Aether Glass Start Menu Style For Windows 11

The Aether Glass Start Menu Style For Windows 11 brings three-section layout to your desktop with Windhawk. The navigation panel has been moved to the left, with an alphabetical app list in the middle and pinned apps on the right. Text labels sit alongside the navigation icons, making each shortcut easier to identify.

A soft acrylic background gives the menu a lightly transparent finish. Colors from the wallpaper behind it gently influence its appearance, helping the menu feel connected to your desktop. The style supports both light and dark themes, so you can use it with either Windows appearance setting.

Three-Section Layout

Aether Glass places your shortcuts and apps inside one wide panel with gently rounded corners and a thin border. Each section has its own space, keeping the layout easy to follow without heavy dividers.

The All Apps list and pinned apps sit beside each other. You can browse your installed software while keeping your favorite apps within reach.

All Apps in the Middle

The middle section has an outlined, rounded All Apps header above a vertical application list. App icons sit next to their names, with alphabetical headings separating the entries.

The list scrolls within its own section, allowing you to move through installed apps without expanding the entire menu. A slim scrollbar keeps the controls visually light.

Pinned Apps on the Right

The right section arranges pinned apps in three columns, with labels beneath their icons. Comfortable spacing gives each shortcut room without placing it inside a large decorative tile.

A Pinned heading and a Show all control sit above the grid. The pinned area also accommodates scrolling when more shortcuts are available.

The main layout focuses on navigation and applications, without a separate Recommended section taking up space. Your app list and pinned shortcuts will depend on what you have installed and arranged on your PC.

Works With Light and Dark Themes

Aether Glass supports both Windows light and dark themes. Light mode uses dark text and navigation icons against a lighter acrylic surface. Dark mode pairs a deeper surface with light text and icons.

The same three-section arrangement remains in place in both modes. You can choose the appearance you prefer without changing how you access your apps.

For a balanced desktop, try a wallpaper with smooth gradients or broad areas of color. Detailed wallpapers can also be used, though the visible acrylic tint will vary with the background.

Compatibility

Windows 11 21H2: Not Tested
Windows 11 22H2: Not Tested
Windows 11 23H2: Not Tested
Windows 11 24H2: Not Tested
Windows 11 25H2: Not Tested.
Tested On Windows 11 26H2: BUILD 26300.9457.

Before You Apply the Style

Create a system restore point first. Search Windows for Create a restore point, open it, and check that protection is enabled for your system drive. If needed, enable it through Configure. Select Create and give the restore point a name you will recognize.

Dark Mode

Light Mode

Preview

How to Install

Note: This is a JSON format configuration code. Do not paste it into Textual Mode. Use the Advanced tab and paste it into the Mod settings box.

Download and install Windhawk.
Open Windhawk and install the Windows 11 Start Menu Styler mod.
Copy the JSON code from the box below and go to the Advanced tab.
Paste the JSON configuration code into the Mod settings box.
Click Save to apply the style.
For more details, visit this GitHub guide.
For the taskbar style, check Taskbar Styler.

Use the complete configuration in its supplied format. A short styling snippet should not replace an entire Mod settings configuration unless its instructions specifically tell you to do so.

