Windows 11’s sleek, modern design hasn’t always been met with cheers from the user base. In fact, for many, the massive UI overhaul came with frustrations, especially from those yearning for the aesthetic of Windows' yesteryears. Enter StartAllBack, a third-party customization tool designed to bridge the gap between the beloved legacy elements of older Windows editions and the cutting-edge features of Windows 11. If you've been riding the "I miss Windows 7" wave, you’re not alone—and you'll be thrilled about what’s new in StartAllBack version 3.9.
The newly released StartAllBack 3.9 update introduces fresh taskbar customization options and fascinating tweaks to its File Explorer grouping feature, along with a heap of other goodies to satisfy power users and customization enthusiasts. Let’s dive deep into what makes this update such an exciting addition to your toolbox for taming Windows 11.
Here’s a quick summary of the most awesome features introduced in version 3.9 before we dive into the details:
One of the loudest grumbles from Windows 11 users is how restricting Microsoft's default taskbar customization has been. StartAllBack’s "plump taskbar" option takes the standard, slim, rectangular Windows 11 taskbar and gives it a touch of visual breathing room by increasing its margins. Think of it like wearing comfy, loose-fit clothing versus being stuck in your tightest jeans: it’s all about added space and ergonomic elegance.
And it doesn’t stop there–this new feature embraces Windows 11’s pill-shaped app indicators, seamlessly combining modern design cues with usability.
For those who fancy aesthetics that scream "modern chic," StartAllBack 3.9 introduces the floating taskbar option. This configuration detaches the taskbar from the screen’s edge, creating a minor gap reminiscent of dock-style layouts seen in some desktop environments like macOS or certain Linux offerings. It’s a small change, but the visual impact is surprisingly refreshing, offering a futuristic "light-weight" UI vibe.
Do you miss the glassy animations and chromatic highlights of Windows 7’s Aero days? Good news: StartAllBack now lets you channel that nostalgia through a new Aura highlight effect for the taskbar. This effect dynamically adjusts its hue based on an app's icon color. For instance, if you're running an app with a primary blue icon, your taskbar interactions with it will glow a faint blue—and this applies dynamically across applications.
It’s a subtle and fun aesthetic addition, offering a perfect mix of retro Windows 7 vibes with a modern spin.
When it comes to File Explorer, organization equals happiness. By default, Windows 11 groups all drives under a single category ("Devices and Drives"). While this change aims for uniformity, it can be frustrating for folks juggling a mix of external USB drives, SD cards, and other removable storage alongside internal hard drives.
This update brings back Windows 7-style drive grouping, cleanly categorizing internal drives and removable media into separate groups. This tweak isn't just about nostalgia—it’s about functionality. If you've ever accidentally cloned files onto the wrong drive due to misidentification, this change is a game changer.
Windows 11’s redesign was a bold move, simplifying and streamlining the user interface for modern audiences. But in doing so, it alienated a sizeable chunk of users who relied on more granular controls and legacy features. Tools like StartAllBack, therefore, serve as a lifeline, offering:
StartAllBack doesn’t stop with its popular Start Menu or these newest features. It also packs extra goodies to enhance and customize Windows 11 in subtle but impactful ways:
One might wonder, “Why not just embrace Windows 11 as is?”. Well, while Windows 11 is undeniably forward-thinking, its rapid trim-down of legacy capabilities leaves many users—especially long-time fans of customization—wanting more. StartAllBack and similar tools fill this void, ensuring users still have the flexibility of choice.
Whether you’re a creative professional customizing UI productivity workflows or just a casual user trying to make your desktop feel like yours again, StartAllBack 3.9 delivers life-changing tweaks.
So, what do you think about the resurgence of these classic features? Will you be rocking the plump taskbar or reviving nostalgia with File Explorer drive grouping? Let us know in the WindowsForum.com comments section!
Source: Neowin StartAllBack 3.9 is out with new taskbar options and File Explorer grouping improvements
The newly released StartAllBack 3.9 update introduces fresh taskbar customization options and fascinating tweaks to its File Explorer grouping feature, along with a heap of other goodies to satisfy power users and customization enthusiasts. Let’s dive deep into what makes this update such an exciting addition to your toolbox for taming Windows 11.
What's New in StartAllBack 3.9?
Here’s a quick summary of the most awesome features introduced in version 3.9 before we dive into the details:- Plump Taskbar: Adds subtle corner-spacing for aesthetics while maintaining the pill-shaped look of Windows 11’s indicator design.
- Floating Taskbar: A sleek "hovering" effect achieved by detaching the taskbar from the screen edge.
