Start11 2.55 Release Feedback

from Stardock Forums

With the Start11 2.55 release today, we are creating this thread so that users can report any observed issues.  

Obtaining the product

Object Desktop members can get the release from within Object Desktop Manager 

Individual purchases (as well as Object Desktop Members) can also be obtained from your account page: https://store.stardock.com/myaccount/products

For guest check-out purchase (no account), from this link: http://www.stardock.com/support/productkeyretrieval

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 service (GoogleDrive, DropBox, OneDrive, YouTube), with a shared link included in your post.  Images can be copied and pasted directly into a post.

  • 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.

start menu products
52,130 views 90 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

Start11 2.55 Changelog (Released 10/02/2025)

Version

  • UI: 2.55

  • Start11Config.exe: 2.5.5.4

Changes

  • Resolves an issue with bad info in some control panel shortcuts (Turn windows features on and off in particular).

  • This fixes an issue with taskbar thumbnail popups being far left on secondary displays

  • Tweaks right-click on some files in S11 to reduce the impact of a background check that has to take place to determine taskbar pin status.

  • Fixes issue with pinning an item to the taskbar having a lower-than-expected res icon in some situations.

  • This tweaks taskbar thumbnail positioning to potentially prevent it being too far left sometimes.

  • Fixes issue with Cloudflare warp and vertical taskbars

  • Fixes issue with shutdown menu in Win10 menu showing different results when right arrow opening it vs clicking or pressing enter

  • This tweaks how thumbnails are handled, especially on mixed dpi setups

  • Tweak for non clickable areas of the screen caused by the thumbnail window

  • New option to make auto hide taskbars only hide when a window is over them (the topmost window on any given display)

  • Added in RDP as an alias in search for Remote Desktop

  • Added support for anything following -- in a search string to be passed as a command line.  This only works with some apps, depending on how the app has a shortcut

  • Added new command line for Start11Config to apply changes to registry keys if done manually.  Run Start11Config RELOADSETTINGS

  • Performance improvements to general drawing and animations,

  • Fixes for older icons having boxes around them sometimes

  • Tweak that may help whatsapp notification badges

  • Should fix issue with taskbar areas getting screen dirt

  • Should resolve issue with DisplayFusion secondary taskbars not showing correctly

  • Resolves issue with shadows on menus being the wrong way up

  • This should resolve the issue with WhatsApp and message notifications 

  • Adds in support for S11_OnlyShowSignout registry key which makes Sign Out the only power menu option. Location:
    \HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Stardock\Start8\Start8.ini\Start8

  • Fix to a thread leak when opening locations as menus, a memory leak in the same situation resolved

  • Fixes for custom start button image size when resizing a vertical taskbar and when on Win10.  

  • Fix for fullscreen animations on insider build painting twice, 

  • Tweaks universal icon loading to be quicker, resolves some steam game icons being small and instead stretching low res icons for those larger

  • Fix for switching virtual desktops causing taskbar changes if the user has different non max/max settings

  • Wheel mouse can now be used to scroll vertical taskbar when full

  • Resizing a vertical taskbar now correctly recentres things

  • A possible fix for non clickable areas of the desktop for some users

  • The position of the thumbnail previews on a vertical taskbar have been tweaked to overlap less though they may go slightly off screen but not unusably so

  • A small tweak to tab image loading to reduce max memory usage during load of an image.

  • Now shows sub menus for folders for computer link and document

  • Resolves a performance issue with large menus

  • Resolves issue with closing the start menu with the mouse causing it to reopen if the mouse moves between mouse down and up on the start button with the start menu open

  • Fixes the mouseover indicator in Win10 style menus

  • Fixes spotify taskbar icon bug.

  • Fixes a problem with right clicking to the left of the start button on a secondary taskbar when the taskbar is set to centred with enhanced taskbar enabled

  • Translation updates

     

Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top

Known issues

While we appreciate all feedback, please remember that we offer no official support for beta \ preview \ developer channel versions of Windows. If you report issues while in any of those early release channels, you should not expect them to be addressed unless it still exists in a retail version of Windows.

