We are putting together the schedule to make WindowBlinds 11.
Customization is a lot harder now than it used to be. Microsoft, for reasons unknown, has actively encouraged developers to take care of their own client and even non client (border, frame) painting rather than using standard Windows controls.
Microsoft's baffling decision to throw away trying to provide a standard set of in-app controls for developers and instead provide vague, often conflicting standards (cough, Fluent) has resulted in having less and less of the OS we can even touch.
Which is unfortunate because WindowBlinds, in theory, could actually give Windows users a consistent, OS-wide Fluent if apps weren't handling the drawing of their own UIs these days.
Still, with that in mind, there are things we can do such as skin the standard OS controls and then handle apps on a case-by-case basis. Keep in mind though, the more non-standard apps we have to handle, the harder it is for us to keep compatibility.
Earlier this year we released Curtains which doesn't even hook into the OS. This means it is 100% compatible. Skins, even the weirdest ones, won't break a given app. Of course, the price is that it doesn't skin nearly as much (no client area GUI controls like scrollbars, push buttons, radio buttons, etc.). It's done quite well. However, we know there are still plenty of people out there who would like to have more full control over how their Windows desktop looks.
That's where this thread comes in: What would you like to see in WindowBlinds 11?
nyet, current beta version of open shell (V 4.4.168) works fine with WindowBlinds 10... Both the WB folks and the open shell folks did work to resolve those issues. However, yes, classic shell hasn't worked with WB for some time now; it's a pretty old product at this point.
Classic Shell v4.3.0 has been compatible with WindowsBlinds for many years. But when the developer transitioned to Classic Shell v4.3.1, and then abandoned the project, Classic Shell v4.3.1 would no longer allow WindowBlinds to paint the taskbar. Simply rolling back to Classic Shell v4.3.0 has worked for me for a long time.
But then another developer agreed to develop Classic Shell and renamed it to Open Shell, but all the versions of Open Shell after Classic Shell v4.31 until v4.4.160 have behaved like Classic Shell v4.3.1 and impede WindowBlinds from painting the Windows 10 taskbar.
I'm glad to announce that v.4.4.160 and v4.4.168 beta appear to be WindowBlinds friendly and allow WindowBlinds to paint the Windows 10 taskbar!
EDIT: Open Shell v4.4.169 appears to be available:
https://github.com/Open-Shell/Open-Shell-Menu/releases/download/4.4.169-beta/OpenShellSetup_4_4_169.exe
https://github.com/Open-Shell/Open-Shell-Menu/releases/
Open Shell and Start10/11 doesn't work correct on Window Blinds. Start orb has not correct position. On Open Shell work only Start orbs from Vista/7/8/10 but XP doesn't and in Start10/11 Vista/7/8 Start orb is too small.
I don't have verification that your statements are true. Open Shell v4.4.16X works fine with Windows 10, to my satisfaction. I don't use Start10 or Start11 beta. I don't see how Start11 could be finished, considering that Windows 11 has not officially been released. I'm not concerned with the orb positioning for Windows XP/Vista/7/8, because I'm more focused on running Windows 10.Perhaps you could start a new thread about Open Shell, or Start10/11, and how they interact with WindowBlinds. If you have problems with Start11 beta, then you should probably take that up with Stardock.
Start10/11 + Window Blinds = correct.
OpenShell + Window Blinds = not correct (it's cover 2 icons)
Start10/11 not correct:
Open Shell/StartIsBack correct.
Actually, a fix IS needed. Not everybody who uses WB has heard of, or uses, OldNewExplorer. I know until recently, past year - ish, I hadn't and before installing it for the first time, I always had issues with the Nav. Buttons NOT staying skinned. It primarily happens when you open Explorer and leave it running for a long time, 10 min. or more, in the background. Currently, the only way I know how to resolve that problem is to exit Explorer and reopen it.
No fix needed, since that is caused by OldNewExplorer. Be sure to have the "Use alternate navigation buttons style" unchecked, and you'll be fine.
