Start11 1.2 Beta Feedback Thread

from Stardock Forums

With the Start11 1.2 beta release today, we are creating this thread so that users can report any observed issues.  

Obtaining the beta:

Object Desktop members can get the beta from within Object Desktop Manager with 'show beta downloads' enabled:

Individual purchases (as well as Object Desktop Members) can also be obtained from your account page:

https://store.stardock.com/myaccount/products

As we want as much feedback as possible for this release, we are making Start11 1.2 beta available to all.  The following direct link to the installer can be used for both licensed users and for any potential client wanting to (30 day) trial Start11 1.2 beta.

1.16: https://cdn.stardock.us/downloads/public/software/start/Start11_1.16-j140-Setup.exe
1.17: https://cdn.stardock.us/downloads/public/software/start/Start11_1.17-j151-Setup.exe

Reporting an issue:

Please include the following for anything found:

  • Exact Windows version \ build (winver.exe)
  • Detailed steps to recreate the issue seen
  • Screenshots and videos are very helpful.  Videos can be uploaded to a cloud drive services (GoogleDrive, DropBox, OneDrive, YouTube) and link included in your post.  Images can be directly added.
  • If there are specific apps that the app does not work (well) with, please note what apps and their exact versions.  If any app is not common, a link to a trial version would be appreciated.

Thank you for your interest and any time you put into making Start11  a better product.

start menu products
668,496 views 274 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

Start11 1.2 Beta Changelog

Start11 1.2 Beta is a culmination of prior (and perhaps future) incremental betas.

The installer will read 1.16 1.17 on your product page and in Object Desktop Manager which is expected. 

Start11 1.17 Changelog

This linked post in this thread will be where the new 1.17 conversations start.

03/24/2022
  • On Win11 dev / beta channel (current) it now disables taskbar transparency settings and adds warnings about some taskbar features (blur, colour, texture) to indicate they do not work correctly on that build of Windows. Also small taskbar mode only works if you enable Start11 enhancing the taskbar on those builds.
03/23/2022
  • Fixes for run dialog not having an icon in some versions of Windows
  • Fix for non-English installs of Windows having the quick settings popup clipped when taskbar is at the top
  • Fix for scrolling taskbar not painting a taskbar texture under the scrollbar
  • Fix for taskbar at top in later Windows versions ending up on top of maximized windows if one row high
  • Fix for clicking on the taskbar when at top opening start menu in any blank space
03/22/2022
  • Fixed issue with Turn Windows features on and off in search linking to missing file on non-server editions of Windows
  • Fixed issue with position of Win+N window appearing offset sometimes
  • 'Sometimes' taskbar mode now switches to collapsing items with multiple taskbar buttons into one before it switches to collapsing all when there is insufficient space
03/21/2022
  • Menus are now white in light mode
  • Folders can now have a custom image
  • A-Z sort option added for Win11 groups (does a sort, new items added to end as usual)
  • Custom tiles now can have a custom background color if they use transparency
  • Shutdown button on win7/modern style no longer breaks transparency
  • New labels are no longer shown on Win10/11 menus when you disable showing recently installed apps on that list
  • Taskbar shortcut icons should better respect custom icons now
  • Taskbar should launch correct shortcut on middle click / click of pinned item now
  • Refresh rate detection code tweaked to handle multiple monitor setups better
03/18/2022
  • This fixes an issue with taskbar drag being too sensitive and getting stuck sometimes
  • Fixed an issue with explorer hanging if you had multiple monitors but set windows to only show one taskbar
  • Tweaked touch support
  • Fixed issue with loading up UWA app icons on the taskbar sometimes loading too small an icon
  • Fixed issue with center horz on the taskbar sometimes causing a second row when not needed
  • Fixed issue with calculating how many rows needed being wrong when changed font size on taskbar
  • Config UI now shows disabled center start button option when in S11 taskbar mode to make it clearer that it is disabled
03/17/2022
  • Internal version number changed to 1.17
  • Changes: Fixes jumplist going offscreen sometimes
  • Fixes issue with custom start button and enhanced taskbar getting clipped
  • Fixed right-click menu on taskbar on Win10 would use wrong scale factor sometimes
  • Adds in icons for shutdown/sign out menus
  • Clicking a pinned item when the app is running but on another monitor will now launch a new instance
  • Middle-click on explorer will now launch a new instance
  • The Calendar popup should be working reliably again
  • New option to hide taskbar text whilst still being ungrouped
  • New option to control font size on taskbar buttons
  • Fixed issue with small taskbar having clock offset vertically
  • Added option to hide tile text in Win10 menu regardless of having a tile image set
  • Added option to never load the app provided tile image for a tile
  • Fixed an issue with the taskbar not showing all items when the vertically centre mode wasn't enabled
  • Fixed taskbar insert indicator so it paints when you go to the far end
  • Fixed taskbar dragging when in combine mode so the icon paints consistently when dragged
  • Fixed issue with taskbar when running tiles so a gap isn't left
  • Fixed issue with taskbar picking up wrong scale factor and wrong position after a screen res change sometimes
  • Fixed missing icon for some pinned web apps
 

