Discussion What Start Menu replacement software do you use, if any?

[classic35mm]

What Start Menu replacement software do you use, if any, on Windows 11?

Possible answers include:

• Start11 v1 or v2 ( https://www.stardock.com/products/start11/ )
• StartAllBack ( https://www.startallback.com/ )
• Open-Shell ( https://open-shell.github.io/Open-Shell-Menu/ )
• ExplorerPatcher ( https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher )
• RetroBar ( https://github.com/dremin/RetroBar )

For the Start Menu replacement software that you use:

• What do you like about it?
• What don't you like about it?
• Does it noticeably reduce system performance?
• Is it compatible with the apps that you use for work and play?
• Has it been generally compatible with new versions/builds of Windows 11?
• If you've tried other Start Menu replacement programs in the past, why did you settle on this one?

 

[USAFRet]

What Start Menu replacement software do you use, if any, on Windows 11?

For me, none.

I have no issue moving to 'the next OS'. Never have.
I use applications, not the OS.

 

[Ralston18]

Another possible answer:

• None.

I do not use any Start Menu software.

Just desktop shortcuts and the Taskbar.

No requirements otherwise.

Basically a matter of simplicity and "one less thing to go wrong" or "maintain".

 

[USAFRet]

Basically a matter of simplicity and "one less thing to go wrong" or "maintain".

Exactly that.

 

[lantis3]

Open Shell Menu

You can pin about anything to the Start Menu, including folders. Well, expect control panel items, which you can create shortcut, pin it to Start Menu, then delete the shortcut.

 

[gardenman]

Open-Shell because it's free, looks great, and functions great.

What do you like about it?
My primary reason for using it is because it's functional. I can drag and drop applications around, easily create new folders. I can uninstall Windows Store apps right from the start menu. I can have folders within folders within folders... and I do.
Programs / Games / GOG / Dishonored 2 / shortcuts to the game + uninstall
There is no advertising in it, and Microsoft can't suddenly change it or add advertising to it. It has 3 different styles and the one I use is an actual menu. The default Windows 10 and Windows 11 "menus" are not a menu at all, but more of an "Explorer bar" and can only go 1 folder deep. There are no "Tiles" (mostly ads?) or none of that in Open-Shell. I can add shortcuts directly to the menu if I want quick access to often used programs. I also have a shortcut to the built in start menu which I can bring up if I ever need it. I've never needed it... for anything.

What don't you like about it?
It's not a portable app.

Does it noticeably reduce system performance?
No. It's lightweight.

Has it been generally compatible with new versions/builds of Windows 11?
Yes, but there are some issues with Open-Shell and Windows 11 I believe. I have not fully tested Win 11, but the taskbar image doesn't work correctly in my VM. I add a image to my taskbar to make it blue, it doesn't work in Win 11. Minor issue... the menu itself works great.

If you've tried other Start Menu replacement programs in the past, why did you settle on this one?
I used the original Classic Shell which was later renamed to Open-Shell. I think I tried Start Is Back once but didn't like it. Open-Shell is just better than any others that I've tried. And it's not the clunky built in start menu which is difficult to use (create folders, etc).

 

[hotaru.hino]

Here's a question for OP: what's compelling you to look at Start Menu alternatives?