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Starting my journey with Windows 11 has been interesting for me because it gives our favorite PCs a new look. The new Start menu and Taskbar look a little more modern, but as the saying goes, “new” doesn’t always mean “better.” For some reason, I didn’t really like the way Windows 11 looked by default. In my search for a more personalized computer setting, I explored the vast world of customization apps.
These digital tools were great to have around because they gave me so many ways to customize my Windows 11 PC to my liking. There seem to be a lot of options, like going back to the old Start menu or adding a dynamic, animated background to my screen. One of the things I love most about Windows 11 is how focused it is on customization. The community of third-party apps gives you a lot of creative options beyond the simple changes you can make with the built-in tools, like changing the taskbar’s position or tweaking the transparency effects.
It’s not just about changing how things look; it’s also about making an experience that fits perfectly with how I use technology. I looked into these apps because I wanted to make my computer experience unique to me. Customization became a form of self-expression for me. In a way, Windows 11 turns into a canvas, and these apps give me a variety of brushes with which to paint my digital world.
Best Apps for Customizing Windows 11 Comparison Table
Although Microsoft introduced Windows 11 with a new user interface that included rounded corners and vibrant colours, the company also made several modifications to the operating system that are not well received by all users. One of the most common concerns, for instance, is about the location of the Start button; but, fortunately, you have the ability to relocate it to the left. Despite this, a significant number of users are dissatisfied with the new appearance of Windows 11 and wish to modify it.
| Feature | Main focus | Start Menu customization | Taskbar appearance | Additional features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start11 | Restores Windows 10 Start Menu style and offers customization | Extensive | Customize colors, textures, transparency | Classic Start Menu layouts, custom themes, icon spacing |
| RoundedTB | Rounds taskbar corners | None | Round corners, adjust size | Taskbar grouping, quick actions |
| BeWidgets | Adds widgets to the taskbar | None | Add widgets, change alignment | Variety of widgets for weather, calendar, system info, etc. |
| TranslucentTB | Makes taskbar translucent | None | Adjust transparency | Blur effect, auto-hide |
| ElevenClock | Enhances taskbar clock | None | Change clock font, color, alignment | Seconds display, custom skins |
Best Apps for Customizing Windows 11
There is a multitude of reasons to be enthusiastic about Windows 11. The revised Taskbar, the new Start menu, and the changed Settings app are just a few of the improved components that are sure to thrill you.
Start11
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Customization | Extensive options to personalize the Start menu |
| Tiles | Ability to add, remove, and customize tiles |
| Taskbar Tweaks | Fine-tune the appearance and behavior of the taskbar |
| Visit Website |
Beginning with Start11, a fantastic tool that completely transforms your computing experience, you can embark on a journey of personalized Windows 11 expertise. Using a wide range of customizable options, including as transparency, colour alterations, and layout tweaks, you may create a Start Menu that is suited specifically to your likes and preferences. Through the empowering possibilities of Start11, you can be in charge of the atmosphere of your desktop and infuse Windows 11 with your own unique personality.
The Good
- Rich customization options
- Enhanced Start menu functionality
- Intuitive interface
The Bad
- Learning curve for beginners
- Some features may require advanced knowledge
RoundedTB
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Rounded Design | Taskbar with a sleek and rounded appearance |
| Color Options | Customizable color schemes for personalized style |
| Resource Efficient | Minimal impact on system resources |
The appearance of your Windows 11 taskbar will undergo a gentle transformation as RoundedTB alters it. Immerse yourself in this visual transformation. Observe the development of a sophisticated and streamlined appearance, which is distinguished by corners that are rounded in an appealing manner. This lightweight customisation companion gives your desktop a contemporary touch, guaranteeing that your taskbar emits an allure that is both spotless and stylish. RoundedTB’s bewitching capabilities will allow you to effortlessly elevate the visual poetry of your Windows 11 interface; this will be accomplished.
