Start11 2.7 Beta Feedback

from Stardock Forums

With the Start11 2.7 beta release today, we are creating this thread so that users can report any observed issues.  

Obtaining Object Desktop Insider Builds

Object Desktop Manager

Object Desktop members can get beta and Insider builds from within Object Desktop Manager with 'Enable Object Desktop Insider builds' enabled:

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Stardock Download Page

Or via their download page in the ‘Object Desktop Insider’ section

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Obtaining Beta Releases

Stardock.com

If a beta was released, Object Desktop Members would see it in the ‘Object Desktop’ section.

Individual purchases would see it on their registration of the product under their download page.

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Steam

  • Right-click the Product in Steam

  • Properties

  • Betas

  • Select the beta branch at the top right (there is no password)

Example

https://cdn.stardock.us/support/uploads/steamwebhelper_2024-02-19_17-44-35.png

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.

Thank you for your interest and any time you put into making Start11 v2 a better product.

start menu products
5,777 views 31 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

Start11 v2.7 Changelog (Released 04/22/2026)

Date

04/22/2026

Version

UI: 2.7
File Version: 2.7.0.3

Changes

  1. Resolved issue with Show recently installed apps not saving the setting for Windows 7/Modern styles when using Win10 style all apps list

  2. Extended edit fields in Start11 to support Ctrl + backspace to delete the last word.

  3. Custom icons are now used in groups, which are opened as a menu as well

  4. Dark custom colours will make Win7-style menus use dark mode instead of light mode as before. This can be controlled by creating a value S11_ForceDarkMode in HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Stardock\Start8\Start8.ini\Start8 of type String and giving it a 1 to force dark always, or 2 to force it to be light always (0 means auto)

  5. Dark mode Win7 menus now respect the colour the user picked for the taskbar when in auto mode rather than defaulting to black

  6. Everything search now respects the search filters built into S11 search

  7. Fixed the recent docs list to filter out folders when the option to hide folders is enabled

  8. Resolved an issue with some incorrectly saved pinned items with shell:appsFolder at the front of them in error

  9. Added an option to hide shadows on the Start11 menu. This can be controlled by creating a value S11_HideShadows in HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Stardock\Start8\Start8.ini\Start8 of type String and giving it a 1 to hide shadows or delete (or set to 0) for show shadows

  10. Fixed issue with search window appearing too high on the screen when using a left/right taskbar on Win11 25H2

  11. Resolved issue with combined taskbar buttons in enhanced mode not clicking on the right item when clicked sometimes on some machines.

  12. Resolved issue with having enhanced taskbar autohide enabled and then switching back to non enhanced taskbar causing issues.

  13. Resolved issue with thumbnails overlapping wider right-aligned vertical taskbars.

  14. Resolved search on 25H2 with a right-aligned taskbar overlapping the taskbar slightly.

  15. Resolved some desktop icon placement and dragging behaviours when the taskbar is at the top of the screen on Windows 11.

  16. Resolved issue with right click menu on taskbar on the top when in autohide mode juddering a bit sometimes

  17. Resolved taskbar not hiding in autohide mode on first run sometimes.

  18. Resolved some tooltips on on top taskbars not showing correctly when used with an autohide taskbar.

  19. Resolved some clipping of thumbnails on the taskbar in certain situations

  20. Added Ctrl override for resizing Win11 etc style menus to allow menus to be a little smaller. So hold ctrl when resizing and it will be allowed to be a bit smaller than before.

  21. On top taskbars now have the tray icon expansion arrow pointing down correctly instead of up

  22. Resolves an issue with the brand new preview KB5086672 update where on top taskbars have the icons sitting under the taskbar sometimes.

  23. Enables MS Edge pinned weblinks to use the icon from the webpage (note that these are low res so on large sizes they will not look perfect)

  24. Resolved issue with Copilot not having the right pinned taskbar icon

  25. Added a registry key S11_BLOCKMOSTTASK which when created as a string with value "1" will stop S11 doing much with the taskbar.  This is for compatibility with some third party tools.  This WILL disable enhanced taskbar, taskbar colour control, custom start button etc.  The location is HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Stardock\Start8\Start8.ini\Start8 and you have to restart explorer after changing.

