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When the taskbar is positioned at the bottom, Windows Explorer uses .1% to .4% CPU. When positioned Left, Windows Explorer uses 12% to 24% CPU. Is this normal, and if so WHY?
What build of Windows 11 are you using? and what version of Start11?
That seems far more than it should be using.
Hello, Sorry to hear you’re experiencing issues. It looks like you’re running a Windows 11 Insider Preview build. Please note that Stardock products are not supported on Insider Preview channels, as these builds are experimental and change frequently.
Kindly revert to the official Windows 11 release and retest your issue.
Thank you,
Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant.
Before you go to the trouble of moving off that build, there is a quick test that will tell you whether Start11 is even part of this.
Turn off the master switch that lets Start11 enhance the taskbar, then put the taskbar back on the left and watch Explorer again. If the CPU drops, it is Start11's taskbar handling. If Explorer still sits at 12 to 24 percent with that off, Start11 is not what is driving it and the build is the thing to change.
The reason I would look there first is that left and right taskbars arrived as an experimental feature in 2.5 and only on Windows 11 23H2 and up. Most of the taskbar work assumes a horizontal bar, so the vertical path is the least travelled part of it.
If you are not certain whether the enhanced taskbar is currently on, open the taskbar settings and look for the options to hide taskbar buttons. Those are only offered when it is enabled.
Worth noting either way: whether the CPU sits high constantly, or only while the mouse is over the taskbar. Those point at different things.
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