The Good
- Modern and visually appealing design
- Quick and easy installation
- Low impact on system performance
The Bad
- Limited customization compared to other options
- May not suit users who prefer a more classic look
BeWidgets
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Widget Support | Integration of widgets for at-a-glance information |
| Scalability | Designed to work seamlessly on various screen sizes |
| Custom Layouts | Arrange widgets and elements as per preference |
BeWidgets, your portal to a vibrant and personalized Windows 11 desktop experience, invites you to come into the realm of a dynamic and customized desktop experience within Windows 11. This widget platform makes it possible to incorporate widgets that are both customizable and interactive into your workspace in a seamless manner, leading to the creation of an environment that is tailored to meet all of your requirements. With BeWidgets’ user-friendly interface and an extensive selection of widget settings, your desktop can be transformed into a personalized paradise, allowing you to stay effortlessly informed, impeccably organized, and thoroughly entertained.
The Good
- Innovative widget support
- Responsive design for different displays
- Flexible layout customization
The Bad
- Widget availability may vary
- Initial setup might be time-consuming for some users
TranslucentTB
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Transparency | Achieve a translucent effect for the taskbar |
| Dynamic Opacity | Adjustable opacity levels for personalized transparency |
| Compatibility | Compatible with different Windows versions |
By utilising TranslucentTB, an enticing application that introduces beautiful translucency effects, you may infuse your Windows 11 taskbar with a touch of refinement. As you watch, your taskbar will start to blend in perfectly with your background, resulting in a desktop experience that is visually captivating. By embracing the seamless blend of beauty and usefulness that TranslucentTB kindly bestows onto your computing sanctuary, you can take your Windows 11 experience to new heights and transform it into something truly remarkable.
The Good
- Unique and aesthetic translucent design
- Lightweight and doesn’t consume much system resources
- Easy to toggle transparency levels
The Bad
- Limited features compared to comprehensive customization tools
- May not appeal to users who prefer a solid taskbar
ElevenClock
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Clock Customization | Personalize the system clock with various styles |
| Date Display | Additional options for displaying the date |
| Alarm Function | Integrated alarm feature for reminders |
The ElevenClock desktop application is the perfect complement to your Windows 11 desktop, allowing you to enjoy a combination of aesthetics and practicality. Not only does this chic clock widget ensure that you are punctual, but it also functions as a design masterpiece, which contributes to the general improvement of the beauty of your workstation. With the help of ElevenClock, you can take your Windows 11 experience to the next level by utilising the ideal combination of aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency.
The Good
- Diverse clock customization options
- Handy alarm feature for productivity
- User-friendly interface
The Bad
- Limited features beyond clock-related customization
- Advanced alarm settings may be lacking
Why Customize Windows 11?
Customising Windows 11 can be helpful in many ways, making the computer experience more personal and effective. If you want to change how Windows 11 works, here are some reasons:
- Making things unique: You can change how your screen looks and feels to fit your own style. Wallpapers, themes, and colours can all be changed in Windows 11, so you can make your surroundings look great and be uniquely yours.
- Improvement of Productivity: Change the layout of your screen and arrange your shortcuts to get the most out of your work. You can make a workspace that works for you and helps you get more done by pinning frequently used apps, arranging tiles, and using virtual screens.
- Better accessibility: Change the options for accessibility to fit your needs. Accessibility features in Windows 11 include magnification, narrator, high contrast themes, and more. These features make it easier for people with a wide range of needs to use the system easily.
- Setting up the taskbar and start menu: You can make the taskbar and Start menu your own to make browsing easier. You can change the size of the taskbar and which buttons show up for quick access. You can also pin or unpin apps. This can assist you in making your work area more organised and useful.
- Changes for privacy: You can change how Windows 11 gathers and shares information by changing the privacy settings. You can find a good mix between personalised features and keeping control of your data by changing your privacy settings.
- Live Screens and Tiles: Windows 11 adds live tiles and apps to the Start menu, which show you information that changes all the time. You can change these features to show news, weather updates, planned events, and other information that is important to you.
Questions and Answers
The new Start11 program from Stardock is mostly focused on providing you with the ability to modify the Start menu back to its original looks. However, there is also a significant amount of customization available for the taskbar. It is possible to alter the size of the taskbar, as well as its position across several displays and even the content that is displayed when you right-click on the bar.
An application or feature that you frequently use can be quickly accessed through the use of a widget, which is a little card that runs on your Windows 11 desktop. In addition to displaying sports scores, it is also capable of displaying dynamic weather information, news headlines, calendar appointments, and more.