Fences 6 – Black Desktop Background / Missing Icons on Windows 11 24H2 with NVIDIA GPU

Severe compatibility issue: Black desktop, missing icons and Fences containers with Fences 6 on Windows 11 24H2 and NVIDIA GPU

https://support.stardock.com/space/SHC/1326219282/Fences
from Stardock Forums

Hi all,

I’m experiencing a reproducible issue with Fences 6 on a modern PC running Windows 11 24H2 (Build 26100.xxxx) and an NVIDIA RTX 3070 Ti (latest Studio driver).

Problem description:

  • After startup, the desktop background is completely black and Fences containers/icons are missing.

  • Taskbar and open windows/apps display fine, but the desktop is unusable.

  • As soon as I uncheck "Enable Fences" in the Fences configuration, everything immediately returns to normal – desktop background and icons are back.

  • Issue is present regardless of monitor connection (HDMI/DP), BIOS version, or whether other desktop tools are installed.

What I have tried:

  • All Stardock support recommendations:

    • Windows 11 animation effects enabled

    • Task Scheduler entries StardockFencesHotkeySupport and StardockFencesStartup are present and running

    • Fences has been repaired and re-installed

    • Configuration reset to default

    • Disabled all other desktop tools (Wallpaper Engine, DeskScapes, etc.)

  • Performed clean driver installations, BIOS updates, and tested with only one monitor attached.

  • Full Windows shutdown and restarts after each step.

Other symptoms (possibly related):

  • Sometimes, after disabling Fences, there are weird icon highlight issues (icon background turns black on mouse hover, or entire desktop background remains black/white even with different themes selected).

  • A full reboot sometimes resolves the icon highlight problem, but the Fences issue remains.

Additional info:

  • Fences 6.0, fully updated (latest release)

  • Windows 11 24H2 (Build 26100.xxxx), up to date

  • NVIDIA RTX 3070 Ti, latest Studio driver

Is there any workaround or upcoming fix?
This seems to affect multiple users with Fences 6 + Windows 11 24H2 and NVIDIA GPUs (as reported here and on other threads).
Thanks for your help!

Best regards,
Juwelix

see also:

Official Fences Troubleshooting

Windows 11 24H2 Issues Thread

fences 6 windows 11 24h2 black desktop missing icons nvidia compatibility bug desktop rendering multi monitor rtx 3070 support
4,169 views 4 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

Hello,
Sorry to hear you are having issues. Please provide your full OS Build number. Also if you have not done it 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 #2 from Stardock Forums Top

Hi Basj,

Thank you for your quick reply!

My full OS build is: Windows 11 Pro 24H2, Build 26100.4652.

I have already tried a normal uninstall/reinstall (including reboots), but not the full "purge and reinstall" as described in your link. I will now perform those steps exactly as instructed (purge, reboot, latest installer, reinstall, reboot again) and report back here with the results.

Thanks for your assistance!

 

Best regards,
Juwelix

WindowBlinds - Free yourself of the default settings, customize your desktop.
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top

Hi Basj,

After completing the full purge and reinstall as described, everything is working correctly for now – the desktop background and Fences containers/icons are displayed as expected, even after several restarts.

I will continue to monitor the system to see if the issue returns and will update this thread if anything changes.

Thank you for your support and the detailed instructions!

 

Best regards,
Juwelix

Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top

Great, yes, do let us know if you still have issues.

Thank you,

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant