Microsoft blocks even more customization apps in Windows 11 version 24H2

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Why Microsoft Is Blocking These Tools

  • Several comments reference past incidents where “shell enhancement” apps patched Explorer internals and caused widespread crash loops after system updates.
  • A Microsoft blog example is cited: a tool used symbol-server data to patch non‑public functions; when internals changed, Explorer began crashing on all machines with the tool.
  • Supporters of the block argue Microsoft is preventing known high‑crash, memory‑patching tools from bricking user systems, especially during upgrades.

Critiques of Microsoft’s Approach

  • Others note that in this case the “block” is by executable name only and can be bypassed by renaming, calling it security “theater” or passive‑aggressive.
  • Some say Microsoft created the demand for such hacks by removing long‑standing UI options and not offering stable APIs for equivalent customization.
  • There’s frustration that instead of fixing the UI or exposing official extension points, Microsoft blames third‑party tools.

Windows 11 UX and Customization Backlash

  • Strong complaints about removal or non‑reimplementation of features: vertical taskbar, moving taskbar to screen edges, small taskbar, classic start menu behavior, ungrouped task buttons.
  • Many describe Windows 11 as a downgrade from 7/10, with added ads, telemetry, and dark patterns (e.g., nudging to Edge).
  • Some speculate UI changes are driven by Mac imitation or ad/AI integration rather than usability.

Impact on Power Users and Migration Talk

  • For multiple commenters, inability to customize is a “dealbreaker”; they plan to stay on Windows 10, adopt LTSC, or migrate to Linux/macOS.
  • Linux desktops (especially KDE, XFCE, Kubuntu, Fedora) are praised for customizability and relative stability; Steam Deck/Proton are cited as reducing gaming lock‑in.
  • Others remain on Windows due to tooling (Visual Studio, Office, Adobe/Autodesk), hardware support, or accumulated scripts and workflows, sometimes planning to run Windows in a VM instead.

Reliability and Safety of Customization Tools

  • Some label ExplorerPatcher/StartAllBack as inherently fragile “mods” that patch memory and rely on legacy taskbar code that could be removed at any time.
  • Others counter that users still prefer them over Microsoft’s native UI, which they see as evidence of how disliked the default experience is.
  • One view is that blocking specific versions until authors fix issues is reasonable; another is that it’s part of a broader pattern of locking down Windows and marginalizing power users.