Best StartIsBack Alternatives in 2025
Looking for alternatives to StartIsBack? In this comparison, we take a closer look at StartIsBack alongside similar software solutions including StartIsBack, StartIsBack++, StartAllBack, Startmenu, Stardock Start8, Start Menu X, Open-Shell, Classic Shell, Folderico, DesktopOK and PowerToys.
Our detailed comparison table highlights key features, pricing, and performance of these leading solutions, empowering you to make an informed decision. Whether you're seeking robust functionality, user-friendly design, or cost-effective alternatives, explore how StartIsBack, StartIsBack++, StartAllBack, Startmenu, Stardock Start8, Start Menu X, Open-Shell, Classic Shell, Folderico, DesktopOK and PowerToys stack up to find the perfect software for your goals.
Supported Windows Versions
 StartIsBack
|
Windows 8, 8.1, 10 |
 StartIsBack++
|
Windows 8/8.1/10 |
 StartAllBack
|
Windows 8, 8.1, 10 |
 Startmenu
|
Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7, 8, 10 |
 Stardock Start8
|
Windows 8, 8.1 |
 Start Menu X
|
Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10 |
 Open-Shell
|
Windows 8, 8.1, 10 |
 Classic Shell
|
Windows 7, 8, 10 |
 Folderico
|
Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7, 8, 10 |
 DesktopOK
|
All Windows versions including Windows XP and above |
 PowerToys
|
Windows OS including Windows 10 |
Licensing and Pricing
|
StartIsBack
|
Paid license per computer (one license per one computer), with a free 30-day trial |
|
StartIsBack++
|
Single personal license for up to 5 PCs with a free 30-day trial |
|
StartAllBack
|
Paid one-time fee license for one device with a free 30-day trial |
|
Startmenu
|
Paid software with a free trial period |
|
Stardock Start8
|
Paid software with a single-user license |
|
Start Menu X
|
Paid license with a free 30-day trial |
|
Open-Shell
|
Free and open-source software under MIT License |
|
Classic Shell
|
Free software |
|
Folderico
|
Paid with free version available |
|
DesktopOK
|
Free software utility |
|
PowerToys
|
Free and open-source software by Microsoft |
Customization and Features
|
StartIsBack
|
Fully customizable start menu with traditional layout; many customization options including colors and icons; improved search functionality; seamless user experience and integration with Windows. |
|
StartIsBack++
|
Advanced customizable start menu; enhanced taskbar support; supports animations and background images; designed for both novice and advanced users; touch screen gestures support. |
|
StartAllBack
|
Customizable start menu with extensive range of settings; supports Windows earlier versions; emphasizes stability and system resource efficiency. |
|
Startmenu
|
Highly customizable start menu layout; improved efficiency; minimal technical experience required; supports multimedia tools. |
|
Stardock Start8
|
Customizable Start button and menu; easier navigation with grouping and pinning apps; supports touch-screen devices; regular updates. |
|
Start Menu X
|
Highly customizable start menu with skins and designs; supports grouping programs; keyboard shortcuts supported; enhanced search functionality. |
|
Open-Shell
|
Customizable start menu resembling Windows 7 style; open source with community-driven improvements; extensive customization options including skins. |
|
Classic Shell
|
Customizable toolbar buttons and start menu styles; enhances Windows interface features; lightweight. |
|
Folderico
|
Customizable folder icons with a wide variety of options including colors and images; user-friendly interface. |
|
DesktopOK
|
Allows saving and restoring multiple desktop icon layouts per monitor configuration; portable version available. |
|
PowerToys
|
Set of advanced utilities including window manager (FancyZones), file renamer (PowerRename), color picker; open source with active community support. |
Choosing the right software isn’t just about features. Size, license type, user ratings, and popularity also matter.
This quick comparison shows how StartIsBack stacks up against StartIsBack, StartIsBack++, StartAllBack, Startmenu, Stardock Start8, Start Menu X, Open-Shell, Classic Shell, Folderico, DesktopOK and PowerToys in these key areas—helping you find the best alternative for your needs.
Size
|
StartIsBack
|
|
|
StartIsBack++
|
1.5MB |
|
StartAllBack
|
1.5MB |
|
Startmenu
|
18.4MB |
|
Stardock Start8
|
10.4MB |
|
Start Menu X
|
12.2MB |
|
Open-Shell
|
7.9MB |
|
Classic Shell
|
|
|
Folderico
|
1.6MB |
|
DesktopOK
|
|
|
PowerToys
|
257.5MB |
License
|
StartIsBack
|
Shareware |
|
StartIsBack++
|
Commercial |
|
StartAllBack
|
Shareware |
|
Startmenu
|
Shareware |
|
Stardock Start8
|
Shareware |
|
Start Menu X
|
Freeware |
|
Open-Shell
|
Shareware |
|
Classic Shell
|
Freeware |
|
Folderico
|
Shareware |
|
DesktopOK
|
Freeware |
|
PowerToys
|
Open Source |