Transform Windows 11: How Windhawk Brings Powerful Start Menu Customization to ARM64 Devices

For many Windows 11 users, the Start menu remains a contentious design element—some appreciate its minimalist, touch-friendly layout, while others yearn for the rich customizability and classic feel of earlier Windows iterations. Since its debut, the Windows 11 Start menu has notably divided opinion, especially due to its streamlined “Recommended” section and reduced options for deep personalization. Yet, with third-party tools like Windhawk, users are no longer confined to Microsoft’s vision. Windhawk has rapidly evolved from a Windows customization niche into an open-source powerhouse, boasting an extensive library of modifications, all now available even on ARM64-powered Snapdragon PCs. The latest Windhawk update, version 1.6, marks a seminal moment: for the first time, mainstream modding is realistically within reach on Windows on Arm laptops, breaking down previous platform barriers and setting a new standard for OS customization.

The Allure of Start Menu Customization​

Windows 11 brought a modern, centered Start menu aimed at blending the needs of mouse, touch, and hybrid device users. However, this reset came at a cost—longtime users lost beloved avenues for personalization. Critics often cite the “Recommended” section, forced grouping of pinned apps, and the overall rigidity of the Start menu as chief frustrations. Windows Central’s editorial stance reflects widespread community sentiment: a significant portion of Windows enthusiasts find these defaults insufficient, sparking a thriving ecosystem of tools designed to reclaim lost flexibility.
Windhawk’s prominence, especially its “Windows 11 Start Menu Styler,” underlines this demand. This mod allows not only the removal or reshaping of the “Recommended” section but also extends to broader visual tweaks and behavioral adjustments. For users who wish Windows 11 could more closely adhere to individual workflows—or simply want to inject some nostalgia with themes that echo Windows Vista or 7—the utility is a game changer.

Windhawk’s Marketplace Model: A Deep Dive​

Originally launched as a modding toolkit, Windhawk has blossomed into an open-source marketplace, where developers and power users can publish, browse, and install modifications with just a few clicks. The platform currently supports a sweeping array of themes, UI tweaks, and functional upgrades, many of which target frustrations unique to Windows 11:

• Start Menu Customizers: Tailor the layout, eliminate unwanted sections, or restore legacy features.
• Taskbar Tweakers: Adjust size, height, margins, or even behavior of system tray elements.
• Volume and Media Controls: For example, Taskbar Volume Control enables global adjustment of system sound via the taskbar itself, circumventing Windows’ stricter UI requirements.
• Complete Visual Themes: Recreate the UI of revered predecessors like Windows Vista, complete with authentic icons and sound effects.

Such features don’t merely offer cosmetic enhancements—they frequently revive productivity boosters that Microsoft sidelined in its push toward a touch-optimized interface. Extensive peer review and user ratings within the Windhawk marketplace help mitigate risk, offering a layer of community-driven security absent from solitary, unknown web downloads.

The Big News: Windhawk Now Fully Embraces ARM64​

The version 1.6 release, as substantiated by both Windhawk’s official GitHub changelog and recent coverage by Windows Central, ushers in full ARM64 support. This is a pivotal advancement for users who rely on Snapdragon-based devices—affordable ultralight laptops and tablets that previously couldn’t access the bulk of Windows customization tools.
Key takeaways from the update:

• Native ARM64 Compatibility: Windhawk now runs natively on ARM64 devices, which comprise an increasing share of Windows ultramobile PCs. This is confirmed both in the official release notes and firsthand user reports.
• Mod Support Caveats: While ARM64-native programs are fully supported, those still compiled for x86 or x64 may have limitations, a reality acknowledged by both Windhawk’s developers and external reviewers. Mod authors are encouraged to adjust their plugins for maximum cross-compatibility, and Windhawk has built-in mechanisms to flag or exclude incompatible mods.
• Process Exclusion Rules: Recognizing potential issues with certain games and applications, Windhawk now includes expanded rules to auto-exclude known incompatible software. The update specifically mentions “popular games” as beneficiaries—an important quality-of-life fix for gamers wary of mods triggering anti-cheat systems or causing crashes.
• UI and Usability Enhancements: New layer-by-layer configuration, improved language support, and seamless process handling ensure the app is less disruptive than ever. Notably, the UI no longer restarts when users alter advanced settings, reducing interruptions during deep customization work.

