Best Start Menu add-on for Windows 8

Just about the most talked-about UI elements of Glass windows 8 is its Start Display screen. Microsoft believes that Start Screen provides ideal environment to interact while using latest operating system, but most Windows enthusiasts think otherwise. As you can imagine, it’ll take some time for users to adjust to the new interface, but right this moment, absence of certain features that we’ve used by so long makes the entire experience a tad awkward for the majority of. One of those features will be the Start Menu. Many of us are so attached by it that the abrupt change seems almost like an anomaly. From what the word round the web tells us, users have minimal grudge against the Start Display screen itself, but simply want for being given the choice to switch between Start Screen and Start Selection. If you’re among those folks that miss the Start Menu within Windows 8, here’s a rundown of ten amazing, free third-party Start Screen modifiers and commence Menu apps that may satiate your requirements.

Pokki For Windows 8
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Pokki may be known for creating dedicated apps intended for various web services, like Zynga, Instagram, YouTube, Tweeter, Gmail etc., that can be pinned and also accessed from taskbar. In truth, the application has now become so popular that this developer has started throwing within a few games as well. Pokki’s Start Menu app for Windows 8 is among the best looking Start Menu modifiers we all tried. The slick design allows you to quickly access your favorite data, folders and applications, including these apps, which are available on Pokki App Store. It even has choice to boot directly to desktop, disable warm corners, specify Win key behavior and a few other settings. You may also check out our Pokki review.

Pros

Snazzy pattern
Includes a plethora of attractive Pokki apps totally free
Search field displays result intended for local and web items
On auto-pilot disables Start Tile
Notification panel that keeps an eye on integrated web services like Facebook
Cons

High memory consumption
Doesn’t allow you to gain access to Modern UI apps
No skin packs as of this writing
Download Pokki For Glass windows 8

StartMenu8
StartMenu84

If you’re seeking something more simpler, then StartMenu8 will be your best bet. StartMenu8 should happen to be called StartMenu7. Why? It looks quite comparable to Windows 7 Start Menu. On the other hand, it lacks customization and you’d have to adhere with the default cosmetic makeup products. Pressing the Win key launches the start Menu, while holding it for around 2 seconds takes you for the Windows 8 Start Screen. You may also check out our StartMenu8 evaluation.

Pros

A convenient and convenient to use Start Screen replacement
A familiar layout and design we’re all accustomed to
Cons

Start Tile occasionally hides the the start Orb
Lacks customizability
Doesn’t support try to find Modern UI (Windows Store) apps
Download StartMenu8

Classic Shell
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Classic Shell was actually the very first utility that caught our attention, during our hunt for Start off Menu modifiers. Not only does it restore the good ‘ol Start Menu all of us love and adore, it boasts a plentiful of customizations too. Apart from providing you with personalization methods of Start Menu, it also will allow customizing the Windows Explorer. All of the settings can be accessed and also tweaked from Settings > Basic Start Menu. Classic Shell features three different Start Menu models; Windows Classic, Windows XP and also Windows Vista/Windows 7. It goes a number of steps further via letting you decide on amongst a few different Skins, Windows Aero, Metro, Smoked Goblet, Windows Basic, just to name a number of. If that isn’t enough, feel free to choose your favorite Start Orb design. Another noteworthy feature is its capability to prevent Start Tile from bogging down the start Orb. So overall, Classic Shell is the the most effective modifier on our list. You may also check out our detailed evaluation.

Pros

Loads of customization possibilities, support for 36 languages.
Allows you to disable Start Screen Tile and also choose custom Start Orbs.
Different skin packs and three diverse Start Menu styles.
Can be used to customize Windows Explorer.
Downsides

Default skins don’t look therefore fascinating
Advanced settings may befuddle most novice users
Download Basic Shell

Win8StartButton
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Win8StartButton could have been our utmost choice if lack of personalization options didn’t plague the deal. It basically shrinks the Start Screen because of Start Menu size, so chances are you’ll easily access the apps devoid of hopping onto the the ex- UI. Win8StartButton however, feels pretty buggy, for instance, Win key introduces the Start Menu, but it will simply deny to response upon further key stroke. On the particular bright side though, the search feature is highly efficient and lets you instantly find both Modern and also Standard UI apps.

Pros

Offers Start Screen for the desktop
Search function can discover both Windows Store and computer’s desktop apps
Cons

Lack of customization may turn off many
Erratic Win key response
Supports a single language that may limit user base
Download Win8StartButton

Start off Menu Modifier
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Start Menu Modifier doesn’t really add anything for the desktop, but simply slim downs the particular already available Start Screen. Like this, you don’t need to exit the desktop to get into Modern UI apps. The application lets you choose the size and position on the Start Screen as well. In addition, if you have multiple displays linked to your PC, you can select the screen on which you intend to display the Start Screen. Study our detailed review.

