Windows 11 Tips?

[Lamb]

I got a new laptop for my birthday/Christmas combo and it has Windows 11. What are some good tips I need to know?

 

[jswauto]

Here's a rundown of some of the anoying changes:

Most Annoying Changes in Windows 11 (Compared to Windows 10)

• Right-Click Menu Requires Extra Clicks
  The context menu is simplified by default. To access full options (like “Open with” or “Send to”), you have to click “Show more options” or press Shift + F10.
• 
  
• Taskbar Limitations
  • Can’t move the taskbar to the top or sides anymore.
  • Drag-and-drop to the taskbar (e.g., dragging a file onto an app icon) was removed and only recently reintroduced.
  • No clock on secondary monitors (fixed in later updates, but still a pain for many).
• Start Menu Downgrade
  • No live tiles.
  • Fewer customization options.
  • Pinned apps and recommended files are mixed together, which some find cluttered.
• Default App Switching Is Harder
  Changing default browsers or file handlers requires more clicks and navigating deeper into settings.
• No Drag-and-Drop to Taskbar (Initially)
  This was a major workflow disruption for power users. Microsoft re-added it later, but it was missing at launch.
• More Aggressive Microsoft Edge Promotion
  Windows 11 makes it harder to switch away from Edge, and some links (like in widgets) still open in Edge regardless of your default browser.
• Reduced System Tray Customization
  You can no longer freely rearrange or remove all icons from the system tray like in Windows 10.
• Tablet Mode Removed
  The dedicated “Tablet Mode” is gone. Windows 11 uses a more fluid, automatic touch interface, which some users find less intuitive.
• Hardware Requirements
  TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot requirements block many older but still capable machines from upgrading.

 

[Lamb]

Here's a rundown of some of the anoying changes:

Most Annoying Changes in Windows 11 (Compared to Windows 10)

• Right-Click Menu Requires Extra Clicks
  The context menu is simplified by default. To access full options (like “Open with” or “Send to”), you have to click “Show more options” or press Shift + F10.
• 
  
• Taskbar Limitations
  • Can’t move the taskbar to the top or sides anymore.
  • Drag-and-drop to the taskbar (e.g., dragging a file onto an app icon) was removed and only recently reintroduced.
  • No clock on secondary monitors (fixed in later updates, but still a pain for many).
• Start Menu Downgrade
  • No live tiles.
  • Fewer customization options.
  • Pinned apps and recommended files are mixed together, which some find cluttered.
• Default App Switching Is Harder
  Changing default browsers or file handlers requires more clicks and navigating deeper into settings.
• No Drag-and-Drop to Taskbar (Initially)
  This was a major workflow disruption for power users. Microsoft re-added it later, but it was missing at launch.
• More Aggressive Microsoft Edge Promotion
  Windows 11 makes it harder to switch away from Edge, and some links (like in widgets) still open in Edge regardless of your default browser.
• Reduced System Tray Customization
  You can no longer freely rearrange or remove all icons from the system tray like in Windows 10.
• Tablet Mode Removed
  The dedicated “Tablet Mode” is gone. Windows 11 uses a more fluid, automatic touch interface, which some users find less intuitive.
• Hardware Requirements
  TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot requirements block many older but still capable machines from upgrading.

Ooh thanks for all that!!

It will sure be a learning curve for me.

 

[Frankj]

If you're running essential older programs from previous versions that run fine on 7 or even 10 sometimes windows 11 won't allow them to load without taking some extreme measures including modifying the registry with little known commands that are almost secret to Microsoft technicians in nature.

 

[Lamb]

If you're running essential older programs from previous versions that run fine on 7 or even 10 sometimes windows 11 won't allow them to load without taking some extreme measures including modifying the registry with little known commands that are almost secret to Microsoft technicians in nature.

That's what I'm worried about for my Corel suite software. I found some tips to force it to work, so I hope that is correct.

 

[jswauto]

The process of loading CorelDRAW Graphics Suite software on Windows 11 generally depends

This is a very common challenge when upgrading your operating system! While newer versions of CorelDRAW Graphics Suite are optimized for Windows 11, older versions often run into compatibility, installation, and stability issues.

Here is a breakdown of what you need to know based on your CorelDRAW version and the recommended steps for installation.

---

1. Compatibility by CorelDRAW Version​

The key to a successful installation is knowing your software's compatibility status:

CorelDRAW Version	Windows 11 Compatibility Status	Notes on Installation
2023 / 2024 / 2025	Fully Supported.	These versions are designed for Windows 11 (version 21H2 or later) and should install smoothly.
2021	Supported with Update.	Only the October 2021 update (or later patches) is certified to be compatible with Windows 11. You must update your software after installation for stability.
2020 (or older)	Runs, but Not Supported.	These versions were built for Windows 10. They may run on Windows 11, but users commonly report crashes, UI glitches, and toolbars not appearing correctly (Source 1.2).
X7, X8, X3 (Older Versions)	High Risk of Failure.	Users report that installers for versions like X3 can sometimes corrupt the Windows registry, leading to major system problems (like the Start menu failing) that require a full Windows reinstall (Source 3.1).

---

2. Recommended Installation Steps (Troubleshooting Common Issues)​

If you have a version that is 2021 or older, follow these steps to increase your chance of a clean install:

A. Pre-Installation Check​

1. Check for Residual Files: If you had an older version installed, it's crucial to ensure the registry and program files are completely removed. If you deleted an old version manually, remnants can block the new installation (Source 2.6). Use a dedicated uninstaller program if necessary.
2. Disable Security Software: Temporarily disable your antivirus and firewall during the installation process. Antivirus software frequently blocks CorelDRAW's installer from writing necessary files or registry entries, causing "Warning 1946" errors or incomplete toolbars (Source 2.1).

