Groupy 2.12 Beta Feedback Thread

from Stardock Forums

With the Groupy 2.12 beta release today, we are creating this thread so that users can report any observed issues.  

Obtaining the beta:

Object Desktop members can get the beta from within Object Desktop Manager with Enable Object Desktop Insider builds (Early Access) enabled:

image-20260814-183714.png

Individual purchases (as well as Object Desktop Members) can also be obtained from your account page:

https://store.stardock.com/myaccount/products

Reporting an issue:

Please include the following for anything found:

  • Exact Windows version \ build (winver.exe)

  • Detailed steps to recreate the issue seen

  • Screenshots and videos are very helpful.  Videos can be uploaded to a cloud drive service (GoogleDrive, DropBox, OneDrive, YouTube), with a shared link included in your post.  Images can be copied and pasted directly into a post.

  • If there are specific apps that the app does not work (well) with, please note what apps and their exact versions.  If any app is not common, a link to a trial version would be appreciated.

Thank you for your interest and any time you put into making Groupy a better product.

 
groupy
116,778 views 87 replies +1 Loading…
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

Groupy 2.12 Changelog (Released 09/26/2023)

09/26/2023

Product UI ‘About’ version 2.12. GroupyConfig.exe version 2.1.2.1

  • Released on Stardock and Steam

09/21/2023

  • Fixed an issue where the Groupy config was opening twice on the initial install

  • Fixed settings and saved groups not being removed if checked for an uninstall

09/20/2023

  • Fixed settings and saved groups not being removed if checked for an uninstall

09/20/2023

  • Updated version to 2.1.2.1. UI 2.12

  • Continued improvements made for restoring saved group apps correctly

  • Some language strings updated.

09/18/2023

  • Updated version to 2.1.2.0. UI 2.12

  • More work was done on tab order when opening a save group

  • A fix for mouseover on tabs on top mode without the background bar not painting differently

  • A tweak to how mouseover shows for tabs giving them a slight background color as well as an edge

  • A fix for the Groupy drop-down menu on monitors with different scale factors to the primary screen being too large (if the primary display is a higher scale factor)

  • A tweak for how it handles window peek as it may have been causing the wrong tab to get stuck selected or the entire tab bar to go missing in edge cases

  • Address an issue with FancyZones

  • Address an issue on Windows 10 with WindowBlinds skins

  • Fix for closing auto-grouping windows in a tab group causing them to regroup if they prompt

  • A small change to how appID is saved for saved groups

  • The on/off slider is no longer showing off when Groupy is on and on when groupy is off.  Now it says Groupy disabled and Groupy Enabled.

  • Fix to custom rules based on exact text matching where it would incorrectly group everything but the window text requested

  • Small change to protect rule checking from happening in more than one thread at once for one type of rule that wasn't protected the same as the others.

  • Added the prompt about tabs in office apps on the very first run (brand new installs only)

  • Modified rules system to handle the case of window handle reuse better just in case that was causing the issues with odd grouping

  • Modified the auto group logic to ensure the windows are owned by the same process.

  • Changed config to only force English in the USA when lang is set to en-us as it was not handling the case of other languages when located in the US correctly automatically (forced was fine)

  • Fix for the ‘Explorer enhancement’ option not reading that it was not toggled on when it really was.

09/06/2023

  • Beta updated. UI Version 2.11. GroupyConfig.exe 2.1.1.5

  • Fix for other conditions where saved groups could have their tabs out of order from how they were saved

08/21/2023

  • Beta updated. UI Version 2.11. GroupyConfig.exe 2.1.1.4

  • Fixes issue with vertical alignment of tabs for WB when used with explorer-integrated tabs

  • Resolves issue with dragging windows between monitors where the window was not a member of a group but shows groupy bar for ungrouped windows was enabled

  • Resolved an issue with swapping tabs with WindowBlinds, causing things to resize briefly

08/17/2023

  • Beta updated. UI Version 2.11. GroupyConfig.exe 2.1.1.3

  • Improved performance when moving a window when using integrated tabs

  • Resolved issue with groupy tabs not vanishing correctly when using window snap when non-integrated tabs

  • Resolved issue with windows resizing too large when moving windows between displays of different dpis where the window is not high dpi aware

  • Added some delays when launching saved groups sometimes

  • Resolved a possible crash issue when grouping new windows

  • *Tweak for maximized windows opening when in a group.  

