17.7
Launchy is a free cross-platform utility for opening programs, files, folders, and websites with a few keystrokes.
Free planOpen sourceAndroidAPILinux
Best Start Menu Customization Software in 2026
Changing the way you reach apps and tools on Windows can involve more than replacing the Start menu. Compare replacement mode with start button and taskbar controls, and check supported Windows versions for compatibility with your setup. Custom search and saved profiles add other points to weigh, alongside free-plan availability and paid-from pricing. The entries include IObit Uninstaller, Launchy, and Parkdale, as…
27.2
Executor is a free Windows desktop workflow application for launching tasks from commands or hotkeys.
Free planOpen sourceSelf-hostedWindows
37.0
LaunchMenu is a free, open-source application that brings utilities called applets into a keyboard-focused interface.
Free planOpen sourceAPImacOSWindows
- 4
Starling
Starling is a desktop environment with a two-dimensional workspace and an optional three-dimensional city workspace.
Free planWebLinuxmacOSWindows6.7Free plan - 5
Dawn Launcher
Dawn Launcher organizes apps, files, and websites into one place on Windows for quicker access and a tidier desktop.
Free planWindows6.5CN¥34 one-time - 6
Listary
Listary is a Windows file search tool and app launcher that finds files and folders by name, path, or format, then ranks results according to usage habits.
Free planWindows6.5$19.95 one-time - 7
MaxLauncher
MaxLauncher is a free, open-source tabbed launcher for Windows that helps users find and run programs, folders, or commands with two or three keystrokes.
Free planWindows6.4Free plan - 8
Start Menu X
Start Menu X replaces the Windows system Start menu with a customizable menu aimed at professionals and power users.
Free planWindows6.4$14.99 one-time - 9
PExplorer
PExplorer is the shell component of WinXShell, intended as a freely available replacement for Windows Explorer in Windows Preinstallation Environment (WinPE).
Free planWindows6.3Free plan - 106.3Free plan
- 11
StartAllBack
Windows6.3$4.99 one-time - 12
SbieShell
SbieShell is a Windows shell program for Sandboxie’s isolated desktops, covering the desktop, Start menu, taskbar, and notification area.
Free planWindows6.2Free plan - 13
Flow Launcher
Flow Launcher is a free, open-source search and app launcher for Windows 10 and later.
Free planWindows6.1Free plan - 146.1Free plan
- 15
SystemTrayMenu
SystemTrayMenu is a free, open-source Windows toolbar and Start Menu alternative for browsing and opening files.
Free planWindows6.1Free plan - 16
My Start Menu
Windows6.0$25 one-time - 17
StartIsBack
StartIsBack brings a Windows 7-style Start menu and taskbar to newer Windows versions.
Windows6.0$4.99 one-time - 18
Wradial
Wradial is a Windows shortcut wheel that starts apps, inserts saved text, triggers keyboard shortcuts, runs commands and launches workflows from a key gesture.
Free planWindows6.0Free plan - 19
Aston
Windows5.9$29.95 one-time - 20
Fluent Search
Fluent Search is a free, keyboard-driven search and productivity tool for Windows.
Free planWindows5.9Free plan - 21
GroDock
Windows5.9$4.99 one-time - 22
Seelen UI
Seelen UI is a free customization layer for Windows 10 and Windows 11 that helps organize windows and reshape the desktop.
Free planWindows5.9Free plan - 23
Start Menu Reviver
Start Menu Reviver is a free Windows utility that provides a Start Menu with a Metro-style interface and customizable tiles.
Free planWindows5.9Free plan - 24
ViStart
ViStart replaces the Windows Start menu with a configurable menu styled after Windows 7.
Free planWindows5.9Free plan - 25
ExplorerPatcher
ExplorerPatcher is a free Windows program for adjusting parts of the desktop working environment.
Free planWindows5.8Free plan