Upgrade to Windows 11 because software runs better

In Issue 622’s Letters Tim Baker asked why he should upgrade to Windows 11 when all his software works on Windows 10. My answer to this perfectly valid question is that his software will run more effectively and securely on Windows 11. One of the most significant things that happens when Microsoft releases a new version of Windows is that it prompts developers to launch revamped editions of their programs, with enhanced features designed to take advantage of the new operating system. Without improvements to Windows, there wouldn’t be improvements to software.

I’ll give three examples of programs I use that have been enhanced for Windows 11 – they’ve all appeared in Computeractive recently. First is the audio player AIMP (Issue 620, page 19, www.snipca.com/40086), which for the sake of simplicity I use instead of a combined audio-video media player. Its best new feature is to add bookmarks to audio, letting you jump to the best bits. This is particularly useful when listening to audiobooks.

Second is O&O Shutup10++ (Issue 617, page 18, www.snipca.com/39704), which I’ve been running for the past few years to restore privacy settings lost by each Windows update. Its new Windows 11 version respects whether you have the Dark mode turned on in Windows - ie, its interface is dark if you run Windows dark (as I do).

The final program is Startallback (Issue 621, page 51, www.startallback. com), which lets you replace Windows 11’s default Start menu and taskbar with older designs that you’ll probably be more familiar with (pictured). The full price is £4.99, but I upgraded for just £1.50 because I was using the Windows 10 version, called Startisback.

I doubt these programs would’ve been improved without the arrival of Windows 11. I’m sure Tim will find his favourite programs have also benefited – or will soon – from the new operating system.

The Star Letter writer wins a Computeractive mug!