We compiled five of the best Start menu replacements for Windows 8.
Every tool is free and allows you to bypass the Start screen andbootdirectly to the desktop.
The tools in this article are available for Windows 8 and Windows 8.1.
Some are also compatible with otherversions of Windows.
ViStart
Looks like the Windows 7 Start menu.
Instant program search results.
Attempts to install third-party apps.
Can be buggy at times.
ViStart is about as close as you’re going to get to the Windows 7 Start menu.
All of the interface elements you’d expect are there.
You’ll have quick access to your programs and the ability to pin apps as in Windows 7.
Start Menu 8
Free to download and use.
Perfectly replicates the Windows 7 Start menu.
Auto hide can be buggy.
Incompatible with newer apps.
This feature lets you seamlessly launch apps from the desktop, just as you would any other program.
Unfortunately, though, you’re free to’t pin modern apps to the Start menu.
Start Menu Reviver
Touchscreen friendly.
Doesn’t fully replace the modern user interface.
Can’t permanently pin items to the Start menu.
This tool includes a bar of links and a series of customizable tiles.
you could drag any desktop or Windows Store app into the menu to customize the tiles to your liking.
Classic Shell
Free and open source.
Models the classic Windows 7 start menu.
Displays system status data.
Can run slower than the standard shell.
Not easy to find programs or folders.
It also lets you tweak apps to make their interfaces more comfortable for you.
Pokki
Easy to customize.
Mail and social media notifications.
Default Start icon is an acorn.
Store links to Pokki.
you might even download apps from Pokki’s store.
