Microsoft blocks even more customization apps in Windows 11 version 24H2
Microsoft’s upcoming Windows 11 24H2 update is reportedly blocking popular shell customization tools like ExplorerPatcher and StartAllBack, which many users rely on to restore legacy features such as a vertical or more configurable taskbar. Commenters are split between seeing this as a necessary move against fragile, crash-prone hacks that patch Explorer in memory, and viewing it as part of a broader trend of Windows becoming more locked down, ad‑driven, and hostile to power users. The friction is pushing more people to consider Linux or macOS, especially as native customization options shrink while workarounds remain possible through crude methods like simply renaming executables.
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.