{
  "theme": "Aether Glass Start Menu By Link Vegas",
  "disableNewStartMenuLayout": "newLayoutSideBySide",
  "styleConstants[0]": "Glass=<WindhawkBlur BlurAmount=\"8\" TintColor=\"{ThemeResource SystemAltHighColor}\" TintOpacity=\"0.10\" />",
  "styleConstants[1]": "Frosted=<WindhawkBlur BlurAmount=\"28\" TintColor=\"{ThemeResource SystemAltHighColor}\" TintOpacity=\"0.26\" />",
  "styleConstants[2]": "DeepGlass=<WindhawkBlur BlurAmount=\"22\" TintColor=\"{ThemeResource SystemAltHighColor}\" TintOpacity=\"0.38\" />",
  "styleConstants[3]": "SearchGlass=<WindhawkBlur BlurAmount=\"12\" TintColor=\"{ThemeResource SystemAltHighColor}\" TintOpacity=\"0.25\" />",
  "styleConstants[4]": "BorderBrush=<LinearGradientBrush StartPoint=\"0,0\" EndPoint=\"1,1\"><GradientStop Color=\"{ThemeResource SystemBaseMediumLowColor}\" Offset=\"0\" /><GradientStop Color=\"{ThemeResource SystemBaseLowColor}\" Offset=\"0.2\" /><GradientStop Color=\"Transparent\" Offset=\"0.8\" /><GradientStop Color=\"{ThemeResource SystemBaseLowColor}\" Offset=\"1\" /></LinearGradientBrush>",
  "styleConstants[5]": "ElementBorderBrush=<LinearGradientBrush StartPoint=\"0,0\" EndPoint=\"1,1\"><GradientStop Color=\"{ThemeResource SystemBaseLowColor}\" Offset=\"0\" /><GradientStop Color=\"{ThemeResource SystemAccentColor}\" Offset=\"0.5\" /><GradientStop Color=\"{ThemeResource SystemBaseLowColor}\" Offset=\"1\" /></LinearGradientBrush>",
  "styleConstants[6]": "FluidBorder=<LinearGradientBrush StartPoint=\"0,0\" EndPoint=\"0,1\"><GradientStop Offset=\"0\" Color=\"{ThemeResource SystemBaseLowColor}\" /><GradientStop Offset=\"0.5\" Color=\"{ThemeResource SystemAccentColor}\" /><GradientStop Offset=\"1\" Color=\"{ThemeResource SystemAccentColor}\" /></LinearGradientBrush>",
  "styleConstants[7]": "Transparent=<SolidColorBrush Color=\"Transparent\" />",
  "styleConstants[8]": "PanelBG=<SolidColorBrush Color=\"{ThemeResource SystemBaseHighColor}\" Opacity=\"0.05\" />",
  "styleConstants[9]": "PanelBG2=<SolidColorBrush Color=\"{ThemeResource SystemBaseHighColor}\" Opacity=\"0.03\" />",
  "styleConstants[10]": "HoverBG=<SolidColorBrush Color=\"{ThemeResource SystemBaseHighColor}\" Opacity=\"0.07\" />",
  "styleConstants[11]": "PressedBG=<SolidColorBrush Color=\"{ThemeResource SystemAccentColor}\" Opacity=\"0.15\" />",
  "styleConstants[12]": "PrimaryText=<SolidColorBrush Color=\"{ThemeResource SystemBaseHighColor}\" />",
  "styleConstants[13]": "SecondaryText=<SolidColorBrush Color=\"{ThemeResource SystemBaseMediumColor}\" />",
  "controlStyles[0].target": "Grid#MainMenu",
  "controlStyles[0].styles[0]": "Width=860",
  "controlStyles[1].target": "Grid#FrameRoot",
  "controlStyles[1].styles[0]": "Height=620",
  "controlStyles[2].target": "Grid#MainMenu > Grid#MainContent > Grid",
  "controlStyles[2].styles[0]": "Canvas.ZIndex=1",
  "controlStyles[3].target": "Border#AcrylicBorder",
  "controlStyles[3].styles[0]": "Background:=$DeepGlass",
  "controlStyles[3].styles[1]": "BorderBrush:=$BorderBrush",
  "controlStyles[3].styles[2]": "BorderThickness=1.5",
  "controlStyles[3].styles[3]": "CornerRadius=8",
  "controlStyles[3].styles[4]": "Padding=0",
  "controlStyles[3].styles[5]": "Opacity=1",
  "controlStyles[3].styles[6]": "Margin=0",
  "controlStyles[4].target": "Border#AcrylicOverlay",
  "controlStyles[4].styles[0]": "Visibility=Collapsed",
  "controlStyles[5].target": "Border#BorderElement",
  "controlStyles[5].styles[0]": "Visibility=Collapsed",
  "controlStyles[6].target": "Border#LayerBorder",
  "controlStyles[6].styles[0]": "Visibility=Collapsed",
  "controlStyles[7].target": "Border#StartDropShadow",
  "controlStyles[7].styles[0]": "Visibility=Collapsed",
  "controlStyles[8].target": "Border#dropshadow",
  "controlStyles[8].styles[0]": "Visibility=Collapsed",
  "controlStyles[9].target": "Border#AppBorder",
  "controlStyles[9].styles[0]": "Visibility=Visible",
  "controlStyles[9].styles[1]": "Background:=$DeepGlass",
  "controlStyles[9].styles[2]": "BorderBrush:=$BorderBrush",
  "controlStyles[9].styles[3]": "BorderThickness=1.4",
  "controlStyles[9].styles[4]": "CornerRadius=8",
  "controlStyles[9].styles[5]": "Opacity=1",
  "controlStyles[10].target": "Border#AccentAppBorder",
  "controlStyles[10].styles[0]": "Visibility=Visible",
  "controlStyles[10].styles[1]": "Background:=$DeepGlass",
  "controlStyles[10].styles[2]": "BorderBrush:=$BorderBrush",
  "controlStyles[10].styles[3]": "BorderThickness=1.2",
  "controlStyles[10].styles[4]": "CornerRadius=8",
