Can't sort by name in Fences in Windows 11

I used to use Fences in Windows 10. I was able to sort by name within a fence. I then switched to Windows 11. For a while it worked the same way, but in recent months I've found I can no longer sort by name either within a Fence or outside of it. If I disable Fences, Windows regains the ability to sort by name, but as soon as I re-enable it, I can no longer sort.

I thought perhaps it was an irregularity in my system, but I've just switched to a new laptop and I'm having the same issue.

Is there a setting in Fences I need to change?

8,617 views 14 replies
Reply #1 Top

Hello,
Sorry to hear you are having issues. I checked on my system and I can't see the issue both on Fences and Portal Fences. Need to know more on your system and issue.

  1. Windows 10 or 11? Need its full version and OS Build number.
  2. Fences full version number.
  3. Not sorting on Portal Fence or Normal Fence?

Thank you.
Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant.

Reply #2 Top

1. Windows 11 Home, Build no. 22631.4112

2. Fences version 3.1.6.1

3. As far as I know, they're normal fences.

Reply #3 Top

I tested on my system with Windows 11 and Fences 3.1.6.1 and I can not reproduce your issue. Sorting work as it should. Please try purge and reinstall steps as mention here : [Link]. Just make sure to redownload the latest version from your account page. Reboot after the purge. Reinstall and reboot again after the installation. Retest and report back here.

Thank you,
Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant.

 

Reply #4 Top

I just installed the latest version, on a new system. I'm not going through all of that.

Reply #5 Top

Never mind; I figured it out. I used to be able to right-click anywhere in the fence to get the sorting options for it. At some point, they changed it to right-clicking on the title bar. It's working now. Thank you.

Reply #6 Top

Great, glad you get it working for you.

Thank you,

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

Reply #7 Top

I still can't sort icons outside of fences, however. I don't have many of them, but I should be able to.

Reply #8 Top

Hello,
I have forwarded 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 #9 Top


Is there a setting in Fences I need to change?
End of quote

At this point, on Windows 11 and Fences 3 being two full versions ago, your best option is to consider upgrading to Fences 5.

https://www.stardock.com/products/fences/

Sean Drohan
Stardock Product Lifecycle Manager

Reply #11 Top

Hello - I downloaded Fences 5 and initiated the 30 day trial. I'm now able to access all functionality on the Windows 11 desktop, but the Fences nowcollapse and rearrange themselves. I never experienced this with Fences 2.

I go back and forth between two external monitors, but it doesn't happen as soon as I move my laptop from one monitor to another; it can take several hours, so I don't think that has anything to do with it. Fences simply isn't retaining a memory of its layout.

Reply #12 Top

When you use Fences 5.5 and above, there is a new layout engine. And with this new layout engine, your will need change something in your setting. Please do the "Troubleshooting" steps mentioned in the first post in this thread: https://forums.stardock.com/528229. Try it and report back.

Thank you,

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

 

Reply #13 Top

Several HOURS! That's something. Could you try the latest internal build at:

https://cdn.stardock.us/support/uploads/Fences5_5.8.4.5-j138-Setup.exe

to share more?

This copy has extended logging ability which will help collect data and send a report.

(1) Uninstall, using the option to "keep your settings". Reboot.

(2) Install the new version. Go to the About page and select "Enable advanced logging". Reboot.

(3) Collect data! Reproduce the situation a few times, taking backup snapshots before/after where you can, and then ultimately using that Create error report package link to create a package. That'll give us ability to take a closer look. It's also possible that the new build resolves your issue.

Thanks for your help figuring this out together!

Reply #14 Top

Hi all, 

Fences beta has been updated to 5.84 (5.8.4.7)

For details, please see:

https://forums.stardock.com/529942/get;3940572

As always, thank you for your time, feedback, and support.

Adam McGuinness
Stardock Customer Support Specialist