Import-StartLayout doesn't change anything

The Import-StartLayout command only works in the default user profile. It is used for creating and deploying windows 10 system images. It does not work in the current users profile or any other already created profiles.

Source and prior experience.


Simplest method is to use Backup Start Menu Layout


Another way:

Export:

  1. Open an admin PowerShell window
  2. Run Export-StartLayout -Path layout.xml

Import for current user:

  1. Import layout.xml via Group Policy
  2. Kill explorer.exe
  3. Start explorer.exe
  4. Disable Group Policy
  5. Kill explorer.exe
  6. Start explorer.exe
  7. You are done :-) You now have layout imported from xml file

Without step 4 Menu Start tiles will be locked