Start11 v2 not working with Windows 11 24H2 - A Start11 program issue not a Windows issue

Start11 v2 and Windows 11 24H2 OS Build 26100.3194

from Stardock Forums

I am probably going to be saying the same thing a lot of people are saying, Start11 v2 has huge issues and does not work properly. Period. I have it installed on a Windows 11 24H2 OS Build 26100.3194 system and it does not work. As an IT pro and computer diagnostics and repair tech with over 30 years of experience I have gone many steps further than the average person. I have a multi-boot test bench with multiple versions of Window 10 and 11 and Start11 v2 does not work there either. Just to be 100% transparent it always seems to work the first time it is installed but it does not run on a reboot or a cold start.

And telling people to restart windows explorer or download and install "ExplorerPatcher" as band-aid (or a cheap excuse for a HotFix on Stardocks part is just lazy and wildly inappropriate) to repeatedly telling people to uninstall and reinstall are not fixes. And yes I have uninstalled and reinstalled and even deleted all traces off of the hard drive and out of the registry and it changes nothing. It is amazing that the free app OpenShell (formally known as Classic Shell) works every time without issue but your fee based subscription based Start11 v2 has huge issues (although I would like to point out the prior version had none of the issues that this version does).

So simply put, if it isn't clear already, I don't need tech support I just need know when, if ever, are you going to address and fix the massive flaws in Start11 v2 starting with pulling it from being sold to consumers until it is fixed? I have read almost every forum post on here as well as dozens upon dozens on external forums and technicians sites on just how atrocious this app is. And for me the thing that sucks as I have referred more clients than I can count over the decades because you've had good products. But with some of the wildly inappropriate responses I've seen being given to consumers about Start11 v2, because it is blatantly clear that Stardock either has zero clue as to what is causing the problem and/or is doing zero testing to figure out the cause and thus a HotFix or a patch to correct the problem, I won't be making those referrals anymore.

More importantly when is Stardock going to take ownership of what has clearly become apparent is common/known issue with Start11 v2?

Moved to Start Menu Products Area

stardock software start menu products
2,744 views 3 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

Hello,
Sorry to hear you are having issues. I am not a tech Support, but please list down what is your issue with Start11v2? Please elaborate your issue so we understand it more clearly. Appreciate your feedback and patience.

Thank you,
Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant.

Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top

I don't believe anyone from Stardock would suggest using ExplorerPatcher.  In fact typically you would be asked if you are using it as if so it is typically the cause of problems and removing it is what's needed.

If it is not working on a reboot that is not normal and something is interfering with it starting up.  We had seen the occasional report of this over the years even back to Start8 and typically it will be something setting the service to not automatically start.  AV apps are notorious for interfering with things like that.

Also Start11 is not subscription software unless purchased as part of ObjectDesktop which is itself subscription based.

We are happy to try to assist but I should make it clear I believe you are mistaken if you think this is a common experience.  If it happens on lots of your computers then it is highly likely they all have another factor in common as well.

If this were a major very common issue, wouldn't you expect the forums to be full of complaints on this issue and wouldn't it rather impact sales given we offer a 30 day trial which would no doubt show the issue before the user had purchased?

Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top

I believe I was 100% transparent but again I have read many forum post on here, on other forums, and on tech forums and there are lots of complaints and bad faith answers. It is not an AV issue, the service is set to automatically start, I personally don't nor have I ever used ExplorerPatcher. Again I believe I already stated the level to which I went to as to testing it on a test bench across a range of Windows 10 and 11 revisions (all clean install with no AV) including uninstalling it, deleting the program folder, and cleaning the registry prior to reinstalling. I have done a clean-boot and then only renabled Start11 v2 and it still does not automatically start with Windows. I had no issues with the prior version, ever. And no it isn't happening on a lot of my computers as nowhere did I say that but yes, I would love hear what other steps that you think I could be taken that I haven't already done.