Start11 v2.5 Beta: Embrace Vertical Taskbars in Windows 11

Are you one of those die-hard Windows 10 fans who mourned the loss of the vertical taskbar when you upgraded (or were dragged kicking and screaming) to Windows 11? Good news: Stardock’s Start11 v2.5 has arrived, and it’s here to right one of Microsoft’s more puzzling wrongs. This latest update brings vertical taskbar support back into our lives, letting users customize their desktop layouts in ways Microsoft hasn’t gotten around to—or outright ignored—in Windows 11. But there's much more to unpack, so let’s dive into how this update works, what it fixes, and why it matters.

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A Love Letter to Power Users: Why Start11 v2.5 Stands Out​

For many Windows users, especially those who’ve stuck with Microsoft through decades of quirky UI decisions, the taskbar is sacred ground. So when Windows 11 launched with a rigid, locked-down taskbar—no vertical placement, no combining improvements on the horizon—it felt like a step backward from the ultra-customizable Windows 10 experience. Enter Stardock’s Start11, a utility designed to restore customizability. And the newly launched v2.5 update pushes personalization further than ever.

Key Feature: Vertical Taskbars Are Finally Back!​

The central feature of Start11 v2.5 is, without a doubt, the long-demanded ability to position your taskbar on the left or right side of the monitor. For users juggling multiple monitors, Start11 also adds a truly impressive capability: separate taskbar locations for each display. This means you could have the taskbar hugging the left side of one monitor while sitting flush against the top or bottom of a secondary display. Such flexibility just isn’t in Microsoft’s playbook for Windows 11’s native taskbar.
But here’s the kicker: Users running older Windows 11 builds (21H2, 22H2, etc.) are out of luck. Vertical taskbars are only compatible with version 23H2 and newer. So, if you’ve been holding off on updates, it’s time to reconsider.

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What Else Is New in Start11 v2.5?​

While the vertical taskbars headline the release, the update also delivers a buffet of bug fixes and minor enhancements:

• Bug Fixes:
• Dragging taskbar buttons no longer triggers misalignment or visual glitches.
• A long-standing bug that got the Win + X menu out of sorts during customization is resolved.
• Hovering over a custom Start button used to cause taskbar flickers—but not anymore.
• Other behind-the-scenes alignment tweaks ensure smoother operation all-around.
• Support for Multiple Monitors:
• As mentioned earlier, you can now customize each monitor’s taskbar independently.
• This is a lifesaver for productivity junkies. Imagine having a taskbar on one monitor for quick access to pinned apps while keeping another display entirely clutter-free—pure multitasking bliss!

Not to forget, Start11 v2.5 continues to support top-dock placement alongside its new vertical configurations. If experimentation isn’t your thing, you can simply stick with the default bottom dock, just like native Windows 11.
The update also optimizes user experience by tweaking how custom UI elements integrate with Microsoft’s recalibrated Windows Start Menu and taskbar functions.

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So, What’s the Catch?​

Now, before you rush to the install button, a few considerations:

• Compatibility Ceiling: As outstanding as this update is, some features are locked behind newer builds of Windows 11 (23H2 and later). If you’re on a legacy build, it won’t be a full-featured experience.
• Part of the Stardock Ecosystem: Start11 is just one piece of a suite of applications available via Stardock’s Object Desktop bundle. If you invest in the full package, you gain access to additional tools like Fences (desktop icon organization), Groupy (tabbed application management), and Multiplicity (multi-PC workflows). While this bundle is an excellent value, casual users may find features they don’t need.
• Not Built Into Windows: Enthusiasts all know why tweaking native OS functionalities often requires third-party tools. But for purists hoping Microsoft would officially reintroduce vertical taskbars in Windows 11, well, Stardock demonstrates that waiting isn't necessary, but it might sting that this solution isn’t official.

