If you're a Windows user who's felt a nostalgic twinge for vertical taskbars, you're in luck! While Microsoft has opted to keep this coveted feature off the table for Windows 11, a third-party application, Start11, is here to save the day. This latest beta version not only allows you to embrace a vertical taskbar but also offers a suite of additional customization features that breathe new life into the Windows interface.
According to Stardock, the company behind Start11, the response to the lack of vertical taskbars has been overwhelming. Their latest beta introduces the ability to relocate the taskbar either to the left or right side of the screen. Not only does this breathe fresh air into the user experience, but it also seems to bridge a gap that Microsoft appears unwilling to address, despite thousands of user requests flooding forums like Reddit and Microsoft's own community discussions.
This raises the question: Is Microsoft looking at the bigger picture, or has it sidelined a valuable feature that could enhance productivity for many users? Given the tech titan's resources, the fact that Stardock has stepped in to fill this niche suggests that perhaps this decision may come down to prioritization rather than feasibility.
So, for users longing for a more personalized experience, Start11 not only restores the vertical taskbar but adds an array of customization features that democratize the Windows experience once more. Whether you're a nostalgic Windows veteran or a newcomer eager to make your mark, experimenting with Start11 could be a game changer.
In this digital age, who says you can't have your taskbar—and place it, too?
Source: Windows Central Vertical taskbars are back in Windows 11, but not from Microsoft
The Return of Vertical Taskbars: An Overlooked Feature
Vertical taskbars have long been a hallmark of the Windows experience, especially for those who find themselves managing a plethora of applications and multitasking heavily. However, when Windows 11 launched, Microsoft made the bold decision to eliminate the ability to move the taskbar to the sides of the screen. In a world where functionality often takes a backseat to aesthetics, many users were left scratching their heads, wondering why this popular option was shelved.According to Stardock, the company behind Start11, the response to the lack of vertical taskbars has been overwhelming. Their latest beta introduces the ability to relocate the taskbar either to the left or right side of the screen. Not only does this breathe fresh air into the user experience, but it also seems to bridge a gap that Microsoft appears unwilling to address, despite thousands of user requests flooding forums like Reddit and Microsoft's own community discussions.
What Does Start11 Bring to the Table?
Start11 isn’t just a one-trick pony; it comes equipped with an arsenal of features that cater to those craving a more personalized Windows environment. Here are some highlights:- Customized Start Menu: You can choose from styles reminiscent of Windows 7, 10, or the current Windows 11 aesthetic. The flexibility to shape the Start menu according to your taste can transform how you interact with your PC daily.
- Multiple Taskbar Configurations: Besides the vertical taskbar option, Start11 allows for centered taskbar buttons while keeping the Start icon left-aligned, offering further customization to suit individual preferences.
- Enhanced Search Experience: The app provides a better search toolkit compared to the stock Start menu, giving you more granular control over your search results.
Microsoft’s Stance on Vertical Taskbars
Interestingly, Microsoft seems largely unfazed by the clamor for vertical taskbars. In a previous AMA (Ask Me Anything) session, Tali Roth, Microsoft's Head of Product, pointed out the development challenges inherent in moving the taskbar to various locations. He noted, “the reflow and work that all of the apps have to do to be able to understand the environment is just huge.” Roth went on to explain that while there is a dedicated user base who appreciates vertical taskbars, it pales in comparison to the broader user base clamoring for different features.This raises the question: Is Microsoft looking at the bigger picture, or has it sidelined a valuable feature that could enhance productivity for many users? Given the tech titan's resources, the fact that Stardock has stepped in to fill this niche suggests that perhaps this decision may come down to prioritization rather than feasibility.
Why Choose Start11?
For those disenchanted with Windows 11's limitations and willing to explore third-party solutions, Start11 could be the perfect ally. As of its beta release, the application is available for $9.99 and promises a seamless integration that feels native to the operating system.Pros:
- Revives a familiar feature in a modern context
- Provides unmatched customization options for the Start menu
- Ease of placing the taskbar in a user-preferred location
Cons:
- Requires purchasing a third-party application
- May dilute the 'native experience' for purists
Conclusion: A Win for Customization
The addition of vertical taskbars through Start11 may not come directly from Microsoft, but it underscores an essential truth about modern computing: customization is key. As user preferences evolve, the need for systems that adapt to those preferences becomes paramount.So, for users longing for a more personalized experience, Start11 not only restores the vertical taskbar but adds an array of customization features that democratize the Windows experience once more. Whether you're a nostalgic Windows veteran or a newcomer eager to make your mark, experimenting with Start11 could be a game changer.
In this digital age, who says you can't have your taskbar—and place it, too?
Source: Windows Central Vertical taskbars are back in Windows 11, but not from Microsoft