StartForDesktop Alternatives

StartForDesktop is described as 'StartForDekstop - Start Menu for Windows 8' and is an app. There are more than 10 alternatives to StartForDesktop for Windows. The best StartForDesktop alternative is Classic Shell, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like StartForDesktop are StartIsBack, Start11, Pokki and Start8.

filter to find the best alternatives

StartForDesktop alternatives are mainly System Tweakers but may also be Shell Extensions. Filter by these or use the filter bar below if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of StartForDesktop.

StartForDesktop

Free • Proprietary

StartForDekstop - Start Menu for Windows 8.

Available functions: New! "Classic Start Menu" mode (0.9.5) Start Menu list of applications An additional list of system that gives access to installed software...

More about StartForDesktop

StartForDesktop alternatives page was last updated Feb 21, 2018

Classic Shell
Classic Shell is free software that improves your productivity, enhances the usability of Windows, and empowers you to use the computer the way you like it.
29 Classic Shell alternatives
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application type
- System Tweaker
Platforms
- Windows
+3
Classic Shell Features
1. Windows Explorer Extension
2. Customizable
3. Change Start Button
4. Customize Windows
5. Multiple languages
Show all NaN Classic Shell features ▾
Discontinued
The developer announced that Classic Shell will be no longer developed because Windows 10 is updated too frequently and because Microsoft is making more difficult to customize Windows: http://www.classicshell.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=8147 Last version, 4.3.1, released in August 2017, can be still downloaded from the official website, together with the source code.
Classic Shell VS StartForDesktop
Is Classic Shell a good alternative to StartForDesktop?
- Classic Shell is the most popular Windows alternative to StartForDesktop.
- Classic Shell is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to StartForDesktop.
- Classic Shell is Free and Open SourceStartForDesktop is Free and Proprietary

StartIsBack
StartIsBack returns Windows 8 a real fully featured start menu and start button, behaving exactly like the ones in Windows 7. StartIsBack radically improves desktop usability and makes new Start screen clutter-free.
27 StartIsBack alternatives
License model
- Paid • Proprietary
Application type
- Shell Extension
Platforms
- Windows
+1
StartIsBack Features
1. Works Offline
2. Dark Mode
3. Portable
4. Ad-free
5. Customizable
Show all NaN StartIsBack features ▾
StartIsBack VS StartForDesktop
Is StartIsBack a good alternative to StartForDesktop?
- StartIsBack is the most popular commercial alternative to StartForDesktop.
- StartIsBack is Paid and ProprietaryStartForDesktop is Free and Proprietary

Start11
Customize the Start Menu and Taskbar in Windows 10 / Windows 11 . Quickly access your most used items, search your PC more effectively and personalize the look and feel of your start menu.
28 Start11 alternatives
License model
- Paid • Proprietary
Application type
- System Tweaker
Platforms
- Windows
Start11 Features
Customizable
Show all NaN Start11 features ▾
+9
Start11 VS StartForDesktop
Is Start11 a good alternative to StartForDesktop?

Ad
IObit Start Menu 8
Start Menu 8 can help users who are not willing to change their behaviors and bring back the classic start menu. Users can enjoy a familiar start menu again with just one click while other styles are also available.

https://www.iobit.com
Learn More
Pokki
Pokki puts web-connected apps in your taskbar, so they're always only one click away. Welcome to the modern desktop.
16 Pokki alternatives
License model
- Free • Proprietary
Platforms
- Windows
Pokki Features
Launcher
Show all NaN Pokki features ▾
Discontinued
The program seems to be no longer updated. Social pages are not updated since 2014. Last version can be still downloaded from the official website.

Pokki VS StartForDesktop
Is Pokki a good alternative to StartForDesktop?

Start8
Return the Start Button to Windows 8 With these features:

Search for Windows 8-style (Modern UI) apps

Pin desktop and Metro apps to the start menu

Jump List support

Unified Search for apps, settings and files

Boot directly to the Windows 8 desktop

One click access to.
27 Start8 alternatives
License model
- Paid • Proprietary
Application type
- System Tweaker
Platforms
- Windows
+2
Discontinued
The program is only for Windows 8 and no longer updated. For Windows 10 or 11, Stardock offers Start11

Start8 VS StartForDesktop
Is Start8 a good alternative to StartForDesktop?

Start Menu X
Start Menu X is a replacement of the system menu for professionals.

Virtual Groups Group programs by purpose (office applications, graphics, etc) without changing their location on the hard drive.

One-click start

The PRO version allows you to assign a primary program to any f.
25 Start Menu X alternatives
License model
- Freemium • Proprietary
Platforms
- Windows
Start Menu X Features
Customizable
Tabbed interface
Show all NaN Start Menu X features ▾
Start Menu X VS StartForDesktop
Is Start Menu X a good alternative to StartForDesktop?

Power8
Start menu replacement for Windows.
24 Power8 alternatives
License model
- Free • Open Source
Platforms
- Windows
Power8 Features
Multiple languages
Launcher
Show all NaN Power8 features ▾
Power8 VS StartForDesktop
Is Power8 a good alternative to StartForDesktop?

Start Menu Reviver
Start Menu Reviver offers an improved Start Menu for Windows 8/7 that blends the traditional Start Menu functions with the Windows 8 design concept and provides quick access to all your desktop and Modern GUI (Metro) applications.
29 Start Menu Reviver alternatives
License model
- Free • Proprietary
Platforms
- Windows
+2
Start Menu Reviver VS StartForDesktop
Is Start Menu Reviver a good alternative to StartForDesktop?

Handy Start Menu
Do you often find yourself looking for a program in the long list of the Start menu?
44 Handy Start Menu alternatives
License model
- Freemium • Proprietary
Platforms
- Windows
Discontinued
The program seems to be no longer updated. Last version, 1.98, released in June 2015, can be still downloaded from the official website.

Handy Start Menu VS StartForDesktop
Is Handy Start Menu a good alternative to StartForDesktop?

GiMeSpace QuickMenu
A simple and fast task launcher and switcher. Press a custom assigned mouse/keyboard key, the menu pops up at the place of the mouse cursor, move to the desired task, release the key, and that is all! Can not be quicker or easier!.
25 GiMeSpace QuickMenu alternatives
License model
- Free • Proprietary
Platforms
- Windows
GiMeSpace QuickMenu Features
Launcher
Show all NaN GiMeSpace QuickMenu features ▾
GiMeSpace QuickMenu VS StartForDesktop
Is GiMeSpace QuickMenu a good alternative to StartForDesktop?

IObit Start Menu 8
Start Menu 8 can help users who are not willing to change their behaviors and bring back the classic start menu. Users can enjoy a familiar start menu again with just one click while other styles are also available.
28 IObit Start Menu 8 alternatives
License model
- Paid • Proprietary
Application type
- Shell Extension
Platforms
- Windows
Bundleware
The installer may contain third-party softwares. Be careful during the installation: https://alternativeto.net/discussions/applications/11718/be-careful-in-the-installation/

IObit Start Menu 8 VS StartForDesktop
Is IObit Start Menu 8 a good alternative to StartForDesktop?

StartW8
StartW8 is a FREE but powerful tool for Windows 8 users. Do you prefer desktop to modernUI? Would you like to logon directly to desktop? And than use "Start" menu for runnig your apps? Then it's right for you.
28 StartW8 alternatives
License model
- Free • Proprietary
Platforms
- Windows
Discontinued
The program is no longer updated. Last version, 1.2.111.0, released in December 2014, can be still downloaded from the official website.

StartW8 VS StartForDesktop
Is StartW8 a good alternative to StartForDesktop?