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Head-to-head · Taskbar Customization Software

ExplorerPatcher vs Start11

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score ExplorerPatcher #4 in Taskbar Customization Software 8.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 6 features Try ExplorerPatcher
Start11 #6 in Taskbar Customization Software 8.1/10 Paid ✓ 0 of 6 features Visit Start11

ExplorerPatcher leads on 1 check, Start11 on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreExplorerPatcher · 8.4/10
  • Free planonly ExplorerPatcher
  • Most featuresExplorerPatcher · 4 of 6

ExplorerPatcher scores higher on our rubric for taskbar customization software: 8.4 against 8.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #6.

ExplorerPatcher offers free plan; Start11 doesn't.

ExplorerPatcher is the better fit for open-source Windows taskbar replacement. Start11 is the better fit for start menu and taskbar customization together.

  • ExplorerPatcher fits best

    Open-source Windows taskbar replacement

  • Start11 fits best

    Start menu and taskbar customization together

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Side by side

Feature ExplorerPatcher 8.4/10 Visit ↗ Start11 8.1/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.4 8.1
Ranking #4 in Taskbar Customization Software #6 in Taskbar Customization Software
Best for Open-source Windows taskbar replacement Start menu and taskbar customization together
Pricing model Free Paid
Starting price Free plan —
Free plan ✓ (best) —
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows Windows
Support Community, Docs Phone, Tickets, Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features ExplorerPatcher 4/6 · Start11 0/6
Taskbar positioning ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Transparency controls Not checked yet Not checked yet
App grouping controls ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Multi-monitor support ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Taskbar sizing ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Portable version Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Platform Windows Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Supports Windows 10 and Windows 11 taskbar styles
  • Offers edge positioning, monitor movement, grouping, and icon sizing
  • Adds auto-hide, context-menu, Start menu, and Alt+Tab controls
  • Offers classic, modern, professional, app, and launcher Start menu styles.
  • Customizes taskbar appearance, position, pinned items, and context menus.
  • Includes backup, restore, kiosk locking, scripting, and deployment tools.
Cons
  • Some features depend on the Windows build in use
  • Supports Windows only
  • No AI features or verified portable distribution
  • Paid software with no free plan.
  • Designed for Windows 10 and 11, including ARM systems.
  • Each listed plan includes 30 days of support, not 24/7 support.
Our verdict

ExplorerPatcher is an open-source Windows utility for people who want more control over the taskbar and related shell behavior. It can restore a Windows 10-style taskbar on supported Windows 11 versions while also modifying parts of the…

Read the review →

Start11 is a Windows desktop customization application from Stardock Corporation that replaces and enhances the Start menu while adding controls for the taskbar. It suits people and organizations that want Start menu layouts and taskbar…

Read the review →
  1. ExplorerPatcherTaskbar Customization Software 8.4Free plan
  2. Start11Taskbar Customization Software 8.1Paid

Strengths and trade-offs

  • ExplorerPatcher — where it wins

    • Supports Windows 10 and Windows 11 taskbar styles
    • Offers edge positioning, monitor movement, grouping, and icon sizing
    • Adds auto-hide, context-menu, Start menu, and Alt+Tab controls

    Where it doesn't

    • Some features depend on the Windows build in use
    • Supports Windows only
    • No AI features or verified portable distribution

  • Start11 — where it wins

    • Offers classic, modern, professional, app, and launcher Start menu styles.
    • Customizes taskbar appearance, position, pinned items, and context menus.
    • Includes backup, restore, kiosk locking, scripting, and deployment tools.

    Where it doesn't

    • Paid software with no free plan.
    • Designed for Windows 10 and 11, including ARM systems.
    • Each listed plan includes 30 days of support, not 24/7 support.

More comparisons

All taskbar customization software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update