Microsoft is blocking Windows 11 build upgrades on systems with StartAllBack

[A Guy]

Even though Microsoft has already fixed some Start menu-related issues in Windows 11, many users are still not happy with what the OS offers in its stock form. Some decided to just deal with it, while others sought help from third-party apps like StartAllBack. Microsoft, apparently, is not happy with that: the company started blocking the program and preventing users from upgrading Windows 11 builds with StartAllBack installed.

Microsoft is blocking Windows 11 build upgrades on systems with StartAllBack

A Guy

 

[Maxstar]

This is not a very surprising decision at all, in particular because tools like StartAlBack and ExplorerPatcher will replace and/or modify various system files etc...

 

[Digerati]

I have to wonder if Microsoft managers/developers made a conscious decision to block StartAllBack, or not. I don't believe it was a decision. I think it is just something their algorithms picked up. I say that because AFAIK the very popular StartAllBack alternatives, Start11 and Open Shell, still work fine. At least Start11 on my laptop does.

BTW, I understand Microsoft's position on this. These programs make significant changes to the UI then users still complain that W11 is broken when things don't work right - expecting MS to fix it.

 

[A Guy]

This from Moonnique at Virtual Customs

this app cant be blocked permanently
if you have any problem just do not install StartAllBack
this app can be used as portable
just extract StartAllBack to any directrory with 7zip and run StartAllBack.cfg file

A Guy

 

[A Guy]

More from Moonnique (who works for MS BTW)

With Windows 11 / Windows 12 24H2 26100
Microsoft has expanded the list of blocked programs.
So far this includes ExplorerPatcher and StartAllBack.
Both small tools to bring the old taskbar or the old Windows 10 start menu back to light, among other things.

If you want to install one of the two programs after installing it, you will receive a warning.
This is not the first time that Microsoft has specifically added programs to a block list.
This is probably because Microsoft will also remove these old functions from Windows 11 in the near future.

There were first signs in a Canary Insider with an ID, when activated, that these old functions can no longer be accessed.
But fortunately, as always, Microsoft has blacklisted the entire setup name.
For example, if you rename the installer from StartAllBack.. .exe to sab.exe, the installation will start normally again.
It works the same way with ExplorerPatcher.

It may well be that other programs make it onto the list of blocked programs.
Microsoft still has time to fill the list until the general start of Windows 11 24H2 / Windows 12 24H2 in September 2024.

A Guy