  "controlStyles[10].styles[5]": "Opacity=1",
  "controlStyles[11].target": "Frame#StartFrame",
  "controlStyles[11].styles[0]": "Margin=0",
  "controlStyles[12].target": "StartDocked.SearchBoxToggleButton",
  "controlStyles[12].styles[0]": "Visibility=Collapsed",
  "controlStyles[13].target": "StartMenu.SearchBoxToggleButton#SearchBoxToggleButton",
  "controlStyles[13].styles[0]": "Visibility=Collapsed",
  "controlStyles[14].target": "StartMenu.SearchBoxToggleButton#SearchBoxToggleButton > Grid > Border#BorderElement",
  "controlStyles[14].styles[0]": "Background:=$SearchGlass",
  "controlStyles[14].styles[1]": "BorderBrush:=$ElementBorderBrush",
  "controlStyles[14].styles[2]": "BorderThickness=1.1",
  "controlStyles[14].styles[3]": "CornerRadius=8",
  "controlStyles[14].styles[4]": "Opacity=1",
  "controlStyles[15].target": "StartMenu.SearchBoxToggleButton#SearchBoxToggleButton > Grid@CommonStates > Border",
  "controlStyles[15].styles[0]": "Background@Normal:=$SearchGlass",
  "controlStyles[15].styles[1]": "Background@PointerOver:=$HoverBG",
  "controlStyles[15].styles[2]": "Background@Pressed:=$PressedBG",
  "controlStyles[15].styles[3]": "BorderBrush:=$ElementBorderBrush",
  "controlStyles[15].styles[4]": "BorderBrush@PointerOver:=$FluidBorder",
  "controlStyles[15].styles[5]": "BorderThickness=1.1",
  "controlStyles[15].styles[6]": "CornerRadius=8",
  "controlStyles[16].target": "StartMenu.SearchBoxToggleButton TextBlock",
  "controlStyles[16].styles[0]": "Foreground:=$SecondaryText",
  "controlStyles[16].styles[1]": "FontWeight=SemiBold",
  "controlStyles[17].target": "Grid#SideBySidePinnedWrapper",
  "controlStyles[17].styles[0]": "Margin=205,15,16,0",
  "controlStyles[17].styles[1]": "ColumnDefinitions:=<ColumnDefinitionCollection><ColumnDefinition Width=\"245*\"/><ColumnDefinition Width=\"390*\"/></ColumnDefinitionCollection>",
  "controlStyles[18].target": "ScrollViewer#SideBySidePinnedScrollViewer",
  "controlStyles[18].styles[0]": "Visibility=Visible",
  "controlStyles[18].styles[1]": "Grid.Column=1",
  "controlStyles[18].styles[2]": "Margin=10,0,0,0",
  "controlStyles[18].styles[3]": "Canvas.ZIndex=2",
  "controlStyles[18].styles[4]": "ScrollViewer.VerticalScrollMode=2",
  "controlStyles[19].target": "Grid#SideBySidePinnedContent",
  "controlStyles[19].styles[0]": "Visibility=Visible",
  "controlStyles[20].target": "Windows.UI.Xaml.Controls.Grid#SideBySidePinnedContent",
  "controlStyles[20].styles[0]": "Visibility=Visible",
  "controlStyles[21].target": "StartMenu.PinnedList",
  "controlStyles[21].styles[0]": "Visibility=Visible",
  "controlStyles[21].styles[1]": "Height=330",
  "controlStyles[22].target": "StartMenu.PinnedList#StartMenuPinnedList",
  "controlStyles[22].styles[0]": "Visibility=Visible",
  "controlStyles[22].styles[1]": "Height=330",
  "controlStyles[22].styles[2]": "Margin=0",
  "controlStyles[23].target": "GridView#PinnedList",
  "controlStyles[23].styles[0]": "Visibility=Visible",
  "controlStyles[23].styles[1]": "Width=375",
  "controlStyles[23].styles[2]": "Margin=0",
  "controlStyles[24].target": "GridView#PinnedList > Border > Windows.UI.Xaml.Controls.ScrollViewer",
  "controlStyles[24].styles[0]": "ScrollViewer.VerticalScrollMode=2",
  "controlStyles[24].styles[1]": "MaxHeight=300",
  "controlStyles[25].target": "Windows.UI.Xaml.Controls.TextBlock#PinnedListHeaderText",
  "controlStyles[25].styles[0]": "Visibility=Visible",
  "controlStyles[25].styles[1]": "Text=Pinned",
  "controlStyles[25].styles[2]": "Foreground:=$PrimaryText",
  "controlStyles[25].styles[3]": "FontWeight=SemiBold",
  "controlStyles[25].styles[4]": "FontSize=15",
  "controlStyles[25].styles[5]": "Margin=14,4,0,8",
  "controlStyles[26].target": "TextBlock#PinnedListHeaderText",
  "controlStyles[26].styles[0]": "Visibility=Visible",
  "controlStyles[26].styles[1]": "Text=Pinned",
  "controlStyles[26].styles[2]": "Foreground:=$PrimaryText",
  "controlStyles[26].styles[3]": "FontWeight=SemiBold",
  "controlStyles[26].styles[4]": "FontSize=15",
  "controlStyles[26].styles[5]": "Margin=14,4,0,8",
  "controlStyles[27].target": "GridView#AllAppsGrid > Border > Grid#SideBySidePinnedWrapper > ScrollViewer#ScrollViewer",
  "controlStyles[27].styles[0]": "Visibility=Visible",
  "controlStyles[27].styles[1]": "Grid.Column=0",
  "controlStyles[27].styles[2]": "Margin=0,0,10,0",
  "controlStyles[27].styles[3]": "ScrollViewer.VerticalScrollMode=2",