B. Running the Installer​

1. Run as Administrator: Always right-click the installer executable file (or the setup file on your disc) and select "Run as administrator." This ensures the program has the necessary permissions to install components and register itself properly with Windows 11.
2. Compatibility Mode (Last Resort): If the installer fails, right-click the setup file, go to Properties > Compatibility Tab, and select "Run this program in compatibility mode for" a previous version (like Windows 10 or Windows 8). Then run the installer as administrator again.

C. Post-Installation Stability (For Unsupported Versions)​

If you successfully install an older version (like CorelDRAW 2020) but experience crashes:

1. Install All Patches: Visit the CorelDRAW website's support/patches section and download any available updates or hotfixes for your version. This often fixes known conflicts with newer Windows kernel versions.
2. Disable Hardware Acceleration: If you experience visual glitches or crashes, try disabling GPU acceleration within the CorelDRAW application. (Go to Tools > Options > Global > General and uncheck "Use hardware acceleration.")

 

[Lamb]

The process of loading CorelDRAW Graphics Suite software on Windows 11 generally depends

This is a very common challenge when upgrading your operating system! While newer versions of CorelDRAW Graphics Suite are optimized for Windows 11, older versions often run into compatibility, installation, and stability issues.

Here is a breakdown of what you need to know based on your CorelDRAW version and the recommended steps for installation.

---

1. Compatibility by CorelDRAW Version​

The key to a successful installation is knowing your software's compatibility status:

CorelDRAW Version	Windows 11 Compatibility Status	Notes on Installation
2023 / 2024 / 2025	Fully Supported.	These versions are designed for Windows 11 (version 21H2 or later) and should install smoothly.
2021	Supported with Update.	Only the October 2021 update (or later patches) is certified to be compatible with Windows 11. You must update your software after installation for stability.
2020 (or older)	Runs, but Not Supported.	These versions were built for Windows 10. They may run on Windows 11, but users commonly report crashes, UI glitches, and toolbars not appearing correctly (Source 1.2).
X7, X8, X3 (Older Versions)	High Risk of Failure.	Users report that installers for versions like X3 can sometimes corrupt the Windows registry, leading to major system problems (like the Start menu failing) that require a full Windows reinstall (Source 3.1).

---

2. Recommended Installation Steps (Troubleshooting Common Issues)​

If you have a version that is 2021 or older, follow these steps to increase your chance of a clean install:

A. Pre-Installation Check​

1. Check for Residual Files: If you had an older version installed, it's crucial to ensure the registry and program files are completely removed. If you deleted an old version manually, remnants can block the new installation (Source 2.6). Use a dedicated uninstaller program if necessary.
2. Disable Security Software: Temporarily disable your antivirus and firewall during the installation process. Antivirus software frequently blocks CorelDRAW's installer from writing necessary files or registry entries, causing "Warning 1946" errors or incomplete toolbars (Source 2.1).

B. Running the Installer​

1. Run as Administrator: Always right-click the installer executable file (or the setup file on your disc) and select "Run as administrator." This ensures the program has the necessary permissions to install components and register itself properly with Windows 11.
2. Compatibility Mode (Last Resort): If the installer fails, right-click the setup file, go to Properties > Compatibility Tab, and select "Run this program in compatibility mode for" a previous version (like Windows 10 or Windows 8). Then run the installer as administrator again.

C. Post-Installation Stability (For Unsupported Versions)​

If you successfully install an older version (like CorelDRAW 2020) but experience crashes:

1. Install All Patches: Visit the CorelDRAW website's support/patches section and download any available updates or hotfixes for your version. This often fixes known conflicts with newer Windows kernel versions.
2. Disable Hardware Acceleration: If you experience visual glitches or crashes, try disabling GPU acceleration within the CorelDRAW application. (Go to Tools > Options > Global > General and uncheck "Use hardware acceleration.")

Thanks. I also read that a dll file might need to have a new version installed to avoid crashes.

 

[jswauto]

Official Corel Website (CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2025)​

• Annual Plan: $260/year (discounted from $439)
• Monthly Plan: $21.67/month
• One-Time Purchase: $515 (discounted from $859)
• Includes vector illustration, layout, photo editing, typography tools, and cloud-based features.

 

[Lamb]

Official Corel Website (CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2025)​

• Annual Plan: $260/year (discounted from $439)
• Monthly Plan: $21.67/month
• One-Time Purchase: $515 (discounted from $859)
• Includes vector illustration, layout, photo editing, typography tools, and cloud-based features.

Nope, I'm not going to pay money when I already have software. I mean, I could just save my old laptop and use it as needed for those types of files.

 

[torial]

This tool (which I use on my work Windows 11 machine) makes Windows Explorer more like Windows 10 Explorer. For example I can dock my task bar on the left (which is nice for wide screens). GitHub - valinet/ExplorerPatcher: This project aims to enhance the working environment on Windows

 

[Lamb]

This tool (which I use on my work Windows 11 machine) makes Windows Explorer more like Windows 10 Explorer. For example I can dock my task bar on the left (which is nice for wide screens). GitHub - valinet/ExplorerPatcher: This project aims to enhance the working environment on Windows

That's pretty interesting. It took me a bit to figure out the Windows Explorer on 11.