Start8

Many users have been complaining about the lack of a Start button in Windows 8. Although Windows 8.1 brought back the button, it still takes you to the same Start screen. If you miss the Start button and menu from previous Windows versions, then Start8 is the application for you. It places a Start button on the Windows 8 task bar and it replaces the Start screen with a menu. In addition, the application places a wide range of customization options at your disposal, for the menu's appearance, icons, shortcuts and more.

Start8 is free to try for 30 days, after which you have to buy a license. It is designed specifically for Windows 8, as well as Windows 8.1 and it can be installed in just a few moments. The application doesn't have any special requirements and it doesn't use too many resources.

The user interface is divided into several sections, which can be accessed via navigation tabs, located on the left side. The Style section allows you to access the application's core features. You can choose between Windows 7 and Windows 8-style menus, with different sizes and themes. Besides setting up a traditional Start menu, it is also possible to display the Start screen as a menu. You will be able to browse through the same icons, but on a menu, instead of in full screen mode.

It is also possible to set different icons for the Start button itself. Additional customization options, for the menu's appearance and behavior, can be found in other sections of the interface. You can make the button appear on secondary task bars, if any, enable a translucency effect, set the Search function to include files outside the standard libraries and more. Furthermore, you can choose what should happen when you run a modern UI app or when you press the right Windows key.