Can anyone tell me if there is a way to lock the windows 8.1 Start menu into this mode:

It would make life so much easier for our students. 

Thanks

Dont think we can lock start menu. 

Hi

If you need customize Windows 8.1 start screen by using Group Policy, this link might be helpful.

https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn467928.aspx?f=255&MSPPError=-2147217396

Note: Start screen control is supported in the Windows 8.1 Enterprise operating system, the Windows RT 8.1 operating system with sideloading enabled, and in all editions of the Windows Server 2012 R2 operating system. Start screen control is not supported in the Windows 8.1 Pro operating system and the Windows 8.1 operating system.

Regards

D. Wu

It would make life so much easier for our students. 

How would that (Minimized Apps by Name) be better than Apps By Most Used?  FWIW the latter is a possible lock view but I doubt that a Minimized one is.