ISSUE 20.34 • 2023-08-21 PUBLIC DEFENDER By Brian Livingston Despite all the wailing and gnashing of teeth that Windows 11 users have directed at Micr
[See the full post at: Your worst Windows 11 irritations — solved!]
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Your worst Windows 11 irritations — solved!
- This topic has 60 replies, 23 voices, and was last updated 1 year, 7 months ago.
AuthorViewing 28 reply threadsAuthor-
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“It’s likely that we’re little more than a year away from being forced to run Win11, like it or not.”
I don’t know about you, but I’m still in August 2023, so I’m a little more than 2 years away from October 2025
6 users thanked author for this post.
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Maybe it’s just me but the calls from users to make Windows 11 look more like Windows 10 is tiresome. I’ve adapted to Windows 11 features or lack there of. My only issue is the inability to run Windows 11 o on my Windows 10 machines without jumping through hoops.
3 users thanked author for this post.
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Maybe it’s just me but the calls from users to make Windows 11 look more like Windows 10 is tiresome.
There have been complaints about the UI for almost every version of Windows since 3.11. As you suggest, users rapidly adjusted.
Since Windows 8, however, that has not been the case. 8, 8.1, 10, and now 11 not only had loud choruses of complaints, but third-party solutions to ameliorate them. In addition, Microsoft has done a terrible job explaining why the changes are better for its customers.
There are many Windows users, such as yourself, who go with the flow. I’d venture that it’s probably the majority. Tiresome or not, the population of users who are dissatisfied with the evolution of the Windows UI just seems to keep growing.
14 users thanked author for this post.
My solution to the irritating problems caused by Win 11, and Win 10 for that matter, is to rely more and more on my Samsung Galaxy Tab S4. I use Win 10 when I need to do extensive typing, letters mostly. I have also given up on the redesigned MS apps such as Weather, Money, and games. I still access my checking account and Ask Woody using Windows, but that too may not be the case much longer.
Yes, I have looked at Win 11, and yes, I find nearly nothing I could call an improvement over Win 10, which I find to be no real improvement over Win 7.
Forget minor, cosmetic changes and get StartAllBack.
My very first task after upgrading to Windows 11 Pro, having been a happy user of StartIsBack++ with Windows 10 Pro.
Always create a fresh drive image before making system changes/Windows updates; you may need to start over!We all have our own reasons for doing the things that we do with our systems; we don't need anyone's approval, and we don't all have to do the same things.We were all once "Average Users".2 users thanked author for this post.
Windows 8.1 Start Screen is still my favourite
1 user thanked author for this post.
Mr Livingston, your article for the Win11 start menu issue comes across as a paid endorsement for StartAllBack. With so many freeware options out there, I was surprised to see you promote a paid product. The open source app Open Shell gives you the classic Win7 menu back on Win11 along with other fixes for zero dollars. Just saying.
1 user thanked author for this post.
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I prefer paid products as that ensures that there are paid developers fixing any bugs. These third party menus DO interfere with updating so I don’t want to depend on the kindness of strangers and want to ensure that someone can keep food on their table as I enjoy their product and gain benefit from it.
Susan Bradley Patch Lady/Prudent patcher
13 users thanked author for this post.
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(…) your article for the Win11 start menu issue comes across as a paid endorsement for StartAllBack.”
That’s a strange take. I like to read about free AND paid products to make informed choices. And in fact, I’m happy to read reviews about paid products because I want to be sure it’s worth my money ! And besides, I use several open source programs (Thunderbird, LibreOffice, etc.) and they all ask for donations, and I do make donations because I enjoy their products. So, free or not, I end up paying money for the programs I use.
I was surprised to see you promote a paid product
The Newsletter does not restrict itself to free products. Reviewing a paid product does not constitute an endorsement. (We do not accept product placement articles, paid or otherwise, which are offered to us on almost a daily basis.)
Should we discover that a contributor has accepted compensation from a vendor for a product review, that person will no longer be an AskWoody contributor.
