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Windows Central
Windows Central
Technology
Kevin Okemwa

Windows 11's best alternative for the taskbar gets modernized with a macOS-flavored dock, high-resolution display support, and animation improvements

Stardock's ObjectDock gets a major update.

What you need to know

  • Stardock recently shipped a major update to ObjectDock, making it more modern and in sync with the latest versions of Windows.
  • The app has been updated with a 64-bit version that supports Windows 11 and Windows 10.
  • It ships with several neat features, including high-resolution displays, UWP apps, animation improvements, and more.
  • ObjectDock will cost $9.99 for new users or $3.99 for those upgrading from a previous release. 

Stardock, a software development company well-known for its best alternative apps for default Windows 11 apps like Start11 and Fences 5 recently announced that ObjectDock now ships with a 64-bit version that supports Windows 11 and Windows 10. 

It's been several years since the popular docking utility received a significant update. For those unfamiliar, Stardock develops third-party tools that can be installed on Windows devices and ships with nifty features and customization options that allow users to add a modern and classic touch to default apps on Windows. 

Like how Start11 adds different flavors and variety to the stock Start menu on Windows, ObjectDock allows users to integrate a macOS-like dock on Windows. Once installed, you can launch and access your favorite programs and files directly from the dock. 

According to Stardock's General Manager, Brad Sams:

“ObjectDock is a classic Stardock application, and we are thrilled to be able to modernize the app so that it supports the latest versions of Windows. And with ObjectDock now included in Object Desktop, the best value for accessing all of our productivity applications gets even better.” 

You can also navigate the settings and enable the auto-hide option to keep the dock at bay when it's not in use. You can easily access it by moving your mouse cursor to its position. The option to auto-hide the taskbar recently shipped to Stardock's best alternative for the Start menu on Windows 11 (Start11).

Depending on the number of icons you want included, the dock can be adjusted to meet your specific needs. You can move the dock across your desktop or use it to replace your taskbar. 

Perhaps more importantly, it puts you in control of how big or small your dock is, and how many icons populate it. In addition to the animations when mousing over icons, you can decide where you want it on the desktop, up top, on the left or right, or as a complete replacement of the Windows taskbar at the bottom (which you still cannot move around in Windows 11). You can even add a second dock to another screen.

Another interesting bit from this news is that ObjectDock is now part of the Object Desktop suite of desktop enhancements and customization apps. You can download it without paying extra cash if you're an Object Desktop subscriber. However, you'll need $9.99 for the standalone license or $3.99 for the upgrade.

Stardock also indicated it had to sunset some "minor" features tied to the legacy components of Windows that have since been deprecated to align with the modernized and overhauled ObjectDock app. "But the core functionality of the app has been streamlined and with the new support for higher resolution displays, ObjectDock has never looked better," says Stardock.

Stardock is running a sale on its apps — 25% OFF

(Image credit: Future)

As it happens, Stardock is also running a Spring Sale on its third-party apps, including WindowsBlinds, SoundPackager, CursorFX, Groupy 2, and more. And for a limited period, you can get them at a 25% discount.

Here's everything currently on sale, including Stardock's highly recommended all-in-one premium package for Windows 11's best alternative apps, Object Desktop which is $10 cheaper right now. 

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