StartIsBack
StartIsBack brings a Windows 7-style Start menu and taskbar to newer Windows versions.
What StartIsBack is
StartIsBack brings a Windows 7-style Start menu and taskbar to newer Windows versions. Its menu can open frequently used programs and recent documents, search, reach system locations, and shut down the PC. StartIsBack++ for Windows 10 adds taskbar options including skins, jump-list replacement, centered icons, larger icons, color adjustment, and reduced OS resource use. Personalization includes menu and taskbar skins, Start button choices, menu shortcuts, an XP-like menu, and translucency. The product line covers Windows 8, 8.1, 10, and 11 under the names StartIsBack, StartIsBack+, StartIsBack++, and StartAllBack. It supports all Windows languages. The unrestricted trial lasts 30 days, then the app remains in limited mode unless activated. A license does not expire, though upgrades for a new OS or version may require payment. The maker says installation needs no administrator rights and runs without extra processes or services. Internet access is used for activation and automatic version checks; the maker says it collects no PC hardware or software information.
Good
- Restores a Windows 7-style Start menu and taskbar.
- Supports all Windows languages.
- Installation does not require administrator rights.
- Runs without additional processes or services.
Watch out
- No free plan; the 30-day trial becomes limited.
- Costs $4.99, paid once.
- Some OS or version upgrades may require payment.
- Older versions may crash after upcoming Windows updates.
Who it suits
It suits Windows users who want a Windows 7-style menu and taskbar, with options to adjust shortcuts, appearance, and taskbar behavior. The site also links a deployment guide and Group Policy template for enterprise deployment.
Verdict
StartIsBack offers extensive menu and taskbar customization across newer Windows versions. Consider the limited post-trial mode and the possibility of paid upgrades when deciding whether it fits your setup.
Plans and prices
From StartIsBack's own pricing page, checked 30 Sep 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| StartIsBack license | $4.99, paid once | License key works with any StartIsBack version · License activates a limited number of computers |
The facts
Each one read from StartIsBack's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Activation limit
- One license key can activate a limited number of computers, with unlimited reactivations on the same PC.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Compatibility caveat
- The download page warns that upcoming Windows updates may cause older StartIsBack versions to crash.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Enterprise deployment
- The site links a StartIsBack and StartIsBack+ deployment guide with a Group Policy template.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Installation and resources
- The maker says installation does not require administrator rights and the app runs without additional processes or services.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Languages
- The product supports all Windows languages, and the download page lists many available interface translations.checked 30 Sep 2026
- License term
- The site says a license does not expire, though upgrades for a new OS or version may require an upgrade payment.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Personalization
- Users can select Start menu and taskbar skins, change the Start button, choose Start menu shortcuts, use an XP-like menu, and configure translucency.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Privacy
- The maker says it collects no PC hardware or software information and that activation identifiers are sent as hashes; Internet access is used for activation and automatic version checks.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Purpose
- StartIsBack restores a Windows 7 style Start menu and taskbar experience in newer Windows versions.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Signing
- The download page says StartIsBack is digitally signed by Stanislav Zinukhov.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Start menu
- The menu can launch frequently used programs, open recent documents, search, access system locations, and shut down the PC.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Taskbar features
- StartIsBack++ for Windows 10 can skin the taskbar, replace jump lists, center taskbar icons, restore larger icons, adjust taskbar color, and reduce OS resource usage.checked 30 Sep 2026
Money
- Trial
- The unrestricted trial runs for 30 days; afterward it continues in limited mode unless activated.checked 30 Sep 2026
Where it runs
- Windows versions
- The site lists StartIsBack for Windows 8, StartIsBack+ for Windows 8.1, StartIsBack++ for Windows 10, and StartAllBack for Windows 11.checked 30 Sep 2026
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