Solved StartAllBack 3.9.20: Clicking empty space on desktop minimizes all open windows (not happening in Safe Mode)

Hi,


I’m using Windows 11 Version 25H2 (OS Build 26200.7019) with StartAllBack 3.9.20 (latest version).
For some reason I haven’t been able to solve yet, when I click on an empty area on the desktop, all open windows are minimized to the taskbar.

• I’m using 3 monitors
• I couldn’t find any similar issue reported online
• Even AI tools couldn’t point to a clear cause
• When I boot into Safe Mode, the problem completely disappears

This makes me think it’s caused by a third-party shell modification, most likely StartAllBack, but I couldn’t identify the exact setting or trigger.


Has anyone experienced something similar or knows what might cause this behavior?


Thanks in advance.

Mehmet said:

Has anyone experienced something similar

Click to expand...

Yes!!! Exactly!!!

Mehmet said:

... knows what might cause this behavior?

Click to expand...

I haven't a clue!!!
I hit WinKey+D a couple times, done!

Edwin said:

Yes!!! Exactly!!!

I haven't a clue!!!
I hit WinKey+D a couple times, done!

Click to expand...

So do you mean the problem is permanently fixed, or do you have to do this every time, for example after each restart?

I only have two monitors and am running a slightly newer build of 25H2 (26200.7462), latest release of SAB like you, and I am not seeing this behavior. Left or right clicking on either monitor does nothing to open windows.

OldMainframeGuy said:

I only have two monitors and am running a slightly newer build of 25H2 (26200.7462), latest release of SAB like you, and I am not seeing this behavior. Left or right clicking on either monitor does nothing to open windows.

Click to expand...

When I uninstall StartAllBack, the problem disappears completely. The same happens if I go to StartAllBack → Taskbar configuration, turn “Use enhanced classic taskbar” off, and then restart Explorer. So the cause is obvious.


The problem is that I am using StartAllBack specifically to increase the taskbar icon size and the spacing between icons. When I disable “Use enhanced classic taskbar”, I lose that functionality, which defeats the whole purpose of using StartAllBack in the first place.


I remember using StartAllBack on earlier versions of Windows without ever encountering this issue. To rule out version-related problems, I also uninstalled the latest version and tested several older StartAllBack releases, but the behavior remained the same.


So the issue is not solved by downgrading StartAllBack, and it seems to be a conflict between the enhanced classic taskbar mode and the way desktop interactions work in current Windows builds.

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Alternatively, I should find another method or a different program that can accomplish the same task: enlarging taskbar icons and increasing the spacing between them. I am using StartAllBack for this specific purpose, and I also want to improve the look and functionality of the Start menu.

So, another solution could be to find an alternative tool or way to achieve the same visual and functional enhancements — namely:

• Increasing taskbar icon size
• Increasing the spacing between taskbar icons
• Customizing and improving the Start menu appearance

I have already tried different versions of StartAllBack, including older releases, but the issue persists. Therefore, I need an alternative that provides these visual tweaks without causing the desktop/minimize problem.

Summary of the issue:


This problem is caused by StartAllBack, specifically when “Use enhanced classic taskbar” is enabled. When this option is on, clicking on an empty area of the desktop causes all open windows to minimize, as if Show Desktop (Win + D) were triggered.


This is not related to multi-monitor usage and not caused by Windows Aero Shake. The issue disappears immediately when StartAllBack is uninstalled, or when “Use enhanced classic taskbar” is turned off and Explorer is restarted.


Interestingly, pressing Win + D manually temporarily fixes the problem. This suggests that the issue is related to a Show Desktop state desynchronization. StartAllBack appears to hook into legacy taskbar and desktop behaviors, but on modern Windows 11 builds this sometimes leaves the system in an incorrect “Show Desktop active” state. Pressing Win + D resets that internal state until it becomes desynchronized again.


The downside is that disabling “Use enhanced classic taskbar” also disables the ability to increase taskbar icon size and spacing, which is the main reason for using StartAllBack.


This behavior did not occur on older Windows versions, indicating a compatibility issue between StartAllBack’s enhanced classic taskbar mode and recent Windows 11 builds. (AI)

I'm also using the Enhanced Taskbar. Here's my settings:



Are your settings different?

OldMainframeGuy said:

I'm also using the Enhanced Taskbar. Here's my settings:

View attachment 158010

Are your settings differ

Click to expand...

Almost the same: which windows do you use? could you share about windows (by clicking Win and writing "winver") mine is:

I'm using a slightly higher Windows build than you.



I also changed my Taskbar settings to match yours and I still did not experience the problem you're having.

OldMainframeGuy said:

I'm using a slightly higher Windows build than you.

View attachment 158013

I also changed my Taskbar settings to match yours and I still did not experience the problem you're having.

