Fences, free desktop customization tool from Stardock which lets you clear clutter of desktop icons by organizing same file type icons of programs, docs, folders into separate groups is no longer freeware with Fences 2.0 version release onwards. Stardock has released Fences v2.0 yesterday where you can evaluate it for 30 days after that you need to purchase its license for $10 or if you’d already have Fences license then you can unlock this version.
Fences 2.0 is a paid program now, new features
New features included in this release are folder portals and Desktop pages the former one lets you “Expose folders containing documents or pictures onto your desktop in “fenced” areas making them easy to access “. And with latter one “you can now have multiple pages of “fences” on your desktop. To flip a page, just take your mouse cursor to the edge of your screen and click and drag a new page of “fences” onto your desktop.”
How to access Fences 2 new features
If you try to access either of the two features mentioned above welcome to Fences pop up comes in your way which offers options to purchase, evaluate or unlock previous purchase, to continue using trial version for 30 days you need to click on “Try fences” .
Fences 2.0 annoyances
Paid version comes with crap, AVG security toolbar.
Where to download Fences free version?
Want Fences Freeware version?, download Fences 1.0.1 from here. I’ve installed Fences 1.0.1 free version and its working fine without any issues as you can see the screenshot below, of course this version doesn’t offer pro or new features such as folder portal and Desktop pages included in latest release.
Do you purchase Fences 2.0 that comes with crap (AVG Security toolbar) which offers above mentioned two new features? or you stick to free version? or do you don’t need this tool at all? let us know in comments.
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{ 33 comments… read them below or add one }
Appreciate the article. Was thinking about moving to 2.0 but needed the 411 before making the decision. The new features sound good however I want Fences, not another crapware toolbar. Will stick with the free version that thankfully installs without the unwanted.
I’ll be still using version 1.01 – it has everything I need and it’s free.
True.
I like the new version and I bought it, but I sure did not appreciate the tripwires in the install, that’s for sure. I did avoid them.
Version 1 on another computer has become an ad for Version 2 so whether or not that can be rought to heel will determine whether or not it stays.
I would be willing to buy the new version for about $5. There is just not enough features for me to fork over double what I think it is worth. Also the bs on install is a issue.
Yea no thanks to the adware/shareware trial.
Only found out about that change tonight when I recommended the program to a friend and they kept getting bugged to pay for it when double clicking the desktop.
Promptly advised to uninstall and sent them the installer for 1.0.1.
It’s never had enough value to be payware and now with toolbars that they get paid to include.
I tried upgrading to the 2.0 to see how the feature works.. but the ad popup to chose one of the three upgrade payment option annoyed me continously and made me to downgrade to freeware version…
Tried the free 1.01 version on Win8. It runs but does not start properly during boot… One has to RIGHT-mouse click on otherwise blank screen to get the desktop icons displayed. After that it works fine. Anyone has a remedy?
Agreed with most above re: version 2.0. The program GUI learning, installation and maintenance is consuming just about as much time as it is going to save. Sending money to anyone and have them checking for “updates” is not worth it, never mind the crapware. Another one dies by its own greed.
“Another one dies by its own greed.”
So true. Fences has been a very useful little software that I kept installed on all of my systems, but it’s simply doesn’t worth $10 even with the new features. And for some reasons I find Stardock’s policy to get some extra cash a little repulsive.
Hey it’s $10
How old are you guys?
You all sound like kids without enough pocket money
or old fogies who think splashing out $10 is like spending your entire life savings
PRO TIP: get a job then you can afford version 2
Its not about money always? is the program included with Crapware is worth $10? that’s the question.
Even if i was the richest person alive i still would not pay £10 or even 50p for something that is not worth the price. Fences should remain a simple free tool, the fancy version should be available for around £3-5 .
Making comments that insult people you do not know does not make you big, all it does is make people want to retaliate, like what i am doing now.
ty.
Sorry, but $10 here, $10 there… $10 someplace else will eventually add up. I’ve had a decent job with good pay for 25 years. I’ve learned how to spend money wisely. When I retire, I will have a very nice nest-egg with no worries. There are too many “things” people buy they really don’t need. This is a throw away society now. Too many “things” break, get tossed, and more money is spent. Manufacturers build things to break or fall apart, and the cycle continues. And I bet Version 3 of fences will be out in late 2013, for an upgrade charge. No thanks.
Switched to Nimi Places instead of fences 2.0. has file sorting capabilities and is free.
I was kinda puzzled when I re-installed my laptop and re-downloaded Fences. Huh? Does is cost 10 bucks now? What did I miss?
Ok let’s try the 30 day trial.. Downloading.. Launching the setup.. CRAPWARE! Oh noes, cancel installation and moved the setup to the recycle bin. I could have lived with paying the $10 bucks but the, by default enabled, crapware is unforgiving. Goodbye Stardocks.
Thanks for your article. Was about to scrap using fences completely, when I saw that a free version is no longer available, but going to continue using the free version thanks to your link. Free version has all I need.
Thanks again.
You’re welcome.
You guys do realize that you don’t have to install the AVG toolbar, right? Just click “decline” on that page of the installer.
Gediminas, I had never heard of Nimi Places before. Thanks for the suggestion!
Thank you Gediminas for telling about Nimi Places.
Now I know why I’m being nagged everyday to upgrade. Actually the price hardly bothers me. But it’s sad to hear that they “upgraded” to craprware. I also think that the free version I have already has all the features I need.
I came here looking for a way to get back my old, cute, free Fences.
It’s nice, but not worth paying for.
However, if the old version is going to keep prompting me to upgrade, I will do without it too.
Thanks for the info.
Don’t worry free version 1.0.1 won’t nag you to upgrade to pro version, because Fences commercialized from v2.
u can change setting in fences to disable auto check update
To turn off fences update reminder:
Right click on desktop,
select configure fences
go to the about tab
uncheck updates box on lower left
Fences was a really good software. But is an accessory. They should have waited for a couple of more versions. Most people dont pay for softwares unless it becomes a necessity.
As a happy user of 1.0 I trusted the update dialog/link and downloaded it… such a cunning and bad, rude plug to get people buy it that I reverted to my dear old version after 5 seconds – I didn’t delete my previous installer. I think the free version has all I need after all, a paid “pro-like” upgrade is ok, welcome and accepted, this method is shameful from Stardock. Thanks for the blog and the old download link, I still wonder why I didn’t ditch the program and boycott the house after that, probably because the program itself is great.
Fences solved a desktop problem it reorganized itself sort of randomly (Vista on Lenovo Laptop). Fences 2 was OK until the trial ran out, then it went a bit crazy with some programs off the edge of the monitor, and a habit of moving things around on its own. My wife has the version 1 and it works fine, I wonder if I can load version 1 on top of version 2 to preserve the organization I already have?
Its not possible.
I was thinking “10$, no problem” – but then two thinks kept me from spending the money: 1. the crapware bundled with Fences, 2. the license terms. Not per person, but per machine installed. That’s not 10$ anymore, thats 40$ in my case, and fourty is too much for a little program like this, nice as it is.
So, thanks for the article – very helpful to me!
Got the old installation all over the web!!!! Free for everyone!!!!
Its good that Stardock hasn’t pulled off old version from internet.
I came here by a google search looking for free fences after I had to reinstall my Win7 (was getting too slow).
Thanks for ther 1.0.1 link! Much appreciated. I better save the installer to my Nas.
Good idea to save the installer for future use.