  • *Adds support for DelayAfterLaunch = amount in ms (1000 = 1 second) in groupy files if a user wants to increase the delay after launching a given app before launching the next one (if any)
    Usage: https://forums.stardock.com/521947/get;3900444

  • Fixes a problem with WB and Groupy

  • Fix for a problem switching tabs when windows are maximized which showed up in the last week

*Part of a previously released beta but was not noted in its changelog

08/15/20223

  • Beta updated. UI Version 2.11. GroupyConfig.exe 2.1.1.2

  • Adjusted things so Chrome/Edge windows will not match existing windows when opening a new saved groupy file.

  • Resolved issue with saved group position not being used on opening saved groups always

  • Tweaked how saved group order is reapplied on load

  • Potentially resolved an issue with the groupy insert blue fade window remaining after joining a window to a group on occasion

  • Resolved possible issue with a new window opening a group being left visible when it is not the active window in a group

08/10/2023

  • Beta updated. UI Version 2.11. GroupyConfig.exe 2.1.1.1

  • Fixes issue with non-grouped windows shrinking when maximized when the temporary groupy bar goes away

  • Fixes issue with dragging a window out of a custom rules grouping can cause it to instantly regroup

  • Improves issue with slow resizing on apps that have extremely slow repaint logic

  • Updated DE from user feedback. Credit Big--Mike)

08/07/2023

Groupy 2.11 Beta released on Stardock.com and Steam

  • ZH-TW lang file updated (Credit rockemail)

  • Closing a single maximized window from Groupy no longer causes flicker

  • Resolved issue with non-native dpi scaling apps being offset correctly when maximized on higher dpi setups

  • Resolved issue with group creation being delayed when on a maximized window that always shows tabs

  • Resolved issue with window positioning, when opened, maximized on some applications

  • Resolved issue with extra line painting with integrated tabs on Windows 10 in Explorer windows and in some windows on Win11 when in dark mode

  • Resolved issue with Ctrl + T not opening new windows in Explorer on Win10 (but did on Win11)

  • Fixed a WB11 + Groupy tab issue with rounded corners being enabled on Win11 when they should not and leaving more space than really needed for window borders

  • Adjusted app launch for saved groups to help resolve an issue with the wrong tab name being used on renamed tabs

  • Stopped WB from adding themed borders to the tooltips

  • Adjusted tooltip display to auto-dismiss if a group goes away whilst visible

Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top

Known issues

While we appreciate all feedback, please remember that we offer no official support for beta \ preview \ developer channel versions of Windows. If you report issues while in any of those early release channels, you should not expect them to be addressed unless it still exists in a retail version of Windows.

  • For any saved group issues, where the tabs may not be consistently restoring in the order they were saved, we are asking clients to 'edit' the saved group


    And add delays in between each app:



    You would add that DelayAfterLaunch= at the end of the 1st app block, just before the next entry.
    1000 = 1 second.

    What would be interesting to us is what apps benefited from this and at what time delay that worked best.
Multiplicity - Control multiple PCs using one keyboard and mouse
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top

***Reserved***

Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top

There are a lot of problems with resizing. And still have the issue with the ghost window. I'm at the end of my day so I'll make a few vids tomorrow.

Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top

As promised here's a vid of a few issues.

1. Pulling a tab out causes it to "Regrab". This occurs only the first time a tab is removed via the mouse. Removing the Same tab again appears to not do it. Removing another tab (that hasn't been removed once before) will regrab as well. This seems to only happen after the group has been launched. After a while (several minutes) it stops. 

2. Resizing causes tons of lag and flickering. The windows in the vid are control heavy but resize fine outside of the group. I've also tried with just 2 explorer windows and the same thing occurs but appears to resize faster.

Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting Narusegawa, reply 5

As promised here's a vid of a few issues.

1. Pulling a tab out causes it to "Regrab". This occurs only the first time a tab is removed via the mouse. Removing the Same tab again appears to not do it. Removing another tab (that hasn't been removed once before) will regrab as well. This seems to only happen after the group has been launched. After a while (several minutes) it stops. 

2. Resizing causes tons of lag and flickering. The windows in the vid are control heavy but resize fine outside of the group. I've also tried with just 2 explorer windows and the same thing occurs but appears to resize faster.


End of Narusegawa's quote

Hello,
Sorry to hear you are having issues. But, I can't seem to reproduce your issue on my system. Need more information.