  • tbd
DeskScapes - Bring your desktop background to life.
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top

***Reserved***

Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top

There is an issue with v2.55. It screws up the display of the Network folder. It takes 10-20 seconds to generate the content every time you access the folder. Have removed Start 11 from my PC. Now everything works fine. Hoping to get the v2.53 installer from Stardock because it worked fine. This will allow me to use the product until V2.55 is fixed. If not, will no longer do business with Stardock.

Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting nirican, reply 4

There is an issue with v2.55. It screws up the display of the Network folder. It takes 10-20 seconds to generate the content every time you access the folder. Have removed Start 11 from my PC. Now everything works fine. Hoping to get the v2.53 installer from Stardock because it worked fine. This will allow me to use the product until V2.55 is fixed. If not, will no longer do business with Stardock.

Hello,
Sorry to hear you are having issues. Please do not post your issue on multiple threads. I have responded to your own thread. https://forums.stardock.com/538914/ 

Thank you,
Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant.

Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top

There seems to be an issue with 2.5.5.4 that when an app is open, hovering over the app in the taskbar manifests an Explorer icon with a blank thumbnail. I have rolled back to 2.5.3.1 which alleviates this issue and the Group texture issue I reported here https://forums.stardock.com/538357/page/1/#3979058

FYI: 2.5.5.3 didn't have this issue, so it was introduced with 2.5.5.4.

Windows 22631.5909; Start11 2.5.5.4
Enhance taskbar on; always combine; centered Start button

Reply #7 from Stardock Forums Top

Win 11 Pro 24H2

Autohide taskbar enabled. When clicking on Start button, Start11 menu draws underneath the taskbar instead of above it. This prevents using the buttons on the bottom of the menu, to include Shutdown.

 

In addition, with autohide enabled, clicking the Start button now has a significant delay before showing the Start menu.

Reply #8 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting pelaird, reply 6

There seems to be an issue with 2.5.5.4 that when an app is open, hovering over the app in the taskbar manifests an Explorer icon with a blank thumbnail. I have rolled back to 2.5.3.1 which alleviates this issue and the Group texture issue I reported here https://forums.stardock.com/538357/page/1/#3979058

FYI: 2.5.5.3 didn't have this issue, so it was introduced with 2.5.5.4.

Windows 22631.5909; Start11 2.5.5.4
Enhance taskbar on; always combine; centered Start button

Hello,
Sorry to hear you are having issues. I can not reproduce this issue on my Windows 11 24H2 (OS build 26100.6725) with Start11 v2.5.5.4. Perhaps its due to different Windows version?

Thank you,
Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant.

Reply #9 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting basj, reply 8

Sorry to hear you are having issues. I can not reproduce this issue on my Windows 11 24H2 (OS build 26100.6725) with Start11 v2.5.5.4. Perhaps its due to different Windows version?

I'm just going to stick with 2.5.3.1 for now and see if anyone else reports this.

Reply #10 from Stardock Forums Top

Hi pelaird and thanks for posting.

Quoting pelaird, reply 6

There seems to be an issue with 2.5.5.4 that when an app is open, hovering over the app in the taskbar manifests an Explorer icon with a blank thumbnail. I have rolled back to 2.5.3.1 which alleviates this issue and the Group texture issue I reported here https://forums.stardock.com/538357/page/1/#3979058

FYI: 2.5.5.3 didn't have this issue, so it was introduced with 2.5.5.4.

Windows 22631.5909; Start11 2.5.5.4
Enhance taskbar on; always combine; centered Start button


From the current release of 2.5.5.4, with Win11 Version 24H2 (OS Build 26100.6584), I'm also not seeing the issue.  I've set the settings you specified, then hovered over open applications on the taskbar with the mouse.  This is producing the normal preview window, and the icons remain intact - no blank thumbnails.  I will be happy to look into this further with some more information.

  • I've tried this with several applications.  Is there a specific one producing the issue on your end, or is it all applications?  
  • Would you be willing to send me the complete configuration backup of your settings?  
  • A screenshot of what you're seeing is also always helpful.  If you can post or send those over with the backup, I can see if I can recreate these conditions.

Thank you and best regards,

Adam McGuinness
Stardock Support Specialist

Reply #11 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting pelaird, reply 6

There seems to be an issue with 2.5.5.4 that when an app is open, hovering over the app in the taskbar manifests an Explorer icon with a blank thumbnail. I have rolled back to 2.5.3.1 which alleviates this issue and the Group texture issue I reported here https://forums.stardock.com/538357/page/1/#3979058

FYI: 2.5.5.3 didn't have this issue, so it was introduced with 2.5.5.4.

