stardock vs windhawk : best way to control the UI ?

from Stardock Forums

I'm currently using Windows 10 at home, but (reluctantly) migrated to Windows 11 at work. My home computer is just as old as Windows 10 and will be replaced soon, so I'll most probably install Windows 11 there too (because Win10 support will end soon).

Anyway. The most important thing for me will be to get my carefully crafted tile start menu back. That means, Windows 10 start menu (tiles only, left list disabled), in place of the regression that is Windows 11 menu. While I'm at it, I'd be happy to have same-size taskbar buttons ("never combine" mode x trench run), a Win11 issue that has been discussed on this sub as per my research but without any native solution.

I was aware of Start11, which is part of the Stardock Object Desktop suite (might as well get a few more useful tools), but also found out about Windhawk while browsing the previous threads about the taskbar buttons issue. Apparently, both offer similar features, but the latter seems to be free.

What is your opinion ? Are there any major differences ? Preferences ? Is one noticeably slower (or using more system resources) than the other ?

other stardock software
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Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

For your W10 computer...rumors of W10's death have been greatly exaggerated (by MS).

https://www.windowslatest.com/2025/06/26/first-look-at-stay-on-windows-10-for-free-esu-tool-after-october-14/

As for your Windhawke (Wh) v. Start11 question, Lightstar uses Wh for Windows Explorer skinning. He probably could answer you best.

I use Start11 because of skinning, low use of resources, frequent updating by its developers, and lack of problems with it. Never tried Wh...for me, no need to. Start11 provides more options and control over the Start menu and task bar and is much faster at search, but it doesn't support live tiles (in the W10 menu). But I never needed that. It costs ~ $10 for a lifetime license - Wh is free - À chacun ses gôut.

 

Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top

Hello,
I don't use Windhawk, I do use Start11 and for me I don't think I need Windhawk, and I run Windows 10 on my main system and Windows 11 on Virtual. I don't see much different between them that hinder my work. Perhaps, someone with more knowledge on Windhawk might come in and share their though.

Thank you,
Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant.

Ashes of the Singularity II
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top

I have been using Windhawk now for a while. There are so many mods that can change-Update and reverse Windows functions, Look and Usability. I Use Both Themes and Windowblinds/Start11(Not all together but on separate SSDs in a Multi Booting System), the later i have found to be easy to use and work well together, Giving Good Results.

As A Theme user, i have found multiple  Windhawk Mods that can Make Using Themes So Much Better than say at the Win 11 early days. Windhawk can do so many things depending on how you want your OS to look, Act And Work, It Warrants A Topic Of Its Own, then each member can list the Mods the use, How They Work, What They Do Etc..

Windhawk Is A Fantastic Tool for those like us who use Customization to change how our OS Looks, Behaves and feels. Win 11 used to be Harder (not Impossible) To Use Customization Tools To Fully Skin The Start Menu, Explorer and Taskbar, But With Windhawk it is a simple thing depending on the mods you choose to use, My Themes look the same now on Win 11 as they did with Win 10. Many users (as per the Replies in other parts of the forum) are also discovering Other Win 10 Editions that stay supported until 2032, Ie... Windows 10 Enterprise Iot LTSC Editions, This is now what i have installed alongside Win 11 Enterprise 24H2. Both OSs are easily Themed and work and behave just as i want it too.

Best Of Luck NicholasReed .