- Aura Effects: Dynamic visual flair bringing color highlights reminiscent of Windows 7 back to the taskbar.
- Drive Grouping for File Explorer: A return to legacy-style neatly categorized internal and external drive groupings.
The Plump Taskbar: A Marginal Glow-Up
One of the loudest grumbles from Windows 11 users is how restricting Microsoft's default taskbar customization has been. StartAllBack’s "plump taskbar" option takes the standard, slim, rectangular Windows 11 taskbar and gives it a touch of visual breathing room by increasing its margins. Think of it like wearing comfy, loose-fit clothing versus being stuck in your tightest jeans: it’s all about added space and ergonomic elegance.And it doesn’t stop there–this new feature embraces Windows 11’s pill-shaped app indicators, seamlessly combining modern design cues with usability.
Floating Taskbar—Because Gaps are Cool Now
For those who fancy aesthetics that scream "modern chic," StartAllBack 3.9 introduces the floating taskbar option. This configuration detaches the taskbar from the screen’s edge, creating a minor gap reminiscent of dock-style layouts seen in some desktop environments like macOS or certain Linux offerings. It’s a small change, but the visual impact is surprisingly refreshing, offering a futuristic "light-weight" UI vibe.
Bring on the Aura Effects
Do you miss the glassy animations and chromatic highlights of Windows 7’s Aero days? Good news: StartAllBack now lets you channel that nostalgia through a new Aura highlight effect for the taskbar. This effect dynamically adjusts its hue based on an app's icon color. For instance, if you're running an app with a primary blue icon, your taskbar interactions with it will glow a faint blue—and this applies dynamically across applications.It’s a subtle and fun aesthetic addition, offering a perfect mix of retro Windows 7 vibes with a modern spin.
Windows 7 File Explorer Grouping Lives Again!
When it comes to File Explorer, organization equals happiness. By default, Windows 11 groups all drives under a single category ("Devices and Drives"). While this change aims for uniformity, it can be frustrating for folks juggling a mix of external USB drives, SD cards, and other removable storage alongside internal hard drives.This update brings back Windows 7-style drive grouping, cleanly categorizing internal drives and removable media into separate groups. This tweak isn't just about nostalgia—it’s about functionality. If you've ever accidentally cloned files onto the wrong drive due to misidentification, this change is a game changer.
Why Do These Features Matter?
Windows 11’s redesign was a bold move, simplifying and streamlining the user interface for modern audiences. But in doing so, it alienated a sizeable chunk of users who relied on more granular controls and legacy features. Tools like StartAllBack, therefore, serve as a lifeline, offering:- Customization for Control-Freaks: From floating taskbars to classic UI elements, StartAllBack helps users regain command over their desktop environment.
- Enhanced Productivity: Legacy enhancements like File Explorer grouping are not just nostalgic—they reduce friction for multitaskers and power users.
- Blended Design Philosophy: The "best of both worlds" mix of Windows 7 and Windows 11 aesthetics is pure gold for users who yearn for intuitive design without abandoning modern polish.
Extra Features and Quick Tips for StartAllBack Users
StartAllBack doesn’t stop with its popular Start Menu or these newest features. It also packs extra goodies to enhance and customize Windows 11 in subtle but impactful ways:- True Dark Mode: Extends across the Start Menu, right-click context menus, and even Control Panel for full dark theme continuity.
- Classic Taskbar Tweaks: Toggle between Windows 7-style taskbars, regular Windows 10-inspired versions, and more.
- Right-Click Menu Enhancements: Bid farewell to laggy modern "Show More Options" menus; StartAllBack restores speed and functionality to legacy context menus.
Installing StartAllBack
Ready to tap into all these perks? Installation couldn’t be easier. You can download it directly via its official website or take advantage of the powerful Windows Package Manager by opening Windows Terminal and running:
Bash:
winget install startallback
The Bigger Picture: Why Tools Like StartAllBack Are Lifesavers
One might wonder, “Why not just embrace Windows 11 as is?”. Well, while Windows 11 is undeniably forward-thinking, its rapid trim-down of legacy capabilities leaves many users—especially long-time fans of customization—wanting more. StartAllBack and similar tools fill this void, ensuring users still have the flexibility of choice.Whether you’re a creative professional customizing UI productivity workflows or just a casual user trying to make your desktop feel like yours again, StartAllBack 3.9 delivers life-changing tweaks.
So, what do you think about the resurgence of these classic features? Will you be rocking the plump taskbar or reviving nostalgia with File Explorer drive grouping? Let us know in the WindowsForum.com comments section!
Source: Neowin StartAllBack 3.9 is out with new taskbar options and File Explorer grouping improvements
