New Version of ExplorerPatcher

Stormbrain · Apr 5, 2024

Windows 11 version 24H2 may cause some headaches for those relying on third-party apps for user interface customization. The latest builds ship with the flag that prevents restoring the old taskbar from the Windows 10 era enabled by default. This could be a sign of Microsoft wanting to remove old components from Windows 11 as it moves forward. --- Neowin

I think the reason they may be doing this is that they plan to completely remove the windows 10 taskbar components in future Windows 11 builds which would of course would cripple a good amount of customization software (until a suitable workaround is created). So blocking them from being able to run will save MS headaches when people complain that their PC doesnt work. It's not very nice but then its MS so its to be expected

spapakons · Apr 6, 2024

The Canary build is a preview of Windows 12 features. Hopefully all these restrictions will not pass to standard release of Windows 11 24H2. For a preview of Windows 11 features see the Developer build. I haven't read in this forum any restrictions in the Developer builds.

NormanF · Apr 8, 2024

Had to do a over the top install of Explorer Patcher 22621.3296.6.3 over 22621.3296.64.1 which gave me a black screen on login into a freshly upgraded Windows 11 24H2 26100.1 build.

Microsoft compatibility assistant hilariously informed me the previous build was incompatible and refused to allow me to uninstall it.

New version brought back the desktop and Open Shell successfully configured itself.

spapakons · Apr 9, 2024

I noticed that it takes almost a minute to open File Explorer first time after installing latest Windows updates and restarting. I am not sure if it is an issue with Explorer Patcher, I will investigate. After the first time that takes too long, new instances of File Explorer open instantly. If I shutdown or restart the computer first time to open File Explorer takes too long, even after waiting enough for all startup applications to finish loading. Anyone has the same issue? I will manually upgrade Explorer Patcher and Open Shell to see if it fixes.

Stormbrain · Apr 15, 2024

Well hopefully EP will still work in 24H2 * the system tray in Windows 10 taskbar layout I am talking abouy *

spapakons · Apr 16, 2024

They say that the legacy taskbar code will be removed. I don't think so. They will probably leave it and only disable it. There will be possible to enable the code and use the Windows 10 style taskbar. In worst case there will be a substitute for the removed code. But this currently is for Canary version of Windows 11 and as already mentioned it will probably be done in the standard release of Windows 12, not in Windows 11.

Stormbrain · Apr 16, 2024

spapakons said:
They say that the legacy taskbar code will be removed. I don't think so. They will probably leave it and only disable it. There will be possible to enable the code and use the Windows 10 style taskbar. In worst case there will be a substitute for the removed code. But this currently is for Canary version of Windows 11 and as already mentioned it will probably be done in the standard release of Windows 12, not in Windows 11.

Fingers crossed, its customizations like EP that make Windows 11 tolerable for me

spapakons · Apr 16, 2024

Me too

. I used Classic Shell to make Vista look like XP, then I liked Windows 7 and used it as is. Then I used Open Shell and Customizer God to make Windows 8/10 look like 7. Now I added Explorer Patcher and Mica for Everyone. I had even found a utility to make the application menu bar look like 3D and transparent instead of flat in Windows 10, but it doesn't work for version 1903 or newer. Any similar application is welcome. Not Windows Blinds, I would not like to pay. Thanks to Winaero I have also installed the "Windows lite" theme that gives the good old red X icon to close the applications. I forgot to mention Resource Hacker to replace the icons Customizer God can't (such as the Windows logo in "traditional" System Properties and Windows version)

Stormbrain · Apr 17, 2024

Been checking out what's happening with EP and 24H2 and from what I can gather the EP dev's are working on reimplimenting the Windows 10 system tray so its certainly not over

Honestly finding that out makes me really happy...

spapakons · Apr 18, 2024

Hopefully it won't be necessary to reimplement the Windows 10 system tray because the general release of Windows 11 24H2 will not disable this feature. Their work however is not completely pointless because whatever restriction is in Canary might be in Windows 12, so they will have already find a workaround.

