Strange artifacts when using windowblinds skins and zip extract lag

from Stardock Forums

Hello,

I have stranges artifacts when applying windowblinds skins. Mainly on file explorer and small property windows :


There is a "hole", we can see the wallpaper through the explorer window

There is a hole in the file explorer window, we can see the wallpaper through it.

the background is always black instead of following the theme

The background is always black instead of following the theme. (not only in the recycle bins properties window but all windows of this kind)

 

I tried with various themes, it is the same issue.

I fiddled with the settings but I don't know.. nothing fixed this.

Windows : Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26100.4770 
Experience : Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.26100.197.0

Windowblinds : WindowBlinds 11.06 (021 x64 - Windows 11 Edition) - 64 bit OS
Start11 : 2.53.

Also, since using Windowblinds and Start11, when I right click an archive > Nanazip > extract here : it takes a lot of time to actually do it. 

Without these apps, it is instant.

 

Thanks for your help

Moved to Windowblinds area

stardock software windowblinds
4,699 views 6 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

I reply to add more information : it seems that this issue is related to having HDR enabled. When I turn it off and re-open the windows, the artifacts disappear.

I am quite disappointed it is still an issue as of 2025.. 
2023: https://forums.stardock.com/524112/page/1/#3910786
2022: https://forums.stardock.com/514732/page/1/

It was already ackownledged by the team in 2022: https://forums.stardock.com/514639/page/4/#3864743

They seem to recommend turning off HDR as it is "useless". But no, it isn't. I bought a nice monitor, HDR is beautiful in my eyes so if Windowblinds could support it, it would be nice..

Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top

Hello,
Sorry to hear you are having issues. But, I believe this issue was resolved sometimes ago. And, unfortunately, I can not reproduce your issue on my system with HDR enabled.Refer my screenshot below.

However, to be sure, I have forwarded 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.

Thank you,
Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant.

Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top

Hello,

Thanks for your answer. I don't really know what to say. I have a new PC. Did a fresh install of Windows 11. And bought Windowblinds + Start11 for customization. 

Downloaded experience11 for the windows XP look and this happened. Tried with different styles of the same skin (blue, olive, silver etc) and tried with random other themes but same problem. 

When I turn HDR off, these artifacts disappear. 

Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top

The black on file properties windows is a known issue on later Windows builds with HDR enabled and we are looking into it.

Unfortunately Microsoft messed up transparency support in Windows 11 amongst other things and despite reporting it they have never fixed it.  Because of this we have to use workarounds and HDR requires a different workaround than non HDR and it comes with some other complications.

Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top

Hello, for now I just uninstalled the Windowblinds and Task11 because I encountered too many bugs for me to bother sadly. I would really appreciate if you could update this post once this issue is fixed.
Have a great day

Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top

We addressed this in the 11.07 beta update released a couple of days ago.