Fences 6 Upgrade FAQ

from Stardock Forums

Fences 6 Upgrade FAQ

What's ‘New’ in Fences 6?

Please see the Fences 6 press release for the changes and features.

https://forums.stardock.com/535050/now-announcing-fences-6-beta-available-now

Where can I find the current pricing for Fences 6?

Please see the Fences store page for current pricing:

https://www.stardock.com/products/fences/#purchase

What if I recently purchased Fences 5 with a permanent license?

Anyone who purchased Fences 5 Permanent licenses February 12th, 2025, or later will receive a complimentary upgrade to Fences 6. Please watch your email or check your Stardock account for details about the download arriving in the next few days.

Anyone with an active Fences subscription can start using Fences 6 with their Fences Annual Subscription key.

What is a Fences ‘subscription’?

For a full breakdown of what a Stardock software subscription is, and how it relates to Fences, please see:

https://support.stardock.com/space/SHC/1544388616/Stardock+Software+Subscriptions

If I have a prior version of Fences, do I qualify for an upgrade discount?

Yes. An upgrade button for the desired offering panel can be clicked to proceed to check eligibility for the currently available upgrade discounts.

If my prior version of Fences included 5 activations/PCs (Multi-Device / 5-Pack) will my Fences 6 purchase retain this number of activations?

The “upgrade” buttons on the Fences 6 store page allows you to supply your email and checks to see that you have registered a prior version of Fences. It does not take into account how many activations you had on the prior registered version of Fences. Therefore, it is important to choose the intended option when upgrading to either the Single or Multi-Device/5-Pack, as pictured below:

image-20250724-150057.png

What ‘Upgrade’ discount options are available?

Eligible customers with an existing registered Fences product license (regardless of permanent, subscription, single, or multi-device status) can find options available to upgrade to the latest Fences 6 software from the resulting upgrade button check.

Note: any subscription purchase will include the word “Subscription” with the offer.

image-20250312-135014.png

Similarly, any “Multi-Device” option for up-to 5 computer activations, will include the phrasing “5 Pack” with the offer.

image-20250312-135142.png

If I ‘upgrade’ to Fences 6 and allow my Fences subscription to lapse, will that disable all versions of Fences that I own, Fences 6 and prior versions?

The only products that would cease to function are any that were purchased initially as a subscription product. For example, if you purchased:

  1. Fences 3

  2. Fences 5 Permanent License

  3. Fences Subscription

Only the Fences subscription product would cease to function if the Fences subscription were allowed to lapse.

If I want Fences 6, I do not want the subscription version, and I do not qualify for an upgrade, what do I buy?

You would proceed with the “Need a permanent License?” link for your intended Fences option. Permanent License selection is available for either a single device, or under the Multi-Device offering panel (for up to 5-PCs):

image-20250724-150308.png

Where can I find my Fences Annual Subscription Key?

Login to your Stardock account, click your profile icon in the top right, select downloads and on that page you can find your key. Alternatively, your Fences key was emailed to you when you first purchased the product.

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

Product Key Retrieval Page:
http://www.stardock.com/support/productkeyretrieval

If I purchase a Fences subscription, will that mean I get all future versions of Fences at no extra cost when they are available?

Yes, for as long as your Fences subscription is valid, you will receive all future major versions of Fences at no additional cost.

Will my Fences Annual Subscription install automatically update to Fences 6?

No, the Fences install on your device will not automatically update to Fences 6, you will need to download the new version of the software and use your same license key when activating the new version of the software.

If I purchase a Permanent license, can I add more PCs to it?

For the non-business product, not at this time. If you needed more Permanent licenses, it would mean purchasing them individually or the 5-pack option (which is 1 key for 5 PCs).

If I purchase a Permanent license, will I still get updates?

With a permanent license, one will still receive in-version updates (6.1 → 6.2 → 6.3, etc) but will not receive majors (5 → 6 → 7, etc).

What type of payment model will Steam purchases be?

When Fences 6 is available on Steam, it will be a permanent license, only.

fences
27,403 views 25 replies | Pinned
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

스팀으로 fences5 영구 라이선스를 구매했는데 fences6 무료 업그레이드 관련 내용이 전혀 오지않습니다.

Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting sungwon58085336, reply 1

스팀으로 fences5 영구 라이선스를 구매했는데 fences6 무료 업그레이드 관련 내용이 전혀 오지않습니다.

