Like its previous versions, Windows 10 also supports pinning certain objects to the taskbar for instant access like certain files, folders, or any other kind of shortcuts. In order to do that you just need to click on the file and select the pin to start option. But sometimes the Pin to Start option is not appearing in the context menu for supported files. If the Pin to Start option is not appearing when you perform a right-click on a folder, .exe file, or shortcut, it’s likely because a policy named Prevent users from customizing their Start Screen has been turned on or another policy named LockedStartLayout is enabled.
Restore missing “Pin to Start” option Using Registry Edit
Manually Edit Registry To fix This Error Step By Step.
Type Regedit in the start menu or taskbar search box and press enter. This Will open Registry Edit windows Now Navigate to the following
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsCurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
On the right side look for the entry which says NoChangeStartMenu and delete it.
Now go back and navigate to the following
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsCurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
Look for the entry named LockedStartLayout right-click on it and then delete it.
Now go to this key
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\WindowsExplorer
Look for the entry named LockedStartLayout and delete it. Now Close Registry Window and Restart Windows. The pin to start option should now open when you right-click on a folder or file.
you can Download our pre-build Registry key to fix Pin To Start Missing Error on Windows 10. First, download the Zip file before Run this Create A System Restore point. so that if after run this if anything gest wrong you can perform System Restore to revert the previous working state. Simply Run the registry and Restart windows.
Download w10_pin_to_start.zip
Restore the missing “Pin to Start” option Using the Group policy
Note: This method does not work in the Home edition. It is only compatible with Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise users.
Type Gpedit.msc is the start menu or run the command box and then press enter. Click yes for any User Account Control dialogue. This Will open the Local Group Policy Editor window. Now on Then navigate to the following address
User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar
On the left side look for Prevent users from customizing their Start screen policy and double-click on it to go to its properties.
Click the Disable button and then click apply.
Now search for a policy called Start Layout and double-click on it to see its properties.
Disable it and then click apply.
Now open Command prompt and Type Command gpupdate /force to forcefully apply the changes you have made on group policy editor.
Now Restart the system.
Troubleshooting using regsvr32 /i shell32.dll Command
Open RUN dialog box and provide the following command:
regsvr32 /i shell32.dll
Restart your system and it should fix your problem.