Best Startmenu Alternatives in 2025
Looking for alternatives to Startmenu? In this comparison, we take a closer look at Startmenu alongside similar software solutions including Startmenu, Classic Shell, Open-Shell, Start Menu X, StartIsBack++, StartIsBack, Stardock Start8, StartAllBack, ExplorerPatcher, LicenseCrawler and Folderico.
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 Startmenu, Classic Shell, Open-Shell, Start Menu X, StartIsBack++, StartIsBack, Stardock Start8, StartAllBack, ExplorerPatcher, LicenseCrawler and Folderico stack up to find the perfect software for your goals.
Customization Options
 Startmenu
|
Highly customizable start menu layout with various skins and color options. |
 Classic Shell
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Full customization options including menu styles, toolbar buttons, and colors with an active community forum. |
 Open-Shell
|
Extensive customization, different styles, customizable icons, and community-driven improvements. |
 Start Menu X
|
Highly customizable start menu with various skins and ability to group programs. |
 StartIsBack++
|
Fully customizable start menu with styles, animations, backgrounds, and taskbar customization. |
 StartIsBack
|
Customizable feature set with many options in layout, icons, colors, and behavior. |
 Stardock Start8
|
Customizable Start menu and Start button with grouping of tiles and pinning apps. |
 StartAllBack
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Extensive customization options for start menu appearance, behavior, and layout. |
 ExplorerPatcher
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Advanced Explorer interface customization for various elements and styles. |
 LicenseCrawler
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N/A - does not customize start menu or interface. |
 Folderico
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Customization of folder icons with a wide range of colors and icon options. |
Supported Operating Systems
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Startmenu
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Supports Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10. |
|
Classic Shell
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Supports Windows 7, 8, 10. |
|
Open-Shell
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Supports Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10. |
|
Start Menu X
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Supports Windows 7, 8, 10. |
|
StartIsBack++
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Supports Windows 8, 8.1, 10. |
|
StartIsBack
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Supports Windows 8.1 and 10. |
|
Stardock Start8
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Supports Windows 8 and 8.1. |
|
StartAllBack
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Supports Windows 8, 8.1, 10. |
|
ExplorerPatcher
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Supports Windows XP through Windows 10 (all versions). |
|
LicenseCrawler
|
Supports Windows XP through Windows 10 (registry scanning utility). |
|
Folderico
|
Supports Windows XP through Windows 10 operating systems. |
License & Cost
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Startmenu
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Free trial available; full product likely paid or subscription-based. |
|
Classic Shell
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Freeware with no official technical support. |
|
Open-Shell
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Free open source software licensed under MIT License. |
|
Start Menu X
|
30-day trial; license required for full version; commercial software from OrdinarySoft. |
|
StartIsBack++
|
Paid software with license options including family pack; free 30-day trial available. |
|
StartIsBack
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Paid software with single license per computer; free 30-day trial available. |
|
Stardock Start8
|
Paid software with single-user license; no free version but has regular updates and support. |
|
StartAllBack
|
Paid software with a one-time fee per license; free 30-day trial available. |
|
ExplorerPatcher
|
Freeware software application. |
|
LicenseCrawler
|
Free software utility without official support. |
|
Folderico
|
'Free version available; unknown if paid upgrades exist.' |
Choosing the right software isn’t just about features. Size, license type, user ratings, and popularity also matter.
This quick comparison shows how Startmenu stacks up against Startmenu, Classic Shell, Open-Shell, Start Menu X, StartIsBack++, StartIsBack, Stardock Start8, StartAllBack, ExplorerPatcher, LicenseCrawler and Folderico in these key areas—helping you find the best alternative for your needs.
Size
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Startmenu
|
18.4MB |
|
Classic Shell
|
|
|
Open-Shell
|
7.9MB |
|
Start Menu X
|
14.2MB |
|
StartIsBack++
|
1.5MB |
|
StartIsBack
|
|
|
Stardock Start8
|
10.4MB |
|
StartAllBack
|
1.5MB |
|
ExplorerPatcher
|
2.4MB |
|
LicenseCrawler
|
1.3MB |
|
Folderico
|
1.6MB |
License
|
Startmenu
|
Freeware |
|
Classic Shell
|
Freeware |
|
Open-Shell
|
Open Source |
|
Start Menu X
|
Freeware |
|
StartIsBack++
|
Commercial |
|
StartIsBack
|
Freeware |
|
Stardock Start8
|
Commercial |
|
StartAllBack
|
Freeware |
|
ExplorerPatcher
|
Commercial |
|
LicenseCrawler
|
Freeware |
|
Folderico
|
Freeware |