  "controlStyles[28].target": "Grid#SideBySidePinnedWrapper > ScrollViewer > Border#Root > Grid > ScrollContentPresenter > ItemsPresenter > ItemsWrapGrid",
  "controlStyles[28].styles[0]": "Margin=8,8,8,12",
  "controlStyles[29].target": "Grid#AllListHeading",
  "controlStyles[29].styles[0]": "Background:=$PanelBG",
  "controlStyles[29].styles[1]": "BorderBrush:=$ElementBorderBrush",
  "controlStyles[29].styles[2]": "BorderThickness=1",
  "controlStyles[29].styles[3]": "CornerRadius=8",
  "controlStyles[29].styles[4]": "Margin=4,4,4,6",
  "controlStyles[29].styles[5]": "Padding=2,0,2,0",
  "controlStyles[30].target": "Grid#AllListHeading > TextBlock#AllListHeadingText",
  "controlStyles[30].styles[0]": "Text=All Apps",
  "controlStyles[30].styles[1]": "Margin=10,8,8,8",
  "controlStyles[30].styles[2]": "Foreground:=$PrimaryText",
  "controlStyles[30].styles[3]": "FontWeight=SemiBold",
  "controlStyles[30].styles[4]": "FontSize=15",
  "controlStyles[31].target": "Grid#AllListHeading > Microsoft.UI.Xaml.Controls.DropDownButton#ViewSelectionButton",
  "controlStyles[31].styles[0]": "Visibility=Collapsed",
  "controlStyles[32].target": "Button#ShowAllAppsButton",
  "controlStyles[32].styles[0]": "Visibility=Collapsed",
  "controlStyles[33].target": "Windows.UI.Xaml.Controls.Button#ShowAllAppsButton",
  "controlStyles[33].styles[0]": "Visibility=Collapsed",
  "controlStyles[34].target": "Button#CloseAllAppsButton",
  "controlStyles[34].styles[0]": "Visibility=Collapsed",
  "controlStyles[35].target": "Windows.UI.Xaml.Controls.Button#CloseAllAppsButton",
  "controlStyles[35].styles[0]": "Visibility=Collapsed",
  "controlStyles[36].target": "Grid#TopLevelSuggestionsRoot",
  "controlStyles[36].styles[0]": "Visibility=Collapsed",
  "controlStyles[37].target": "Grid#TopLevelSuggestionsListHeader",
  "controlStyles[37].styles[0]": "Visibility=Collapsed",
  "controlStyles[38].target": "Windows.UI.Xaml.Controls.Grid#TopLevelSuggestionsListHeader",
  "controlStyles[38].styles[0]": "Visibility=Collapsed",
  "controlStyles[39].target": "TextBlock#TopLevelSuggestionsListHeaderText",
  "controlStyles[39].styles[0]": "Visibility=Collapsed",
  "controlStyles[40].target": "Grid#TopLevelSuggestionsContainer",
  "controlStyles[40].styles[0]": "Visibility=Collapsed",
  "controlStyles[41].target": "Windows.UI.Xaml.Controls.Grid#TopLevelSuggestionsContainer",
  "controlStyles[41].styles[0]": "Visibility=Collapsed",
  "controlStyles[42].target": "GridView#RecommendedList",
  "controlStyles[42].styles[0]": "Visibility=Collapsed",
  "controlStyles[43].target": "Windows.UI.Xaml.Controls.Grid#NoTopLevelSuggestionsText",
  "controlStyles[43].styles[0]": "Visibility=Collapsed",
  "controlStyles[44].target": "Windows.UI.Xaml.Controls.Grid#ShowMoreSuggestions",
  "controlStyles[44].styles[0]": "Visibility=Collapsed",
  "controlStyles[45].target": "Windows.UI.Xaml.Controls.Grid#MoreSuggestionsRoot",
  "controlStyles[45].styles[0]": "Visibility=Collapsed",
  "controlStyles[46].target": "StartDocked.NavigationPaneView",
  "controlStyles[46].styles[0]": "Height=200",
  "controlStyles[46].styles[1]": "Margin=20,-750,0,0",
  "controlStyles[46].styles[2]": "Transform3D:=<CompositeTransform3D TranslateX=\"130\" RotationZ=\"270\" />",
  "controlStyles[46].styles[3]": "VerticalAlignment=1",
  "controlStyles[46].styles[4]": "Canvas.ZIndex=150",
  "controlStyles[47].target": "StartDocked.NavigationPaneView > Grid#RootPanel",
  "controlStyles[47].styles[0]": "FlowDirection=1",
  "controlStyles[47].styles[1]": "Background:=$Transparent",
  "controlStyles[47].styles[2]": "RenderTransform:=<TranslateTransform Y=\"-10\" />",
  "controlStyles[48].target": "StartDocked.NavigationPaneView#UserControl > Grid#RootPanel",
  "controlStyles[48].styles[0]": "FlowDirection=1",
  "controlStyles[48].styles[1]": "Background:=$Transparent",
  "controlStyles[48].styles[2]": "RenderTransform:=<TranslateTransform Y=\"-10\" />",
  "controlStyles[49].target": "StartDocked.AppListView#NavigationPanePlacesListView",
  "controlStyles[49].styles[0]": "HorizontalAlignment=Right",
  "controlStyles[49].styles[1]": "Margin=0,0,4,0",
  "controlStyles[50].target": "Windows.UI.Xaml.Controls.ItemsStackPanel > StartDocked.AppListViewItem",
  "controlStyles[50].styles[0]": "FlowDirection=0",
  "controlStyles[50].styles[1]": "Height=196",
  "controlStyles[51].target": "StartDocked.AppListViewItem > Grid#ContentBorder > Windows.UI.Xaml.Controls.ContentPresenter#ContentPresenter",