Pros

Start Screen can be accessed from within the computer’s desktop
Multiple displays support
Easy to utilize
Cons

Doesn’t allow setting personalized pixel density
Download Start Selection Modifier

Revel BringBack
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In the event you really like Windows 8’s Current UI design, then adding Revel BringBack to your desktop probably sounds great. In truth, it looks so gorgeous (and perfectly sits while using new interface) that we wouldn’t back away recommending it. The white color and minimalistic theme helps it be a dainty companion of Glass windows 8. The options windows, and this can be accessed by clicking the tools button within the Start Menu, lets you set a number of custom parameters, for example, command Win key behavior, toggle Start Menu border and several other settings. Pinning shortcuts for the menu is also possible and yes it shows off your current screen picture, too.

Pros

Captivating Current UI interface
Lightweight app which compliments Windows 8 design
Downsides

Limited customization options
Sports only plain white interface design
Search function just isn’t as robust as one would expect it for being
ViStart
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ViStart is yet another Start Screen replacement you can search. From its Options menu you possibly can toggle a few behavioral variables, such as, Enable Auto-Click feature, Show ViStart’s Tray Icon, Invoke Vistart having Windows Key etc. Similar to other modifiers within the list, it’s also plagued by the few nuisances like inability to go looking Modern UI apps from search field and commence Tile conceals the Start Orb when mouse cursor hits the bottom left corner. Check out each of our detailed review.

Pros

Displays user profile picture
Ability to specify Win key behavior
Cons

Only a number of configuration options
Doesn’t support personalized Start Orbs
Search function can not find Modern UI apps
Download ViStart

Spesoft Windows 8 Start off Menu
Spesoft-Windows-8-Start-Menu3

Spesoft Windows 8 Start Menu is among the most simple, yet an elegant looking Start Menu readily available for Windows 8. The utility, albeit successfully brings back the start Menu, feels quite lacking with regards to features. In fact, there aren’t any customization settings per se. It looks quite similar to help Windows 7 Start Menu, but is quite basic. You cannot change the start Orb, nor are there any skins or menu styles that it brings to the table. As a result, you may only try Spesoft Windows 8 Start Menu in the event you don’t want to fiddle around with lots of different settings (and you fancy ordinary designs).

Pros

Zero configuration Start off Screen replacement utility
Offers Glass windows 7-like Start Menu layout
Downsides

Plain and simple design having jaggy edges
Doesn’t feature virtually any customization options
No profile picture support
Unable to search intended for Modern UI apps
Download Spesoft Glass windows 8 Start Menu

Power8
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Another handsome alternative that may rule your Windows 8 computer’s desktop is Power8. The former does not have customizability, but Power8 overwhelms with this regard, at least to a particular degree. For instance, you may modify the start Orb with a custom photograph and specify Aspect Ratio, toggle Automotive Start, Block Metro features etc. It puts a lot of emphasis on shortcuts. Therefore, you can simply access power options like Shutdown, Restart, Sleep, Hibernate, without hovering above any Power sub-menu. What’s much more, it allows you to pin shortcuts for the Start Menu. Read our comprehensive review.

Pros

Start Orb can be replaced with a custom Start off Orb image
Quick access to help power options
Shortcuts for used often items and applications
Portable (no installment required)
Cons

Not much of eye candy
Search function doesn’t assistance Modern UI apps
Download Power8

Start off Menu X
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Start Menu X will be the only application we found which boasts resizing options. You may scale its size both vertically and also horizontally, as well as level the font size of choices and applications. It even allows you to choose among a multitude of skins and commence Orbs, where the latter lets you choose among Angry Birds, Apple mackintosh, Windows 7 and Windows 8 keys. Additionally, you can add personalized menus and application shortcuts. Aside from Free version, Start Menu X boasts Pro variant, which contains a number of extra settings.

Pros

Ability to help scale menu size.
Custom skin packs and commence buttons.
Automatically disables Start Tile and also overrides Win key behavior.
Search feature to quickly find Current UI apps
Cons

Doesn’t provide System Power options including Shutdown, Restart, Sleep and Hibernate
Inability to switch Win key behavior
Download Start off Menu X

So it’s no surprise there are a sheer number of Start Screen replacement apps at your disposal, each boasting its own set of features and options. Classic Shell and Pokki may win the show on the subject of aesthetics and personalization, but the rest in our list don’t dissatisfy either. Free free to share your opinion within the comments below.