Click to expand...

I use modified windows 25H2-HomveV2 My this couse that problem. Anyway thank you dude so much for your kind interest. I have found solution with the aid of AI, and it works for now, enough. Here it is:

Environment

• Operating System: Windows 11 Home 25H2 (OS Build 26200.7019)
• StartAllBack version: 3.9.20
• Taskbar option: Use enhanced classic taskbar = ON

Problem

When StartAllBack is installed and “Use enhanced classic taskbar” is enabled, clicking on an empty area of the desktop causes all open windows to minimize, exactly as if Win + D (Show Desktop) was pressed.

Important details:

• The issue happens every time, not occasionally.
• Disabling “Use enhanced classic taskbar” immediately stops the behavior.
• However, disabling it also removes the ability to increase taskbar icon size and spacing, which is the main reason for using StartAllBack.
• Pressing Win + D manually fixes the problem temporarily, but it returns after reboot or Explorer restart.

This shows that the issue is related to an incorrect Show Desktop state, not multitasking, Aero Shake, or multi-monitor usage.

Explanation

With Enhanced Classic Taskbar enabled, StartAllBack restores legacy taskbar and desktop behaviors.
On recent Windows 11 builds, this leaves Windows in a wrong Show Desktop state, where clicking the desktop is interpreted as a Show Desktop action.

Pressing Win + D manually resets this internal state, which explains why the issue temporarily disappears.

Solution Overview

The solution is to automatically reset the Show Desktop state after logon, while keeping Enhanced Classic Taskbar enabled.

This is done by:

• Sending Win + D once
• After Explorer and StartAllBack have fully initialized
• Automatically at every user logon using Task Scheduler

What You Need

• AutoHotkey v2
• Task Scheduler (built into Windows)

Step 1 — Create the AutoHotkey script

1. Create a new text file.
2. Rename it to:
3. WinD_Reset.ahk
4. Save it in:
5. C:\Tools\
6. Paste the following code into the file:

#Requires AutoHotkey v2.0

#SingleInstance Force

; Wait until Explorer is running

if !ProcessWait("explorer.exe", 15)

ExitApp

; Give Explorer + StartAllBack enough time to fully initialize

Sleep 2000

; Reset Show Desktop state

Send "#{d}"

ExitApp

Notes:

• If the problem still occurs, change Sleep 2000 to Sleep …..
• The script runs once per logon.

Step 2 — Compile the script to EXE (recommended)

1. Right-click WinD_Reset.ahk
2. Choose Compile Script
3. This creates:
4. WinD_Reset.exe

You will use this EXE in Task Scheduler.

Step 3 — Create the Task Scheduler task

3.1 Open Task Scheduler

1. Click Start
2. Type Task Scheduler
3. Press Enter

3.2 Create a new task

1. In the right Actions panel, click Create Task…
   (Do NOT use “Create Basic Task”)

3.3 General tab

• Name: WinD Reset
• Enable Run only when user is logged on
• Enable Run with highest privileges
• Configure for: Windows 11 (or latest available)

3.4 Triggers tab

1. Click New…
2. Begin the task: At log on
3. Settings: Specific user (your account)
4. Enable Delay task for: 5 seconds
   • If needed, increase to 10 seconds
5. Click OK

3.5 Actions tab

1. Click New…
2. Action: Start a program
3. Program/script:
4. C:\Tools\WinD_Reset.exe
5. Leave Add arguments empty
6. Leave Start in empty
7. Click OK

3.6 Conditions tab

• If you are on a laptop, disable:
  • Start the task only if the computer is on AC power

3.7 Settings tab

Make sure these are enabled:

• Allow task to be run on demand
• Run task as soon as possible after a scheduled start is missed

Click OK to save the task.

Step 4 — Test

1. Go to Task Scheduler Library
2. Find WinD Reset
3. Right-click → Run
4. Click on the desktop
   → Windows should no longer minimize

Result

• Enhanced Classic Taskbar remains enabled
• Taskbar icon size and spacing work normally
• Clicking the desktop no longer triggers Show Desktop
• The issue does not return after reboot or logon

AI to the rescue! Glad you found a solution to your problem.

Mehmet said:

So do you mean the problem is permanently fixed, or do you have to do this every time, for example after each restart?

Click to expand...

It fixes the issue on a per session basis, unless you Restart Explorer.
Odd thing is, it only does it on my Canary Build, 26H1, my Desktop is fine 23H2.

Edwin said:

It fixes the issue on a per session basis, unless you Restart Explorer.
Odd thing is, it only does it on my Canary Build, 26H1, my Desktop is fine 23H2.

Click to expand...

As I said above, I have found a solution, thanks Edwin.

Mehmet said:

I have found a solution...

Click to expand...

I just installed 3.9.16