Classic Start 8
Classic Start 8 is a program that restores the Start menu and other user interface features from older versions of Windows. It brings back the familiar menu style, search, and customization options that many preferred in previous Windows releases.
start-menu
windows
classic-ui
customization
Classic Start 8: Restore Classic Start Menu
A software program restoring classic Start menu and user interface features from older versions of Windows, bringing back familiar menu style, search, and customization options.
What is Classic Start 8?
Classic Start 8 is a third-party program designed to restore the traditional Start menu interface and functionality found in older versions of Windows, before the launch of Windows 8 and the introduction of the full-screen Start screen.
By installing Classic Start, users can bring back the familiar Start button and pop-up menu from Windows 7 and earlier, complete with customizable shortcuts, icons, classic search, recent programs list, power options like Restart/Shutdown, and more. It aims to provide a more familiar and productive experience for those who prefer the classic way of navigating Windows.
Key features include:
- Restores the classic Windows Start menu with shortcuts, most used apps, recent items list, power options etc.
- Lets you fully customize the layout, style and contents of the classic menu
- Adds essential settings like network, devices, control panel etc. to the menu
- Enables Windows desktop style search from the menu rather than full-screen start screen search
- Lets you boot directly to desktop on Windows 8/8.1 - bypassing the start screen
- Highly customizable with many tweaks and options to control the menu behavior
- Free for personal use
Classic Start 8 aims to make Windows 8 and 10 more familiar and easy to use for those who prefer the traditional desktop style interface. It brings back productivity and ease-of-use for desktop users on modern Windows versions.
Classic Start 8 Features
Features
- Restores the classic Start menu for Windows 8 and 10
- Lets you customize the Start menu with different styles and layouts
- Adds useful shortcuts like shutdown and restart to the Start menu
- Enables boot to desktop so you avoid the Start screen on login
- Lets you search for apps, settings and files from the Start menu
- Supports pinning apps and programs to the Start menu
- Lets you resize the Start menu and change its transparency
Pricing
- Free
- One-time Purchase
Pros
Brings back the familiar Start menu for Windows users
Highly customizable with different menu styles
Easy to setup and use
Lightweight software with little impact on system
Available for free with no ads or nags
Cons
May not appeal to users who prefer the Windows 8/10 Start screen
Occasional bugs or glitches reported
Some advanced customization options require paid upgrade
May conflict with future Windows updates
Lacks some native features of the Windows Start screen
Official Links
The Best Classic Start 8 Alternatives
Top Os & Utilities and User Interface Customization and other similar apps like Classic Start 8
Here are some alternatives to Classic Start 8:
Suggest an alternative ❐
Start11
Start11 is a third-party program developed by Stardock that allows Windows 11 users to customize and change the look of the Start menu and taskbar. It aims to provide more options and flexibility compared to the default Windows 11 interface.Some of the key features of Start11 include:Restoring a Windows 10...
Classic Shell
Classic Shell is a free, open-source program that restores the Start menu and other interface elements from older versions of Windows such as XP and Windows 7. It allows users to customize the interface of newer Windows versions to bring back the familiar menus, toolbars, and workflows they were accustomed...
StartAllBack
StartAllBack is an open-source alternative to the system restore functionality that was available in older versions of Windows. It brings back the ability to create restore points and roll back your system to a previous working state if something goes wrong.Some key features of StartAllBack include:Creating automated and manual system...
7+ Taskbar Tweaker
7+ Taskbar Tweaker is a powerful yet easy-to-use utility for customizing the Windows taskbar. Developed by RamenSoftware, it provides advanced configuration options that let you fine-tune the taskbar to suit your needs and preferences.With 7+ Taskbar Tweaker, you can adjust the taskbar's transparency level, allowing visibility of your wallpaper underneath....
Open Shell
Open Shell is a free and open-source program that replaces the Start menu and Start screen on Windows 8, 8.1, and Windows 10. It brings back the classic start menu interface from Windows XP and Windows 7, with additional features and customization options.Some of the key features of Open Shell...
StartIsBack
StartIsBack is third-party software that restores the classic Start menu interface and other familiar Windows user interface features and functionality that were changed or removed in Windows 8 and later versions like Windows 10. It aims to provide a more traditional Windows desktop experience for users who prefer the layout...
Start Menu X
Start Menu X is a free, open-source program for Windows that provides extensive customization options for the Windows Start Menu. It gives users more control over the look, feel, and functionality of the Start Menu.Some of the key features of Start Menu X include:Adding extra shortcuts and pins to the...
Power8
Power8 is an all-in-one customer engagement platform designed to help B2C and B2B companies drive business growth by delivering personalized experiences across every customer touchpoint.Key capabilities include:Unified Customer Profiles - Create a single view of customers by connecting data from all business systems and customer interactions.Intelligent Segmentation - Use real-time...
Start Menu Reviver
Start Menu Reviver is a lightweight program designed to help refresh and restore proper functionality of the Windows Start Menu. Some common issues it can resolve include:Missing icons or menu itemsStart Menu not opening properlyBroken layouts and formattingPerformance problems like slow response or high CPU/RAM usageIt works by scanning the...
Start8
Start8 is third-party software designed to restore interface elements and usability features from earlier versions of Windows in Windows 8 and 8.1. It was created due to complaints about the full-screen Start screen and removal of the iconic Start button and menu after Windows 7.The program puts back the traditional...