I purchased a permanent license for fences5 through Steam, but I don't receive any information about the free upgrade to fences6.

Hello,
If you have a permanent license for Fences 5, you'll be able to use it indefinitely—as long as it's compatible with your operating system.
However, please note that there is no free upgrade from Fences 5 to Fences 6. A new license will be required to use Fences 6.

At this time, Fences 6 is not available on Steam. Hopefully, it will be available for purchase on Steam soon. But if you’d prefer not to wait, you can purchase Fences 6 directly from Stardock. https://www.stardock.com/products/fences/ 

Thank you,
Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant.

Fences - Organize your desktop icons today!
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top

Why has the very important function from fences 5 been cut down?

When i want to choose sorting by the number of clicks, there's no more function!!! and one more "locking the document block"
5.89(Revision3)

Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top

https://support.stardock.com/space/SHC/1621360668/Show+%22Lock+Fences%22+in+Fences+5
我浏览你们的网站的时候，找到了这个教程。但我还是不明白为什么这个功能现在不再自动加载了。还有，急着升级到6.0版本有什么意义？它们之间没有本质区别。你们团队不打算在5.0版本中添加更多功能吗？ 
比如修改block的视图大小，以及通过修改父节点的排序来修改所有子节点的排序。

Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting Chongzhou, reply 3

Why has the very important function from fences 5 been cut down?

When i want to choose sorting by the number of clicks, there's no more function!!! and one more "locking the document block"
5.89(Revision3)


Quoting Chongzhou, reply 4

https://support.stardock.com/space/SHC/1621360668/Show+%22Lock+Fences%22+in+Fences+5
我浏览你们的网站的时候，找到了这个教程。但我还是不明白为什么这个功能现在不再自动加载了。还有，急着升级到6.0版本有什么意义？它们之间没有本质区别。你们团队不打算在5.0版本中添加更多功能吗？ 
比如修改block的视图大小，以及通过修改父节点的排序来修改所有子节点的排序。

Hello,
Sorry to hear you are having issues. Your issues are on Fences 5, yes? Please create your own thread. We will try to help you from there.

Also, need few more details. Need to know you on Windows 10 or 11? And need its full version and OS Build number. Please use Winver.exe to get those numbers.

Thank you,
Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant.

Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top

Hi

I just purchased Fences 6 lifetime. Couldn’t see the answer to my question so apologies if it is shown elsewhere else and I’ve just missed it.

I have been using Fences 3 for a long time up until now. When I install the updated version is it better to install straight over the top of Version 3 or should I save my Fences 3 layout settings, uninstall Fences 3 then install Fences 6 ? Or does it matter either way ?

Thanks in advance!

Reply #7 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting Adam0310, reply 6

Hi

I just purchased Fences 6 lifetime. Couldn’t see the answer to my question so apologies if it is shown elsewhere else and I’ve just missed it.

I have been using Fences 3 for a long time up until now. When I install the updated version is it better to install straight over the top of Version 3 or should I save my Fences 3 layout settings, uninstall Fences 3 then install Fences 6 ? Or does it matter either way ?

Thanks in advance!

Hello,
It should be fine either way. Fences 6 should pick up your last Fences 3 layout. But, if you want to be safe, you could do the uninstall, reboot, install Fences 6 and reboot again. Either way the your layout should still be there for Fences 6 to use.

If you wish to be extra safe you can use this guide to backup your setting: https://support.stardock.com/space/SHC/1416429609/Backup+of+Fences+Configuration+Settings 

Thank you,
Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant.

Reply #9 from Stardock Forums Top

You welcome, glad to be able to help.

Thank you,

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

Reply #10 from Stardock Forums Top

I bought Fence 5 on steam this year.

Less than 1 year after paying that 50 $ on Steam, Fence 6 release. And some month after, my Steam Fence 5 become bugged and unstable, random freeze, specially during drag & drop.

 

I never liked subscription concept for software, specially for little utilities like Fences.

But the worst ; you sell fake permanent licence at hi-price for a software that will work for less long time than subscriptions version (you release a new major version each 2 years since version 4)

Here is your release dates :

  • Fences 1.0: October 6, 2009
    Fences 2.0: September 24, 2012
    Fences 3.0: May 18, 2016
    Fences 4.0: December 8, 2021
    Fences 5.0: December 6, 2023
    Fences 6.0: May 28, 2025

In fact all ours permanents licences ares traps... you will just have to pay more for less time than your subscription at final...

