Our favorite Start menu replacement finally supports Windows 11 on ARM and runs on my Surface Pro, fixing Microsoft’s failures

Our favorite Start menu replacement finally supports Windows 11 on ARM and runs on my Surface Pro, fixing Microsoft's failuresOur favorite Start menu replacement finally supports Windows 11 on ARM and runs on my Surface Pro, fixing Microsoft's failures

What you need to know

  • Developers at Stardock have released Start11 v2, which replaces the stock Start menu, and now natively supports ARM64 for Windows on Arm devices.
  • Microsoft’s standard Start menu has undergone divisive changes in Windows 11, including app advertisements.
  • Users can try Start11 v2 for free or pay for a $7.99 single-device subscription at Stardock’s official website.

As a long-time Windows enthusiast who still clings to my rose-tinted goggles when it comes to Microsoft’s operating system, I can’t help but feel like a kid in a candy store with the latest update of Start11 v2. With native ARM support now available, this means I can finally breathe new life into my previous-generation Surface Pro X and make it feel as though I’ve just unboxed a brand-new device.


In Microsoft’s operating system, the Start menu is perhaps the most recognizable element, first seen in Windows 95. It continues to be a key component in Windows 11, yet alterations to how categories are displayed and the contentious decision to incorporate ads at the top of the Start menu have sparked debate among users. Fortunately, developers at Stardock have finished beta testing their excellent Start menu alternative ‘Start11 v2’ on ARM64 devices, now compatible for Windows on Arm systems.

“Equipped with native ARM support for Start11 v2, you’ll now be able to utilize the most up-to-date Windows 11 devices featuring Qualcomm Elite processors. This integration enables you to customize and enhance productivity on these new machines by using Start11 v2, transforming them into tailored desktop environments.”

In simpler terms, the newest version has more improvements than the compatibility for top Windows on ARM notebooks. Yet, the most thrilling feature is what I’ve been eagerly anticipating since I still own an earlier model Surface Pro X, as it addresses some of Microsoft’s design alterations that I found frustrating. To set the record straight, I have a strong attachment to nostalgia when it comes to Windows, and I often revert to the classic Start menu whenever possible – which is why I appreciate the latest version of Start11.

“In this update, you’ll find several improvements, one of which is a more efficient search function for older Control Panel items. This means that more of these items will appear in your search results.”

Explore the complete array of features that Start11 offers on Stardock’s official site to understand why it has won my admiration. The native Windows support on Arm devices, particularly those powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite processors, such as the Surface Pro 11, has earned universal acclaim from us at Windows Central. Having witnessed the advantages of these advanced ARM64 devices like the impressive Surface Pro 11 firsthand, I eagerly await the general release of a 5G-enabled Surface Pro 11 for an upgrade. However, even then, I will continue to utilize Start11.

How much is a Start11 subscription?

Our favorite Start menu replacement finally supports Windows 11 on ARM and runs on my Surface Pro, fixing Microsoft's failures

Stardock provides a complimentary trial for Start11 version 2, while individual device subscriptions begin at $7.99. Or, you can explore it through Object Desktop, a more extensive set of customizable tools designed for Windows 11. With Object Desktop, users can personalize their desktops by applying themes and even reintroduce the appearance of Windows 2000. I advise starting with Start11 v2 to try out the Start menu modifications, then moving on to Object Desktop to delve into Stardock’s complete collection of Windows 11 enhancements.

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2024-08-22 14:09