A few questions about BigBox as Windows shell

[Kefka2b]

I am struggling a little bit with this one, so I have a few questions and issues that I hope someone can help me with:

1. How do you start other programs without them being launched on top of BigBox on startup (I.e. completely minimised, and also so that alt-tab doesn't display them)? this happens mainly with Steam but it's random. I tried to add -minimized as parameter in the startup apps options but it's not doing anything.

2. Is there a way to still have Windows features (or alternatives) like sound control or bringing up virtual keyboard (I have hotkeys created in reWASD for both doesn't work when BB is set as shell)?

3. Is there any performance benefits running BigBox as shell or any downsides maybe apart from what I described already?

[JoeViking245]

3 hours ago, Kefka2b said:

1. How do you start other programs without them being launched on top of BigBox on startup (I.e. completely minimised, and also so that alt-tab doesn't display them)? this happens mainly with Steam but it's random. I tried to add -minimized as parameter in the startup apps options but it's not doing anything.

For Steam, last I read you can add the parameter -silent.  Whether it's still valid in 2025, not sure.

For apps that just hang out in the background waiting to be used/triggered, you should be able to:

• Create a shortcut to the app
• Right-click the shortcut and select Properties
• Next to Run: change it to Minimized
• Click OK to save
• Then point your Startup to the Shortcut

 

3 hours ago, Kefka2b said:

3. Is there any performance benefits running BigBox as shell or any downsides maybe apart from what I described already?

No. Not really.  If you do see a performance boost by running it shelled, you're probably running your system near it's limits already.

The main benefit I see is that it's just plain cool to turn on your cab and have Big Box do its thing.  

I personally don't use the shell feature because I'm OK with clicking an icon on the task bar.  Also, I'm periodically making changes (emulator or game or writing a new plugin) and need direct access back to LaunchBox or Windows.

 

3 hours ago, Kefka2b said:

2. Is there a way to still have Windows features (or alternatives) like sound control or bringing up virtual keyboard (I have hotkeys created in reWASD for both doesn't work when BB is set as shell)?

Hopefully someone else will chime in on this one.  I've never used the Big Box shell feature.

[Kefka2b]

Thanks ! I'll give it a shot. I think I'll just keep Windows running as shell for now as there's still a few missing features in BigBox to make it a fully console like experience, I created a few feature request recently so hopefully they implemented at some point.

I am trying to find a way to have the taskbar hidden on boot, it always shows up for a bit after going hidden...but it seems impossible.

Edited yesterday at 07:42 AM by Kefka2b

[JoeViking245]

4 hours ago, Kefka2b said:

I am trying to find a way to have the taskbar hidden on boot, it always shows up for a bit after going hidden...but it seems impossible.

I'm guessing you have it on auto-hide?  It might be one of the extra startup apps taking focus.  Maybe not actually "taking focus", but going to the taskbar, making it popup.  If that's the case, the shortcut method might resolve that.  But once BB is "in play", you should never see it.

[Kefka2b]

Yep I have auto hide on, I'll try to add -silent to all my startup apps (Steam, reWASD, NVidia app, Sinden software and MSI Afterburner with RivaTuner)

[JoeViking245]

5 minutes ago, Kefka2b said:

Yep I have auto hide on, I'll try to add -silent to all my startup apps (Steam, reWASD, NVidia app, Sinden software and MSI Afterburner with RivaTuner)

-silent was only for Steam.  Use the shortcut method for all others.

Maybe I'm missing something, but why start up an NVidia app? Unless when shelling direct into BB, it's necessary.  If you actually actively use stuff in the "GeForce Experience", then maybe.  Otherwise, (like myself) I removed that from the driver updater/installer. A form of bloatware as I see it. But that's just me.

And also Afterburner.  If when using it, you see physical improvements during gameplay, then sure.  If you only see "improvements" in the number display, graph thingys, but don't really notice in actual game-play, may not be worth it.  That was my personal experience at least.  But then again, I'm not really a hard-core hardware guy. So may not know any better in that regards.

[Kefka2b]

NVidia app is pretty useful the with newer auto HDR options and DLSS overrides. For MSI AB, I overclock/undervolt my gpu which is quite good as it lower the temps a lot, and I like to bring up the RTSS overlay when trying to tweaks grahic setting in PC games (I also have a reWASD hotkey to do that).

Edited yesterday at 02:06 PM by Kefka2b

[skizzosjt]

6 hours ago, Kefka2b said:

Thanks ! I'll give it a shot. I think I'll just keep Windows running as shell for now as there's still a few missing features in BigBox to make it a fully console like experience, I created a few feature request recently so hopefully they implemented at some point.

I am trying to find a way to have the taskbar hidden on boot, it always shows up for a bit after going hidden...but it seems impossible.

yes

WinHide, ahk_class Shell_TrayWnd

to show it

WinShow, ahk_class Shell_TrayWnd

 

to have it hide at boot setup task scheduler to run the script at boot. for what it is worth, I do not know why, but every single time I exit Big Box when the task bar is hidden it magically reappears as if the WinShow line ran and it is def not because of any script. I can only assume Big Box is doing that

also fair warning, I also have a hotkey setup to hide and show the task bar. otherwise it can be a pain when you find yourself with no way to get it to show again without logging out or restarting. you can push the Windows key to make parts of it show but it goes away again. point being, I would recommend having said script have a hotkey for those actions too. 

 

also best way in my opinion to launch Steam silently is to use the native option with Steam's settings to launch Steam at boot of OS. it is auto minimized (hidden) to the tray. this way when you launch games the client window continues to stay hidden and you never see that advertisement window either.