  "controlStyles[51].styles[0]": "VerticalAlignment=2",
  "controlStyles[51].styles[1]": "Width=130",
  "controlStyles[52].target": "StartDocked.AppListViewItem > Grid#ContentBorder > Windows.UI.Xaml.Controls.ContentPresenter#ContentPresenter > Windows.UI.Xaml.Controls.FontIcon",
  "controlStyles[52].styles[0]": "Margin=18,0,-48,0",
  "controlStyles[52].styles[1]": "Transform3D:=<CompositeTransform3D TranslateX=\"-12\" RotationZ=\"90\" />",
  "controlStyles[52].styles[2]": "Width=148",
  "controlStyles[53].target": "StartDocked.AppListViewItem > Grid#ContentBorder > Windows.UI.Xaml.Controls.ContentPresenter#ContentPresenter > Windows.UI.Xaml.Controls.FontIcon > Grid > TextBlock",
  "controlStyles[53].styles[0]": "FontFamily=Segoe UI, Segoe Fluent Icons",
  "controlStyles[53].styles[1]": "FontSize=13",
  "controlStyles[53].styles[2]": "Foreground:=$PrimaryText",
  "controlStyles[53].styles[3]": "HorizontalAlignment=Left",
  "controlStyles[54].target": "Windows.UI.Xaml.Controls.TextBlock[Text=]",
  "controlStyles[54].styles[0]": "Text= Settings",
  "controlStyles[54].styles[1]": "Foreground:=$PrimaryText",
  "controlStyles[54].styles[2]": "RenderTransform:=<TranslateTransform X=\"0\" Y=\"-3\" />",
  "controlStyles[55].target": "Windows.UI.Xaml.Controls.TextBlock[Text=]",
  "controlStyles[55].styles[0]": "Text= Explorer",
  "controlStyles[55].styles[1]": "Foreground:=$PrimaryText",
  "controlStyles[55].styles[2]": "RenderTransform:=<TranslateTransform X=\"0\" Y=\"-3\" />",
  "controlStyles[56].target": "Windows.UI.Xaml.Controls.TextBlock[Text=]",
  "controlStyles[56].styles[0]": "Text= Profile",
  "controlStyles[56].styles[1]": "Foreground:=$PrimaryText",
  "controlStyles[56].styles[2]": "RenderTransform:=<TranslateTransform X=\"0\" Y=\"-3\" />",
  "controlStyles[57].target": "Windows.UI.Xaml.Controls.TextBlock[Text=]",
  "controlStyles[57].styles[0]": "Text= Network",
  "controlStyles[57].styles[1]": "Foreground:=$PrimaryText",
  "controlStyles[57].styles[2]": "RenderTransform:=<TranslateTransform X=\"0\" Y=\"-3\" />",
  "controlStyles[58].target": "Windows.UI.Xaml.Controls.TextBlock[Text=]",
  "controlStyles[58].styles[0]": "Text= Videos",
  "controlStyles[58].styles[1]": "Foreground:=$PrimaryText",
  "controlStyles[58].styles[2]": "RenderTransform:=<TranslateTransform X=\"0\" Y=\"-3\" />",
  "controlStyles[59].target": "Windows.UI.Xaml.Controls.TextBlock[Text=]",
  "controlStyles[59].styles[0]": "Text= Pictures",
  "controlStyles[59].styles[1]": "Foreground:=$PrimaryText",
  "controlStyles[59].styles[2]": "RenderTransform:=<TranslateTransform X=\"0\" Y=\"-3\" />",
  "controlStyles[60].target": "Windows.UI.Xaml.Controls.TextBlock[Text=]",
  "controlStyles[60].styles[0]": "Text= Music",
  "controlStyles[60].styles[1]": "Foreground:=$PrimaryText",
  "controlStyles[60].styles[2]": "RenderTransform:=<TranslateTransform X=\"0\" Y=\"-3\" />",
  "controlStyles[61].target": "Windows.UI.Xaml.Controls.TextBlock[Text=]",
  "controlStyles[61].styles[0]": "Text= Downloads",
  "controlStyles[61].styles[1]": "Foreground:=$PrimaryText",
  "controlStyles[61].styles[2]": "RenderTransform:=<TranslateTransform X=\"0\" Y=\"-3\" />",
  "controlStyles[62].target": "Windows.UI.Xaml.Controls.TextBlock[Text=]",
  "controlStyles[62].styles[0]": "Text= Documents",
  "controlStyles[62].styles[1]": "Foreground:=$PrimaryText",
  "controlStyles[62].styles[2]": "RenderTransform:=<TranslateTransform X=\"0\" Y=\"-3\" />",
  "controlStyles[63].target": "StartDocked.UserTileView#UserTile",
  "controlStyles[63].styles[0]": "Transform3D:=<CompositeTransform3D TranslateY=\"0\" TranslateX=\"792\" RotationZ=\"270\"/>",
  "controlStyles[63].styles[1]": "Canvas.ZIndex=220",
  "controlStyles[64].target": "StartDocked.NavigationPaneButton#UserTileButton > Grid@CommonStates > Border",
  "controlStyles[64].styles[0]": "Background@Normal:=$PanelBG",
  "controlStyles[64].styles[1]": "Background@PointerOver:=$HoverBG",
  "controlStyles[64].styles[2]": "Background@Pressed:=$PressedBG",
  "controlStyles[64].styles[3]": "BorderBrush:=$ElementBorderBrush",
  "controlStyles[64].styles[4]": "BorderBrush@PointerOver:=$FluidBorder",
  "controlStyles[64].styles[5]": "BorderThickness=1.1",
  "controlStyles[64].styles[6]": "CornerRadius=8",
  "controlStyles[64].styles[7]": "Margin=2",
  "controlStyles[64].styles[8]": "Opacity=1",
  "controlStyles[65].target": "StartDocked.PowerOptionsView",
  "controlStyles[65].styles[0]": "Transform3D:=<CompositeTransform3D TranslateY=\"-462\" TranslateX=\"-105\" RotationZ=\"270\"/>",
