Start Menu X Alternatives for Windows

Looking for Start Menu X alternatives? We've curated 5 top alternatives that offer similar functionality. Whether you need Windows options, free plans, or open source solutions, explore our comprehensive list to find the perfect fit for your needs.

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Start Menu X Alternatives

Below you'll find the best alternatives to Start Menu X. We've analyzed these options based on features, user ratings, and compatibility to help you find the right solution. Each alternative offers unique advantages that might better suit your specific needs and budget.

Classic Shell

Free OS & Utilities Desktop Enhancement

Classic Shell is a highly customizable and free utility designed to bring the classic Windows Start menu functionality back to newer versions of Windows, alongside enhancing various other elements of the user interface like the taskbar and file explorer.

Unique Features

Restores classic Start menu with extensive customization.
Enhances File Explorer with useful features.
Lightweight and does not impact system performance.

Compared to Start Menu X

Restores classic Start menu with extensive customization. compared to Start Menu X

Development has ceased, meaning no future updates or compatibility fixes. unlike Start Menu X

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Start8

Commercial OS & Utilities System Utility

Start8 is a popular utility designed to restore the classic Start menu functionality to Windows 8, providing a comfortable and familiar interface for users who prefer the traditional desktop experience over the Windows 8 Modern UI.

Unique Features

Restores highly familiar and functional Start menu to Windows 8.
Extensive customization options for appearance and content.
Allows booting directly to the desktop.

Compared to Start Menu X

Restores highly familiar and functional Start menu to Windows 8. compared to Start Menu X

Primarily beneficial for users on Windows 8. unlike Start Menu X

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StartIsBack

Commercial OS & Utilities Desktop Enhancement

StartIsBack brings back the familiar look and feel of the Windows 7 Start Menu to Windows 10 and Windows 8, offering extensive customization options and performance enhancements.

Unique Features

Restores the familiar and efficient Windows 7 Start Menu.
Offers extensive customization options for appearance and behavior.
Lightweight and does not impact system performance.

Compared to Start Menu X

Restores the familiar and efficient Windows 7 Start Menu. compared to Start Menu X

Primarily benefits users dissatisfied with the default Windows Start Menu. unlike Start Menu X

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IObit StartMenu8

Free OS & Utilities Desktop Utility

IObit StartMenu8 is a utility designed to restore the classic Start Menu interface to Windows 8 and Windows 10, offering a familiar desktop experience and skipping the modern Metro UI.

Unique Features

Restores classic Windows 7 Start Menu appearance and functionality.
Allows skipping the Metro UI and booting directly to the desktop.
Offers customization options for appearance and items.

Compared to Start Menu X

Restores classic Windows 7 Start Menu appearance and functionality. compared to Start Menu X

May not have perfect integration with all modern Windows features or Store apps. unlike Start Menu X

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GiMeSpace QuickMenu

Commercial Utility Utility

GiMeSpace QuickMenu is a versatile utility designed to enhance Windows navigation by providing customizable alternative launchpads and menu options, aiming to improve workflow efficiency and restore classic Start Menu functionality.

Unique Features

Extensive customization options for menus and access methods.
Includes productivity features like text expansion and autocompletion.
Offers a flexible alternative to the standard Windows Start Menu.

Compared to Start Menu X

Extensive customization options for menus and access methods. compared to Start Menu X

Can have a steep learning curve for beginners. unlike Start Menu X

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Classic Shell

Free OS & Utilities Desktop Enhancement

Unique Features

Restores classic Start menu with extensive customization.
Enhances File Explorer with useful features.
Lightweight and does not impact system performance.

Compared to Start Menu X

Restores classic Start menu with extensive customization. compared to Start Menu X

Development has ceased, meaning no future updates or compatibility fixes. unlike Start Menu X

View Details

Start8

Commercial OS & Utilities System Utility

Unique Features

Restores highly familiar and functional Start menu to Windows 8.
Extensive customization options for appearance and content.
Allows booting directly to the desktop.

Compared to Start Menu X

Restores highly familiar and functional Start menu to Windows 8. compared to Start Menu X

Primarily beneficial for users on Windows 8. unlike Start Menu X

View Details

StartIsBack

Commercial OS & Utilities Desktop Enhancement

StartIsBack brings back the familiar look and feel of the Windows 7 Start Menu to Windows 10 and Windows 8, offering extensive customization options and performance enhancements.

Unique Features

Restores the familiar and efficient Windows 7 Start Menu.
Offers extensive customization options for appearance and behavior.
Lightweight and does not impact system performance.

Compared to Start Menu X

Restores the familiar and efficient Windows 7 Start Menu. compared to Start Menu X

Primarily benefits users dissatisfied with the default Windows Start Menu. unlike Start Menu X

View Details

IObit StartMenu8

Free OS & Utilities Desktop Utility

IObit StartMenu8 is a utility designed to restore the classic Start Menu interface to Windows 8 and Windows 10, offering a familiar desktop experience and skipping the modern Metro UI.