using windows 8.1 :

I have customized a start screen layout to our users and pinned the apps I need. But I don't want them to use other apps. They go down to access the apps view via the "down arrow " or they can search for an app.

can this be disabled via gpo ?

Appreciate the help :)

Don't know about the search, but with apps you can do:

1. Set your tiles on client as you wish then export layout with such cmdlet:

Export-StartLayout -As XML -Path start.xml

2. Next put this xml file in netlogon share of DS for instance

3. Enable these two policies under User Conf\Policies\Admin Temp\Start Menu...

"Start Screen Layout"

"Remove All Programs list from the Start menu"

The former prevents any change to tiles and should point with UNC patch to that xml file, and the latter disables all Apps from start menu but only those listed on Tiles Screen.

• Edited by Andrew.Fr 6 hours 12 minutes ago

Don't know about the search, but with apps you can do:

1. Set your tiles on client as you wish then export layout with such cmdlet:

Export-StartLayout -As XML -Path start.xml

2. Next put this xml file in netlogon share of DS for instance

3. Enable these two policies under User Conf\Policies\Admin Temp\Start Menu...

"Start Screen Layout"

"Remove All Programs list from the Start menu"

The former prevents any change to tiles and should point with UNC patch to that xml file, and the latter disables all Apps from start menu but only those listed on Tiles Screen.

• Edited by Andrew.Fr Wednesday, May 13, 2015 1:09 AM

Hi,

According to my experience, APP Locker should be help with your requirements. For Store app, there is another new feature in app locker named packaged app Rules, you can access to the link below for more details:

https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh831350.aspx

http://www.grouppolicy.biz/2012/08/how-manage-published-a-k-a-metro-apps-in-windows-8-using-group-policy/