Start Menu 8

Start Menu 8 is a small system tweak program whose purpose is to help you bring back the Start button and menu in Windows 8 and Windows 8.1. In addition, it can also be deployed on Windows 7, Vista and XP for replacing the traditional Start menu.

User-friendly layout

After a brief installation, the utility automatically places the Start button and menu in your system so you don’t need to make any special configuration settings.
You can view a list with all programs installed on your computer and gain quick access to Documents, Pictures, Music, Games or Computer. The tool lets you pin items to the Start menu and check out a list with all modern utilities.
Furthermore, you may create custom groups in order to organize your applications and drag and drop programs directly onto the icon of the Start button in order to add them to the Start menu.
You are allowed to perform searches and activate one of the shutdown sessions (e.g. shut down, restart, log off, switch user).

Change the looks of the button and menu

Start Menu 8 gives you the possibility to choose between several preset icons for the Start button (e.g. Classic, Metro, Win7, Minimal, Smile) and change the visual aspect of the Start menu by opting for a Windows or Modern style.
The Windows mode lets you change the transparency of the menu while the Modern one reveals the Start Screen in different dimensions (e.g. small, large, tall).

General settings

You can run the utility at Windows startup, skip UAC when starting programs from the Start Menu, pick the number of utilities and recent items to display, highlight new installed tools, as well as assign hotkeys.
Furthermore, Start Menu 8 offers you the freedom to use your Windows Account picture, custom photo or conceal the image, pick the font size in the Start menu (small or large), as well as make the program change the background color according to the system theme.
Last but not least, you may disable several Windows 8 effects, namely bottom-left and top-left hot corner, and sidebar, as well as skip the Modern UI.

An overall efficient program

All in all, Start Menu 8 delivers an intuitive approach for helping you boost the functionality of your system or revive its looks, and can be used by beginners and professionals alike.