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Start8 vs Windy

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

Start8 icon
Start8
Windy icon
Windy

Start8 vs Windy: The Verdict

⚡ Summary:

Start8: Start8 is a program that restores the Start menu and other interface features from Windows 7 and earlier versions in Windows 8 and 8.1. It brings back the familiar Start button, Start menu, and boot to desktop capabilities for users who prefer the classic Windows user experience.

Windy: Windy is a free and open-source desktop application for Windows, Mac and Linux used to view weather forecasts, radar imagery, wind and waves forecasts. It has an intuitive interface showing weather data on interactive maps.

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 Start8 Windy
Sugggest Score — —
Category Os & Utilities News & Books
Pricing — Open Source

Product Overview

Start8
Start8

Description: Start8 is a program that restores the Start menu and other interface features from Windows 7 and earlier versions in Windows 8 and 8.1. It brings back the familiar Start button, Start menu, and boot to desktop capabilities for users who prefer the classic Windows user experience.

Type: software

Windy
Windy

Description: Windy is a free and open-source desktop application for Windows, Mac and Linux used to view weather forecasts, radar imagery, wind and waves forecasts. It has an intuitive interface showing weather data on interactive maps.

Type: software

Pricing: Open Source

Key Features Comparison

Start8
Start8 Features
  • Restores the classic Start menu
  • Adds a Start button to the taskbar
  • Lets you boot directly to the desktop
  • Customizable Start menu with resizable tiles
  • Start menu skins and styles
  • Taskbar customization options
  • Advanced configuration settings
Windy
Windy Features
  • Interactive weather maps
  • Radar imagery
  • Wind forecasts
  • Wave forecasts
  • Intuitive interface

Pros & Cons Analysis

Start8
Start8
Pros
  • Brings back familiar Windows 7 interface
  • Highly customizable
  • Easy to use
  • Affordable pricing
Cons
  • May not appeal to Windows 8 fans
  • Requires an extra program just to get basic Windows features
  • Some customization options require paid upgrades
Windy
Windy
Pros
  • Free and open source
  • Available on Windows, Mac and Linux
  • Detailed weather data
  • Customizable interface
Cons
  • Limited forecast data compared to paid services
  • No mobile app
  • Requires internet connection

Pricing Comparison

Start8
Start8
  • Not listed
Windy
Windy
  • Open Source

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Learn More About Each Product

Start8
Start8
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →
Windy
Windy
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →

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