Strengths: Why Windhawk Resonates with the Enthusiast Crowd​

1. Open-Source Transparency​

Windhawk stands apart from many “tweaker” utilities in that all its source code, mods, and documentation are open to public audit. This transparency is a critical advantage in the world of system modification, where closed third-party tools may harbor hidden malware, questionable telemetry, or unintentional system stabilities.
Anyone can inspect the code, check for vulnerabilities, and even propose improvements—an approach corroborated by its GitHub repository and numerous security experts focused on Windows ecosystems.

2. Community-Driven Innovation​

Because Windhawk aggregates its mods in a marketplace format, the pace of innovation is remarkably fast compared to top-down, developer-only projects. New mods can be published, peer-reviewed, and iteratively improved by anyone interested. This model has already yielded dozens of unique customizations that would have been impossible through official channels alone.

Example Mods Gaining Traction​

• Windows 11 Start Menu Styler
• Remove “Recommended” section
• Reconfigure pinned layouts
• Insert shortcuts to obscure settings panels
• Taskbar Height/Icon Adjuster
• Change taskbar width and icon spacing beyond Microsoft’s defaults
• Legacy Theme Overlays
• Apply full-fledged Windows Vista or 7 UI elements, including menus and window frames

Many mods combine visual overhaul with powerful productivity tweaks, resulting in a unique fusion of form and function.

3. Safety and Stability Considerations​

Windhawk’s developers, cognizant of the potential perils of low-level OS tweaking, have instituted several guardrails. The most notable protections include:

• Process Exclusion: By default, Windhawk won’t interact with critical or sensitive binaries, especially common targets for anti-cheat engines or copy protection.
• Mod Ratings and Reviews: The platform encourages users to rank and review mods for both efficacy and safety. High-rated mods typically demonstrate reliability and ongoing maintenance.
• Safe Mode Installation: The -safe-mode command-line option offers a fallback for users troubleshooting unstable setups, enabling Windhawk to run in a stripped-down configuration that bypasses potentially problematic mods.

Despite these features, the Windhawk team is explicit: anyone installing customization software should back up their system beforehand and stick with well-reviewed mods to minimize risk. This is a widely endorsed approach echoed by tech journalists and reputable Windows forums.

Weaknesses, Caveats, and Risks: What Users Must Consider​

1. Incomplete Cross-Platform Support​

Despite its advances, Windhawk under ARM64 is not yet “plug and play” for every scenario. The platform makes clear that while customization of ARM64-native apps is fully supported, enhancements for apps compiled natively for x86 or x64—often used via Windows’ built-in emulation layers—remain hit-or-miss. In practice, this means that certain legacy software or games may not benefit from modding or could potentially glitch if experimentation goes too far.

2. Game Compatibility Hazards​

OS mods can be a minefield for PC gamers, particularly those who rely on anti-cheat systems (e.g., Easy Anti-Cheat, BattlEye) or Digital Rights Management. Because Windhawk manipulates memory and process structures, it risks being flagged by these systems, sometimes triggering bans or at a minimum, refusing to launch.
Windhawk’s expanded process exclusions aim to address this, but the tool’s own documentation and independent third-party reviewers uniformly urge caution. Gamers are advised to disable mods and even Windhawk itself before launching sensitive titles.

3. Potential for Instability​

System tweaks are synonymous with risk. It’s not uncommon for unstable mods, outdated by Windows Update, to create crashes or transient glitches. Windhawk’s rapid release cycle means most popular issues are patched quickly, but users must remain vigilant—especially when running non-standard Windows configurations, or after installing a major OS update.

4. No Formal Microsoft Endorsement​

Windhawk remains a third-party project, unaffiliated with Microsoft and unsupported by either official customer channels or warranty coverage. If a mod bricks your start menu, Microsoft’s official stance will be to recommend removal or factory reset—not troubleshooting or diagnostic assistance. This caveat, while self-evident to many enthusiasts, may catch novices off guard.
Additionally, updates to Windows 11 itself, particularly those that overhaul the UI, may break Windhawk mods until authors can adapt. Unlike insider programs that offer preview builds in advance, Windhawk must often play catch-up with unannounced breaking changes.

