Windows 11 ARM - can't activate Start11 due to compatibility error

Hello,
Sorry to hear you are having issues. But, Start11 is not compatible with ARM base processor yet.

Thanks
Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant.

I understand Start11 isn't compiled for ARM64, but Microsoft's x86-64 emulation is very good nowadays and I'm able to run just about everything I want to. (the only other programs that don't work are Blizzard games.) I'd be fine running Start11 using emulation, if I could just get past the activation wizard.

Hello,
I have forward your problem/question to Stardock Support Team for their assistance. Please keep an eye on this thread for any updates. We appreciate your feedback and patience.

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

Does the command line activation work?

https://forums.stardock.com/486311/accounts-and-activation-support-faq#activatecommandprompt

Sean Drohan
Stardock Support Manager

If it did activate, you would have a License.sig here:

C:\ProgramData\Stardock\Start11

Sean Drohan
Stardock Support Manager

Activation or no activation I am afraid the software will not work on ARM processors.

Whilst Microsoft have added support for 32 and 64 bit applications, it cannot run things which load code into other processes which Start11 would.

Hi, thank you to the OP for starting this thread, I'm looking forward to Start11 supporting ARM64 too. 

Thank you and cheers!

I too would love to see an ARM compatible version. 

I'd like to add that the Windows 11 Start Menu is particularly egregious on tablet/convertible devices like my Samsung Galaxy Book2, so I'd really like to have Start11 on it. It's worth noting that ARM-based tablet/convertible devices are not uncommon these days. 

The real irony here is that I bought Start8 because while Windows 8 was great on tablets, it was trash on desktops, and now I need Start11 for nearly the opposite reasons.

Another vote here for Windows on ARM builds for Stardock products. 

I know this may or may not be a "simple" recompilation process, as it depends on the development toolchain and any 3rd party libraries also having ARM support, but I do hope this is something you will consider doing as it becomes practical. 

Thanks for listening.

Same for me.

In fact, the only reason I want Start11 is because for Windows Surface Pro X:

• Many apps aren't available on Windows 10 due to lack of ARM versions.
• Most of those apps are available with Windows 11.
• But I use the Windows 10 start menu *all the time*.
• So I have to decide between not having key apps run on my tablet, or not having a flexible, organised start menu.
• I was hoping Start11 would mean I get the best of both worlds.

ie. It's literally because I have an ARM device that I want Start11. 

Still waiting for someone at Stardock to recompile Start11 for Windows ARM.

Hello,

Sorry to hear you are having issues with Arm.

But at this time still no ETA on an Arm fix .

AzDude
Stardock Community Assistant

Please make sure it's somewhere on the list. Windows ARM devices require Windows 11, unlike x86 devices which can use Windows 10 just as effectively, and that means Windows ARM devices are a key demographic for the Start11 product. However small their number may be at present, it will grow over time, and there is no alternative to Windows 11 for them. Anyone who doesn't like the Windows 11 Start Menu and Taskbar on a Windows ARM device is going to have to buy Start11 to fix it. Best not to let those potential customers slip away.

Arm is being considered for a fix.

Thank you for the update, maybe Arm64EC can be used to get a build out quick.

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/arm/arm64ec-build