I finally let Microsoft nag me into getting Windows 11. Everything is working fine. I only have one problem with it, the start menu/taskbar.

I liked Win10's starmenu/taskbar better because (1) I can move the taskbar to the top of the screen and (2) Win 11 doesn't hold as many program icons without scrolling as Win 10 did.

So I came across this page:
https://www.tomshardware.com/how-to/windows-11-look-like-windows-10

Which recommends Start 11 for $5.99 (that won't break the bank) https://www.stardock.com/products/start11/

I wonder if anyone has any knowledge of Start 11 or can recommend anything better.

In Win10 I had app icons in different groups, utilities, text, music, video, graphics, photo, and I don't really need the groups as I want more than 18 apps in the start page menu without scrolling.

Seems to me Win11 took a backwards step in this particular case.

Other than that, I have no problem with 11.

Thanks,

Notes ♫

I still use the following even though it hasn't had any support updates since Win 10. Works fine and FREE! Someone picked it up development from there and it's now updated on GitHub (linked from the Classic Shell page), although I haven't looked at the versions there.

Classic Shell - Start menu

I did move the bottom tray from center to left like it was in Win10.

Notes, there are some sites you can find the steps to restore menus etc. to the way you liked them in Windows 10. The functionality is all still there you just have to do some tweaks. I can't find the link right now, but I read an article not too long ago about getting things back to that look if you want, while still having Win 11.

I have a memory of this same thing playing out with Windows 8? That’s when Classic Shell and Start 8 were introduced. Both worked well. With Windows 10, they were again not needed. My point is that, at least in the past, both utilities were widely used and well-regarded.

None of my three PCs can be upgraded to 11….

P.S. - For multiscreens..... I also needed to get a free tool to put the clock on all screens. They apparently forgot to do that in Win 11. It's called "ElevenClock" and you should be able to Google that if you are in need with multiscreens.

I used to use Smart8 (for Windows 8 and 8.5), and currently use (and have used since I upgraded to Windows 10) Smart10 for Windows 10. I prefer the Windows 7 menu interface (even though Windows 10 got closer to getting back to the Windows 7 look and feel, but not quite) and I can manage my menu better with it (after installing programs, I move the menu entries into categorized folders).

I haven't upgraded to Windows 11 yet, but from what I've read on the Stardock web site, Start11 works similarly to Start10, but does have some additional Windows 11 specific features. And as pointed out, it's pretty cheap.

I have the stock Windows 10 start menu on my work computer, and I still don't like it. Call me old fashioned, but I like Windows 7 (and previous) better. It's not that I can't use the Win10 start menu, it's just I'm happier with the Windows 7-like interface I get with Start10. Unfortunately, my work computer is locked down, so I can't install Start10 on it.

I also use "Fences" from Stardock. It gives you a lot of control over what you see on your desktop. Pretty nifty app.