Start11 - Close start menu with Esc

from Stardock Forums

I'm trying out Start11 (v2.1) for the first time and I like it a lot so far. My only complaint is that I need to press Esc 2-3 times to close the Start11 start menu (each of them un-focuses a different sub-menu), whereas I only need to press it once to close the Windows 11 default start menu.

I am aware that I can just press Win to close the start menu, but I have years of muscle memory telling me to reach for Esc. I would love to see this fixed so that it aligns with the Windows 11 vanilla behaviour (or at least added as an option if it's intentional). Thanks!

start11 bug request start menu products
1,701 views 4 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

Please let us know what version of Windows you are running. It should be a number in this format, xxxxx.xxxx

Also, what Start menu style are you using?

I am able to close the Start11 menu by pressing the Escape key once, whether initiated by clicking on the Start button or pressing the Windows key on the keyboard.

Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top

My OS build is 22631.3880. I am using "Windows launcher style," but this issue occurs consistently across all Start11 start menus.

Siege of Centauri
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top

Update:

It appears that this occurs if "Start menu should open showing all programs list" is enabled. When I open the start menu with this option enabled, I have to press Esc twice to exit. And if I search from this menu, I have to press Esc three times to exit.

I prefer keeping this option enabled for its aesthetics and utility. However, I really don't love this behaviour with Esc. I think that, by default, Esc should immediately close the start menu like in vanilla Windows 11, regardless of whether the program list or search is open.

For now I will disable open to program list and use the Windows 11 default search.

Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top

but I have years of muscle memory telling me to reach for Esc.
End of quote

Time to learn some new muscle memory... ;)