Windows 22631.5909; Start11 2.5.5.4
Enhance taskbar on; always combine; centered Start button

We are not responsible for the contents of the thumbnail.  Thats the standard OS thumbnail window.

Reply #12 from Stardock Forums Top

Hi nirican. Thank you for posting.

Quoting nirican, reply 4

There is an issue with v2.55. It screws up the display of the Network folder. It takes 10-20 seconds to generate the content every time you access the folder. Have removed Start 11 from my PC. Now everything works fine. Hoping to get the v2.53 installer from Stardock because it worked fine. This will allow me to use the product until V2.55 is fixed. If not, will no longer do business with Stardock.

Will pick this up on your other thread.  

Thanks again and best regards,

Adam McGuinness
Stardock Support Specialist

Reply #13 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting Abisnabidam, reply 10

From the current release of 2.5.5.4, with Win11 Version 24H2 (OS Build 26100.6584), I'm also not seeing the issue.  I've set the settings you specified, then hovered over open applications on the taskbar with the mouse.  This is producing the normal preview window, and the icons remain intact - no blank thumbnails.

Okay, so I had reinstalled 2.5.3.1 as I said. I just installed 2.5.5.4 again and am not seeing this issue anymore. If it I see it again, I'll let you know.

pelaird

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Reply #14 from Stardock Forums Top

Just installed Start 11 version 2.5.5.4 on Win 11 Version 24H2 (Build 26100.6584).  Now when I try to open an .xlsx file in Excel 2010 by clicking on the file in Windows Exploreer, Excel starts right away, but it takes 15 seconds or longer for that spreadsheet to load.   Before I upgraded to 2.5.5.4 files loaded in Excel right away.  I downgraded to Start 11 version 2.5.3.1 and files open right away in Excel.

Reply #15 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting BillH99999, reply 14

Just installed Start 11 version 2.5.5.4 on Win 11 Version 24H2 (Build 26100.6584).  Now when I try to open an .xlsx file in Excel 2010 by clicking on the file in Windows Exploreer, Excel starts right away, but it takes 15 seconds or longer for that spreadsheet to load.   Before I upgraded to 2.5.5.4 files loaded in Excel right away.  I downgraded to Start 11 version 2.5.3.1 and files open right away in Excel.

Hello,
Sorry to hear you are having issues. Few questions.

  1. Is the excel file in a local folder or network folder?
  2. Opening the file via Start Menu Pinned item or taskbar pinned or any other method that you can see the delay?
  3. Start11 Enhance taskbar turn on or off? Does changing the setting give you different result?

Thank you.
Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant.

Reply #16 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting basj, reply 15


Quoting BillH99999,
reply 14

Just installed Start 11 version 2.5.5.4 on Win 11 Version 24H2 (Build 26100.6584).  Now when I try to open an .xlsx file in Excel 2010 by clicking on the file in Windows Exploreer, Excel starts right away, but it takes 15 seconds or longer for that spreadsheet to load.   Before I upgraded to 2.5.5.4 files loaded in Excel right away.  I downgraded to Start 11 version 2.5.3.1 and files open right away in Excel.



Hello,
Sorry to hear you are having issues. Few questions.

 

    1. Is the excel file in a local folder or network folder?

 

    1. Opening the file via Start Menu Pinned item or taskbar pinned or any other method that you can see the delay?

 

    1. Start11 Enhance taskbar turn on or off? Does changing the setting give you different result?

 


Thank you.
Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant.

 

1.  The file is on my desktop.

2.  I saw the delay if I clicked on the file on the desktop, if I clicked on a file in Windows Explorer, and if I selected it from the File > Recent list from within Excel.

3.  I did not think to turn off the enhance taskbar settings.  I have since reverted to 2.5.3.1 so I can't test it at this point unless I was to reinstall 2.5.5.4.  I could try that tomorrow if you would like me to.

Reply #17 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting BillH99999, reply 16

1. The file is on my desktop.

2. I saw the delay if I clicked on the file on the desktop, if I clicked on a file in Windows Explorer, and if I selected it from the File > Recent list from within Excel.

