Taskbar doesn't switch apps when using multiple desktops

from Stardock Forums

Hey guys, I just want to check in and ask if you intend to fix this issue where the taskbar is not usable when using multiple desktops, or is that maybe intentionally not supported?

The issue is when I'm on one desktop and have an app opened on a second desktop, and if I click on that app on the taskbar, it will open a whole new window on the first desktop instead of switching to the already opened app on the second desktop. 

Windows already has a setting for virtual desktops (Settings -> System -> Multitasking) called "On the taskbar, show all the open windows", where you can choose "On all desktops" or "Only on desktop I'm using". It looks like Start11 doesn't follow this option and it's fixed to "Only on desktop I'm using". 

Not just that the taskbar currently doesn't show the taskbar icons of the already opened apps on other desktops, but also can't switch to those apps. Which is kinda the main purpose of the taskbar...

BTW, the Windows version I'm using is the latest stable version, 22000.739 (but also the same on all previous stable versions), and Start11 is 1.24 and 1.25 beta.

start menu products
2,263 views 5 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

Hello,
I have forward your problem/question to Stardock Support Team for their assistance. Please keep an eye on this thread for any updates. We appreciate your feedback and patience.

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top

For technical reasons the taskbar is filtered by what apps are currently open on the current desktop.  This may change especially for non store apps in the future however.

Elemental: Reforged
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top

"For technical reasons"?

That makes the Start11 taskbar almost unusable when using virtual desktops. Both stock Windows 10 and the Windows 11 taskbars work OK for app switching between desktops. 

Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top

Any update on this? I have to disable Start11 when I need to make use of Multitasking desktops, typically if I am using my laptop display only.  Any plans to get this working?

Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top

Any changes in the "technical reasons"?

Do you have any plans to add a support for virtual desktops? Not being able to switch apps by clicking on an app in the taskbar makes the taskbar basically unusable.