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The Bigger Picture: Why Isn’t Microsoft Addressing Customization?​

Stardock’s latest update shines a spotlight yet again on Microsoft’s reluctance (or refusal?) to give users the flexibility they’ve enjoyed in the past. Outcry over the locked-down taskbar has been loud since Windows 11’s launch in 2021, but Microsoft can sometimes be… shall we say… stubborn.
Let’s be real here: Microsoft’s focus has been on refining Windows 11 for universal simplicity rather than embracing niche user preferences—what you often hear executive speak refer to as the "majority experience." But utilities like Start11 prove there’s still an appetite for serious personalization, especially among power users who lean on layouts like vertical taskbars for productivity.
So, is it merely an oversight that Microsoft hasn’t brought back vertical taskbars? Or is this a deliberate push towards a single, unified interface? Either way, Stardock’s Start11 bridges this gap beautifully.

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How to Get Start11 v2.5​

Sold on jumping back aboard the vertical taskbar bandwagon? Here’s how you can snag this feature-packed utility:

• Current Start11 Users: If you’ve already purchased Start11 v2, rejoice! The v2.5 update is free for existing owners. Just head into Start11 settings and install the update.
• New Users: Start11 is available as a standalone product or as part of Stardock’s Object Desktop bundle. You can grab it from the official Stardock website or on Steam.

Pricing Info: There’s a trial version if you want to test the waters, and the full version is reasonably priced for what it offers, particularly for power users—the backbone of its market.

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Final Thoughts: A Win for Functionality Over Form​

Start11 v2.5 makes a convincing case that Microsoft’s stubbornness shouldn’t keep you from designing the desktop UI of your dreams. With features like vertical taskbar support, multiscreen taskbar customization, and UX fixes galore, Stardock continues to outpace Microsoft in giving users what they actually want. Whether you’re a Windows 11 enthusiast or a begrudging convert from the Windows 10 days, Start11 v2.5 lets you take full control of your desktop environment once again.
So go ahead, download Start11, and remind yourself what it feels like when your operating system works for you. After all, shouldn’t you be the boss of your own desktop universe?
What do you think about Windows 11’s customization gaps and Start11’s new toolkit? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments section! Share your thoughts, or tell us: which customization features are still missing from Windows 11?

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Source: Neowin Start11 v2.5 brings vertical taskbars to Windows 11

Windows 11 users, rejoice—or at least, a subset of you who have been clamoring for vertical taskbars. Stardock, a veteran in Windows customization software, has answered your prayers with its newest update to Start11. This third-party application reintroduces the long-lost capability of placing taskbars on the sides of your screen, a feature Microsoft unceremoniously dropped when transitioning from Windows 10 to Windows 11.
The thirst for vertical taskbars has been palpable. Microsoft’s removal of this feature sparked conversations across community forums, Reddit, and support threads. A particularly revealing Microsoft AMA (Ask Me Anything) on the subject implied the reasoning behind the omission wasn’t because users didn’t want it—nope—it boiled down to complexity. According to Microsoft's Head of Product, Tali Roth, reworking the taskbar to function vertically without significantly disrupting app environments introduced challenges described as "huge." For those infuriated by the snub before, the advent of Start11 is a game-changer. Let’s break down how it works, what you’ll gain (or potentially sacrifice), and what this means for Windows 11 as a whole.

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Start11’s Key to Vertical Taskbar Nirvana​

Vertical Taskbar Resurrected​

With Start11, users can finally place their taskbar along the left or right edges of their screen, restoring decades-old Windows functionality unjustly cast aside. Stardock’s update ensures that the Start Menu intelligently adapts to fit next to a vertical taskbar, providing an experience that feels natural, not hacked together.
While this might sound like an obscure fringe feature, know this: Vertical taskbars are more than just a preference; they are crucial for some workflows. Ultrawide monitor users, for instance, or those juggling multiple windows, can leverage vertical taskbars for better space optimization. Heck, anyone who prefers aligning their interface with good old-fashioned symmetry can appreciate this subtle renovation.