I’m confident that Brian purchased StartAllBack on his own. His report that he likes it is entirely consistent with our editorial policies.
9 users thanked author for this post.
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I have no affiliate relationships with anyone, and I receive nothing if you buy any product or service that I happen to mention.
I can honestly assure you that I’ve downloaded and paid for StartAllBack myself, even before writing about it.
There’s nothing inherently wrong with free software. But I agree with Susan Bradley that products supported by a payment or donation model are more likely to be upgraded in a timely fashion to keep pace with the OS. (The developer is not required to neglect their day job to make extensive code updates with no compensation.)
1 user thanked author for this post.
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I agree with Susan Bradley that products supported by a payment or donation model are more likely to be upgraded in a timely fashion to keep pace with the OS.
I concur. Just two days ago after the “problematic” preview update KB5029351, I checked the properties of my StartAllBack installations on my desktop daily driver and my Windows 11 Pro-powered NAS. The desktop installation was fine. The NAS installation Properties > About had the hyperlinked message, “You need a license update”. I clicked on the link, a “StartIsBack” web page opened momentarily, and the “You need a license update” transitioned to “Your license is activated”.
That almost complete lack of hassle is worth $4.99 to me. I use a number of utilities, all of which are paid versions save one, “Process Hacker“, because the authors don’t offer a paid version, but they do keep it updated. I’m running v2.39.124.
Always create a fresh drive image before making system changes/Windows updates; you may need to start over!We all have our own reasons for doing the things that we do with our systems; we don't need anyone's approval, and we don't all have to do the same things.We were all once "Average Users".1 user thanked author for this post.
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Another option is to go open-source (free with optional donateware)
Open-Shell (formerly Classic Start/ Shell by Ivo Beltchev) has been used here by members and myself for Windows 7/8/10
Since then, the Open-Shell developers have provided what microsoft failed to, a familiar GUI with various customizations constantly being reduced by default in Windows.
My own methodology was to revert to a previous version as I had saved and stored 2/3 versions previous to the current offline for use if needed.
Fortunately, issues never happened although I think Win10 1909 posed a problem where the dev released an update within days/week of 1909 release to fix the issue.
Never had an issue with Open-Shell. YMMV
(disclaimer: i have no association with open-shell etc..just a happy user)Windows - commercial by definition and now function...1 user thanked author for this post.
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The primary reason I haven’t moved to Windows 11 is a superficial one. Since my first days of Windows, I’ve had my taskbar running up the left side of the screen. This always seemed better because (1) it’s a better use of real estate, (2) you can make it as wide as you want in order to see open file names, (3) it works better with Extended Desktop and (4) it feels more natural, though that may be just because I’m used to it.
StartAllBack claims it can “Move taskbar to top, left or right edges.” I’ve read elsewhere that this is buggy. I’m wondering if anyone has done this.
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StartAllBack claims it can “Move taskbar to top, left or right edges.” I’ve read elsewhere that this is buggy. I’m wondering if anyone has done this.
Yes, and no, in my experience it’s not buggy.
Always create a fresh drive image before making system changes/Windows updates; you may need to start over!We all have our own reasons for doing the things that we do with our systems; we don't need anyone's approval, and we don't all have to do the same things.We were all once "Average Users".3 users thanked author for this post.
I dislike change for the sake of change ( planned obsolescence) if it ain’t broke leave it alone, why introduce more problems! I found the easiest way was to dump Windows as my daily driver and move to Linux. Furthermore, I use Win 11 only as far as required for work to test our software and make sure the “updates” do not break it. yes I do have machines running XP, 7, 10, 11 but only as test beds.
I actually dumped MS when they began nagging in Win 7. I always feel sorry for the users ( ummm unsuspecting beta testers) when MS breaks things . Then again, not all of us are comfortable with command line use and/or tweaking the OS ourselves.
I do agree with Susan – delay with new products/updates to make sure the bugs are fixed. Seems to apply to everything.
