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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 ♫


Bob "Notes" Norton smile Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com

100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
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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.




Steve

BIAB/RB 2022, Pro Tools 2020, Korg N5, JBL LSR 4328 Powered Monitors, AKG/Shure Mics.
PC: Win11 PRO, 4 TB M2 SSD, 2 TB HD, 128 GB Memory
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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.


My wife asked if I had seen the dog bowl. I told her I didn't even know he could.
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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….


BIAB 2024 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 6.5 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6; Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus Studio 192, Presonus Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors
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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.




Steve

BIAB/RB 2022, Pro Tools 2020, Korg N5, JBL LSR 4328 Powered Monitors, AKG/Shure Mics.
PC: Win11 PRO, 4 TB M2 SSD, 2 TB HD, 128 GB Memory
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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.


John

Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 2x2TB, 1x4TB SSD
Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 2x1.5TB, 2x2TB, 1x4TB SATA

BB2024/UMC404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/MixBus/Notion/Finale/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK

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PG Music News
Update Your PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 Today!

Add updated printing options, enhanced tracks settings, smoother use of MGU and SGU (BB files) within PowerTracks, and more with the latest PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 update!

Learn more about this free update for PowerTracks Pro Audio & download it at www.pgmusic.com/support_windows_pt.htm#2024_5

The Newest RealBand 2024 Update is Here!

The newest RealBand 2024 Build 5 update is now available!

Download and install this to your RealBand 2024 for updated print options, streamlined loading and saving of .SGU & MGU (BB) files, and to add a number of program adjustments that address user-reported bugs and concerns.

This free update is available to all RealBand 2024 users. To learn more about this update and download it, head to www.pgmusic.com/support.realband.htm#20245

The Band-in-a-Box® Flash Drive Backup Option

Today (April 5) is National Flash Drive Day!

Did you know... not only can you download your Band-in-a-Box® Pro, MegaPAK, or PlusPAK purchase - you can also choose to add a flash drive backup copy with the installation files for only $15? It even comes with a Band-in-a-Box® keychain!

For the larger Band-in-a-Box® packages (UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition), the hard drive backup copy is available for only $25. This will include a preinstalled and ready to use program, along with your installation files.

Backup copies are offered during the checkout process on our website.

Already purchased your e-delivery version, and now you wish you had a backup copy? It's not too late! If your purchase was for the current version of Band-in-a-Box®, you can still reach out to our team directly to place your backup copy order!

Note: the Band-in-a-Box® keychain is only included with flash drive backup copies, and cannot be purchased separately.

Handy flash drive tip: Always try plugging in a USB device the wrong way first? If your flash drive (or other USB plug) doesn't have a symbol to indicate which way is up, look for the side with a seam on the metal connector (it only has a line across one side) - that's the side that either faces down or to the left, depending on your port placement.

Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows® Today!

Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows for free with build 1111!

With this update, there's more control when saving images from the Print Preview window, we've added defaults to the MultiPicker for sorting and font size, updated printing options, updated RealTracks and other content, and addressed user-reported issues with the StylePicker, MIDI Soloists, key signature changes, and more!

Learn more about this free update for Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows at www.pgmusic.com/support_windowsupdates.htm#1111

Band-in-a-Box® 2024 Review: 4.75 out of 5 Stars!

If you're looking for a in-depth review of the newest Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows version, you'll definitely find it with Sound-Guy's latest review, Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows Review: Incredible new capabilities to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs.

A few excerpts:
"The Tracks view is possibly the single most powerful addition in 2024 and opens up a new way to edit and generate accompaniments. Combined with the new MultiPicker Library Window, it makes BIAB nearly perfect as an 'intelligent' composer/arranger program."

"MIDI SuperTracks partial generation showing six variations – each time the section is generated it can be instantly auditioned, re-generated or backed out to a previous generation – and you can do this with any track type. This is MAJOR! This takes musical experimentation and honing an arrangement to a new level, and faster than ever."

"Band in a Box continues to be an expansive musical tool-set for both novice and experienced musicians to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs, as well as an extensive educational resource. It is huge, with hundreds of functions, more than any one person is likely to ever use. Yet, so is any DAW that I have used. BIAB can do some things that no DAW does, and this year BIAB has more DAW-like functions than ever."

Convenient Ways to Listen to Band-in-a-Box® Songs Created by Program Users!

The User Showcase Forum is an excellent place to share your Band-in-a-Box® songs and listen to songs other program users are creating!

There are other places you can listen to these songs too! Visit our User Showcase page to sort by genre, artist (forum name), song title, and date - each listing will direct you to the forum post for that song.

If you'd rather listen to these songs in one place, head to our Band-in-a-Box® Radio, where you'll have the option to select the genre playlist for your listening pleasure. This page has SoundCloud built in, so it won't redirect you. We've also added the link to the Artists SoundCloud page here, and a link to their forum post.

We hope you find some inspiration from this amazing collection of User Showcase Songs!

Congratulations to the 2023 User Showcase Award Winners!

We've just announced the 2023 User Showcase Award Winners!

There are 45 winners, each receiving a Band-in-a-Box 2024 UltraPAK! Read the official announcement to see if you've won.

Our User Showcase Forum receives more than 50 posts per day, with people sharing their Band-in-a-Box songs and providing feedback for other songs posted.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed!

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