Start8

56,988 downloads Updated: August 13, 2015 Ad-supported

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Adds a Start Menu to Windows 8 to help you benefit from its advantages, while not compromising on the features you are accustomed with

What's new in Start8 1.56:

Minor updates and fixes

Read the full changelog

Windows 8 is the operating system launched by Microsoft in 2012, and one of its innovations was the removal of the traditional Start Menu. Considering there are numerous people all over the world who are very much used to relying on this tool on a daily basis, software developers have started creating alternatives, such as Start8.

The installation process of Start8 can be completed without any issues and users can get a brand new Start Menu for their Windows 8 PC within minutes.

The newly-generated Start Menu bear a striking resemblance to the one included in Windows 7, allowing users to easily search for their programs, access the Control Panel, open the Documents, Pictures and Music folders or to explore the games. It also provides users with power options, including restart, log off, sleep, hibernate or switch user accounts.

Users can access the Configuration window of Start8 when they want to experiment with different styles of the Start Menu, until they are fully satisfied with the result. As such, they can choose the Windows 7 style or they can opt for the Windows 8 one, which integrates elements of the Start Screen (without making it full screen, as the real one).

Users can personalize the entries of their Start Menu, by modifying the default shortcuts and adding new ones, so as to be able to easily access their favorite folders, apps or games. It is also possible to change the default behavior of the power button.

Start8 provides users with additional customization options, including the look of the Start button as users can select a custom image of their own to make sure it matches the OS theme.

To sum up, Start8 can help users bring back several Windows features they might miss when upgrading to Windows 8, such as directly accessing the desktop rather than the Start Screen when logging in or the Start Menu. Those who want to try Start8 can do so for a limited period of time and purchase a license if they are pleased with the app’s functions.