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Why Did Microsoft Abandon Vertical Taskbars?​

This is where things get interesting. Microsoft’s justification for axing the feature boiled down to two main issues: usability challenges and reflow headaches. According to Roth, apps need to "understand their environment," and a vertical taskbar complicates elements like resizing options, UI layouts, and visual consistency. While legitimate, these hurdles haven’t stopped Stardock, which seems undeterred.
It begs the question—if a third-party developer can pull off a seemingly polished implementation of vertical taskbars without breaking app workflows, why can’t Microsoft? Perhaps the real limitation isn’t technical but rather a matter of priorities.

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More Than Just a Taskbar Fix​

Here’s the kicker: Start11 goes far beyond vertical taskbars. This utility is like a Swiss Army knife for Windows 11 customization. Here are additional reasons to install it:

• Start Menu Customization​

Say goodbye to cookie-cutter start menus. Start11 lets you redesign this key UI element with layouts inspired by Windows 7, 10, or even a refined take on Windows 11’s modern aesthetic.

• Classic Context Menus​

Windows 11 controversially introduced simplified right-click context menus, leaving power users to click an extra layer to access advanced options. Start11 restores the old-school context menus directly, so you aren’t wasting time dealing with Microsoft’s increasingly streamlined (and frustrating) interfaces.

• Search Experience Overhaul​

If you’ve found yourself screaming at Windows 11’s search bar for being sluggish or unhelpful, Start11 tweaks it for much-needed improvement. You're not just customizing aesthetics; you're optimizing usability.

• Price Point​

At $9.99, Start11 is reasonably priced—particularly for users frustrated by Windows 11’s lack of flexibility. Think of it as a small investment in regaining control over your Windows workspace. The alternative? Endlessly refreshing forums in the hope that Microsoft will magically address your feature wishlist.

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What Vertical Taskbars Mean for Windows 11’s Future​

Vertical taskbars aren’t just a niche feature; they're part of Windows's historical DNA. From Windows 95 through Windows 10, the ability to move the taskbar wasn’t even up for debate—it was a given. Windows 11’s removal angered many who relied on vertical setups for better multi-monitor handling or simply preferred the visual structure.
But here’s where Stardock’s solution is significant: It underscores a recurring theme with Windows 11. The OS has alienated certain long-time users by capping customization options in favor of a streamlined minimalist design philosophy. Whether it’s the inability to ungroup icons, restore legacy tray features, or reposition the taskbar, Windows 11 feels stripped down compared to its predecessors.
If third-party apps like Start11 continue to plug these gaps, the demand for such features could pressure Microsoft to revisit its priorities. After all, companies like Stardock shouldn’t have to exist simply to restore functionality that Microsoft removed.

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How to Get Started with Start11’s Vertical Taskbars​

Ready to regain this beloved feature? Here’s how to configure it with Start11:

• Purchase Start11: Visit Stardock’s website to grab the app for $9.99. There's a free trial available if you’d prefer to test the waters first.
• Install the App: The installer is straightforward, and setup takes minutes.
• Activate Taskbar Customization: Launch Start11 and navigate to the taskbar settings. Select either the left or right alignment option to position the taskbar vertically.
• Personalize Further: Explore the Start Menu styles and search tweaks to customize your Windows experience fully.

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Takeaways for Windows 11 Users​

Although Microsoft might be reluctant to restore vertical taskbars natively, Stardock has demonstrated that it's not just feasible—it’s easy and effective. While this solution relies on a third-party app, Start11 is a milestone for those who miss the customization flexibility previous Windows versions championed. It proves that Rectangular Transformation Syndrome (yes, I just made that up) doesn’t have to plague your workflow on Windows 11. Vertical taskbars are back, baby—and they’re here to help your desktop game thrive.
Now, over to you: Have you tried Start11’s vertical taskbars yet? Do you think Microsoft will ever bring the feature back officially, or are third-party apps like this the only viable path forward? Join the conversation in our forums—let’s hear your thoughts.

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Source: Windows Central Vertical taskbars are back in Windows 11, but you have to use an app