  26. A /s (silent) uninstall will not pop the uninstall survey.

  27. Some fixes to allow rounded corners to work better on vertical taskbars including a fix to stop the taskbar going onto a screen to the left of it in error

  28. A fix for some flicker issues on the desktop icons when using a left aligned taskbar 

  29. A fix for toggling taskbar autohide status on the taskbar not always resetting the work area correctly

  30. A fix for swapping between virtual desktops with an autohide taskbar and rounded taskbar on causing the taskbar to still be partially visible sometimes

  31. Resolved an issue with vertical secondary taskbars not repositioning correctly when rounded and offset from the screen border

  32. Worked around an issue on latest Win11 builds with the search box on vertical taskbars sometimes painting without an icon

  33. Added in UI option to disable all taskbar functionality in S11

  34. Fixed issue with vertical taskbar and some rounding options stopping the menu opening at all

  35. Desktop icons did not always shift over correctly when you had vertical taskbars on the secondary display

  36. German string edits, credit: https://github.com/Naxterra

  37. Four new strings added

  38. Fixes an issue with two search buttons showing on the taskbar on Windows 11 when one taskbar is vertical and one is not introduced in the last build

  39. Resolves the click and thumbnails move issue

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
TouchTasks - Access tasks with ease on Windows touchscreens.
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top

***Reserved***

Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top

Thank you. When (you estimate) will we have the stable 2.7 version? I prefer to wait if we have it soon.

Also I suggest you this 

"I would like to suggest giving us the option to split the day into 2 lines like this

24/06
2025

In this way the font size could be increased.

 

Moreover the tray icons could have the option to be increased."

https://forums.stardock.com/536556/page/1/#3971261

Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top

You mean something like this? : 

Install Windhawk and then the Taskbar Clock Customization Mod and you can modify it as your heart desires. Some people would prefer one line and with seconds, some other want a full date. I think since this exists and so many different desires from users, Start11 does not have to bother with it

Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting Nikosyan, reply 5

You mean something like this? : 



Install Windhawk and then the Taskbar Clock Customization Mod and you can modify it as your heart desires. Some people would prefer one line and with seconds, some other want a full date. I think since this exists and so many different desires from users, Start11 does not have to bother with it

 

No. In vertical taskbar mode:

6:00

30/3

2026

or

6:00

Mon

30.3

2026

 

In Start 11 because with 2.5k monitor the font in taskbar is very small and there is no space in order to have the "30/3/2026" in one line with bigger font.

Reply #7 from Stardock Forums Top

Try Windhawk and the module i mentioned, you can change the font and all the content and way it appears.

EDIT: I tried and the Windhawk module does not work at all in vertical mode, the original fonts of Start11 remain and you are right, it is too cramped. But you should have been clear from the beginning to explain that you use vertical taskbars. So I guess the ball is in Startdock's camp

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Reply #8 from Stardock Forums Top

All, Beta Start11 2.7 has been updated to 2.71.  For details, please see:

https://forums.stardock.com/541012/get;3989619

As always, thank you for your time, feedback, and support.

Sean Drohan
Product Lifecycle Manager

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Reply #9 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting Nikosyan, reply 7

Try Windhawk and the module i mentioned, you can change the font and all the content and way it appears.

EDIT: I tried and the Windhawk module does not work at all in vertical mode, the original fonts of Start11 remain and you are right, it is too cramped. But you should have been clear from the beginning to explain that you use vertical taskbars. So I guess the ball is in Startdock's camp

Look at this: in the next Windows 11 version Windows vertical bar time is:

11:22

3/31

WITHOUT YEAR

So finally Microsoft will overcome Start11 in this point, like a 🐢 turtle the 🐇 rabbit.

https://www.windowslatest.com/2026/04/01/watch-microsoft-shows-off-windows-10-like-windows-11s-movable-taskbar-in-action/

Reply #10 from Stardock Forums Top

Yes after 6 years.... And Windows 11 multi-monitor taskbars is atrocious, you cannot pin anything on them, so we still have a lot of time till Start 11 becomes redundant, if ever. For sure Stardock need to up their game and stay ahead. And still there is no plans from Microsoft for resizable taskbar or small taskbar. I guess a couple of years yet. 

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Reply #11 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting Nikosyan, reply 10

Yes after 6 years.... And Windows 11 multi-monitor taskbars is atrocious, you cannot pin anything on them, so we still have a lot of time till Start 11 becomes redundant, if ever. For sure Stardock need to up their game and stay ahead. And still there is no plans from Microsoft for resizable taskbar or small taskbar. I guess a couple of years yet. 

I believe that the best👌 taskbar is the vertical one. It's easier to move the hand on the table/mouse left - right ➡️⬅️ rather up-down ⬆️⬇️ (we move elbow then, the full hand).

Also Windows 11 start menu is horrible for me. Windows 8 /10tablet start is the best. Once you click Start you don't care about seeing 👀  desktop or chrome, you care about finding the app you want.

Start11 forever.

Reply #12 from Stardock Forums Top

I'm experiencing a bug with latest beta version, setting the Taskbar left I get the Desktop constantly refreshing as you can see in this video:

[video]https://youtube.com/shorts/7oqrCaoW1DM?feature=share[/video]

Often the 2 rows of icons are moved right for a second, then come back to their position.

