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Fast Explorer vs StartIsBack

Professional comparison and analysis to help you choose the right software solution for your needs.

Fast Explorer icon
Fast Explorer
StartIsBack icon
StartIsBack

Fast Explorer vs StartIsBack: The Verdict

⚡ Summary:

Fast Explorer: Fast Explorer is a free, open-source file manager and explorer for Windows. It is lightweight, customizable and provides a simple interface to quickly navigate files and folders.

StartIsBack: StartIsBack is a program that restores the classic Start menu interface and other Windows UI features to newer Windows versions like Windows 8 and 10. It brings back the familiar Start menu layout with expandable sections, pinned apps, recent items list, power options and more.

Both tools serve their respective audiences. Compare the features, pricing, and user ratings above to determine which best fits your needs.

Last updated: May 2026 · Comparison by Sugggest Editorial Team

Feature Fast Explorer StartIsBack
Sugggest Score
Category File Management Os & Utilities
Pricing Open Source

Product Overview

Fast Explorer
Fast Explorer

Description: Fast Explorer is a free, open-source file manager and explorer for Windows. It is lightweight, customizable and provides a simple interface to quickly navigate files and folders.

Type: software

Pricing: Open Source

StartIsBack
StartIsBack

Description: StartIsBack is a program that restores the classic Start menu interface and other Windows UI features to newer Windows versions like Windows 8 and 10. It brings back the familiar Start menu layout with expandable sections, pinned apps, recent items list, power options and more.

Type: software

Key Features Comparison

Fast Explorer
Fast Explorer Features
  • Tabbed interface
  • Dual panel file manager
  • Basic file operations (copy, move, delete, rename, etc.)
  • Search files
  • Customizable interface
  • Lightweight and fast
  • Keyboard shortcuts
  • Portable app
  • Supports plugins
StartIsBack
StartIsBack Features
  • Restores classic Start menu interface on Windows 8/8.1/10
  • Lets you customize Start menu layout and style
  • Adds quick access to recently used apps, files, folders
  • Lets you pin apps, programs, files, folders to Start
  • Adds power options like Restart, Sleep, Shut Down
  • Adds desktop context menu options
  • Lets you boot to desktop instead of Start screen

Pros & Cons Analysis

Fast Explorer
Fast Explorer

Pros

  • Lightweight and fast
  • Easy to use interface
  • Customizable
  • Good for basic file management
  • Open source

Cons

  • Lacks advanced features of paid file managers
  • Not many customization options
  • Basic search functionality
  • Limited plugin support
StartIsBack
StartIsBack

Pros

  • Brings back familiar Windows 7 style Start menu
  • Highly customizable layout and appearance
  • Easy to configure and use
  • Lightweight program with little impact on performance

Cons

  • May not appeal to users who prefer Windows 8/10 style Start screen
  • Occasional minor bugs or glitches
  • Lacks some customization options of paid Start menu replacements

Pricing Comparison

Fast Explorer
Fast Explorer
  • Open Source
StartIsBack
StartIsBack
  • Not listed

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