  "controlStyles[65].styles[1]": "HorizontalAlignment=Right",
  "controlStyles[65].styles[2]": "VerticalAlignment=Bottom",
  "controlStyles[65].styles[3]": "Canvas.ZIndex=220",
  "controlStyles[65].styles[4]": "Margin=-300,402,300,-402",
  "controlStyles[66].target": "StartDocked.NavigationPaneButton#PowerButton > Grid@CommonStates > Border",
  "controlStyles[66].styles[0]": "Background@Normal:=$PanelBG",
  "controlStyles[66].styles[1]": "Background@PointerOver:=$HoverBG",
  "controlStyles[66].styles[2]": "Background@Pressed:=$PressedBG",
  "controlStyles[66].styles[3]": "BorderBrush:=$ElementBorderBrush",
  "controlStyles[66].styles[4]": "BorderBrush@PointerOver:=$FluidBorder",
  "controlStyles[66].styles[5]": "BorderThickness=1.1",
  "controlStyles[66].styles[6]": "CornerRadius=8",
  "controlStyles[66].styles[7]": "Margin=2",
  "controlStyles[66].styles[8]": "Opacity=1",
  "controlStyles[67].target": "Windows.UI.Xaml.Controls.TextBlock[Text=]",
  "controlStyles[67].styles[0]": "Foreground:=$PrimaryText",
  "controlStyles[67].styles[1]": "FontSize=18",
  "controlStyles[68].target": "Border#ContentBorder@CommonStates > Grid#DroppedFlickerWorkaroundWrapper > Border",
  "controlStyles[68].styles[0]": "Background@Normal:=$Transparent",
  "controlStyles[68].styles[1]": "Background@PointerOver:=$HoverBG",
  "controlStyles[68].styles[2]": "Background@Pressed:=$PressedBG",
  "controlStyles[68].styles[3]": "BorderBrush@PointerOver:=$FluidBorder",
  "controlStyles[68].styles[4]": "BorderBrush@Pressed:=$ElementBorderBrush",
  "controlStyles[68].styles[5]": "BorderThickness@PointerOver=1.2",
  "controlStyles[68].styles[6]": "BorderThickness@Pressed=1.4",
  "controlStyles[68].styles[7]": "CornerRadius=8",
  "controlStyles[68].styles[8]": "Margin=1",
  "controlStyles[68].styles[9]": "Opacity=0.99",
  "controlStyles[69].target": "StartDocked.AppListViewItem > Grid@CommonStates > Border",
  "controlStyles[69].styles[0]": "Background@Normal:=$Transparent",
  "controlStyles[69].styles[1]": "Background@PointerOver:=$HoverBG",
  "controlStyles[69].styles[2]": "Background@Pressed:=$PressedBG",
  "controlStyles[69].styles[3]": "BorderBrush@PointerOver:=$FluidBorder",
  "controlStyles[69].styles[4]": "BorderBrush@Pressed:=$ElementBorderBrush",
  "controlStyles[69].styles[5]": "BorderThickness@PointerOver=1.2",
  "controlStyles[69].styles[6]": "BorderThickness@Pressed=1.4",
  "controlStyles[69].styles[7]": "CornerRadius=8",
  "controlStyles[69].styles[8]": "Margin=0,0,0,0",
  "controlStyles[70].target": "StartDocked.AllAppsGridListViewItem > Grid@CommonStates > Border",
  "controlStyles[70].styles[0]": "Background@Normal:=$Transparent",
  "controlStyles[70].styles[1]": "Background@PointerOver:=$HoverBG",
  "controlStyles[70].styles[2]": "Background@Pressed:=$PressedBG",
  "controlStyles[70].styles[3]": "BorderBrush@PointerOver:=$FluidBorder",
  "controlStyles[70].styles[4]": "BorderBrush@Pressed:=$ElementBorderBrush",
  "controlStyles[70].styles[5]": "BorderThickness@PointerOver=1.2",
  "controlStyles[70].styles[6]": "BorderThickness@Pressed=1.4",
  "controlStyles[70].styles[7]": "CornerRadius=8",
  "controlStyles[70].styles[8]": "Margin=2",
  "controlStyles[71].target": "ListViewItem > Grid#ContentBorder@CommonStates",
  "controlStyles[71].styles[0]": "Background@Normal:=$Transparent",
  "controlStyles[71].styles[1]": "Background@PointerOver:=$HoverBG",
  "controlStyles[71].styles[2]": "Background@Pressed:=$PressedBG",
  "controlStyles[71].styles[3]": "BorderBrush@PointerOver:=$FluidBorder",
  "controlStyles[71].styles[4]": "BorderBrush@Pressed:=$ElementBorderBrush",
  "controlStyles[71].styles[5]": "BorderThickness@PointerOver=1.2",
  "controlStyles[71].styles[6]": "BorderThickness@Pressed=1.4",
  "controlStyles[71].styles[7]": "CornerRadius=8",
  "controlStyles[71].styles[8]": "Margin=0",
  "controlStyles[72].target": "Microsoft.UI.Xaml.Controls.DropDownButton > Grid#RootGrid",
  "controlStyles[72].styles[0]": "Background:=$PanelBG",
  "controlStyles[72].styles[1]": "Background@PointerOver:=$HoverBG",
  "controlStyles[72].styles[2]": "Background@Pressed:=$PressedBG",
  "controlStyles[72].styles[3]": "BorderBrush:=$ElementBorderBrush",
  "controlStyles[72].styles[4]": "BorderBrush@PointerOver:=$FluidBorder",
  "controlStyles[72].styles[5]": "BorderThickness=1.1",
  "controlStyles[72].styles[6]": "CornerRadius=8",
  "controlStyles[73].target": "DropDownButton",
