I'm going to provide the sequence of events in case my troubles at the end are the result of issues introduced earlier in the sequence.  I apologize I don't have version #'s for some of the earlier steps.

1) I installed Start11 on a fresh laptop which was running windows 11 23H2.

2) I configured Start11 to have a two row taskbar.

3) laptop was updated to windows 11 24H2.

4) two-row taskbar appeared to still operate normally

5) windows updated to 2025-09 cumulative update for windows 11 24H2 for x6-based systems (KB5065789) (26100.6725).

6) The laptop is now hosed.  The taskbar is completely gray...no taskbar buttons...no system tray icons...no start button...but if I click on the area where the start button should be, the start menu opens.

7) I had windows system restore point, so I rolled back step 5.

8) I upgraded Start 11 to the latest version (that was on Oct 13 2025, so I presume that's Start11 v 2.55).

9) windows updated again like step 5.

10) now the taskbar is completely gone.  Instead of being gray with an invisible start button, the taskbar is completely gone and the area where it should be is black like the rest of the desktop background color.

Any advice?  Is Start11 (at least if you pick the option for two manage the taskbar) incompatible with 2025-09 cumulative update for windows 11 24H2?