Start11 1.16 Changelog

03/15/22
  • This fixes a GDI resource leak
  • Fixes overlay icons on the taskbar buttons not working (like email count)
  • Fixes a problem with resizing the menu causing the taskbar to resize
  • Fixes a problem with the animation code which might be why the blur paints top of the screen on occasion for some people
  • Fixes combine mode so when clicking on a group it doesn't simply launch another copy of the app if you have > 1 window open of that app
03/14/22
  • Fixes for an issue with the taskbar not repositioning correctly when res changes
  • Fixes issue with the taskbar not responding when changing scale factor on the primary display
  • Fixes issue with clock shifting to the left of the secondary taskbar sometimes
  • Adds in support for turning ON taskbar feature without an explorer restart (off still needs a restart of explorer) and UI now offers to turn it on for first run. 
  • Config UI adds in setting for stopping highlighting new apps for Win7/10 style as this went missing in S11
  • ​Adds setting cog on the main page for configure menu as this was missing and buy Start11 option shows in config when not activated. 
03/12/22
  • Version updated to 1.16
  • Mis position of Win+X menu, missing icon for grouped steam when > 1 window open
  • Two taskbar buttons for some apps (adobe acrobat)
  • Click on a taskbar button doesn't minimize an app (some delphi apps)

Start11 1.15 Changelog

  • New option to let Start11 manage the Taskbar - found under Taskbar settings.
  • This build contains a new taskbar experience that allows for items to be ungrouped on Windows 11 only. The setting is under Taskbar with three options to combine - Always, Sometimes, and Never
  • There are additional options under "More Start11 taskbar settings" that let the user define additional options that are also new in this build.
  • New Start11 menu selection experience.
Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top

Known Issues

  • For Windows 11 users, applying custom color to the taskbar may not paint the system tray or Start button region as expected.
  • When using a laptop with a closed screen when connected to external monitors, when resuming from hibernation, taskbar may appear at the top of the screen - restarting explorer resolves the issue.
  • If you move monitor locations in Windows display settings, this can result in the taskbar experience to deviate from nominal operation - restarting explorer or signing out will resolve the issue.
Object Desktop - Get all of our enhancement utilities in one suite
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top

With the release of 1.2 Beta 4 we are closing this thread.  Thanks to all that took the time to test and provide feedback.

Sean Drohan
Stardock Support Manager

Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top

Is there a roadmap posted anywhere of what kinds of features you plan to be adding?

There are a couple features I'd LOVE to see brought back to the 11 Taskbar...

1. the address bar that could be turned on/off:

    

2. the popup/dropdown folder-contents menu/toolbars:

   

Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting Odd, reply 4

Is there a roadmap posted anywhere of what kinds of features you plan to be adding?

There are a couple features I'd LOVE to see brought back to the 11 Taskbar...

1. the address bar that could be turned on/off:


2. the popup/dropdown folder-contents menu/toolbars:

    

Nothing public yet on a roadmap but thanks for these suggestions, we have quite a few ideas on what we can do/add to further enhance the taskbar that we hope to add in the future.

Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top

Beta works flawlessly and incorporates the feature request I (and many others probably) did in enabling taskbar ungrouping. It is even enabled by default! You seem to do a much better job in listening to users than Microsoft does :-)

Great work guys! I really enjoy the fact that such a low-cost and easy to use app makes my workstation so much more usable.

Thanks again! 

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Reply #7 from Stardock Forums Top

The link above and in the account links to 1.16 not 1.2 beta

It says above that it is expected to show version 1.16, but it does not have the taskbar-grouping options mentioned, either... 

Reply #8 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting andreasgiesen, reply 7

The link above and in the account links to 1.16 not 1.2 beta and does not have the taskbar-grouping options mentioned... 

The beta is indeed 1.16 as this is a beta on the way to 1.2.  This is noted above "The installer will read 1.16 on your product page and in Object Desktop Manager and is expected. "

It does have the new features.  If the new features are not working (they have to be enabled in the config) then please uninstall, REBOOT and then reinstall 1.16.

Reply #9 from Stardock Forums Top

>>If the new features are not working (they have to be enabled in the config) then please uninstall, REBOOT and then reinstall 1.16.<<

That's probably the issue here, will try... 

Reply #10 from Stardock Forums Top

Still no new features after uninstall, reboot, install, reboot... 

Reply #11 from Stardock Forums Top

Hello, in the photo below you can see my Windows button, etc. are aligned to the left while my apps are center-aligned. I cannot seem to set Taskbar alignment to Center anymore (in Windows Settings) which is how I prefer my taskbar layout. I don't like how the beta is breaking up my taskbar, I prefer it all center-aligned. Thanks.