And I'm quite sure my "historical" problem with AMD Adrenalin Panel not opening is connected to the way Windows and other softwares number the monitors... the first time I set the Taskbar left, the Panel opened without any issue.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

Baio

Reply #13 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting Baio73, reply 12

I'm experiencing a bug with latest beta version, setting the Taskbar left I get the Desktop constantly refreshing as you can see in this video:



Often the 2 rows of icons are moved right for a second, then come back to their position.



And I'm quite sure my "historical" problem with AMD Adrenalin Panel not opening is connected to the way Windows and other softwares number the monitors... the first time I set the Taskbar left, the Panel opened without any issue.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

Baio

Hello,
Sorry to hear you are having issues. But, I can't reproduce your issue on my system. First, please try, uninstall Start11, reboot immediately (important), download latest version available in your account product download page: https://store.stardock.com/myaccount/products. Install it, reboot immediately again. Retest it and report back.

Thank you,
Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant.

Reply #14 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting basj, reply 13
Hello,
Sorry to hear you are having issues. But, I can't reproduce your issue on my system. First, please try, uninstall Start11, reboot immediately (important), download latest version available in your account product download page: https://store.stardock.com/myaccount/products. Install it, reboot immediately again. Retest it and report back.

Thank you,
Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant.

 

Thanks for your replay, I'm gonna reinstall ASAP.

With "latest version avaliable" you mean STABLE or even BETA (the one I'm using ATM)?

Baio

Reply #15 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting Baio73, reply 14

With "latest version avaliable" you mean STABLE or even BETA (the one I'm using ATM)?

Please ensure you have the latest version installed. The current release is v2.71 Beta. Even if you are already using this version, it is important to carefully follow the installation steps to make sure everything is set up correctly.

Thank you,

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

Reply #16 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting basj, reply 15


Quoting Baio73,
reply 14

With "latest version avaliable" you mean STABLE or even BETA (the one I'm using ATM)?



Please ensure you have the latest version installed. The current release is v2.71 Beta. Even if you are already using this version, it is important to carefully follow the installation steps to make sure everything is set up correctly.

Thank you,

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

 

Could we downgrade to the previous stable version? (not the last stable version)
I have the problem with the search (see above)

Reply #17 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting Sotirios7, reply 16

Could we downgrade to the previous stable version? (not the last stable version)
I have the problem with the search (see above)

Yes, you should be able to uninstall Start11v2.71 Beta, reboot, redownload Start11v2.6 from your account download page and install that version. Reboot again after the installation finished.

Thank you,

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

Reply #18 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting basj, reply 17


Quoting Sotirios7,
reply 16

Could we downgrade to the previous stable version? (not the last stable version)
I have the problem with the search (see above)



Yes, you should be able to uninstall Start11v2.71 Beta, reboot, redownload Start11v2.6 from your account download page and install that version. Reboot again after the installation finished.

Thank you,

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

I already have the 2.6 stable varsion and I want to downgrade to 2.5 stable, like we do with the Windows Updates... 

Reply #19 from Stardock Forums Top

Unless you saved the 2.5 installer on your system, you won't be able to downgrade to 2.5, as it is no longer available from Stardock.

Reply #20 from Stardock Forums Top

I need to point out there is no v2.71 beta, it is v2.7.

There should be an update to that this week.

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Reply #21 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting basj, reply 15
Please ensure you have the latest version installed. The current release is v2.71 Beta. Even if you are already using this version, it is important to carefully follow the installation steps to make sure everything is set up correctly.

Thank you,

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

 

Tried to install/reinstall (both latest beta and latest stable) but issue was still present... then passed AMD CleanUp Utility and reinstalled VGA drivers and everything seems ok ATM (apart from Adrenalin Panel not opening, but this is a 9 months old sad story...).

Thanks as usual for your support.

Baio

Reply #22 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting Baio73, reply 21

Tried to install/reinstall (both latest beta and latest stable) but issue was still present... then passed AMD CleanUp Utility and reinstalled VGA drivers and everything seems ok ATM (apart from Adrenalin Panel not opening, but this is a 9 months old sad story...).

Thanks as usual for your support.

Baio

Great, glad to hear that.

Thank you,

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

Reply #23 from Stardock Forums Top

All, the Start11 beta has been updated. For details, please see:

https://forums.stardock.com/541012/get;3989619

As always, thank you for your time, feedback, and support. 

Sean Drohan
Product Lifecycle Manager

Reply #24 from Stardock Forums Top

All, the Start11 beta has been updated after some issues were found with yesterday's update. For details, please see:

https://forums.stardock.com/541012/get;3989619

As always, thank you for your time, feedback, and support. 

Sean Drohan
Product Lifecycle Manager

Reply #25 from Stardock Forums Top

The Change Log states on item 37 that there are four new strings.

37. Four new strings added

I see three including 4., 9., and 25. Where is the fourth?

Are the four new strings including these, or are there four additional strings?