Start11 Archives

Winsage

October 30, 2025

How to replace your Windows 11 Start menu with something better – try my favorite or this free option

The Windows 11 Start menu has been criticized for its cumbersome layout and limited customization options. Microsoft has made attempts to improve it, including adding folder creation for shortcuts in late 2022 and a redesign in October 2025, but user dissatisfaction remains. Alternatives to the default Start menu include: - Start11: A paid application by Stardock, available for .99 annually or a permanent license, offering seven layouts, extensive customization options, and the ability to rename, move, and delete folders directly from the menu. - StartAllBack: A more affordable option at .99 per license, providing a simpler interface with three themes and customization of the taskbar and File Explorer features. - Open Shell Menu: A free alternative that allows users to choose from various layouts and customize the Start button, offering a traditional experience without cost. Uninstalling any of these alternatives will revert the system back to the standard Windows 11 Start menu.

Winsage

October 8, 2025

The latest Windows 11 Canary finally build adds Start menu resizing, but not in the way you want

The Start menu in Windows 11 automatically resizes based on screen size, with no option for manual resizing. The latest Canary build introduces a scrollable app list and responsive Start columns, displaying 8/6/4 columns on larger screens and 6/4/3 on smaller screens. Users can disable recommendations in Settings, but manual resizing remains unavailable. The Start menu adapts to the number of pinned items, condensing sections as needed.

Winsage

July 17, 2025

Hate Windows 11? Here’s how you can make it work more like Windows 10

User feedback has significantly influenced the evolution of Windows 11, particularly regarding changes to the user interface that differ from Windows 10. Early adopters expressed frustration, but many have adapted over time, while some still prefer the previous interface. Microsoft removed a considerable amount of legacy code, overhauling key components like the taskbar, Start menu, and File Explorer, which has disoriented some users. Microsoft has responded to feedback with updates, including the reinstatement of the Task Manager option in the taskbar's right-click menu and improvements to search functionality in version 22H2, as well as a redesign of File Explorer in version 24H2. Users can reposition the taskbar and Start button, but the ability to move the taskbar to the top or sides of the screen is still missing. A significant redesign of the Start menu is being tested. Keyboard shortcuts can help users navigate the new layout, and users can disable the widgets feature through Taskbar settings. Third-party applications like ExplorerPatcher, Open Shell, Start11, and StartAllBack offer customization options to revert to a more traditional layout, though they may pose compatibility risks with future updates.

Winsage

July 4, 2025

I made Windows 11 look like 10 without tools

Many users wish to replicate the aesthetics of Windows 10 while using Windows 11. Adjustments can be made using built-in settings without additional software: - Start menu alignment: Users can change the Start menu from center to left by navigating to Settings -> Personalization -> Taskbar -> Taskbar behaviors. - Classic File Explorer: Users can access the classic File Explorer interface by pressing the Windows key and searching for Windows Tools, then clicking on Home or This PC. - Return app labels: Users can enable app labels on the taskbar by going to Settings -> Personalization -> Taskbar -> Taskbar behaviors and selecting Never next to “Combine taskbar buttons and hide labels.” - Always show scrollbars: Users can make scrollbars always visible by navigating to Settings -> Accessibility -> Visual Effects and toggling on the “Always show scrollbars” option. - Change the color scheme: Users can modify the color scheme by going to Settings -> Personalization -> Colors, selecting Custom for “Choose your mode,” and opting for Dark for “Choose your Windows mode.” - Desktop icons: Users can restore legacy desktop icons by navigating to Settings -> Personalization -> Themes and clicking on Desktop icon settings. These adjustments help create a Windows 10-like experience within Windows 11.

Winsage

May 16, 2025

I made the Windows 11 taskbar truly my own with these customizations

Windows 11 offers taskbar customization options that enhance user experience. TranslucentTB is a free tool that allows users to change the taskbar's color and transparency, adapting its appearance based on different scenarios. ExplorerPatcher enables users to restore the Windows 10 taskbar design, providing individual buttons for features and customizable flyouts. Windhawk is a modding tool that offers unique themes for the taskbar, transforming its appearance into styles reminiscent of other operating systems. Start11 allows users to pin folders to the taskbar for easier access. Windhawk also provides mods to enhance taskbar labels and customize the clock. ObjectDock offers a macOS-style dock as an alternative to the traditional taskbar, featuring animations and visual customization options.

Winsage

May 13, 2025

Microsoft shows off the cool Windows Start concepts we never got

Microsoft's design team explored various concepts for the Windows 11 Start menu that were not included in the final product. These concepts aimed to enhance user experience by integrating notifications and functionalities from different Windows features. Key principles guiding the designs included easy access to the app library, personal customization, maximizing utility, and maintaining familiar iconography. The team engaged with 300 Windows 11 enthusiasts and used eye-tracking heat maps for feedback. One concept featured a slide-out phone dashboard for users of the Phone Link feature, restructuring recommended apps and documents for creativity and productivity. Another concept resembled earlier Windows versions, offering an expandable list of apps and shortcuts. Some designs expanded the Start menu significantly, while one focused on app visibility and timely information like meeting reminders. None of these designs were implemented in the current version of Windows 11, with some considered cluttered or confusing. Third-party developers like Stardock Software are providing customization options through solutions like Start11.

Winsage

May 5, 2025

I finally set up ExplorerPatcher on Windows, and I should have sooner

Windows 11 has received both praise and criticism, particularly regarding certain regressions compared to previous versions. ExplorerPatcher is a free tool that restores familiar features from Windows 10, such as the Start menu and taskbar. It allows users to revert to the Windows 10 Start menu, which is more efficient and includes a resizable pinned area and an All apps list. The taskbar is also transformed to resemble Windows 10, offering individual icons for functions and expanded customization options. Additionally, ExplorerPatcher revives the Ribbon UI in File Explorer, enhancing usability despite the loss of tab support. However, users may experience occasional bugs, and the last update was in November 2024, raising concerns about ongoing support.

Winsage

May 1, 2025

Hate Windows 11? These 9 free apps make it feel like Windows 10 again

Windows 10 will reach its end of life in 2025, prompting users to transition to Windows 11, which offers applications to recreate the Windows 10 experience. Transitioning to Windows 11 is possible through an update process if hardware requirements are met, with a temporary backup allowing a revert to Windows 10 within ten days. Applications like Start11 and Startallback enable customization of the Windows 11 interface to resemble Windows 10 or 7. Users can also install themes from the Microsoft Store or online, using Ultra UX Theme Patcher for third-party themes. Windhawk mods further enhance customization options. RevertSV provides an ISO image that mimics Windows 10, mainly for testing in virtual machines.

Winsage

April 24, 2025

7 things I learned while making the perfect, productivity-focused desktop environment on Windows

Windows 11 has challenges for users seeking a productivity-centric desktop experience, prompting many to seek alternatives and customization utilities. Key elements for enhancing productivity include effective file management, quick access to applications, and tools to streamline workflow. For file management, users can benefit from dual-pane file manager alternatives like XYplorer, File Pilot, Files, and Total Commander, which improve efficiency beyond the default File Explorer. Customizing the Start Menu by relocating it to the left and using tools like StartAllBack, Start11, and Windhawk can enhance productivity. Pinning frequently used apps to the taskbar allows for quick access and utilizes jump lists for recent documents. Disabling the News & Interests widget can reduce distractions, and many users choose to remove Microsoft's Copilot due to unmet expectations. For desktop customization, tools like StartAllBack, Windhawk, Rainmeter, and PowerToys can improve both appearance and functionality. PowerToys offers over 20 utilities, including FancyZones for window management and PowerToys Run for quick application access, making it essential for optimizing workflow. Overall, effective file management, application accessibility, and thoughtful customization are crucial for enhancing productivity on Windows 11.

Winsage

April 8, 2025

How to replace your Windows 11 Start menu with a better alternative

The Windows 11 Start menu has received criticism for its layout and limited customization options, prompting user frustration. Microsoft has made minor updates, such as allowing folder creation for organizing shortcuts, but a comprehensive redesign is expected in 2025. The Start menu has not changed significantly since its launch in October 2021. Third-party applications like Start11 and StartAllBack offer alternatives to the Windows 11 Start menu. Start11, developed by Stardock for .99, provides seven layouts, including classic Windows 7 and Modern styles, with extensive customization options for appearance and functionality. It also enhances the Taskbar, allowing modifications to color, transparency, and size. StartAllBack, available for .99, offers three themes and similar customization features, including options for the Taskbar and File Explorer. Open Shell Menu is a free alternative that supports various styles and customization options for the Start button and Taskbar. Each of these alternatives aims to improve the user experience on Windows 11.