Many go beyond just replicating the Start menu by letting you customize their look and feel. Most of the programs covered in this overview are free or at least offer a free version. And those are just what you'll find here. In the meantime, though, the only option for those of you who crave the good, old Start menu in Windows 8 or 8.1 is to use a Start menu alternative. At its Build conference in April, the software giant revealed that it will bring back a new and hopefully improved Start menu in the next update to Windows 8.1. And Microsoft seems to have finally realized that many other users do as well. You can easily search for any app, setting, or file just by typing its name.īut I still find the folder-structured Start menu the quickest and easiest way to launch any application when I'm already working in the desktop.

Live Tiles can clue you in to the latest e-mails, appointments, news, and other information. And I'll admit it, the Start screen does offers several benefits. Microsoft lopped off the Start menu in Windows 8 to force people to use the Start screen. Still miss the classic Start menu in Windows 8 and 8.1? Never fear, alternatives are here. It has been updated several times since then to include additional programs and other details, most recently with 8Startbutton, StartIsBack, and Start Menu 8 on May 27, 2014.

Editors' note: This story was originally published on August 20, 2012.

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