  "controlStyles[73].styles[0]": "Background:=$Transparent",
  "controlStyles[73].styles[1]": "Foreground:=$PrimaryText",
  "controlStyles[74].target": "Button > Grid@CommonStates > Border",
  "controlStyles[74].styles[0]": "Background@Normal:=$Transparent",
  "controlStyles[74].styles[1]": "Background@PointerOver:=$HoverBG",
  "controlStyles[74].styles[2]": "Background@Pressed:=$PressedBG",
  "controlStyles[74].styles[3]": "BorderBrush@PointerOver:=$FluidBorder",
  "controlStyles[74].styles[4]": "BorderBrush@Pressed:=$ElementBorderBrush",
  "controlStyles[74].styles[5]": "BorderThickness@PointerOver=1.2",
  "controlStyles[74].styles[6]": "BorderThickness@Pressed=1.4",
  "controlStyles[74].styles[7]": "CornerRadius=8",
  "controlStyles[75].target": "StartMenu.FolderModal > Grid > Border",
  "controlStyles[75].styles[0]": "Background:=$DeepGlass",
  "controlStyles[75].styles[1]": "BorderBrush:=$BorderBrush",
  "controlStyles[75].styles[2]": "BorderThickness=1.3",
  "controlStyles[75].styles[3]": "CornerRadius=8",
  "controlStyles[75].styles[4]": "Padding=7",
  "controlStyles[75].styles[5]": "Opacity=1",
  "controlStyles[76].target": "StartMenu.ExpandedFolderList > Grid > Border",
  "controlStyles[76].styles[0]": "Background:=$DeepGlass",
  "controlStyles[76].styles[1]": "BorderBrush:=$BorderBrush",
  "controlStyles[76].styles[2]": "BorderThickness=1.3",
  "controlStyles[76].styles[3]": "CornerRadius=8",
  "controlStyles[76].styles[4]": "Opacity=1",
  "controlStyles[77].target": "MenuFlyoutPresenter > Border",
  "controlStyles[77].styles[0]": "Background:=$DeepGlass",
  "controlStyles[77].styles[1]": "BorderBrush:=$BorderBrush",
  "controlStyles[77].styles[2]": "BorderThickness=1.2",
  "controlStyles[77].styles[3]": "CornerRadius=8",
  "controlStyles[77].styles[4]": "Padding=7,8,7,8",
  "controlStyles[77].styles[5]": "Margin=0",
  "controlStyles[77].styles[6]": "Opacity=1",
  "controlStyles[78].target": "MenuFlyoutItem",
  "controlStyles[78].styles[0]": "CornerRadius=8",
  "controlStyles[78].styles[1]": "Background:=$Transparent",
  "controlStyles[78].styles[2]": "Background@PointerOver:=$HoverBG",
  "controlStyles[78].styles[3]": "Background@Pressed:=$PressedBG",
  "controlStyles[78].styles[4]": "BorderBrush@PointerOver:=$FluidBorder",
  "controlStyles[78].styles[5]": "BorderThickness@PointerOver=1.1",
  "controlStyles[78].styles[6]": "Margin=2,1,2,1",
  "controlStyles[78].styles[7]": "BorderBrush@Pressed:=$ElementBorderBrush",
  "controlStyles[78].styles[8]": "BorderThickness@Pressed=1.2",
  "controlStyles[79].target": "ToolTip > ContentPresenter#LayoutRoot",
  "controlStyles[79].styles[0]": "Background:=$DeepGlass",
  "controlStyles[79].styles[1]": "BorderBrush:=$ElementBorderBrush",
  "controlStyles[79].styles[2]": "BorderThickness=1.1",
  "controlStyles[79].styles[3]": "CornerRadius=8",
  "controlStyles[79].styles[4]": "Padding=8,6,8,6",
  "controlStyles[80].target": "ToolTip > Border",
  "controlStyles[80].styles[0]": "Background:=$DeepGlass",
  "controlStyles[80].styles[1]": "BorderBrush:=$ElementBorderBrush",
  "controlStyles[80].styles[2]": "BorderThickness=1.1",
  "controlStyles[80].styles[3]": "CornerRadius=8",
  "controlStyles[80].styles[4]": "Padding=8,6,8,6",
  "controlStyles[81].target": "TextBlock",
  "controlStyles[81].styles[0]": "Foreground:=$PrimaryText",
  "controlStyles[82].target": "TextBlock#SecondaryText",
  "controlStyles[82].styles[0]": "Foreground:=$SecondaryText",
  "controlStyles[83].target": "MenuFlyoutPresenter",
  "controlStyles[83].styles[0]": "Canvas.ZIndex=300",
  "controlStyles[83].styles[1]": "CornerRadius=8",
  "controlStyles[84].target": "StartDocked.AppListViewItem > Grid#ContentBorder",
  "controlStyles[84].styles[0]": "Background:=$Transparent",
  "controlStyles[84].styles[1]": "CornerRadius=8",
  "controlStyles[84].styles[2]": "BorderBrush:=$Transparent",
  "controlStyles[84].styles[3]": "BorderThickness=0.6",
  "controlStyles[84].styles[4]": "Margin=2",
  "controlStyles[85].target": "FlyoutPresenter",
  "controlStyles[85].styles[0]": "CornerRadius=8",
  "controlStyles[86].target": "StartDocked.AppListViewItem",
  "controlStyles[86].styles[0]": "Transitions:=<TransitionCollection />",
  "controlStyles[87].target": "StartDocked.AllAppsGridListViewItem",
  "controlStyles[87].styles[0]": "Transitions:=<TransitionCollection />",
  "controlStyles[88].target": "ListViewItem",
  "controlStyles[88].styles[0]": "Transitions:=<TransitionCollection />"
}