I do have to say you folks are awesome in noting the issues that arise and noting products both free and paid that are helpful. I send folks here so they may have more insight into Windows.
Thank you!
6 users thanked author for this post.
I am still using Windows 10. I have used Classic Menu, now Open Shell for many years and multiple versions of Windows and it works with Windows 11. I cannot imagine wanting to go through all those “options” when I can install Open Shell and have my familiar menu back!
4 users thanked author for this post.
Start menu replacement software really became needed after Windows 7 when Microsoft tossed the pinnacle of the Windows 95 style start menu/desktop design into the trash. That design was initially created from extensive user feedback and refined over time and is what really helped establish their dominate market position.
But ever since then it seems Microsoft no longer has many competent UI designers/programmers nor anyone in management who really cares or has much respect for the end user anymore. Now it’s all about controlling your computer and monetizing you via their Windows as a Service (WaaS) model.
So IMHO using start menu replacement software on such systems (Windows 10/11) is just putting lipstick on a pig. You still have to jump through a bunch of hoops to try to control the computer and minimize Microsoft attempting to monetize you, which only seems to be increasing with Windows 11 and in particular with their Edge web browser.
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You just gave me ANOTHER reason to stick with Windows 10 AS LONG AS POSSIBLE. I too have my taskbar on the SIDE of the screen. I have ALWAYS been annoyed that monitors display wide horizontally, but applications use vertical space for headings and footers . . . sometimes making the actual usable screen size minuscule!!
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The primary reason I haven’t moved to Windows 11 is a superficial one. Since my first days of Windows, I’ve had my taskbar running up the left side of the screen. This always seemed better because (1) it’s a better use of real estate, (2) you can make it as wide as you want in order to see open file names, (3) it works better with Extended Desktop and (4) it feels more natural, though that may be just because I’m used to it.
StartAllBack claims it can “Move taskbar to top, left or right edges.” I’ve read elsewhere that this is buggy. I’m wondering if anyone has done this.
I have been a taskbar on the Left user since the beginning of Windows. It is so simple to create Quicklinks Groupings on the taskbar with NO additional tools. All Docs and Apps are ONE click away with NO additional tools. Leave the Taskbar unlocked to see the Quicklink Separators for a better UI experience. With Win10 Pro, use Group policies to NEVER allow upgrading to Win 11. That’s where I am. Cheers to all the Left Toolbar Users who do not accept being Compliant NPCs.
1 user thanked author for this post.
I also don’t like Win11.
Window’s Server 2003 / Windows 7 was Microsoft’s pinnacle of performance and quality. Since then, they’ve been progressively moving BACKWARDS.
1 user thanked author for this post.
your worst windows 11 irritations solved
absolutely, I reverted back to a W10 image, sorted!
Neutered, restrictive, dull and boring was my experience of that OS, good riddance. I’m sure the MSFT shills would disagree..Open-Shell FTW, it’s free and works well with all current in-support OS versions and legacy.
Just updated recentlyWindows - commercial by definition and now function...1 user thanked author for this post.
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It’s good that you have the patience to strip out what you don’t want/need and that everything works well for you even with upgrades instead of a clean install. I have also always tweaked and cleaned Windows systems to keep them running lean and mean. But at some point a clean install is needed if you really want to get the best performance (and reliability) from a Windows system. Experience has proven this when comparing upgraded systems versus a clean install. It’s just the nature of Windows and how a lot of cruft builds up over time despite best efforts to clean and optimize everything.
As to stripping out unwanted features or having to use third party Start menu software, I have lost all patience to deal with any of it anymore, even when Windows 8.1 was my primary OS with Classic/Open Shell. It’s one of many reasons I switched to Linux Mint. Now I no longer have to tweak anything or remove unwanted “features” or worry about updates breaking something/Microsoft changing something or continually trying to keep the system running lean and mean. Linux Mint is already a minimally designed and well optimized system out of the box, and where installing updates have no unexpected changes or need to run any post-update clean up or maintenance tasks. The system has built-in tasks that periodically run that keep things running lean and mean. So there is little need for me to do much of anything other than just use and enjoy the system.