I remember I kept my 10 $ Fence 2 & 3 for a while.

Fence 2 got duration of 4 years and Fence 3 got duration of 5 years. Between the versions 2, 3 & 4 there are a lot of really interesting new features. Fence 5 give you chameleon that's it (and it's useless with wallpaper engine). Fence 6 give you fences tabs (a bit more usefull but still not a revolution).

You're licences cost especially your concept of permanant licence should be rework.

I also got some email about upgrade reduction that just won't work when I go to the website.

Reply #11 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting imagicalFantasy, reply 10

I bought Fence 5 on steam this year.

Less than 1 year after paying that 50 $ on Steam, Fence 6 release. And some month after, my Steam Fence 5 become bugged and unstable, random freeze, specially during drag & drop.

 

I never liked subscription concept for software, specially for little utilities like Fences.

But the worst ; you sell fake permanent licence at hi-price for a software that will work for less long time than subscriptions version (you release a new major version each 2 years since version 4)

Here is your release dates :

 


    • Fences 1.0: October 6, 2009
      Fences 2.0: September 24, 2012
      Fences 3.0: May 18, 2016
      Fences 4.0: December 8, 2021
      Fences 5.0: December 6, 2023
      Fences 6.0: May 28, 2025

 


In fact all ours permanents licences ares traps... you will just have to pay more for less time than your subscription at final...

I remember I kept my 10 $ Fence 2 & 3 for a while.

Fence 2 got duration of 4 years and Fence 3 got duration of 5 years. Between the versions 2, 3 & 4 there are a lot of really interesting new features. Fence 5 give you chameleon that's it (and it's useless with wallpaper engine). Fence 6 give you fences tabs (a bit more usefull but still not a revolution).

You're licences cost especially your concept of permanant licence should be rework.

I also got some email about upgrade reduction that just won't work when I go to the website.

I understand your concerns, but the major item you are omitting is the evolution of Windows itself, from Win7 - Win11.

We do our best to keep each version of Fences compatible for as long as possible while still producing new versions to finance inovation and continued compatibility. 

If any new verson of Fences does not have the featureset you are looking for, perhaps future versions will.  

We are always looking for feedback and thank you for it. 

Sean Drohan
Stardock Product Lifecycle Manager

Reply #12 from Stardock Forums Top

For my issue with Fence 5 I was on Windows 11 and I'm still on Windows 11. I upgraded from 23h2 to 24h2 this summer and Fence 5 started to have some issues. I tested version 6 trial and it was ok.

Reply #13 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting imagicalFantasy, reply 12

For my issue with Fence 5 I was on Windows 11 and I'm still on Windows 11. I upgraded from 23h2 to 24h2 this summer and Fence 5 started to have some issues. I tested version 6 trial and it was ok.

Yes, that's an example of the OS forced-changes by Microsoft requiring Stardock to continue to redevelop the programs to keep pace.  If you look at the gaps between version releases they correspond pretty well with what Microsoft is doing to its users.

When one has the opportunity to remain with a reliable OS and stick with it, so too can you stick with an older release of Stardock's software.

I'm typing this on a Windows 7 installation that dates to 2015.  Pretty much 100% reliable and stable.  The Fences version is likewise 100% reliable and stable.  It's Version 3.1.6.1.

Microsoft no longer touches this system as they no longer support it, so both it, and Fences 3 has no need to be updated. ;)

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Reply #14 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting imagicalFantasy, reply 12

For my issue with Fence 5 I was on Windows 11 and I'm still on Windows 11. I upgraded from 23h2 to 24h2 this summer and Fence 5 started to have some issues. I tested version 6 trial and it was ok.

While you should not have show stopping issues with Fences 5 on Win11, your detailing is not uncommon for all software.  We have to keep pace with who makes the OS, Microsoft - that takes time, resources, and funds. 

Believe me when I say we do our best to make all versions compatible for as long as possible. 

Sean Drohan
Stardock Product Lifecycle Manager

Reply #15 from Stardock Forums Top

I understand concern about time, ressources, etc. Each company need money to continue activities.

