Each version is tailored for specific Windows version to be able to address weaknesses of each Windows release and gain strength with targeted features and clean user experience.

StartIsBack is actively developed - you can get StartIsBack for Windows 8, StartIsBack+ for Windows 8.1 and StartIsBack++ for Windows 10.

Plus plus much more! StartIsBack is lightweight and secure: it does not require administrator rights to install, consumes minimal amount of system resources, does not run additional processes or services.

Personalize your system as you want it:Whether you're power user or senior citizen, StartIsBack will work for you.

Also it opens 100% of a time and always finds what you want to find - sorry, Windows 10 gimmick!

StartIsBack++ for Windows 10 can:It looks totally awesome with new style, round user avatar and modern glyph icons.

Your faithful desktop friend which helps you:StartIsBack fully integrates with Windows and provides original Windows 7 start menu and taskbar experience, enhanced with many new features as well.

Start menu is back and it's better than ever. Get the most useful shell enhancement for Windows 10 now!

Features

How do I configure Start Menu?

Either right-click Start button and click "Properties" or right-click opened Start Menu itself and choose "Properties" context menu item.

Can I use StartIsBack without start menu, just for skinning / jump list / awesomeness?

Yes. Just pick leftmost (Windows 10) style. Then select taskbar and start button styles separately.

Can StartIsBack break my system?

No. If you experience issues with old StartIsBack on too recent Windows 10 update, just hold Escape key when logging in to disable StartIsBack.

How do I uninstall StartIsBack?

As expected: go to Control Panel - Programs and Features, find StartIsBack and click Uninstall.

Trial, licensing and activation

How trial version works?

There are no limitations in trial version. After installing it runs for 30 days. If you don't activate it with license number you bought within 30 days, it will still work, but in limited mode: Start Menu will be blank and sad; every boot you'll be nagged about evaluation period over. Trial period runs for each user which have installed StartIsBack on one PC separately.

What is activation and why is it needed?

Activation is a process of validating your license online. It ties your computer to your license via online service. It is required in order to make sure license use is not abused. One license key allows you to activate a limited number of computers.

How my computer is identified?

Your computer is uniquely identified by motherboard unique number and hard disk physical serial number OS is installed to.

What if I change hardware configuration of my PC or replace it?

If you change both hard disk and motherboard, you will need to activate your license again as modified PC will count as new. You can activate your license on new PC after 30 days since you used license on the old PC, so you may need to wait while trial period is over.

Does StartIsBack "phone home"?

No. StartIsBack does not collect information about your PC hardware or software. It does not use Internet connection for license validation purposes except the moment you activate it. Online activation service does not collect your IP address or any other information which could identify you or your computer. Computer unique identifiers are transferred in hash form, which does not allow anyone else to view it.

Note: automatic new version checking functionality requires Internet connection.

How many times can I reinstall / reactivate StartIsBack?

There is no limitation on how many times you can activate an installation on the same PC.

Does my license expire?

No, your license will never expire and is valid for all future versions of StartIsBack.