Start11 Menu Not Opening

from Stardock Forums

Hi - I've used Start11 and other Stardock products for at least a couple of years now. I can't honestly say whether the issue I'm facing at this moment began with Start11 v2.5.3, but it seems that way. The standard Windows start menu is appearing instead of the Start11 menu. This is a laptop (point being it's a single display). I'm running Win11 Pro 24H2 Build 26100.4351.

Yesterday, after uninstalling Start11 fully using Revo Uninstaller, rebooting, and reinstalling Start11, I was able to get the Start11 menu to appear, but today (the PC was shut down last night) it is simply missing again. Historically, I've had very few issues with Start11, so I'm not sure what's going on here. There are no other applications that would interfere with the Windows shell in any way on this PC.

I think I'll try reverting to an older version to see if that makes a difference. In the meantime, let me know if you have any thoughts.

Edit: Nevermind, apparently I can't troubleshoot by trying an older version as they are not made available for download.

start menu products
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Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

Hello,
Sorry to hear you are having issues. My system still on Windows 11 24H2 OS Build 26100.4202 and it won't get the update anytime soon. However, I don't see the issue on my system. I wonder if this has something to do with Windows 11 updates. Is it possible for you try to revert to previous version Windows 11?

However, 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.

Thank you,
Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant.

Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top


Hi - I've used Start11 and other Stardock products for at least a couple of years now. I can't honestly say whether the issue I'm facing at this moment began with Start11 v2.5.3, but it seems that way. The standard Windows start menu is appearing instead of the Start11 menu. This is a laptop (point being it's a single display). I'm running Win11 Pro 24H2 Build 26100.4351.

Yesterday, after uninstalling Start11 fully using Revo Uninstaller, rebooting, and reinstalling Start11, I was able to get the Start11 menu to appear, but today (the PC was shut down last night) it is simply missing again. Historically, I've had very few issues with Start11, so I'm not sure what's going on here. There are no other applications that would interfere with the Windows shell in any way on this PC.

I think I'll try reverting to an older version to see if that makes a difference. In the meantime, let me know if you have any thoughts.

Edit: Nevermind, apparently I can't troubleshoot by trying an older version as they are not made available for download.
End of quote

Is Start11 still installed (checking the directory to ensure nothing uninstalled it)

Is the service running?

 

If its installed and the service is running, does restarting Windows Explorer have it return

Sean Drohan
Stardock Product Lifecycle Manager

Galactic Civilizations IV
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top

Thanks for the guidance. For reasons I cannot understand, the Start11 service simply did not exist. I went through another uninstall and reinstall of Start11, and this process still didn't create the service.

Since the executable for the service did exist, I ended up manually creating the service via PowerShell - that was the only solution. I'm really not sure why this happened. As I said, I've used Start11 for a couple of years. I've never run into this issue.

Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting alex_sisk, reply 3

Thanks for the guidance. For reasons I cannot understand, the Start11 service simply did not exist. I went through another uninstall and reinstall of Start11, and this process still didn't create the service.

Since the executable for the service did exist, I ended up manually creating the service via PowerShell - that was the only solution. I'm really not sure why this happened. As I said, I've used Start11 for a couple of years. I've never run into this issue.
End of alex_sisk's quote

That really reads like an over-aggressive AV \ Malware app... or... UAC is not popping up for you for admin access when installing the app. 

I am pleased you got it working, however. 

Sean Drohan
Stardock Product Lifecycle Manager

Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top

Yeah, I'd think the same thing if I were in your shoes, though there's nothing other than Windows Defender on this machine. I suppose I'll have to remain confused on this one.

Thanks again for your help!

Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting alex_sisk, reply 5

Thanks again for your help!
End of alex_sisk's quote

You are most welcome.

Sean Drohan
Stardock Product Lifecycle Manager