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StartAllBack vs. Start11: Which is the Best Start Menu Customization Tool?
You can use both tools at the same time, but you may expect some conflicts
5 min. read
Published onJune 20, 2024
published onJune 20, 2024
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When it comes to customizing the Start menu on Windows, two popular options stand out: StartAllBack andStart11. Both offer unique features and customization options that cater to different user preferences. We’ve tested them and they can even work together so let’s get on to figure out which is best.
StartAllBack vs Start11: Choosing the Best Start Menu Replacement
StartAllBack
StartAllBack enhances the Start menu and taskbar with a classic Windows look and provides additional consistency in File Explorer, making it an excellent choice for those nostalgic for older Windows versions.
Start11
Start11 offers extensive customization options for both the Start menu and the taskbar, making your Windows experience richer and more personalized.
Which has better in customization features?
After working with both for a while, Start11 is the winner when it comes to quantity of choices. The app has seven Start menu styles, some with multiple sub-styles. These include Windows 7, one inspired from Windows 8 and another in Windows 10 shape along with many others that represent variations on the new design for Windows 11’s start menu. You can change the color and see-through effect of the menus, or put in a personal texture from those given (or your own image for background).
All of this is also true for the taskbar, and you can customize them separately to have a completely custom appearance. Besides this, Start11 works together with Stardock’s WindowBlinds. If you have that app as well, then there are many custom themes available for the Start menu and taskbar too. However, while StartAllBack is 2$ for a PC license, Start11 costs $20 so you should ponder your choice a bit.
StartAllBack also provides settings for color and transparency. You can select the kind of blur effect you desire on the Start menu and taskbar (including none), so there is variety in appearance choices. The taskbar has some unique options like dynamic transparency or showing taskbar components as segments with transparent empty space.
StartAllBack, on the other hand, falls behind in terms of variety compared to Start11. The menu options of StartAllBack are essentially the Windows 7 style at their core but with diverse appearances. However, you cannot select a custom texture as background for taskbar or Start menu.
Start11 enhanced features
StartAllBack enhanced features
Can I use Start11 and StartAllBack together?
Yes, but if you’re using both, be aware of potential conflicts like flashing menus. Recent updates may have addressed some compatibility issues. Test each application’s settings to ensure they work without causing issues. If conflicts arise, adjust settings or use features from one app while disabling overlapping features in the other.
Combining Start11’s extensive Start menu customization with StartAllBack’s taskbar enhancements can offer a powerful combination for a personalized Windows experience.
Conclusion
Choosing between Start11 and StartAllBack depends on your specific needs for customization, and additional enhancements. Start11 offers extensive Start menu customization and grouping options, while StartAllBack provides superior taskbar and File Explorer modifications.
In the end, you can still try both and see what suits your requirements better. If you’re using these tools, let us know about your experience in the comments below.
More about the topics:File Explorer,Start Menu,Taskbar
Claudiu Andone
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Oldtimer in the tech and science press, Claudiu is focused on whatever comes new from Microsoft.
His abrupt interest in computers started when he saw the first Home Computer as a kid. However, his passion for Windows and everything related became obvious when he became a sys admin in a computer science high school.
With 14 years of experience in writing about everything there is to know about science and technology, Claudiu also likes rock music, chilling in the garden, and Star Wars. May the force be with you, always!
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Claudiu Andone
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Oldtimer in the tech and science press, with 14 years of experience in writing on everything there is to know about science, technology, and Microsoft
