended section entirely
- Show or hide recently added apps
- Adjust the number of rows in the app list
- Enable the classic taskbar context menu
ExplorerPatcher is lightweight and does not require a background service. However, it modifies system files, which may trigger Windows Security alerts. Some users report that the tool causes minor UI glitches, such as temporary taskbar flickering when switching virtual desktops. The developer provides a rollback option through the Properties window, allowing you to restore the default 25H2 menu with one click.
Windhawk Mods: Granular Control Without Replacement
Windhawk is a modular customization platform that applies small patches to the Windows UI. Unlike Open-Shell and ExplorerPatcher, it does not replace the Start menu but rather modifies specific behaviors. For Windows 11 25H2, the most relevant mods are:
- Start Menu Customization: Allows you to hide the recommended section, show recently added apps, and change the number of app rows
- Taskbar Height and Icon Size: Adjusts taskbar dimensions, which indirectly affects Start menu placement
- Classic Taskbar: Restores the Windows 10-style taskbar with a smaller Start button
To get started, download Windhawk from windhawk.net. Install it and launch the app. Browse the mod library and install "Start Menu Customization" by m417z. Once installed, configure the mod through its settings panel:
- Hide Recommended: Toggle to remove the recommended section entirely
- Show Recently Added Apps: Enable to restore the old behavior
- Number of App Rows: Set to 6 or higher to show more apps without scrolling
Windhawk runs as a background process and uses minimal resources (around 10 MB RAM). The mods update automatically through the app. One limitation: Windhawk modifies the Start menu in real-time, so changes may not persist after a major Windows update until the mod is updated by its creator.
Comparison and Recommendations
| Tool | Approach | Key Features | Performance Impact | Update Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open-Shell | Full replacement | Classic menu styles, skin support, Explorer integration | Moderate (replaces explorer.exe component) | Monthly (community maintained) |
| ExplorerPatcher | Shell patching | Reverts to 22H2 menu, taskbar options, low resource usage | Low (patches in-memory) | Weekly (active development) |
| Windhawk | Modular patching | Granular settings, no replacement, auto-updates | Very low (modular patches) | Continuous (mod authors) |
For users who want the most authentic classic experience, Open-Shell is the best choice. It provides a complete menu system that feels like Windows 7 or earlier. However, it may conflict with other shell extensions and requires a learning curve for configuration.
ExplorerPatcher is ideal for those who simply want the 22H2 menu back without any added features. It is the most lightweight option and integrates seamlessly with the rest of Windows 11. The main drawback is its reliance on system file patches, which can be flagged by antivirus software.
Windhawk suits users who want specific tweaks without overhauling the entire menu. It is the safest option for enterprise environments where IT policies restrict system modifications. The modular nature means you can enable only the changes you need.
Community Feedback and Known Issues
On the Windows 11 subreddit and GitHub discussions, users report mixed experiences. One Reddit user noted that Open-Shell caused the Start menu to open slowly on first click after boot, a known issue with shell replacements. Another user praised ExplorerPatcher for its simplicity but experienced a bug where the taskbar disappeared after a Windows update, requiring a reinstall.
Windhawk mods receive positive feedback for their stability, but some users complain that the "Show Recently Added Apps" toggle does not work on certain 25H2 builds (specifically build 26080 and later). The mod author has acknowledged this and is working on a fix.
For enterprise deployments, IT admins should test each tool in a controlled environment. Open-Shell and ExplorerPatcher can be deployed via Group Policy or MDM, but they require per-machine installation. Windhawk can be installed per-user, making it easier for individual customization without admin rights.
Future Outlook and Compatibility
Microsoft has not indicated any plans to revert the Start menu changes. In fact, the 25H2 design is likely the foundation for future Windows 11 updates. As such, these open-source tools will continue to be essential for users who value productivity over aesthetics.
The developers behind these projects have a track record of responding quickly to Windows updates. Open-Shell's last major update came within two weeks of the 25H2 release. ExplorerPatcher's developer maintains a detailed changelog and typically releases a compatibility patch within days of a new Insider build.
Windhawk's modular architecture makes it the most future-proof option. New mods can be created by the community to address any Start menu changes Microsoft introduces. The platform's developer has committed to maintaining compatibility with Windows 11 for the foreseeable future.
Final Thoughts
Windows 11 25H2's Start menu is a classic case of Microsoft prioritizing design consistency over user control. The three open-source tools covered here each offer a viable path to restore functionality, but they come with trade-offs. Open-Shell provides the most complete classic experience at the cost of performance overhead. ExplorerPatcher offers a lightweight reversion but relies on system patching. Windhawk gives granular control without replacement but may lag behind on new features.
For most users, ExplorerPatcher is the recommended starting point due to its simplicity and low impact. If that does not meet your needs, Windhawk can supplement with additional tweaks. Open-Shell remains the best option for those who prefer a completely different menu paradigm.
As always, back up your system before installing any customization tool. Create a restore point and test the tool in a virtual machine first if possible. The Windows community has proven that when Microsoft removes features, open-source developers will step in to restore them. The 25H2 Start menu is no exception.