Let’s face it: Windows 11 is a stunning operating system, but for many of us, it still comes with quirks and rigidity that demand customization. That’s where tools like Windhawk and Start11 come in, offering us incredible ways to tweak our desktops into something uniquely our own. If you’ve been relying on Start11—or contemplating it—it might be time to reassess your options. Windhawk has been making waves as an open-source, community-driven customization tool that’s both flexible and entirely free. What’s not to love?
Here’s a comprehensive look at why Windhawk might just outclass Start11 as your Windows customization sidekick. Let’s dive in. Spoiler: It’s not just about saving money (though that certainly helps).
Sure, saving money may seem like an obvious advantage, but in today’s world of nickel-and-dime subscription models and premium licensing fees, free software like Windhawk feels like a breath of fresh air.
Start11 costs $10 for a lifetime license—hardly a budget-breaker—but Windhawk is free across the board. More impressive? It’s not plastered with sneaky ads or hidden trial limitations. Windhawk exists purely as a community contribution, developed with no interlaced commercial intent. There's not even an “in-your-face” donation campaign, though you can support the creators via their GitHub page.
Imagine this: you're cash-strapped and still craving a sleek, customized desktop. Windhawk lets you effortlessly personalize Windows without a single penny leaving your wallet. It’s hard to argue against that value.
As a cherry on top, Windhawk offers a “Slick Window Arrangement” mod. It’s a whimsical feature that lets your app windows behave more “fluidly” with stylized snapping mechanics. It’s fun, lively, and downright practical once you get used to it.
Here are some noteworthy mods extending far beyond aesthetic upgrades:
If you’re someone who values:
Ultimately, the choice comes down to your needs. But with Windhawk being both versatile and free, there’s little reason not to give it a shot. Who knows? You just might discover your ideal setup is only a few mods away.
Source: XDA https://www.xda-developers.com/reasons-should-use-windhawk-instead-start11-customize-your-pc/
Here’s a comprehensive look at why Windhawk might just outclass Start11 as your Windows customization sidekick. Let’s dive in. Spoiler: It’s not just about saving money (though that certainly helps).
1. It’s Completely Free
Sure, saving money may seem like an obvious advantage, but in today’s world of nickel-and-dime subscription models and premium licensing fees, free software like Windhawk feels like a breath of fresh air.Start11 costs $10 for a lifetime license—hardly a budget-breaker—but Windhawk is free across the board. More impressive? It’s not plastered with sneaky ads or hidden trial limitations. Windhawk exists purely as a community contribution, developed with no interlaced commercial intent. There's not even an “in-your-face” donation campaign, though you can support the creators via their GitHub page.
Imagine this: you're cash-strapped and still craving a sleek, customized desktop. Windhawk lets you effortlessly personalize Windows without a single penny leaving your wallet. It’s hard to argue against that value.
Quick Sidebar: Why is Windhawk Free?
Windhawk’s open-source nature allows developers worldwide to not only use it but also contribute mods to the system. This transparency and collaboration are what keep Windhawk thriving—more on the community-driven aspect shortly!2. Completely Open-Source and Community-Led
Transparency is king. One look at Windhawk and it’s clear that its foundation is trust and community participation. The software is entirely open-source, meaning that:- All mods come with visible source code—so you can see exactly what changes any mod makes.
- If you fancy tweaking a mod, go ahead! Windhawk not only allows but encourages you to fork existing mods and improve upon them.
- You can share your creations with the community or use mods crafted by others in shared collaborations.
3. Unparalleled Visual Customizations
Start11’s strength lies in its ability to deeply customize the Start menu and taskbar. It’s great—don’t get me wrong—but Windhawk doesn’t stop there. In fact, Windhawk users enjoy a broader scope of visual enhancements paired with unique tweaks that Start11 simply can’t compete with.Start Menu Options
Start11 is a rockstar at bringing that nostalgic, Windows 7-flavored Start menu magic to Windows 11. Windhawk, though, offers some delightfully creative twists:- Display the All apps list next to the pinned apps section (and choose its placement).
- Switch back to a Windows 10-style Start menu if that’s how you roll.
- Explore unique aesthetic options like the Rose Pine theme, offering a minimalist vibe unmatched by Start11.
Taskbar Customization
Windhawk rivals Start11’s taskbar tricks and even muscles ahead with unique features:- Modify the text size of app labels and the dimensions of the taskbar icons themselves.
- Customize the taskbar clock’s color and font—or add headline feeds from an RSS source. (News on your taskbar? Yes, please.)
- Enable complete transparency for system areas, like the Quick Actions panel, Notification Center, and even that divider between the calendar and notification sections.
Beyond Aesthetics: Functional Mods
The versatility of Windhawk’s mods bridges visual tweaks with actual productivity gains. Imagine scrolling over the Windows taskbar to quickly change audio volume or closing apps with a middle-click. These little touches transform your workflow in ways that go beyond mere cosmetics.As a cherry on top, Windhawk offers a “Slick Window Arrangement” mod. It’s a whimsical feature that lets your app windows behave more “fluidly” with stylized snapping mechanics. It’s fun, lively, and downright practical once you get used to it.
4. There’s No Limit to What You Can Do
Yes, Start11 is great for what it was built for: Start menu and taskbar tweaks. Windhawk, though, offers so much more than first meets the eye.Here are some noteworthy mods extending far beyond aesthetic upgrades:
- Browser Tab Scroller: Scroll over your favorite browser’s tabs to navigate between them effortlessly.
- Middle-Click to Close Apps: Save time closing your desktop clutter by simply using your scroll wheel.
- Taskbar Volume Scroller: Adjust sound volume by scrolling anywhere on the taskbar—no need to find the tray icon.
- Fix Taskbar Icon Bugs: Windhawk’s mods can directly address bugs or inflexible behaviors in Windows itself, like the notorious vanishing app icon issue Microsoft has yet to fix.
Wrapping Up: Why You Should Give Windhawk a Chance
Windhawk encapsulates the best traits of modern software: it’s free, open-source, and ridiculously adaptable. While Start11 offers precision tools for reshaping the Windows Start menu and taskbar, Windhawk taps into something broader—it’s a modular ecosystem for all kinds of tinkering.If you’re someone who values:
- Transparency and openness
- Deep, functional user control
- An active and thriving modding community
Ultimately, the choice comes down to your needs. But with Windhawk being both versatile and free, there’s little reason not to give it a shot. Who knows? You just might discover your ideal setup is only a few mods away.
Source: XDA https://www.xda-developers.com/reasons-should-use-windhawk-instead-start11-customize-your-pc/
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