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.
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.
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.
The update also optimizes user experience by tweaking how custom UI elements integrate with Microsoft’s recalibrated Windows Start Menu and taskbar functions.
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.
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?
Source: Neowin Start11 v2.5 brings vertical taskbars to Windows 11
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.
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!
The update also optimizes user experience by tweaking how custom UI elements integrate with Microsoft’s recalibrated Windows Start Menu and taskbar functions.
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.
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.
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.
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?
Source: Neowin Start11 v2.5 brings vertical taskbars to Windows 11
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