If the Layout Does Not Look Right

If parts of the menu are missing, clipped, or arranged differently, first check that the complete configuration was imported correctly. Also check whether another Start menu customization is affecting the same elements.

If the acrylic surface looks different from what you expected, compare your wallpaper and Windows appearance settings. The background color behind the menu contributes to its final look.

If the problem started after a Windows update, check for compatibility notes or an updated style configuration. You can temporarily disable Windows 11 Start Menu Styler while checking the cause.

How to Remove the Style

To stop applying Aether Glass, disable Windows 11 Start Menu Styler in Windhawk. If you want to return to another custom layout, restore your saved configuration instead.

Keep a copy of the Aether Glass settings if you plan to use the style again later.

To remove the Start Menu Style completely:

Open Windhawk and find Windows 11 Start Menu Styler.
Disable the mod to stop applying the custom Start Menu style.
Close and reopen the Start Menu. If the appearance does not refresh, restart Windows.
To use a different custom style later, enable the mod again and apply your preferred configuration.

Disclaimer

Aether Glass is a third-party Start menu customization, not an official Microsoft theme. Create a System Restore Point before applying it. Results may vary with your Windows build, display settings, and other customizations. All trademarks and application icons belong to their respective owners.

Final Word

Aether Glass suits a desktop where app access matters as much as appearance. Moving the navigation panel to the left gives everyday shortcuts a dedicated space, while the added text labels make them easier to recognize. The central All Apps list and three-column pinned area complete the layout.

With support for light and dark themes and a soft acrylic background influenced by your wallpaper, it leaves plenty of room to make the desktop feel like your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Aether Glass work with both light and dark themes?

Yes. The style supports both light and dark themes, using darker text in light mode and lighter text in dark mode.

Where is the navigation panel positioned?

The navigation panel has been moved to the left side of the Start menu. Its shortcuts include both icons and text labels, making each option easier to identify.

Is the Start menu always pink or purple?

No. The acrylic background allows colors from the wallpaper behind the menu to influence its appearance. Pink and purple tones are not a fixed requirement of the design.

Is the background completely transparent?

No. Aether Glass uses a soft acrylic finish with subtle transparency. Background colors come through gently while details behind the menu are softened.

Can I view All Apps and pinned apps together?

Yes. The alphabetical All Apps list sits in the middle, and the pinned app grid sits on the right, so both sections are available in the same layout.

Will applying the style install the apps used in the design?

No. The style changes the Start menu’s appearance and layout. The applications available on your PC depend on what you have installed.

Does Aether Glass also change the taskbar?

This configuration is for the Start menu. Treat any taskbar styling as a separate customization unless the accompanying instructions explicitly include it.

Can I restore my previous Start menu?

Yes. Disable Windows 11 Start Menu Styler to stop applying its styling, or restore your backed-up settings to return to an earlier custom layout.