Start Menu 8 brings back Start Menu to Windows 8.
- Version :
- License : Freeware
- OS : Windows 8
- Requirements: No special requirements
- Publisher : IObit
Start Menu 8 is a utility developed by IObit that brings back a classic-style Start Menu to Windows, especially useful for users who don’t like the default Start screen introduced in Windows 8 and continued (in modified form) in later versions like Windows 10 and 11.
🧭 What Does Start Menu 8 Do?
- 🪟 Restores a traditional Start Menu (like in Windows 7)
- 🧭 Adds a custom Start button and menu style
- 🔧 Offers deep customization of the menu layout, icons, and shortcuts
- ⚡ Speeds up system boot by bypassing the default modern UI (especially on Win 8/8.1)
- 🎨 Supports skins/themes and personalized icons
✅ How to Use Start Menu 8
1. Download & Install
- Get it from IObit’s official site: https://www.iobit.com/en/iobit-startmenu8.php
- Install and run the program.
2. Choose a Start Menu Style
- On first launch, you’ll be prompted to pick a style:
- Classic (Windows XP-like)
- Windows 7 style
- Custom UI
- You can change styles anytime from Settings > Style.
3. Customize the Start Button
- Replace the Windows icon with a custom start button (e.g., classic orb, flat, modern).
- Go to Settings > Start Button to choose or import an icon.
4. Set Boot to Desktop
- Under General Settings, enable “Skip Modern UI” so you boot directly to the desktop instead of the tile-based start screen (especially useful on Win 8).
5. Manage Shortcuts & Menu Items
- Pin apps, folders, and system tools to your new Start Menu.
- Remove or rearrange sections via drag-and-drop or Settings > Menu.
🛠️ Key Features
| Feature | Supported |
|---|---|
| Classic Start menu styles | ✅ |
| Custom start button icons | ✅ |
| Boot directly to desktop | ✅ |
| Menu search functionality | ✅ |
| Auto-hide Start button | ✅ |
| Low memory use | ✅ |
📌 Ideal For:
- Users who dislike the Windows 8/10/11 Start UI
- People who want a Windows 7 experience on newer systems
- Anyone wanting more control over Start Menu appearance and layout
⚠️ Notes
- Start Menu 8 is free, but comes bundled with optional offers (like other IObit products), so install carefully.
- A Pro version offers slightly more control (ads-free, more skins), but the free version is sufficient for most.