Comparing Windhawk to Competing Tools​

Windhawk is not the only game in town, but it stands out for several reasons. Other solutions include tools like StartIsBack, Open-Shell, and StartAllBack. These tend to focus more strictly on emulating classic menus, sometimes at the cost of deep, granular tweakability.
A head-to-head assessment reveals:

Feature	Windhawk	StartAllBack/Open-Shell
Open-source?	Yes	Open-Shell (Yes), others (No)
Marketplace for Mods	Yes	No
ARM64 Compatibility	Yes (v1.6+)	Limited/No
Theming Beyond Start Menu	Yes (Taskbar, System Icons, etc.)	Limited
User Review System	Yes	No
Game-aware Safety Rules	Yes	Some (Manual only)

Windhawk’s ARM64 support, mod marketplace, and wide focus across both visuals and functionality distinguish it in a crowded field. Nonetheless, all these tools share the caveat that future Windows updates always introduce compatibility uncertainty.

The Broader Context: Customization as User Agency​

The evolution of utilities like Windhawk reflects a larger, enduring tension within the Windows ecosystem: balancing the needs of broad, “lowest common denominator” usability with the creativity of power users. Microsoft, likely informed by telemetry and feedback loops, has progressively locked down avenues for unsupported hacks, yet the high adoption rate of modding tools indicates a persistent appetite for more control.
Interestingly, the open-source nature of Windhawk may offer a partial answer to long-term viability. Even if individual contributors move on, the code itself remains available for others to fork or improve, ensuring that the project can adapt nimbly to both security findings and Windows design overhauls.

Best Practices: Mitigating the Downsides​

For those tempted to try Windhawk—whether to banish the “Recommended” Start menu section, resize the taskbar, or experiment with visual nostalgia—the best approach is caution layered with curiosity:

• Backup Regularly: Create restore points or system images before broad changes.
• Audit Mods Before Installing: Stick to high-rated, actively maintained mods. Review recent user feedback for compatibility issues.
• Limit Simultaneous Mods: Overlapping mods can interact unpredictably.
• Check for Updates Frequently: Both to Windhawk itself and your installed mods, especially after major Windows patch cycles.
• Be Prepared to Troubleshoot: Know how to launch into safe mode or recover from failed boots.

Following these guidelines minimizes both operational headaches and the risk of unexpected downtime.

Looking Forward: What’s Next for Customization Tools on Windows?​

The enthusiastic adoption of Windhawk on ARM64 hints at a bright future for deep Windows customization, provided Microsoft maintains a sufficiently open platform for third-party utilities. Already, the expanding presence of ARM-based laptops and tablets in the consumer and education spheres means compelling alternatives to Intel and AMD architectures are cementing their positions.
If Windhawk and similar platforms continue delivering robust, safe, and frequently updated solutions, they’ll remain indispensable for anyone dissatisfied with Microsoft’s “take it or leave it” UI philosophy. This grassroots customization movement could, and often does, nudge Microsoft toward more flexible built-in options, as seen in the gradual restoration of features after prior waves of negative feedback.
Still, anyone deploying mods on mission-critical machines, or within business environments, must weigh the benefits against both short-term disruptions and longer-term supportability. As with any tool that alters system processes or interface behaviors, prudence and planning are essential.

Conclusion: Windhawk Ushers in a New Era of Practical Personalization on Windows​

Windhawk’s evolution—culminating in full ARM64 support with version 1.6—ushers in a new era for Windows 11 customization. By democratizing access to deep, iterative mods, it empowers users to mold Microsoft’s vision of the Start menu (and beyond) into something far more personal and powerful. Yet, power comes with responsibility. The app’s thoughtful design, open-source transparency, and commitment to user-driven safety features make it one of the most exciting platforms for Windows enthusiasts today, especially those living on the bleeding edge of ARM hardware.
As ever, the old adage applies: tweak wisely, back up often, and enjoy the freedom modern Windows can provide when you’re equipped with the right tools. For many, Windhawk represents both the means and the promise of a truly user-defined Windows experience—even as the OS, like its users, continues to evolve.

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Source: Windows Central Don’t like the Windows 11 Start menu? Now you can fix it — even on Snapdragon PCs