Question on Transparency and Blur Effects

Windows 11 Transparency Effects controls Start menu, but only Blur on Taskbar

from Stardock Forums

I have a question regarding Windows 11 Transparency Effects. If I turn off Transparency Effects in the Windows 11 settings, the Start11v2 start menu loses transparency, but the taskbar only loses the Blur effect. The taskbar continues to be transparent although the blur effect does not work.

I am not using the Enhanced taskbar, so why does the Windows 11 Transparency Effects disable the the Start11v2 start menu transparency and not the taskbar?

Not a big issue, just curious.

Windows 11 Pro - 22635.3570; Start11v2 - 2.0.7.4

start menu products
2,529 views 5 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

Hello,
I have forwarded your questions to Stardock Support Team for their assistance. Please keep an eye on this thread for any updates. We appreciate your feedback and patience.

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top

Hi pelaird,

Thanks for posting this.  Can you confirm if you get the same behavior in version 2.08?

Adam McGuinness
Stardock Customer Support Specialist

Multiplicity - Control multiple PCs using one keyboard and mouse
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top

Don't get me wrong. I like the transparency effect on the Start menu and the taskbar, but I really don't like the Mica effect in Windows 11. Microsoft has started implementing Mica in the Microsoft 365 apps now, and this is what drove me to turn off the Windows Transparency effect.

In answer to your question, yes the behavior is the same in 2.08. Non-transparent start menu and fully controllable, transparent taskbar.

I would prefer a transparent start menu as well, but please, whatever you do, don't change the ability to have transparency for the taskbar.

Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top

Thank you pelaird for confirming and elaborating a bit on that. 

I've observed adjusting the transparency slider in Start11 is effective with the Windows transparency effect toggled "On", whereas the Taskbar transparency setting in Start11 doesn't require changing that same Windows setting.  Mica doesn't need to be enabled for either to work.   Does that concur with your experience?  And is there anything else here you've noticed that I've missed?

Adam McGuinness
Stardock Customer Support Specialist

Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top

Sounds about right. I just wish there was away to allow start11v2 to control the Start11 menu transparency with Windows 11 transparency effects turned off.