  1. Need your Windows full version numbers. Use Winver.exe
  2. Is the issue happen specific application? Windows File explorer showing the same issue on your system?
  3. Resolution and Monitor scale setting please.
  4. Do you have Windowblinds or Curtains running?

Thanks
Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant.

Reply #7 from Stardock Forums Top

As far as windows versions I've tested on 8 machines with either current windows 10 or current windows 11 depending on the machine.

this one is w11 22621.2070 I do also test on insiders builds from time to time but I don't include those.

My layout is currently 2 Vertical monitors. The top one is a 47" 4k @ 200% dpi the bottom one is a 32" 4k also at 200% dpi.

The problem happens with any group of 2 or more windows of any kind from any application including, but not limited to, explorer, notepad, mIRC, DoxyGen GUI, and others.

The only SD products I have installed atm are Start11 and Groupy2. Still have not installed WB after the last format.

I've tested it on machines with a single monitor running 1080 @100% dpi as well as 2 different laptops. I can reproduce it every time.

I'm going to make some more tests including going back to groupy 1. I would like to know your machines layout as well. Perhaps I can spot a difference that might help. 

I'm also curious if this could be a gfx driver issue. perhaps groupy just doesn't like AMD gpus. That would be a real problem for me since the last non AMD gpu I purchased was a 3DFX Voodoo card (don't remember the model now).

Reply #8 from Stardock Forums Top

So after doing some more digging it turns out that having the tabs integrated works better. There is no more paint lag in the windows but moving them around you can see the tabs are slow to follow. I performed the test with no gfx drivers, windows 11 basic amd drivers, and amd's adrenaline driver package. same results except the no driver test was a little worse.

The ghost window and regrab issue persists. I also uninstalled and reinstalled groupy 1. there were no issues with the ghost window and tabs were added much quicker. 

Whatever changed in the drop target from groupy 1 to 2 has introduced a bug. If you need another video let me know.

Reply #9 from Stardock Forums Top

Hello,

The "Ghost Windows" are you referring to that black/gray transparent frame that follow the windows as you move it around? Unless you're referring to totally something else?

Thank you,

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

Reply #10 from Stardock Forums Top

No I'm talking about the blue'ish Drop target window. The one that shows where the window will be once you "drop" it into the tab group. It appears when you begin a drop in my case by holding shift and dragging a window to the caption of another window in the group. Once you let go of the mouse button the new window is added to the group and that drop target window should be dismissed (closed, hidden, etc..) however most times it is not.

Strangely enough I do not see the same shadowing effect in your video.

Reply #12 from Stardock Forums Top

lol Windows sandbox is by far the worse environment for testing anything other than text file creation. I have tested this in several VMware environments as well as freshly formatted metal. However for the sake of completeness I went ahead with sandbox anyway. It's nearly impossible to tell because it introduces other problems. For example just moving an explorer window around is so slow it takes "seconds" top catch up.

on a side note I noticed start11 can't find sandbox when searching where as the w11 start menu can.

All things being equal most problems still exist even in sandbox as well as a brand new VM with only groupy installed as well as 7 other machines (2 of which were fresh installs of w10 and w11 current on diff hardware).

I think until I can figure it out I'll switch back to groupy 1. I'll still test it in VM's and on other machines but I can not use it on my daily driver. I've used groupy every single day since it's first public release. Simply can not do w/o it at this point.

Reply #13 from Stardock Forums Top

All, 

The Groupy 2.11 Beta has been updated:

https://forums.stardock.com/521947/get;3899321

As always, thank you for your time, feedback, and support.

Sean Drohan
Stardock Product Lifecycle Manager

Reply #14 from Stardock Forums Top

The regroup problem has definitely been fixed.

Reply #15 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting Narusegawa, reply 14

The regroup problem has definitely been fixed.
End of Narusegawa's quote

Please to hear it and ty for the update.

Sean Drohan
Stardock Product Lifecycle Manager

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Reply #18 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting chris535, reply 17

I'm still getting the overlap issues with MS Office apps as reported here https://forums.stardock.com/521553/get;3898534

Running Windows 10 [Version 10.0.19045.3324]
End of chris535's quote

Can you uninstall Groupy, reboot and then reinstall Groupy just to rule out file replacement issues.

If it continues to be an issue then we will investigate further.