Screenshot

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Reply #13 from Stardock Forums Top

> This build contains a new taskbar experience that allows for items to be ungrouped on Windows 11

I love you so much!!!!

Thank you. Finally get my productivity back. Great job.

If you can fix my final annoyance, this product would be perfect.... Please find a way to add the time (with seconds) onto the pop-up calendar you get when clicking the time in the taskbar. Windows 10 used to have this - It was how you could see the seconds when you needed to.

Cheers

Jason

Reply #14 from Stardock Forums Top

Small bug

The pop-up calendar you get when clicking the time in the taskbar stops working after the launch or restore of any application. Restarting explorer brings the feature back.

Reply #15 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting rtaylor96, reply 11

Hello, in the photo below you can see my Windows button, etc. are aligned to the left while my apps are center-aligned. I cannot seem to set Taskbar alignment to Center anymore (in Windows Settings) which is how I prefer my taskbar layout. I don't like how the beta is breaking up my taskbar, I prefer it all center-aligned. Thanks.

Screenshot

I am afraid the new taskbar features require left aligned mode to be set.  This is for technical reasons due to future changes to the Windows 11 OS.  If you turn off the enhance taskbar feature (It defaults to off anyway) then you can set centre for the start button again.

It does indicate this on the start button page, but perhaps we should be making this clearer on the taskbar page itself too.

Given uncombine mode uses more space, it makes little sense to centre everything in that mode anyway as the button will be very far left pretty quickly.

Reply #16 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting andreasgiesen, reply 10

Still no new features after uninstall, reboot, install, reboot... 

Silly question, but you are on Windows 11?

Also you are not using anything which might revert the taskbar to a more Windows 10 style one?

Reply #18 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting Nylan1st, reply 12

Taskbar issue already reported in previous Beta still occurs.

> Taskbar not displayed when pressing "windows key", just the Start Menu is showing up

https://youtu.be/rEeawz1qlaE

 

The issue is slightly different but not better. Now we can briefly see the taskbar like during 1ms....

https://youtu.be/rEJ9hYbtXVI

Reply #19 from Stardock Forums Top

The beta works well and the one feature I've been waiting on is the ungrouping feature for the taskbar. An option for not displaying the labels would be great. Also, there doesn't seem to be an option to center the taskbar anymore.

Reply #20 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting vincentw, reply 19

The beta works well and the one feature I've been waiting on is the ungrouping feature for the taskbar. An option for not displaying the labels would be great. Also, there doesn't seem to be an option to center the taskbar anymore.

You want ungrouping but not showing labels?  Wouldn't that then be a little confusing as you would have identical icons next to each other with no visible label?

When you enable the enhanced taskbar you cannot centre the start button.  You can centre the pinned/running apps however from the more Start11 taskbar settings button.

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Reply #21 from Stardock Forums Top

I am wondering if anyone else is experiencing an issue in which the entire taskbar is not completely skinned

I have tried uninstalling/reinstalling but same results. 

 

Reply #22 from Stardock Forums Top

Much improved stability with this build. All the previously reported bugs have been fixed. The only issue I have found is reply #14

I am looking forward to seeing what features get added as we approach 1.2

Reply #23 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting bigfatmooose, reply 21

I am wondering if anyone else is experiencing an issue in which the entire taskbar is not completely skinned

I have tried uninstalling/reinstalling but same results. 

 

Reduced 41%
Original 1920 x 47


Are you by any chance using a developer insider build of Windows 11 with the new (and partially broken) Touch based taskbar?

Reply #24 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting Neil, reply 20


Quoting vincentw,
reply 19

The beta works well and the one feature I've been waiting on is the ungrouping feature for the taskbar. An option for not displaying the labels would be great. Also, there doesn't seem to be an option to center the taskbar anymore.



You want ungrouping but not showing labels?  Wouldn't that then be a little confusing as you would have identical icons next to each other with no visible label?

When you enable the enhanced taskbar you cannot centre the start button.  You can centre the pinned/running apps however from the more Start11 taskbar settings button.

No, it wouldn't be confusing (at least for me). You can just use the window preview to see what it is. Works the same, but doesn't take up all the extra space. Preview shows the contents and the same label. An option to turn it on and off would be preferred. That way we can customize it the way we want it.

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Reply #25 from Stardock Forums Top

There were three things about Windows 11 that I didn't like as a Beta tester .. the irritating inability to group icons/folders on the desktop; the ridiculous redesign of the start menu, and [wait for it ... ] the taskbar!! Stardock came along and now there is once again peace in Windowsland! B)     

Seriously, though .. I really didn't think Stardock could be any better, but you all have done just that! The Beta is flawless! Keep up the awesome work!! 

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