My favorite free Windows 11 customization app just got even better

I’ve been using Windows 11 every day since upgrading my desktop PC from Windows 10 in 2021. While I enjoy many of its features, such as the improved File Explorer and snap layouts for multitasking, I’ve always been frustrated by the limited customization options for the taskbar, Start menu, and desktop. For example, unlike Windows 10, you can’t even make the taskbar vertical.

That’s why customization apps have become essential to my Windows 11 experience. The one I rely on most is a free app called Windhawk, which allows you to easily download and manage mods that change the appearance of Windows 11, such as completely overhauling the look of the taskbar and Start menu. Recently, the app received a major update, making it even better to use.

Windhawk’s latest version, 1.7, is packed with new features. One of the most important changes is how the app manages downloading mods. Previously, Windhawk downloaded mods and compiled them locally on your device. Now, it downloads precompiled mods, making installation and updates much quicker. When I updated all the mods I have installed after the update, it took just seconds, so it definitely works. The update also adds the ability to view and install older versions of mods, so if a new update to a mod you use causes problems, you can quickly revert to a previous version.

How to download Windhawk and customize Windows for free yourself

My two favorite mods change the look of the Start menu and taskbar

If you’re interested in trying the latest version of Windhawk, you can download it for free from GitHub. Once you install it on your PC, open the Explore tab in the app to see all the different mods you can install to customize Windows 11 to your liking.

There are tons of different mods available on Windhawk, including one of my favorites that lets you remove the “recommended apps” section from the Start menu completely. Another one I use is the Windows 11 Taskbar Styler, which lets you change the taskbar’s appearance, such as making it completely transparent or transforming it into a macOS-style dock.

Additionally, thanks to the latest 1.7 update, the developers have added a search feature, filtering options, and a list view for your installed mods, making it even easier to manage them.

While Windhawk addresses my complaints about Windows 11’s limited customization options, it would be nice if Microsoft eventually focused on giving users more ways to personalize the Start menu, taskbar, File Explorer, and other features instead of just adding more Copilot features.

Another useful feature in this new Windhawk update is the ability to update the app directly from the About section. Now, whenever a future Windhawk update like this one is released, you can update it by going to the About section (located at the top right of the app) instead of visiting GitHub to download the latest release.

I’ve been using Windhawk on my Windows 11 laptop for several months, and I haven’t had any issues with my Windows breaking or similar problems with the few mods I’ve installed, and everything has been smooth. While Windhawk addresses my complaints about Windows 11’s limited customization options, it would be nice if Microsoft eventually focused on giving users more ways to personalize the Start menu, taskbar, File Explorer, and other features instead of just adding more Copilot features.