A Long-Awaited Feature
Stardock’s latest update comes as a relief to many users frustrated by the lack of flexibility in Windows 11's taskbar design. For years, Microsoft has staunchly upheld a decision to keep the taskbar immovably fixed to the bottom of the screen, dismissing the idea of repositioning it as "not important." This has left creatives, multitaskers, and those who simply prefer a vertical layout with limited options: either stick with Windows 10—until its eventual demise—or venture into third-party territory.
Fortunately, as Windows 10's support inches closer to the sunset, Start11 emerges as a beacon of hope, providing a viable option for customization lovers seeking to maximize their productivity and ergonomic setup.
Feature Breakdown: What’s New in Start11 v2.5?
Vertical Taskbars: The crown jewel of this update is, of course, the vertical taskbar feature. Stardock's Start11 v2.5 beta allows users to dock the taskbar on either the left or right side of their desktop screen. Not to mention, this setup comes with a revamped Start menu that fits seamlessly alongside your desktop's edge, doing away with the glitchy middle-bottom syndrome.
How to Access This Beta Feature
- Enroll in the Beta Program: For those eager to dive in now rather than wait for the stable release in January, you'll need to sign up for Stardock’s beta program.
- Download the Update: If you already own a Start11 license, you can snag this beta version for free. If not, a perpetual license is available for a very reasonable $9.99.
- The Waiting Game: For those hesitant about using pre-release software, the good news is that a stable version is on the horizon, with Stardock promising an official rollout early next month.
Beyond Just an Aesthetic Change
Switching to a vertical orientation may seem like merely a cosmetic change, but it’s far from superficial. More than just a way to stand out in the visual stakes, a vertical taskbar can enhance workflow productivity, particularly for users with widescreen monitors. By giving individuals more space to organize their applications, it can significantly reduce distractions and streamline access to frequently used programs.
Additional Customization Features
Beyond just taskbar repositioning, Start11 offers a plethora of customization options that breathe new life into the Windows 11 Start menu. Users can expect:
- Custom Start Menu Layouts: Tailor the appearance and functionality of the Start menu according to your preferences.
- Enhanced Icon Customization: Choose from an array of icons and layouts to personalize your desktop further.
- Improved Accessibility Options: Navigate your space with ease through enhanced features designed for improved user accessibility.
The Bigger Picture: Windows Customization
This update comes amidst ongoing calls from the Windows user community for more customization options in Microsoft's operating systems. As users become more accustomed to flexible and personalized computing environments—thanks in large part to developments in macOS and various Linux distributions—the urge for customization in Windows continues to grow. Third-party applications like Start11 do more than just fill a gap; they signal a richer ecosystem where users are empowered to mold their environments in ways that best suit their workflows.
Conclusion
With the arrival of Start11 v2.5 beta, Windows 11 users have finally been awarded the chance to embrace a vertical taskbar setup, allowing for a fresh take on an otherwise rigid experience. While Microsoft continues to overlook these requests, third-party solutions demonstrate that the desire for adaptability in our digital spaces is insatiable. Whether you're an early bird wanting to test the beta or prefer to wait for the stable version, now may be the perfect time to reevaluate how you interact with your system.
Embrace the change, and let your Windows 11 desktop pirouette to the side! Welcome to a new era of taskbar flexibility and customization—courtesy of Start11.
Source: Neowin Want a vertical taskbar in Windows 11? New Start11 update lets you have that
Vertical Taskbars: The crown jewel of this update is, of course, the vertical taskbar feature. Stardock's Start11 v2.5 beta allows users to dock the taskbar on either the left or right side of their desktop screen. Not to mention, this setup comes with a revamped Start menu that fits seamlessly alongside your desktop's edge, doing away with the glitchy middle-bottom syndrome.
How to Access This Beta Feature
- Enroll in the Beta Program: For those eager to dive in now rather than wait for the stable release in January, you'll need to sign up for Stardock’s beta program.
- Download the Update: If you already own a Start11 license, you can snag this beta version for free. If not, a perpetual license is available for a very reasonable $9.99.
- The Waiting Game: For those hesitant about using pre-release software, the good news is that a stable version is on the horizon, with Stardock promising an official rollout early next month.
Beyond Just an Aesthetic Change
Switching to a vertical orientation may seem like merely a cosmetic change, but it’s far from superficial. More than just a way to stand out in the visual stakes, a vertical taskbar can enhance workflow productivity, particularly for users with widescreen monitors. By giving individuals more space to organize their applications, it can significantly reduce distractions and streamline access to frequently used programs.Additional Customization Features
Beyond just taskbar repositioning, Start11 offers a plethora of customization options that breathe new life into the Windows 11 Start menu. Users can expect:- Custom Start Menu Layouts: Tailor the appearance and functionality of the Start menu according to your preferences.
- Enhanced Icon Customization: Choose from an array of icons and layouts to personalize your desktop further.
- Improved Accessibility Options: Navigate your space with ease through enhanced features designed for improved user accessibility.
The Bigger Picture: Windows Customization
This update comes amidst ongoing calls from the Windows user community for more customization options in Microsoft's operating systems. As users become more accustomed to flexible and personalized computing environments—thanks in large part to developments in macOS and various Linux distributions—the urge for customization in Windows continues to grow. Third-party applications like Start11 do more than just fill a gap; they signal a richer ecosystem where users are empowered to mold their environments in ways that best suit their workflows.Conclusion
With the arrival of Start11 v2.5 beta, Windows 11 users have finally been awarded the chance to embrace a vertical taskbar setup, allowing for a fresh take on an otherwise rigid experience. While Microsoft continues to overlook these requests, third-party solutions demonstrate that the desire for adaptability in our digital spaces is insatiable. Whether you're an early bird wanting to test the beta or prefer to wait for the stable version, now may be the perfect time to reevaluate how you interact with your system.Embrace the change, and let your Windows 11 desktop pirouette to the side! Welcome to a new era of taskbar flexibility and customization—courtesy of Start11.
Source: Neowin Want a vertical taskbar in Windows 11? New Start11 update lets you have that