Stormbrain · Apr 18, 2024

I actually think they are in removing the components in 24H2 but I could be wrong, we will find out at GE yep

spapakons · Apr 18, 2024

I might be wrong, but I think I read about Canary version previews new features (see restrictions) that will be done in Windows 12, while the Developer version previews actual Windows 11 features that will be done in Windows 11 24H2 or newer. Let's hope there will be workarounds for any legacy features Microsoft decides to remove or modify.

NormanF · Apr 18, 2024

People like the legacy start menu so while removing it is necessary, its also like taking away comfort food from them.

hdmi · Apr 18, 2024

NormanF said:
People like the legacy start menu so while removing it is necessary, its also like taking away comfort food from them.

What are you talking about? AFAIK there never has been such a thing as Windows 10 Start menu code present in Windows 11 anyway to begin with so, they can't remove it, as it is simply not there, and programs that mimic the Windows 10 Start menu all rely on their own code to do so on Windows 11. (The Windows 10 taskbar and its flyouts are a completely different story, though, and so is File Explorer.)

NormanF · Apr 18, 2024

I'm taking about the Windows 95/8 Windows XP and Windows 7 start menu.

Anixx · Apr 18, 2024

NormanF said:
I'm taking about the Windows 95/8 Windows XP and Windows 7 start menu.

What's necessary about removing it?

spapakons · Apr 22, 2024

Microsoft just tries to force us use the default Windows 11 start menu so they can push ads. I have read that lately they push ads in start menu and in search box. Using a non-Windows 11 start menu doesn't show these ads. But of course we don't care about these ads, we care about our convenience. Let's hope if they do remove the legacy code in 24H2, Explorer Patcher and others will find a workaround as always.

PS: There is a slight chance that they are bluffing to discourage us using third-party utilities that change the default start menu. The warning that StartIsBack and other won't work in 24H2 is probably fake to make us uninstall these before we upgrade. Of course we will uninstall these (or disable them) to fool Setup and allow us upgrade to 24H2, only to reinstall them shortly after the upgrade.

hdmi · Apr 22, 2024

spapakons said:
Microsoft just tries to force us use the default Windows 11 start menu so they can push ads. I have read that lately they push ads in start menu and in search box. Using a non-Windows 11 start menu doesn't show these ads. But of course we don't care about these ads, we care about our convenience. Let's hope if they do remove the legacy code in 24H2, Explorer Patcher and others will find a workaround as always.

PS: There is a slight chance that they are bluffing to discourage us using third-party utilities that change the default start menu. The warning that StartIsBack and other won't work in 24H2 is probably fake to make us uninstall these before we upgrade. Of course we will uninstall these (or disable them) to fool Setup and allow us upgrade to 24H2, only to reinstall them shortly after the upgrade.

Microsoft is bringing ads to Windows 11 Start menu, but you can turn them off

Windows 11’s March 2023 optional update recently added a feature already causing outrage in the community. The update, which will roll out to everyone as part of April 2023 Patch Tuesday, adds alerts that promote Microsoft account and OneDrive through the power menu in the Start menu. Of course...

www.windowslatest.com

Microsoft wants to show you ads in Windows 11's Start menu. Here's how to prevent them

Appearing only for Windows Insiders at this point, the ads would highlight recommended apps from the Microsoft Store.

www.zdnet.com

spapakons · Apr 22, 2024

Let's hope by October 2024 there will be some workaround to keep using Explorer Patcher and Open Shell so these tutorials won't be necessary. Thanks for sharing anyway.

NormanF · Apr 23, 2024

On 24H2 26100.2 build Microsoft blocks Explorer Patcher 22621.3296.6.3 as a virus and if you attempt to bypass the Windows Defender SmartScreen, Program Compatibility Assistant will pop up to inform you its not compatible with Windows!

Renaming the file doesn't work.