Start11 v2.5 Introduces Vertical Taskbars for Windows 11 Users

Transitioning from Windows 10 to Windows 11

As the support for Windows 10 nears its conclusion on October 14, 2025, many users are preparing to upgrade to Windows 11. Even though Windows 11 has been around for three years, it still lacks some features that were available in its predecessor. One notable missing feature is the option to reposition the taskbar to the left or right edges of the screen. While we await Microsoft’s solution to this limitation, Stardock has stepped in with their latest update for Start11.

Start11 v2.5: A Significant Update

The new version, Start11 v2.5, is now accessible as a free upgrade for users who already own version 2. This update introduces a highly-anticipated feature: the ability to place the taskbar on either side of your screen. In addition, it supports individual taskbar locations for multiple monitors—imagine having your left monitor’s taskbar on the left and the right monitor’s taskbar on the right. Prior versions of Start11 only permitted taskbar positioning at the top or bottom of the screen.

Personalization is at the heart of Start11 v2.5 and with this release, you now have the option to dock the taskbar on any side of your monitor as the previous versions of Start11 supported taskbars at the top of the display. And of course, you can dock the taskbar at the bottom of the display as that is the default experience in Windows 11.

Compatibility Requirements

It is important to note that the vertical taskbars can only be utilized on systems running Windows 11 version 23H2 or later. The release notes indicate that earlier versions, specifically 22H2 and 21H2, do not support this functionality.

Additional Improvements in Start11 v2.5

Aside from the primary feature enhancement, Start11 v2.5 also addresses several bug fixes. This includes resolving issues related to dragging taskbar buttons, correcting problems with the Win + X menu, eliminating taskbar flickering when hovering over customized Start buttons, and addressing alignment problems among other enhancements. For a detailed overview of all the updates, you can view the complete changelog here.

How to Access Start11 v2.5

You can download Start11 v2.5 directly from Stardock’s official website or on Steam. Existing users can obtain the update through their settings. For newcomers, the comprehensive Object Desktop package is available, which includes a suite of applications such as Fences, Start11, Groupy, SoundPackager, DeskScapes, and Multiplicity.

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