Apps and Hacks

Always Why · Aug 8, 2022

I use two apps to make better use of the Taskbar and Start Menu in Windows 11. I am wondering how many W11 users have done something similar?

Edwin · Aug 8, 2022

Always Why said:
I use two apps to make better use of the Taskbar and Start Menu in Windows 11. I am wondering how many W11 users have done something similar?

Many of us! Pretty sad isn't it!?!?!?

(Kinda hope MS boys would float by every once in a while and read this stuff!!!)

FreeBooter · Aug 8, 2022

I don't use any software that modifies the Windows 11 i'm happy with how its.

Edwin · Aug 8, 2022

FreeBooter said:
I don't use any software that modifies the Windows 11 i'm happy with how its.

Awww!!! You're no fun!!!

FreeBooter · Aug 8, 2022

Edwin said:
Awww!!! You're no fun!!!

Edwin · Aug 8, 2022

Always Why said:
... apps to make better use of the Taskbar and Start Menu

StartAllBack took care of the Start Menu and Taskbar for me...,
... a handful of other tweaks to make Explorer and right click menus, etc. tolerable!

clam1952 · Aug 8, 2022

Open Shell for the Start Menu

cereberus · Aug 8, 2022

FreeBooter said:
I don't use any software that modifies the Windows 11 i'm happy with how its.

I'm with you - there are a bunch of luddites out there who will not be happy until they can make their pc look like Windows 7.

Always Why · Aug 8, 2022

cereberus said:
I'm with you - there are a bunch of luddites out there who will not be happy until they can make their pc look like Windows 7.

I could better relate to W11 if Microsoft was pushing a new smartphone. Other than that, these 3rd-party additions are necessary for those of us who are productive with our PCs.

cereberus · Aug 8, 2022

Always Why said:
I could better relate to W11 if Microsoft was pushing a new smartphone. Other than that, these 3rd-party additions are necessary for those of us who are productive with our PCs.

Productivity is what you get from apps. A start menu does not create productivity - it is a means to an end, not the end itself. The only time I have installed a 3rd party start menu was with Windows 8, as it was the biggest own goal in computing history not having one.

BrianInEngland · Aug 8, 2022

I use Windows as it comes, can't be bothered to make it look like something it isn't. Windows 11 was a learning curve but being quite savvy I got the hang of it. I think people are reluctant to change so they like Windows 11 looking like an older version. Each to their own.

Bree · Aug 8, 2022

Always Why said:
I use two apps to make better use of the Taskbar and Start Menu in Windows 11. I am wondering how many W11 users have done something similar?

FreeBooter said:
I don't use any software that modifies the Windows 11 i'm happy with how its.

I'm with FreeBooter in that I'm happy to use Windows as it is - but I do use just one app for the Taskbar. It restores a Taskbar function that had been in all versions Of Windows from W7 up to W10, but got left out in W11 21H2. It was one I had come to rely on extensively.

GitHub - HerMajestyDrMona/Windows11DragAndDropToTaskbarFix: "Windows 11 Drag & Drop to the Taskbar (Fix)" fixes the missing "Drag & Drop to the Taskbar" support in Windows 11. It works with the new Windows 11 taskbar and does not require nasty change

"Windows 11 Drag & Drop to the Taskbar (Fix)" fixes the missing "Drag & Drop to the Taskbar" support in Windows 11. It works with the new Windows 11 taskbar and does not...

github.com

Happily I can go back to pure unadulterated MS Windows after the 22H2 Feature Update. Microsoft have reinstated drag and drop to the Taskbar for 22621, and some more features (like the ability to group apps on Start) that fell by the wayside in the rush to release W11.

TraderGary · Aug 8, 2022

FreeBooter said:
I don't use any software that modifies Windows 11.

I too like Windows 11. I too don't use any software that modifies Windows 11. I feel no need to try to make Windows 11 look and act like Windows 10. The bottom line is that the applications I use to make my living still work the same way.

FreeBooter · Aug 8, 2022

Bree said:
I'm with FreeBooter in that I'm happy to use Windows as it is - but I do use just one app for the Taskbar. It restores a Taskbar function that had been in all versions Of Windows from W7 up to W10, but got left out in W11 21H2. It was one I had come to rely on extensively.

GitHub - HerMajestyDrMona/Windows11DragAndDropToTaskbarFix: "Windows 11 Drag & Drop to the Taskbar (Fix)" fixes the missing "Drag & Drop to the Taskbar" support in Windows 11. It works with the new Windows 11 taskbar and does not require nasty change

"Windows 11 Drag & Drop to the Taskbar (Fix)" fixes the missing "Drag & Drop to the Taskbar" support in Windows 11. It works with the new Windows 11 taskbar and does not...

github.com

Happily I can go back to pure unadulterated MS Windows after the 22H2 Feature Update. Microsoft have reinstated drag and drop to the Taskbar for 22621, and some more features (like the ability to group apps on Start) that fell by the wayside in the rush to release W11.

It also helps to guide people on how to access settings when nothing modified like Start Menu.

The-Hive · Aug 8, 2022

I use OpenShell and ExplorerPatcher and a few reg hacks to make win 11 more workable for my needs

PurSpyk!! · Aug 8, 2022

Surely as beta testers we should be running Windows as released so we can highlight the shortcomings?

Edwin · Aug 8, 2022

It's not about the look!!!
Yeah, I could force myself to use Windows 11 the way it is, out of the box, but I don't want to!!!
This is a large part of the functionality I'm used to and I want to keep it!!!
Resources at my finger tips with one or no clicks!!!
The drag n drop Direct Mail Toolbar is one I refuse to give up!!!

Edwin · Aug 8, 2022

PurSpyk!! said:
Surely as beta testers we should be running Windows as released so we can highlight the shortcomings?

I suppose..., if I got paid for it!!!

My first instinct, when something's fubar'd is to find a way to fix or circumvent it..., cuz I could be 6 feet under by the time MS fixes it!!!

larc919 · Aug 8, 2022

clam1952 said:
Open Shell for the Start Menu

I'm with you. Windows hasn't had a decent Start Menu for years. I'm convinced they are too hung up on other aspects to even consider simple functionality.

MaRio · Aug 8, 2022

StartAllBack is a must for me. As Edwin said, I could just use the stock OS, but I'm giving up so so so many things that used to be better before. And why? For nothing.
Plus I like customizing my PC and making it my own. Just like how you customize your house and room to suit yourself.

Other than SAB, I use a custom theme that enables transparency across almost the whole OS and apps that don't natively support it (when combined with Mica For Everyone). Custom icons, cursors, and context menus (that's a big one, I've purged most of the useless stuff from there).
Winaero Tweaker for more system tweaks. Ear Trumpet for a better volume mixer pop out.
Ohh also Smooth Scroll.