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.
start-menu
windows-8
windows-7
interface
desktop
Start8: Restore Classic Windows Interface
Bring back the Start button, Start menu, and boot to desktop in Windows 8 & 8.1 with Start8, a program that restores interface features from Windows 7 and earlier versions.
What is 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 Start button and menu with flexibility to customize it to the user's preferences. It bypasses the Windows 8 Start screen so you can boot directly to the desktop. Start8 also enables users to configure other interface aspects like the taskbar and File Explorer to work like older Windows versions.
Key features include:
- Brings back the classic Start button and Start menu
- Lets you boot directly to the desktop, bypassing the Start screen
- Options for configuring the menu style and layout
- Lets you pin apps and programs to the Start menu
- Enables more desktop right-click context menu actions
- Includes other tweaks and customizations for the taskbar, File Explorer, and overall interface
Start8 provides a familiar and productive Windows environment for users who prefer the way previous Windows versions worked over the Windows 8 style full-screen interface optimized for tablets and touchscreens.
Start8 Features
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
Pricing
- Free
- One-time purchase
- Subscription-based
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
Official Links
The Best Start8 Alternatives
Top Os & Utilities and Interface Customization and other similar apps like Start8
Here are some alternatives to Start8:
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...
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...
Labrys Start menu
Labrys Start menu is an open source program that replaces the default Windows start menu with an enhanced, customizable menu. It was created to boost productivity for users who rely on the Windows start menu frequently for launching programs, searching, and more.Features of Labrys Start menu include:A clean design with...
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...
Handy Start Menu
Handy Start Menu is a customizable replacement for the standard Windows start menu. It provides quick and easy access to installed applications, recent documents, frequently used folders, system utilities, and common commands and features.Key features of Handy Start Menu include:Customizable categories, groups, and icons for a personalized start menuSearch bar...
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...
Pokki Menu
Pokki Menu is a customizable application menu and widget platform that provides an alternative to the standard Windows Start Menu. It sits on top of the desktop background and gives quick access to apps, games, web content, and more in a sleek and visually appealing interface.Key features of Pokki Menu...
Microsoft Gadgets
Microsoft Gadgets were mini-applications and feeds that could be placed on the Windows Vista and Windows 7 desktop to provide information at a glance. They were introduced as a feature of Windows Vista and Windows Sidebar, offering small applets like clocks, calendars, news aggregators, calculators, note pads, and more.Gadgets provided...
ViStart
ViStart is an open-source visual web development platform and content management system designed to allow anyone to build professional dynamic websites and web applications, without needing to write code.With ViStart's intuitive drag-and-drop editor, users can quickly build pages, design templates, create content types, customize forms, integrate add-ons, and publish across...
Spencer
Spencer is an open-source personal assistant application designed to help users stay organized and streamline their workflow. It provides a variety of tools to manage daily tasks, set reminders, take notes, track habits, and more.Some key features of Spencer include:Flexible task management with lists, tags, due dates, reminders, and moreNote...
StartX
startX is an online platform and nonprofit startup accelerator based at Stanford University. It was founded in 2010 with the goal of helping Stanford-affiliated entrepreneurs build successful technology companies.startX provides a range of services and resources for early-stage startups, including:Educational workshops and events focused on product development, fundraising, marketing, and...
Start Everywhere
Start Everywhere is a productivity browser extension and mobile application that aims to save users time by allowing them to search across multiple sites and services directly from their browser toolbar or mobile app. It indexes content from popular sites like Wikipedia, YouTube, Reddit, Amazon, news sites, blogs and more...
GiMeSpace QuickMenu
GiMeSpace QuickMenu is a free, open source application launcher and dock for Windows operating systems. It provides quick access to frequently used programs, files, and folders directly from an always-visible dock on the desktop.Some key features of GiMeSpace QuickMenu include:Clean, customizable interface with support for different themes, skins, icons, and...
Finalbird
Finalbird is an RSS reader, feed reader, and podcast client application developed by Finalwire. It provides users with the ability to subscribe to RSS feeds, Atom feeds, JSON feeds, YouTube channels, and podcasts in order to easily view new articles, blog posts, videos, and audio episodes.Some key features of Finalbird...
Start Menu Modifier
Start Menu Modifier is a lightweight freeware utility for customizing the Windows Start Menu. It gives users greater control over the look, feel, and organization of the Start Menu in Windows.With Start Menu Modifier, you can:Change the visual style of the Start Menu, including colors, transparency, and moreRearrage and group...
RetroUI Pro
RetroUI Pro is a software application for Windows that allows users to change the look and feel of their operating system's user interface to resemble retro versions of Windows. It features multiple built-in themes that mimic the aesthetic of operating systems like Windows 95, 98, and XP, offering a nostalgic...
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...
Ex7forW8
Ex7forW8 is a software program designed to enhance the backwards compatibility of Windows 8 and 10 for applications and games built for Windows 7. It aims to allow users to run their older Windows 7 software on newer Windows versions more reliably.The tool works by providing replacements for certain libraries,...
StartForDesktop
StartForDesktop is a user-friendly desktop customization utility for Windows that gives users complete control over customizing and personalizing their desktop experience. It comes packed with powerful personalization features that help users arrange their desktop items, beautify desktop appearance and enhance productivity.Some of the key features of StartForDesktop include:Fully customizable start...
Start Button 8
Start Button 8 is a third-party program designed to customize and enhance the Start menu in Windows. It provides a range of features and options to change the look, layout, and functionality of the Windows Start menu to suit your preferences.With Start Button 8, you can add extra shortcuts, icons,...
Skip Metro Suite
Skip Metro Suite is a collection of apps built as replacements for the default Windows 8/10 modern apps. It includes the following apps:Skip Mail - An email client alternative to the built-in Windows Mail app. Provides multiple account support, conversation threading, quick filters, and offline access.Skip Calendar - A calendar...
8StartButton
8StartButton is a free third-party utility that restores the classic Start button and Start menu in Windows 8 and Windows 8.1. It brings back the familiar interface that was removed with Windows 8, offering users an alternative to the full-screen Start screen.With 8StartButton installed, users can access a Start menu...
Gumbleville Launcher
Gumbleville Launcher is a feature-rich video game launcher and manager software for Windows PCs. It provides gamers with a unified interface to access, launch, and manage their entire game library across multiple gaming platforms and clients.Some key features of Gumbleville Launcher include:Game library management - Automatically detects games installed from...
StartW8
StartW8 is a start menu replacement designed specifically for Windows 8 and 8.1. It aims to restore the familiar start menu experience that was removed from Windows 8, while still retaining some of the benefits of the new modern interface.Some key features of StartW8 include:Familiar start menu interface with resizable...
