Windows 11 introduced several notable taskbar changes, but a number of features from Windows 10 didn’t make the cut much to the frustration of some users. However, there is a solution if you’re willing to spend $6.
Microsoft’s new take on the taskbar doesn’t include the ability to move or resize it, adjust the size of the icons or ungroup them, and multi-monitor features are more limited. The latest beta version of Stardock’s Start11 aims to remove all those frustrations by “re-building the taskbar from the ground up.”
Start11 launched last August and is compatible with both Windows 10 and Windows 11, but beta v1.2 focuses specifically on Windows 11 features. As Brad Sams, VP and General Manager of Stardock Software explains, “The new taskbar features are designed to deliver functionality from previous versions of Windows but make them look and feel native to Windows 11.”
Once installed, you’ll be able to ungroup items on the taskbar, as well as left or center-align the Start button while keeping app icons centered if you wish. Mutli-monitor support has also been enhanced, allowing primary and secondary grouping for more control over what appears where.
There’s a range of style options (Windows 7, Modern, Windows 10, or Windows 11) and the ability to combine taskbar buttons always, sometimes, or never. Add to that color, blur, transparency, and corner settings, as well as enhanced search capabilities, custom shortcut links, icon grid spacing, and the ability to add folders and pages to Start menu layouts.
Start11 costs $5.99, but there is a 30-day trial to take advantage of and see if it offers enough customization to warrant the cost. If you have multiple Windows 11 machines, there’s also a multi-device option covering five PCs for $14.99.
