Best Stardock Start8 Alternatives in 2025
Looking for alternatives to Stardock Start8? In this comparison, we take a closer look at Stardock Start8 alongside similar software solutions including Stardock Start8, StartIsBack, Startmenu, Assistente de Atualização do Windows, Open-Shell, StartIsBack++, Start Menu X, StartAllBack, Classic Shell, Stardock WindowBlinds and ExplorerPatcher.
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 Stardock Start8, StartIsBack, Startmenu, Assistente de Atualização do Windows, Open-Shell, StartIsBack++, Start Menu X, StartAllBack, Classic Shell, Stardock WindowBlinds and ExplorerPatcher stack up to find the perfect software for your goals.
Customization Options
 Stardock Start8
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Customizable Start button and Start menu with various options for grouping tiles, pinning apps, and individual preferences. |
 StartIsBack
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Fully customizable start menu with many options including colors, icon sizes, fonts, and seamless user experience. |
 Startmenu
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Highly customizable start menu layout with options for colors, fonts, and categories to improve efficiency. |
 Assistente de Atualização do Windows
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Not applicable; focuses on managing Windows updates rather than customization. |
 Open-Shell
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Extensive customization of the Start Menu including styles, skins, icons, and layouts, inspired by Windows 7 style. |
 StartIsBack++
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Advanced customization options for the start menu and taskbar including animations, background images, styles, and jump lists. |
 Start Menu X
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Highly customizable start menu with options for grouping programs, skins, and designs tailored to user preferences. |
 StartAllBack
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Extensive customization options covering appearance, icon sizes, colors, layout similar to classic start menu. |
 Classic Shell
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Customizable Start menu allowing adjustments in almost any aspect including toolbar buttons and menu styles. |
 Stardock WindowBlinds
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Customization focused on Windows desktop appearance with custom skins for windows and controls. |
 ExplorerPatcher
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Advanced customization of Windows Explorer elements including menus, toolbars, icons through system file patching. |
Supported Windows Versions
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Stardock Start8
|
Windows 8 and 8.1 versions primarily. |
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StartIsBack
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Windows 8.1 and Windows 10. |
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Startmenu
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Windows XP through 10 including Vista, 7, 8 and 10. |
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Assistente de Atualização do Windows
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Windows 8 and 8.1 editions for updating. |
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Open-Shell
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Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and 10. |
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StartIsBack++
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Windows 8/8.1/10 systems up to five PCs. |
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Start Menu X
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Windows XP through 10 including Vista, 7, 8 and 10. |
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StartAllBack
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Windows 8, 8.1, and Windows 10 versions. |
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Classic Shell
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Windows 7, 8 and 10 versions supported. |
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Stardock WindowBlinds
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Primarily for Windows versions including Windows 10 supporting high DPI displays. |
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ExplorerPatcher
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Supports all Windows versions from Vista through Windows 10 (32-bit and 64-bit). |
Licensing & Cost
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Stardock Start8
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Paid software requiring a single-user license. |
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StartIsBack
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Licensed software with one license per computer; includes a free 30-day trial period. |
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Startmenu
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Commercial software with a free trial; specific licensing not detailed. |
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Assistente de Atualização do Windows
|
Free tool provided by Microsoft for licensed users to update their OS edition with a valid product key. |
|
Open-Shell
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Free open-source software under the MIT License with community support. |
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StartIsBack++
|
Paid software available under a single personal license or family pack with a free 30-day trial. |
|
Start Menu X
|
Licensed software offering a free trial period; licenses available for users. |
|
StartAllBack
|
Paid software with a one-time fee per device license; offers a free 30-day trial. |
|
Classic Shell
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Freeware software without official technical support but supported by community forums. |
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Stardock WindowBlinds
|
Paid software with a free trial version available; one-time payment model. |
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ExplorerPatcher
|
Freeware application without cost or licensing fees.}]}]}{ |
Choosing the right software isn’t just about features. Size, license type, user ratings, and popularity also matter.
This quick comparison shows how Stardock Start8 stacks up against Stardock Start8, StartIsBack, Startmenu, Assistente de Atualização do Windows, Open-Shell, StartIsBack++, Start Menu X, StartAllBack, Classic Shell, Stardock WindowBlinds and ExplorerPatcher in these key areas—helping you find the best alternative for your needs.
Size
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Stardock Start8
|
10.4MB |
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StartIsBack
|
|
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Startmenu
|
18.4MB |
|
Assistente de Atualização do Windows
|
4.3MB |
|
Open-Shell
|
7.9MB |
|
StartIsBack++
|
1.5MB |
|
Start Menu X
|
12.2MB |
|
StartAllBack
|
1.5MB |
|
Classic Shell
|
|
|
Stardock WindowBlinds
|
95.4MB |
|
ExplorerPatcher
|
2.4MB |
License
|
Stardock Start8
|
Commercial |
|
StartIsBack
|
Freeware |
|
Startmenu
|
Freeware |
|
Assistente de Atualização do Windows
|
Commercial |
|
Open-Shell
|
Open Source |
|
StartIsBack++
|
Commercial |
|
Start Menu X
|
Freeware |
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StartAllBack
|
Freeware |
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Classic Shell
|
Freeware |
|
Stardock WindowBlinds
|
Commercial |
|
ExplorerPatcher
|
Commercial |