Why Microsoft should buy Stardock to bolster its personalization options for Windows 12
Opinion: Taking personalization to the next level
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Ever sinceWindows 11debuted in 2021, I’ve been using an app that has made the Start Menu, useful. And in order for the look of Windows to evolve, it only makes sense forMicrosoftand Stardock to team up, which feels like an easy win for both parties.
For those unaware,Start11can supercharge the Start Menu to change its appearance, customize the layout, and even lets youchange the TaskBar itself to mirror a look from Windows Vista and above.
It pretty much removes most of the irritations that users onWindows 11have had to bear since its release and subsequent updates, and asWindows 12is allegedly due to arrive in 2024, it makes us wonder what the Taskbar could look like in this next major release.
With Stardock giving users the ability to change the look of Windows 11 in many elegant and easier ways, perhaps it’s something Microsoft should consider buying for its arsenal.
Docking into Stardock
Customizing Windows from top to bottom is nothing new. For years, you could download free apps that could change the start-up screen, the Start Menu, and plenty more.
But officially, there wasn’t much you could change. Back in the days ofWindows XP, it could let you switch between a few themes where it would change the colors, but that’s as far as it went.
Fortunately, Windows 11 went further withhow you could change up the look of your desktop. It finally gives you more detail in picking certain colors for the windows and Taskbar inSettings > Personalization, alongside being able to choose a dark mode across theoperating system.
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But Start11 does something different than the rest - it gives the confident impression that it’s been a part of Windows for years. You only need to go to its Settings screen, and it looks very similar to Microsoft Edge’s andWindows Media Player’s settings.
It offers you powerful ways to change the look of Windows in an approachable and easy-to-use way. Someone who isn’t experienced in using Windows’ settings could easily change the Taskbar’s look with Start11 - it’s that easy. So having Stardock being bought by Microsoft would be an easy sell to many, and it wouldn’t require much work to integrate it intoWindows 12.
Asking for help is not a bad thing
Microsoft isn’t a stranger to acquisitions, with its Xbox division buying up companies constantly over the past few years, with its Activision-Blizzarddealbeing approvedaround the world by competition authorities.
And while there’s been nothing to show for it so far in the way of many playable, released games, it puts the company in a good position for its next-gen console at least. It gives Microsoft an arsenal of first-party, exclusive games that you won’t be able to play on other systems such asSony’sPlayStation 5andNintendo Switch- something it’s lacked for many years.
The same method should apply to Windows 12 and beyond. We’ve never heard of a period where Microsoft bought a company to help improve its operating system. We’ve heard similar acquisitions fromApplethough, most notably itspurchase of Beats Music for $3 billionback in 2014 where it helped to transform its Music app intoApple Music.
But these are competitive times - more than they’ve arguably ever been since the 1990s. Accessing apps and communicating with your friends and family is easier than ever now, whileAI looks to be a tool for simplifying how you can manage your day-to-day taskswith a few simple clicks.
Microsoft has something great going with Windows now, arguably ever since the release ofWindows 10, as it went back to basics by bringing back the Taskbar, Start Menu, and Desktop, andstopped trying to please everyone at once.
Windows 11has only built upon this foundation, by refreshing the look and feel of the operating system, while also updating its core apps and bringing back old ones, such as Windows Media Player.
This is whyWindows 12should build on this further, by looking at buying up some talented developers like Stardock to build upon parts of Windows and bringing these features to the latest operating system without starting from scratch.
Stardock is a great candidate for this - and even if this is a scenario that never becomes reality, it’s at least an example of what Microsoft should be considering, to further push its narrative of having Windows be a service to its users - and at least,Start11is a great example of that mantra.
Daryl had been freelancing for 3 years before joining TechRadar, now reporting on everything software-related. In his spare time, he’s written a book, ‘The Making of Tomb Raider’. His second book, ‘50 Years of Boss Fights’, came out in 2024, with a third book coming in 2025. He also has a newsletter called ‘Springboard’. He’s usually found playing games old and new on his Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch, and MacBook Pro. If you have a story about an updated app, one that’s about to launch, or just anything Software-related, drop him a line.
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