1 user thanked author for this post.
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But at some point a clean install is needed if you really want to get the best performance (and reliability) from a Windows system. Experience has proven this when comparing upgraded systems versus a clean install. It’s just the nature of Windows and how a lot cruft builds up over time despite best efforts to clean and optimize everything.
I have been dual booting Windows since Windows XP Pro. I’ve also followed Fred Langa’s advice about a new installation of Windows; get all the settings and customizations in place, then create a drive image of this pristine installation as a guaranteed fallback point. Dual booting offers the distinct advantage of comparing apples to apples, or oranges to oranges, because the OS comparisons are done on not just identical hardware, but the very same hardware.
I’ve made such comparisons over the years to test my tweaks and configuration changes. After all, if a tweak gains nothing, abandon that one and try something else, which I have done. What I have found in the past couple of decades is that the quote above is simply not true.
Experience has proven this when comparing upgraded systems versus a clean install.
It has been my experience that when comparing a reconfigured and tweaked upgraded installation to a clean install on the exact same hardware, the reconfigured and tweaked upgraded installation wins, always, hands down. Always.
It’s just the nature of Windows and how a lot cruft builds up over time despite best efforts to clean and optimize everything.
Task Scheduler takes care of all of my routine maintenance chores, such as running an extended Disk Cleanup every day at 11:00 PM. I run HDCleaner weekly, as well as DISM and CBS log files after monthly updates. The cruft can be very easily controlled. The only cruft I have to deal with is when a feature update re=installs those useless “Special Folders”. Those are very easily taken care of by importing a crafted file into the registry; poof.
As to stripping out unwanted features or having to use third party Start menu software, I have lost all patience to deal with any of it anymore
As for the tweaks and configurations, a feature update does not mess with them in the least. I don’t have to spend any extra time redoing those. StartAllBack stays in place; read #2583280 above. We all have our own reasons for doing the things that we do with our systems, we don’t need anyone’s approval, and we don’t all have to do the same things.
Always create a fresh drive image before making system changes/Windows updates; you may need to start over!We all have our own reasons for doing the things that we do with our systems; we don't need anyone's approval, and we don't all have to do the same things.We were all once "Average Users".1 user thanked author for this post.
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Can you set up browsers to auto update?
Edge, Edge DEV, Firefox, Firefox DEV, and Chrome all update automatically on my systems. I don’t think Vivaldi does. I don’t have a Mac, so I don’t know about Safari.
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MacOS – Safari updates through the Software Updates in the System Settings.
You can choose:
FireFox updates are like Windows settings – choice of automatic or not.
1 user thanked author for this post.
I prefer paid products [with] paid developers fixing any bugs.
I agree, and think the same applies to freeware products with a donation model. I use an extension to Visual Studio Code to support PHP programming; the author’s premium edition costs $20. I can go without lattes for a couple of days, especially for something as astoundingly valuable as his extension.
Speaking of which, his extension has been downloaded eight million times, a huge number when compared to other popular VSC extensions. If a mere 5% of his users coughed up the dough — well, you can do the math. I talk to the guy regularly and was sad to learn that he’s not yet a millionaire (at least from the extension). That is so wrong.
So if a $10 product scratches your itch from a Windows 11 irritation, skip the latte.
2 users thanked author for this post.
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I’m not rich, I just realize that nothing is “for free”. Someone needs to put food on their table.
As to the best operating system was Server 2003. You lose the argument completely by saying that. Memory leaks. Scheduling rebooting was normal for that platform. Make a better argument because making 2003 the best has zero merit.
Susan Bradley Patch Lady/Prudent patcher
1 user thanked author for this post.
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Another irritation in W11 is WinRE update failures for some..
Although, help is at hand, as microsoft have documented KB5028997 which contains a manual walkthrough on how to expand the WinRE partition manually, by their recommended 100mb.Another irritation solved..
Windows - commercial by definition and now function...1 user thanked author for this post.
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