The start menu is one of the elements that has been in the operating system for the longest time (practically since its inception), but that since the arrival of Windows 8 has become one of the most controversial elements. Fortunately, Windows 10 has its own start menu. However, this menu is not exactly to the liking of all because many of its functions have been simplified, and the Live Tiles of the universal apps of the operating system have been given too much prominence. Therefore, there are many users looking for alternatives to the Windows 10 start menu . And here we have the best.
Alternative start menus are programs that are placed just above the Windows 10 start button so that when you click on it, instead of opening the characteristic Windows 10 menu, it will open a different program. We can find all kinds of alternative menus for Windows 10, from menus that seek to bring us the classic appearance and functionality of Windows XP and Windows 7 , to revolutionary menus that seek to obtain an extra utility to improve productivity and day-to-day life.
Let’s see which are the best.
Best alternatives to Windows 10 start menu
Open-shell
Classic Shell has been, for a long time, the best alternative start menu for Windows 8 and Windows 10. A menu full of functions and features that we could install and use completely free of charge. The person in charge of the program abandoned its development, and had the detail of publishing the source code so that others could continue with this project. And so Open-Shell was born.
This start menu is completely free and brings all the functions that the original project brought, but in the form of open source software. It allows us to change the appearance of the Windows 10 and Windows 8 start menu to the appearance of the Windows XP and Windows 7 menu. It also allows us to customize the start button, and it has different functions that allow us to customize the Internet and file explorer. Explorer.
We can download this start menu from its repository on GitHub . Without a doubt, one of the best programs that we can use in Windows 10 to replace the default start menu.
IObit Start Menu 8
IObit did not want to miss the opportunity to open a gap within this type of software and launched Start Menu 8 . This program has a highly customizable menu that anyone can adapt to their needs, in addition to having a much faster and smarter search engine than the one offered by Windows as standard.
However, not everything that revolves around this menu is good. For example, we must bear in mind that we are dealing with paid software that only offers us a 30-day trial version. Also, it has a problem that when running games in full screen, the menu is not hidden.
We can download this alternative menu at this link .
ViStart
This alternative is one of those that best mimic the appearance of the Windows 7 menu. It has transparency, an improved search engine and also has a large number of customization possibilities, being able to change the appearance very easily using skins.
As a drawback, it should be noted that the innovation made by its developers has been rather little. It mimics the appearance of the Windows 7 menu so well that if used in that operating system we would hardly be able to distinguish it from the original. Therefore, users looking for something really different will have to go a little further.
We can download ViStart from its website .
StartIsBack
Continuing with the start menus that mimic the appearance of Windows 7, StartIsBack is another of the best known. This menu allows us to modify the button icon and has a large number of customization options. In addition, the configuration options are much more ordered and more intuitive than those of other programs. A great alternative for those looking to reuse this useful menu from years ago.
As a drawback, indicate that this program is paid. And while it’s easier to set up and customize than Open-Shell, it doesn’t really have anything that sets you apart from your rival.
We can buy this start menu from the following link . And before paying it, we can try it for free thanks to the trial version it offers us.
Power 8
Another alternative to the previous programs is Power 8 . This will also allow us to replace the start menu of our Windows 10. Among its advantages we can mainly highlight that this program does not patch system files, which, in the long run, results in fewer problems. It also does not replace DLLs, install additional drivers and services, or make registry changes.
A fast, light and open source alternative menu from which we will be able to search for any program that we have installed and, in addition, anchor our favorite programs to access them faster.
We can download this start menu from here .
Start10
Start10 is one more alternative, specially designed with Windows 10 in mind, which brings us a new menu with an appearance similar to that of Windows 7. It has a large number of filters to perform more precise searches, it is customizable and it allows us to access new to the system configuration sections quickly that were eliminated with the arrival of Windows 10.
We can buy this start menu from their website . Of course, we must take into account that it is a payment software.
Other more experimental alternatives
Labrys Start Menu
For those looking for an alternative and different start menu, Labrys Start Menu is an excellent alternative. This program does not imitate the classic Microsoft designs, but seeks to give a twist to provide faster access to all the programs and all the utilities that we have installed in the operating system. This menu offers us a new and very simple to use interface through which we can move without problems with the keyboard. It has a very fast search engine, filters is even compatible with Windows 10 UWP apps.
The website for this program is no longer available. Therefore, if we want to download it, we can do it from this link .
Pokki
Pokki is one of the most complete and revolutionary alternatives that we can find. This alternative to the Windows Start menu behaves more like a complete program launcher for the operating system. It allows us to browse all the programs that we have installed, access the personal directories and, in addition, it has a panel on the right where we are going to be able to anchor the programs that we use the most to always have them at hand. It also has an app store that will allow us to download and install programs very easily.
Unfortunately, this program is too aggressive with its own store. In addition to having a very small number of apps, the store tries to replace the Microsoft Store itself so that its users use this instead of the alternative. Also, adapting to the new user interface can be difficult for some users.
We can download this program for free from the following link .
Start Menu X
A vitaminized substitute to all the previous Windows start menus. This menu is especially intended for advanced users who make intensive use of the menu to open programs and need something faster and with many organization options. It allows you to create groups of virtual programs, has a large number of configuration options and is available for all operating systems, from XP to Windows 10.
We can download this professional alternative from this website . Of course, we must bear in mind that this software is paid as well, since to unleash its potential we will have to pay for the Start Menu X PRO license .