The best third-party Windows 11 Start menu app is getting even more customizable with widgets

Published Nov 4, 2026, 3:05 PM EST Simon is a Computer Science BSc graduate who has been writing about technology since 2014, and using Windows machines since 3.1. After working for an indie game studio and acting as the family's go-to technician for all computer issues, he found his passion for writing and decided to use his skill set to write about all things tech. Since beginning his writing career, he has written for many different publications such as WorldStart, Listverse, and MakeTechEasier. However, after finding his home at MakeUseOf in February 2019, he would eventually move on to its sister site, XDA, to bring the latest and greatest in Windows, Linux, and DIY electronics. Sign in to your XDA account Summary Start11 v3 preview adds widgets inside the Start menu — 20+ interactive widgets for quick access. New Taskbar Islands and grouping give a sleeker, more navigable taskbar than stock Windows 11. Start11 is on sale during the preview window: price cut to $8 (was $10). Okay, so I'll admit it; Microsoft has been doing better with the Windows 11 Start menu lately. The company has fixed most (if not all) of the pain points I had with it, and I have to give it credit for that. However, I do also love what Start11 is doing, which was my go-to app when I wanted something different. Now, Stardock has announced that a new version of Start11 has hit preview, and it contains widgets. Start11 somehow got even more customizable Credit: Stardock As announced on the Stardock blog (via Neowin), Start11 v3 has now hit release preview. One of the highlights for this version are widgets, which you can place directly inside the Start menu for a quick digest. Here's how Stardock describes the new feature: "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." Given how Microsoft is slowly adding customization options to Windows 11's native Start menu, Stardock needs to pull ahead to keep its position as one of the better ways to use it. Fortunately, it seems the company knows this, as Start11 v3 introduces new features that keep it ahead of the official offering. Taskbar Islands gives the UI a sleek, modern look, while the new taskbar grouping feature lets you put applications into little niches for an easier time navigating them. To top it off, Stardock is reducing the price of Start11 from $10 to $8 during the release preview phase, so now's the perfect time to hop in if you're curious.