The Industry's Most Advanced Start Menu Gets Innovative Taskbar Features, Start Menu Widgets, Sharing, and More
PLYMOUTH, Mich., Nov. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Stardock today announced the availability of the Start11 v3 release preview, bringing new features to the industry's most advanced Start menu. Packed with innovative features like taskbar islands, widgets for the Start menu, and new ways to organize the taskbar, Start11 v3 introduces a new era of desktop personalization.
New with Start11 v3 is support for widgets directly inside the Start menu. Users can now add interactive widgets that display important information and provide quick access to everyday tools without opening another application. With more than 20 widgets available, including calendars, system monitoring, notes, clocks, and more, Start11 v3 makes the Start menu a more useful destination for getting things done.
Start11 v3 is also introducing innovative new features for the taskbar that make it easier to organize applications, access frequently used tools, and personalize the desktop.
Taskbar Islands give the Windows® 11 taskbar a modern, rounded, dock-like appearance that supports both centered and left-aligned layouts without sacrificing functionality.
Also new is the ability to group applications directly on the taskbar. By holding Alt and dragging applications together, users can create groups that keep related applications organized and quickly accessible. These groups can also be pinned as workspaces, making it possible to launch multiple applications with a single click.
"We are continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible with the Windows desktop by giving users new ways to personalize how they interact with their applications," said Brad Sams, General Manager of Stardock Software. "With widgets in the Start menu, taskbar islands, and the ability to organize your taskbar, Start11 v3 modernizes Windows 11 in a way that makes it feel entirely new but also familiar."
Start11 v3 also introduces a new button on the taskbar that provides quick access to recently closed applications, overflow items, and taskbar tools. Users can easily relaunch applications without searching for them, while new taskbar toolbars tools like visual separators offer another way to keep the taskbar organized.
Rounding out the new features is built-in Start menu sharing, allowing users to share their customized Start menu pages with others, explore creations from the community, and browse a gallery of thousands of Start button designs, all from within the application.
Start11 v3 is available today for a discounted price of $8.00 (reg. $10.00) during the release preview period and is also included in the award-winning Object Desktop suite.
Screenshots:
- Start11 v3: Taskbar Islands and Widgets
- Start11 v3: Downloads Toolbar Expanded
- Start11 v3: Taskbar Application Groups
- Start11 v3: Taskbar + Button Expanded
- Start11 v3: Start Menu Sharing Gallery
Please contact press@stardock.com for all media inquiries.
About Stardock: Stardock Software is the world's leading developer of desktop enhancements. For over 30 years, Stardock has developed software including Fences®, Start11™, WindowBlinds®, Groupy®, DeskScapes®, Multiplicity®, and more.
SOURCE Stardock Software
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