Reply #19 from Stardock Forums Top

Can you uninstall Groupy, reboot and then reinstall Groupy just to rule out file replacement issues.

Thanks Neil, I did do this on doing the upgrade as know this is a best practice when installing updates.

Reply #20 from Stardock Forums Top
Quoting chris535, reply 19

Can you uninstall Groupy, reboot and then reinstall Groupy just to rule out file replacement issues.


Thanks Neil, I did do this on doing the upgrade as know this is a best practice when installing updates.

End of chris535's quote

I notice your screenshot of settings shows some odd icons on screen.

Are you using anything else which might alter window sizing or positioning?

Something like Ultramon or DisplayFusion or actual window tools?

Reply #21 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting Neil, reply 20

Something like Ultramon or DisplayFusion or actual window tools?
End of Neil's quote

Yes I do have Displayfusion installed. Even with DF turned off the same thing happens. It appears to occur the first time an Office app loads or a new window is created. Once I maximize/restore the window is displayed correctly without overlap.

Reply #22 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting chris535, reply 21

Yes I do have Displayfusion installed. Even with DF turned off the same thing happens. It appears to occur the first time an Office app loads or a new window is created. Once I maximize/restore the window is displayed correctly without overlap.
End of chris535's quote

As a test, if you uninstall DF, reboot, can you still reproduce it?

Sean Drohan
Stardock Product Lifecycle Manager

Reply #23 from Stardock Forums Top

All, 

The Groupy 2.11 beta has been updated. 

https://forums.stardock.com/521947/get;3899321

As always, thank you for your time, feedback, and support.

Sean Drohan
Stardock Product Lifecycle Manager

+1 Loading…
Reply #24 from Stardock Forums Top

I still have issues with the drop target window as well as sizing problems. When resizing the group via a windows caption it works fine but resizing via the groupy dialog introduces lagged drawing.

The drop target window issue can be reproduced as follows. Make sure you are using one of the kbd modifiers (in my case I use shift +)

1. Press shift and then drag a window to the group. The drop target window will appear as well as a Faux tab showing the drop location.

2. Without releasing the mouse button release Shift (or whatever modifier you chose). Likely the faux tab will disappear but the drop target will not.

3. Move the ungrouped window around and it will sometimes dismiss the drop target window. If it does then a second attempt to group the window will not dismiss the drop target window after a successful grouping. You can see this by moving the group afterwards. 

4. After step 3 some time later (usually a few seconds) the window is dismissed.

I noticed that while the window is still visible, a second grouping attempt (Pressing shift and grabbing another window) will dismiss it and then reposition it correctly for the new grouping attempt. I'm assuming there is but only one Drop target window.

I don't know what to say about the painting glitches with resizing as it works fine as long as the sizing comes from the apps window and not the groupy dialog. However it also works fine even from the groupy dialog with the "Integrated tabs" option turned on. It also on occurs on sizing that involve child window position changes. I.e. sizing the group on the left or top sides. Sizing from the right or bottom side does not.

Although nothing has changed in my specs I'll list them anyway.

Windows 11 22621-2134 (Current non beta).

Radeon 5500XT GPU

5600X @4.4Ghz

128GB DDR4 @3600Mhz

Primary Monitor - 47" 4K @ 200%DPI (Top)

Secondary - 32" 4K @ 200%DPI (Bottom)

If need be I can make another Video but I'm getting sick of ShareX. The videos come out jerky as hell and you can't choose just one monitor to record. The adrenalin software just doesn't record anything despite it showing the counter ticking away.

Reply #25 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting Narusegawa, reply 24

The drop target window issue can be reproduced as follows. Make sure you are using one of the kbd modifiers (in my case I use shift +)

1. Press shift and then drag a window to the group. The drop target window will appear as well as a Faux tab showing the drop location.

2. Without releasing the mouse button release Shift (or whatever modifier you chose). Likely the faux tab will disappear but the drop target will not.

3. Move the ungrouped window around and it will sometimes dismiss the drop target window. If it does then a second attempt to group the window will not dismiss the drop target window after a successful grouping. You can see this by moving the group afterwards. 

4. After step 3 some time later (usually a few seconds) the window is dismissed.
End of Narusegawa's quote

Hello,

Please review this following video and see if I am doing anything differently

https://cdn.stardock.us/support/uploads/2023-08-15_16-03-30tpscroggins.mp4

Paul Scroggins
Associate Technical Support Analyst