Start 11 sometimes has no Start button

I recently upgraded my PC to Windows 11 (latest release) and straight away installed Start 11 (v2.53). I am using the Windows 10 style start menu, with the taskbar set vertically on the left hand side of my screen.

Several times since installation, when I start my PC there is no Start button at the top of the taskbar - however I can still access the Start menu using the Windows key. Also, there is a funny little icon half hidden off the side of the taskbar with a number on it - I'm assuming that refers to things that didn't load correctly at startup. I have seen that little icon at other times when Outlook has failed to load - it goes away as soon as I start Outlook manually.

I'm not sure if the start button missing is a Start 11 issue or a Windows 11 issue.

Here's a screenshot of the taskbar with no Start button, and the little icon on the side.

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Hello,
Sorry to hear you are having issues. First, let make sure it was properly installed. Please try, uninstall Start11, reboot immediately (important), download latest version available in your account product download page (v2.55 beta): https://store.stardock.com/myaccount/products. Install it, reboot immediately again. Retest it and report back.

If the issue still appear, report back with more information.

Windows full version and OS Build number. Please use Winver.exe for these numbers.
Start11 enhance taskbar turn on or off?
Do you have touch monitor? If so try changing taskbar setting for "Taskbar touch mode detection" from auto to Force.

Thank you,
Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant.

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