Windows 11 continues to evoke mixed feelings among PC enthusiasts, as it has evolved significantly since its launch. While Microsoft has made strides in refining the user experience, many users still find themselves yearning for features that seem either incomplete or entirely absent. This is where third-party enhancements come into play, offering a range of functionalities that could greatly benefit the operating system if integrated natively.
StartAllBack
Start menu and taskbar done right
Microsoft’s penchant for redesigning Windows features often leads to mixed results. The Start menu, which underwent a controversial overhaul in Windows 8, returned to a more traditional format with Windows 10. However, Windows 11 introduced yet another redesign, leaving some users feeling that the changes were excessive. StartAllBack emerges as a solution, providing a suite of quality-of-life improvements that many users miss. This third-party tool allows for resizing icons, repositioning the taskbar, re-enabling classic context menus, and adjusting system tray icon spacing. Additionally, it restores quick access to the Control Panel and other essential shortcuts that have been obscured in the new interface. For those nostalgic for the classic Start menu experience, StartAllBack is a treasure trove of familiar features.
All of PowerToys
Just put them all in
PowerToys, while developed by Microsoft, stands apart from the standard Windows build pipeline. This collection of utilities enhances Windows 11 with a variety of practical tools that seamlessly integrate into the operating system. Features such as PowerRename for batch file renaming, a modern Color Picker, and Keyboard Manager for custom shortcuts exemplify the utility of PowerToys. The enhanced Run menu and FancyZones for advanced window tiling further illustrate its capabilities. Despite their usefulness, these tools are not included by default, which raises questions about why Microsoft hasn’t opted to incorporate them into the core experience, especially given their potential to address many user frustrations.
EarTrumpet
The default sound settings don’t come close
One of the more significant shortcomings of Windows 11 lies in its sound settings, which many users find cumbersome. The volume mixer has transformed into a sprawling page, while essential audio device settings are buried deep within the Control Panel. EarTrumpet addresses these issues effectively, allowing users to switch between audio devices with ease, adjust audio levels, and access legacy audio settings that are otherwise difficult to find. This tool has become indispensable for anyone seeking a more streamlined audio management experience on their Windows devices.
Everything (Voidtools)
Windows Search, but actually fast
Windows Search has long been a source of frustration for users, often delivering slow and unpredictable results while prioritizing web content over local files. Voidtools’ Everything offers a compelling alternative, indexing files on the system almost instantaneously and using minimal resources. As users type, results appear in real-time, allowing for efficient filtering by file type, folder, date, and more. If Microsoft were to adopt Everything’s indexing approach, it could significantly enhance the search experience within Windows 11.
OneCommander
What FileExplorer for power users should be
File Explorer has remained a staple of Windows for decades, yet it often feels outdated and fragmented. OneCommander reimagines the file management experience, offering a modern interface tailored for power users. With features like keyboard shortcuts, dual-pane navigation, folder previews, and theme support, it elevates file management to a new level. Furthermore, integration with cloud services such as Google Drive and OneDrive enhances its functionality for users who rely on these platforms.
These shouldn’t be on by default, just give us the option
While some of these enhancements cater specifically to power users, many features would benefit a broader audience. Rather than being pre-installed, these options could simply be made available for users to enable as needed. The ideal version of Windows is already out there, waiting to be discovered across various repositories, yet it often requires extensive customization to unlock its full potential.