3. I did not think to turn off the enhance taskbar settings. I have since reverted to 2.5.3.1 so I can't test it at this point unless I was to reinstall 2.5.5.4. I could try that tomorrow if you would like me to.

Hi there,
I don't believe Start11 has any control over your desktop files—it only modifies your Start menu and taskbar layout.
Just to ensure Start11 is installed properly, please try the following steps:
1. Uninstall Start11.
2. Reboot your PC immediately (this step is important).
3. Download the latest version from your Stardock account product page.
4. Install it, then reboot again right after installation.
5. Retest the issue and let us know the results.

Thank you!

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

Reply #18 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting basj, reply 17


Quoting BillH99999,
reply 16

1. The file is on my desktop.

2. I saw the delay if I clicked on the file on the desktop, if I clicked on a file in Windows Explorer, and if I selected it from the File > Recent list from within Excel.

3. I did not think to turn off the enhance taskbar settings. I have since reverted to 2.5.3.1 so I can't test it at this point unless I was to reinstall 2.5.5.4. I could try that tomorrow if you would like me to.



Hi there,
I don't believe Start11 has any control over your desktop files—it only modifies your Start menu and taskbar layout.
Just to ensure Start11 is installed properly, please try the following steps:
1. Uninstall Start11.
2. Reboot your PC immediately (this step is important).
3. Download the latest version from your Stardock account product page.
4. Install it, then reboot again right after installation.
5. Retest the issue and let us know the results.

Thank you!

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

1. Uninstalled 2.5.3.1.
2. Rebooted.
3. Downloaded 2.5.5.4.
4. Rebooted.
5.  Problem still occurs.

Not sure what is happening, but it is definitely Start11 2.5.5.4 which is causing the problem.  I reverted to 2.5.3.1 and the problem went away.

Reply #19 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting BillH99999, reply 18

1. Uninstalled 2.5.3.1.
2. Rebooted.
3. Downloaded 2.5.5.4.
4. Rebooted.
5. Problem still occurs.

Not sure what is happening, but it is definitely Start11 2.5.5.4 which is causing the problem. I reverted to 2.5.3.1 and the problem went away.

Enhance turn on or off, any difference?

Thank you,

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

Reply #20 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting basj, reply 19


Quoting BillH99999,
reply 18

1. Uninstalled 2.5.3.1.
2. Rebooted.
3. Downloaded 2.5.5.4.
4. Rebooted.
5. Problem still occurs.

Not sure what is happening, but it is definitely Start11 2.5.5.4 which is causing the problem. I reverted to 2.5.3.1 and the problem went away.



Enhance turn on or off, any difference?

Thank you,

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

Enhanced taskbar is turned on.  If I turn it off in 2.5.5.4, the problem goes away.  If I turn it back on, the problem comes back.

Reply #21 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting BillH99999, reply 20

Enhanced taskbar it turned on. If I turn it off in 2.5.5.4, the problem goes away.

Thank you for your report. 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

Reply #22 from Stardock Forums Top

I have "subscribe to this post" and "email me when someone replies" checked on this thread, but I am not getting any emails when you reply.  What am I doing wrong?

Reply #23 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting BillH99999, reply 22

I have "subscribe to this post" and "email me when someone replies" checked on this thread, but I am not getting any emails when you reply.  What am I doing wrong?

Have you try looking into your Spam email folder? Sometimes it get directly push to it.

Thank you,

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

Reply #24 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting basj, reply 23


Quoting BillH99999,
reply 22

I have "subscribe to this post" and "email me when someone replies" checked on this thread, but I am not getting any emails when you reply.  What am I doing wrong?



Have you try looking into your Spam email folder? Sometimes it get directly push to it.

Thank you,

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

No...nothing in my spam folder.

Reply #25 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting Coup77, reply 24

Why is the download speed from your servers so slow ?  The speed is in Kb/s which is terrible. I'm 20 minutes into a 54.40MB Start 11 Update, it's 2025 ! 

Edit: It's still not finished, and in that time I've downloaded the Battlefield 6 Preload which is 71.2GB

Hello,
Sorry to hear you're running into this issue. From what I understand, our Support team is already aware of it, and hopefully there’ll be some improvements or updates in the near future. We really appreciate your feedback and your patience, it helps us move forward.
Thank you,
Basj
Stardock Community Assistant