Comparison · Windows 11 · Updated
Windows 11 Dock apps compared: PrimoDock, StartAllBack, ExplorerPatcher, Nexus and ObjectDock
There are two kinds of app. StartAllBack and ExplorerPatcher change the taskbar you already have, and are the right pick if you want the Windows 10 taskbar back. Winstep Nexus, ObjectDock and PrimoDock put a Dock on screen. Of those, PrimoDock is the only one with workspaces and the same Dock on the Mac.
Side by side
Checked on each app’s own site on 20 October 2026.
| What it does | System | A Dock per context | Widgets | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PrimoDock | Replaces the taskbar with a Dock | Windows 11, and macOS 14 or newer | Yes, workspaces | 31 | US$ 9.99 once, 1 Mac and 1 PC |
| StartAllBack | Restyles the taskbar, Start and Explorer | Windows 11, 22H2 to 26H2 | No | No | On the app’s site |
| ExplorerPatcher | Brings back the Windows 10 taskbar | Windows 11, on the listed builds | No | No | Free, open source |
| Winstep Nexus | A Dock next to the taskbar | Windows 7 to 11 | Several Docks in Ultimate | Clock, weather and system modules | Free for personal use; Ultimate from US$ 29.95 |
| ObjectDock | A Dock that can hide the taskbar | Windows 10 and 11 | Not advertised | Not advertised | On the app’s site |
StartAllBack and ExplorerPatcher
These are not Docks: they change Windows’ own taskbar. StartAllBack gives the taskbar and Start a Windows 7 or 10 style, on any edge of the screen. ExplorerPatcher, free and open source, brings back the Windows 10 taskbar, but Windows updates tend to break it. If the old taskbar is what you want, either one does it better than any Dock.
Winstep Nexus
A veteran Dock that sits next to the taskbar, with clock, weather, CPU and network modules. The free version has one Dock; Ultimate does several, and Docks inside Docks. The most feature-packed on Windows, with an older look.
ObjectDock and RocketDock
Stardock’s ObjectDock is an animated Dock that can hide the taskbar, with no new version since March 2024. RocketDock was discontinued by its own makers: the last version is from 2008, built for Windows 7, and pages offering newer versions are fake.
PrimoDock
A Dock made for Windows 11, with Windows’ own Start menu on the button and the tray inside the Dock. Work, home and focus workspaces, 31 widgets that open a panel, themes and icon packs. And the same Dock on the Mac, on one licence for 1 Mac and 1 PC. See how it replaces the taskbar.
Which one to pick
- You want the Windows 10 taskbar back: StartAllBack, or ExplorerPatcher if you would rather pay nothing.
- You want the most modules and do not mind the look: Winstep Nexus.
- You want a modern Dock in place of the taskbar, or use a Mac and a PC: PrimoDock. You get 7 days free to see.
Questions
What is the RocketDock alternative on Windows 11?
RocketDock was discontinued and dates from 2008. On Windows 11, the maintained Docks are PrimoDock, Winstep Nexus and ObjectDock.
Can I move the taskbar to the top in Windows 11?
Windows 11 alone does not allow it. StartAllBack puts the taskbar on any edge, and Windhawk mods do the same.
Do these apps slow the PC down?
They all stay open all the time, so they use some memory. Try one at a time and check Task Manager.