Start10/11 + Window Blinds = correct.OpenShell + Window Blinds = not correct (it's cover 2 icons)Start10/11 not correct:
We are now "off topic", as this is supposed to be a Windows 11 Planning thread. But for the sake of discussion, I will address your response.I don't use Open Shell to paint the start button. I turn that setting off in Open Shell and let WindowBlinds paint the start button.Here are 5 different taskbars, from 5 different WindowBlinds styles, by 5 different authors. Open Shell v4.4.169 is installed but is not allowed to paint the start button. As you can see from these captures, there are slight variations in the start button positioning, but nothing I cannot tolerate.
I hope this helps...
Will there be a New SkinStudio making it possible to skin for Win 11's new features?
I wouldn't hold my breath on that one Andy....
One thing I have requested in the past, and it hasn't happened yet thus it probably won't now either, is having the option, under the main Settings "tab", for "Apply accent color to backgrounds(Recommended)" ticked by default. After all, if this setting is 'recommended', wouldn't it make sense to have it set by default? I know, it's a toss-up that boils down to how many people like their backgrounds skinned and actually use that setting as opposed to those who don't. It's a matter of personal preference. Still, I think it should be set by default. JMO.
Maybe Window Blinds 11 will add support to StartIsBack ? and no i dont want your "Alpha version" Start10/11.
Ok i fix problem in Open Shell and now it works correct.
After seeing and installing as per instructions the second beta for Start 11 and with a full release coming on the 7th. May i ask how far behind Windowblinds will be and it's compatibility with Windows 11. For me both programs are crucial for my eye sanity, as using what comes with Windows 11 ( and previous editions) would drive me crackers looking at there crap desktop. I work online in the real world and in my down time, i am Site Admin of a website, so can spend multiple hours on my PC.
Using Stealth Drone (and other Dark Skins) as a masterskin and some Electric Green Text which really pops and contrasts, i have managed to be able to ignore whatever windows edition desktops that have come along since XP.
I would very much like to continue this trend using the Start 11 full release and a new Windowblinds (maybe Edition 11)
So any news about when we will have a functioning Windowblinds for Windows 11 would be great.
I have also heard the idea Windowblinds 11 will not be an upgrade like in the past, but will be a new product similar to Start11 and to use it will mean paying a new purchase price, can this be confirmed by anyone.
Change is good, but little old me, just wants to get back to having my Desktop and start working well together like before. If that means paying , so be it.
Hoping a staff member or Forum Staff has some good news for me shortly, many thanks.
I couldn't agree more. Start 11 and Fences 11 would be a sufficient start toward a full experience.
I'd be happy with the Beta of Windowblinds 11. Would not be upset with a link to the Alpha.
I hear you JCurie , i would be very happy with a Windowblinds 11 Beta , as that way i would know something is in the pipeline.
I know the makers started this Topic Dec 25th last year to try to iron out bugs and offer users a say in what they would like to see, but the topic descended into rows about Explorer, so sort of lost it's way.
Just a little nugget saying "Windowblinds 11 Is On It's Way " will do for me.
I know i should not have relied on 2 pieces of software for so long to give me the desktop i need, but since XP i have not needed any other and if it's not broken, Don't fix it comes to mind.
So please, Windows 11 will be here in a couple of days, how far behind will Windowblinds 11 actually be. You have created a Brilliant Program i use daily, please say it will not be long now.
Trying to set up an avatar, I uploaded one and it's not showing so I wanted to see if it would show on new posts.
It didn't 👀
I need more 🍺🍻🍺 and then I'll figure it out.
So is there anyone who can give a solid reply about the Future of Windowblinds ?
My machine isn't compatible to run Win 11. It's already a few years old anyway. My plan is to get a laptop for Win 11. Any suggestions from the forum gang would be appreciated. Keep in mind by the time I want to do this it'll probably be mid 2022 and I'll be on a more or less fixed income by then. I wouldn't want to spend more than $800 on it.
I'm sure Stardock will have WB 11 and whatever else ready to go in the near future.
Still hoping for an official response , and i am hoping it will not be too far off the current release of Windows 11 tomorrow, i really do not want to have to re look for something to do a similar job, but as stated earlier , i use my pc for several hours a day, so need it looking like i want it too.
Well, Windows 11 is out & still no announcement
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