Start11 v2 Beta (2.8) Feedback Thread

from Stardock Forums

With the Start11 v2 Beta (2.8) 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.

Stardock Support Stardock Software Start Menu Products
1,213 views 10 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

Start11 v2.8 Changelog

Release Date

9/04/2026

Version

  • UI: 2.8

  • File version: 2.8.0.2

Changes

  • Adds in support for the new Win11 26H2 taskbar updates to respect Windows settings.

  • Positions are respected only when set to "Allow Windows to control taskbar position", which is the default on a clean install.

  • The OS only allows all monitors to use the same setting, but you can resize the bars when using Enhanced Taskbar mode. If you want different positions, then use the Start11 options.

  • Fixes an issue with vertical taskbars on secondary displays.

  • Fix for some vertical taskbar issues, including blank icons for Microsoft Edge when in Uncombined mode.

  • Fix for Start button when Enhanced Taskbar is not enabled.

  • Addresses an issue with icons being wrong for a couple of apps on Enhanced Taskbar.

  • Disabled custom right click taskbar menu when disabling all Start11 taskbar features.

  • Performance improvements for all machines but especially ARM CPUs.

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.

The Political Machine 2024
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top

Very nice! Letting Windows control the position of the taskbar even with the enhanced taskbar enabled is a really neat trick.

Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top

A few things I've noticed in 2.8.0.0 
(Windows 11 Pro - 25H2 - 26200.9278)

With the Enhanced taskbar enabled and "allow windows to control taskbar position"

With Top Aligned, either center or left start button, there is no right-click context menu. still an issue in 2.8.0.1
With Left or Right Aligned, there is no centered start button available.
All positions open the Start11 menu with clicking the start button or pressing the Win-key.

With the Enhanced taskbar disabled and "allow windows to control taskbar position"

With Left Aligned, top start button, click start button opens Start11 menu; Win-key opens Start11 menu;
With Left Aligned, center start button, click start button opens Windows start menu fixed in 2.8.0.1; Win-key opens Start11 menu;

With Right Aligned, top start button, click start button opens Start11 menu; Win-key opens Start11 menu;
With Right Aligned, center start button, click start button opens Windows start menu; Win-key does nothing; fixed in 2.8.0.1

With Top Aligned, left start button, click start button opens Start11 menu; Win-key opens Start11 menu;
With Top Aligned, center start button, click start button opens Start11 menu; Win-key opens Start11 menu;

With Bottom Aligned, left start button, click start button opens Start11 menu; Win-key opens Start11 menu;
With Bottom Aligned, center start button, click start button opens Start11 menu; Win-key opens Start11 menu.

The Top and Bottom Aligned taskbar still respects Start11 Transparency, Round corners, and Offsets
The Left and Right Aligned taskbar still respects Start11 Transparency and Round corners, but not Offsets

 

Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top

Start 11 2.8.0.1, dual monitor, enhanced taskbar, both taskbars aligned right, not rounded. 

After I updated to the beta, the secondary monitor's clock isn't showing (unless I use the ElevenClock app). The Start button is showing and working. Right-clicking the secondary taskbar does nothing. No icons are showing for apps running on the secondary taskbar, no matter how I configure the "Pinned taskbar shortcuts control" settings. If I set those tasks to "primary display only," they do display on the primary, but don't show the apps as running, and don't have my standard right-click behavior. Left-clicking on an icon on the primary taskbar does nothing to apps running on the secondary monitor.

Windows 11 Pro Version 25H2, OS build 26200.9168, Start 11 2.8

Processor Intel(R) Core(TM) i3-14100 (3.50 GHz)

Installed RAM 64.0 GB (63.7 GB usable)

Graphics card Intel(R) UHD Graphics 730 (128 MB)

System type 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor

Reply #7 from Stardock Forums Top
Quoting fred70, reply 4145944

Dual monitor, enhanced taskbar, both taskbars aligned right, not rounded. 

After I updated to the beta, the secondary monitor's clock isn't showing (unless I use the ElevenClock app). The Start button is showing and working. Right-clicking the secondary taskbar does nothing. No icons are showing for apps running on the secondary taskbar, no matter how I configure the "Pinned taskbar shortcuts control" settings. If I set those tasks to "primary display only," they do display on the primary, but don't show the apps as running, and don't have my standard right-click behavior. Right-clicking on an icon on the primary taskbar does nothing. 

Windows 11 Pro Version 25H2, OS build 26200.9168, Start 11 2.8

Processor Intel(R) Core(TM) i3-14100 (3.50 GHz)

Installed RAM 64.0 GB (63.7 GB usable)

Graphics card Intel(R) UHD Graphics 730 (128 MB)

System type 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor

End of fred70's quote

Are you using a custom start button?

+1 Loading…
Reply #8 from Stardock Forums Top

Yes. Sonar (small). Disabling the custom start button puts the system clock in the middle of the secondary taskbar. 

Changing to Echo does nothing to solve the issue.

No problems with a bottom or top-aligned taskbar on the secondary monitor.  Everything works unless the taskbar is aligned to the left or right.

Reply #9 from Stardock Forums Top

Hello all,

The Start11 v2 beta has now been updated to version 2.8.0.2.  For changes, please see:

https://forums.stardock.com/542304/start11-v2-beta-2-8-feedback-thread/page/1#4145885

Thank you as always for your feedback and support.

Best regards,

Adam McGuinness
Stardock Support Specialist