But at this state, any other plan you offer than your subscription are just expensive traps.

Steam Version have lack of upgrade plan.

For non steam "permanent licence" upgrade are a bit expensive considering they can stop work anytime when you release a new major version. 

So at final everybody that want permanent licences will pay more for really more chaotic road.

Reply #16 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting imagicalFantasy, reply 15

But at this state, any other plan you offer than your subscription are just expensive traps.

Fences 6 has a sub and a non-sub purchasing option.

Quoting imagicalFantasy, reply 15

Steam Version have lack of upgrade plan.

We released Fences 6 on Steam yesterday.  If you owned Fences 5 on Steam and you visit the Fences 6 Steam page, you are offered a discount on it for the next 80+ days.

Quoting imagicalFantasy, reply 15

For non steam "permanent licence" upgrade are a bit expensive considering they can stop work anytime when you release a new major version. 

I want to be clear there; we dont stop anything from working - never have we disabled a product entirely or its functionality for any reason.  Its only ever been the evolution of Windows that has had features or functionality deteriorate over time. 

Quoting imagicalFantasy, reply 15

So at final everybody that want permanent licences will pay more for really more chaotic road.

This is why we introduced a sub, you will always have a version that keeps pace with Windows' changes.  

Sean Drohan
Stardock Product Lifecycle Manager

 

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Reply #17 from Stardock Forums Top

Good day, I am currently on fences 4 (over on steam), While I am by and large satisfyed with it, I do find my version struggles with allowing me to manage the shere number of apps I have placed into some over 350 for the largest. So I would like to ask if you have added new features to help sort though large fences, particualy tabs/seperators within a fence or a searchbar for file names within a tab though other features which I am unaware of which have been added since 4 would be good to let me know if it is worth upgrading now or waiting until more features in that department are added.

Reply #18 from Stardock Forums Top

Why don't you sell a real Lifetime License for 125.00 USD or something like that instead of selling a lifetime license, which is really just a scam in a way? If you are going to say I should have read the terms and conditions, shut your hole, I did read them and have brought this up before. 

How about changing the name to something like "Permanent Version License"? I get it, this is how you make your money. I'd rather pay $100.00-125.00 for a lifetime license that's a real lifetime (all versions) rather than $20 or $30 for every upgrade or $7 to $10 for a subscription. 

Reply #19 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting delafunk, reply 18

How about changing the name to something like "Permanent Version License"?

Sean Drohan
Product Lifecycle Manager

Reply #20 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting stupid_rabbit, reply 17

particualy tabs/seperators within a fence

Yes

Sean Drohan
Product Lifecycle Manager

Reply #21 from Stardock Forums Top

I purchased a license on February 8th, 2025. Permanent 5 pack. I can't get a better discount than 39.99 for the upgrade? 

Reply #22 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting LadenSpark, reply 21

I purchased a license on February 8th, 2025. Permanent 5 pack. I can't get a better discount than 39.99 for the upgrade? 

Hello,
Please raise support ticket using the link below, use the "Ask a Question" option. Include all information details. Remember to record down the ticket number for future reference if needed. Do not raise multiple ticket, that will make your ticket back to the end of the line. Send once and wait. Ticket will be answer by the order they send in.

 

https://stardock.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal/4/group/13 

Thanks
Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

Reply #24 from Stardock Forums Top

Hi,

I recently started a Fences 6 trial to see if an upgrade from Fences 4 to 6 would be worthwhile.  I do think it is (there are some nice additions) and was waiting for the trial to end before purchasing.  When I was looking at the pricing initially, it was listed as this:

Checking today, however, the price is now $39.99.  Was there a temporarily sale?

Reply #25 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting stardockway, reply 24

Hi,

I recently started a Fences 6 trial to see if an upgrade from Fences 4 to 6 would be worthwhile.  I do think it is (there are some nice additions) and was waiting for the trial to end before purchasing.  When I was looking at the pricing initially, it was listed as this:

Checking today, however, the price is now $39.99.  Was there a temporarily sale?

Hello,
Not really sure when you first check the price, perhaps it was price offered while Stardock Winter sales which, I believe just ended recently. Refer here: https://www.stardock.com/news/539915/up-to-50-off-stardock-software-during-our-winter-sale 

Thank you,
Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant.