A List Of Start Menu Replacements for Windows 8


Recommended Posts

Start8 is probably the second best to StartIsBack, but it was known to take up huge amounts of ram in Windows Explorer, at least for me. StartIsBack is the best since it's free and looks and acts JUST like Windows 7's Start Menu. I did wish I could have the Metro theme from Start8 so it'll look like it belongs there.

Yeah I would think Start8 would use a lot of RAM. As far as I can remember, Stardock software only makes changes in memory, at least that's what was stated years ago when WindowBlinds came out. I was under the impression they did stuff that way so there was no conflict with Microsoft cuz they're not actually altering anything. I could be wrong, that was many many years ago. I do remember WindowBlinds eating up a lot of resources though, but computers had less RAM in those days.

Start8 does have some nice features though, like how it can actually blend in nicely with the Windows 8 look.

But my choice probably would be StartIsBack.

Start8 is hardly using any RAM from what I can see in the Task Manager.

Hey @Asrokhel, why don't you update the original post with that new list?

I would, but for some reason neowin or IPB has a set time that you can go back and edit posts, so the original post hasn't be editable for a number of days now. It's a stupid restriction!

Start8 is hardly using any RAM from what I can see in the Task Manager.

How come you didn't post the amount then?

Also, the start menu isn't always showing on your screen like a visual style is, not to mention the fact that it's just a menu.

There would be a big difference between Start8 and WindowBlinds for RAM usage.

How come you didn't post the amount then?

Also, the start menu isn't always showing on your screen like a visual style is, not to mention the fact that it's just a menu.

There would be a big difference between Start8 and WindowBlinds for RAM usage.

There, does this make you feel better!

GKvaP.png

Hello,

Lenovo computers: Lenovo QuickLaunch for Windows 8

Samsung computers: Samsung Quick Starter (go to Samsung Windows 8 Upgrade Page and install the Windows 8 Software & Drivers Update Tool, which will then download the tool).

Personally, I'm starting to get used to the Start Screen, but I do see how a program to bridge the gap might be useful for some users until they become used to the new functionality.

Regards,

Aryeh Goretsky

What the hell has this got to do with the thread!

Hello Ashrokel,

Those two programs are manufacturer-specific replacements for the Start Menu under Windows 8. One is by Lenovo and one is by Samsung. Sorry if I was unclear about that.

Regards,

Aryeh Goretsky

I used start8 for a while and thought it was good. However, I want to try and get used to Win8 the way it was meant to be by M$ as I help out other people witht heir computers and they wont have it.

I tried out Pokki https://www.pokki.com/windows-8-start-menu

it looks AWESOME IMO, but it was a total resource hog and made my laptop slow as hell.

Anyone else tried it out?

Regardless if it was from a one post wonder, StartMenuPlus8 should not have been deleted from this topic, because it's still relevant.

StartMenuPlus8:

http://www.winok-msixray.com

Ah man, that is not only one ugly looking site, the Start menu this guy's created looks like something barfed up in 1997. What the heck!

Ah man, that is not only one ugly looking site, the Start menu this guy's created looks like something barfed up in 1997. What the heck!

+1!

That is the most ugly website I have seen for a long long time!

just...wow!

  • 4 months later...
  • 4 weeks later...
This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Posts

    • The fact that memory in general is so high I have to take a loan out to build a computer now is just beyond stupid. Who's really to blame here? Low supply or high demand?
    • Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) 18.1.5.5 by Razvan Serea Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) is a utility for completely removing AMD/NVIDIA/INTEL graphics drivers and related packages from your system, attempting to eliminate all leftovers (including registry entries, folders and files, driver store). Though AMD/NVIDIA/INTEL drivers can usually be removed via the Windows Control Panel, this uninstaller tool was created for situations where standard uninstall fails, or when you need to fully remove NVIDIA or ATI graphics card drivers. After using this driver cleaner, your system will behave as though it’s the first time you’re installing a new driver—similar to a fresh Windows installation. As with all such tools, we recommend creating a restore point beforehand, allowing you to undo changes if issues arise. If you're having trouble installing an older or newer driver, try it—there are reports that it resolves such problems. Recommended usage: The tool can be used in Normal mode but for absolute stability when using DDU, Safemode is always the best. Make a backup or a system restore (but it should normally be pretty safe). It is best to exclude the DDU folder completely from any security software to avoid issues. You do NOT need to uninstall the driver prior using DDU. Requirements: .NET Framework 4.8 Compatible with Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, and 11 (32-bit or 64-bit) Note: Using on Insider Preview builds is at your own risk. Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) 18.1.5.5 changelog: Added 'Reset to recommended' button for the Options. General fixes and improvements. Download: Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) 18.1.5.5 | 1.7 MB (Freeware) Download: DDU Portable | 1.2 MB Links: Display Driver Uninstaller Home Page | Screenshot Get alerted to all of our Software updates on Twitter at @NeowinSoftware
    • WACUP 1.99.51.24568 Preview by Razvan Serea WACUP (WinAmp Community Update Project) is a modern, enhanced version of the classic Winamp music player, designed for better stability, performance, and compatibility. Built for Windows, WACUP retains the familiar Winamp interface while adding 64-bit support, bug fixes, and new features like improved audio format support, customizable skins, and optimized playlist management. Unlike bloated alternatives, WACUP focuses on lightweight performance and regular updates, making it the best choice for fans of the classic Winamp experience. Basically, if you miss the good old days of Winamp and want a modern upgrade that doesn’t mess things up, WACUP is for you! WACUP key features: Classic Winamp Feel – Keeps the familiar interface and functionality. Bug Fixes & Stability – Fixes old Winamp issues and improves performance. 64-Bit Support – Works better on modern systems. More Formats & Plugins – Supports additional audio formats and third-party plugins. Customizable UI – Skins and tweaks for a personalized look. Better Library Management – Improved playlists, media organization, and search. No Bloat – Focuses on performance without unnecessary extras. Regular Updates – Community-driven development with new features and fixes. WACUP 1.99.51.24568 Preview changelog: Fixed a deadlock seen from the recent crash reports when doing some of the drag + drop actions within the media library window Fixed a loading crash seen related to a problem with some of the artwork cache image files being restored which should now be better handled allowing for the bad image to be removed without it failing Fixed a deadlock seen from the recent crash reports when the internal metadata cache clearing is triggered which could block the main ui thread for too long with this now being moved to a background thread Fixed some performance issues with some of the methods related to determining artwork support which mainly affected the local library import / refresh (this is still slower for some compared to other players because there's more data & artwork aspects being checked for which means doing more processing on a single file despite the best of attempts to reduce duplicate / heavy processing where possible) Fixed a crash with the JTFE based missing files hotkey which no one seems to have used for an age for this to appear (maybe it's time to seriously consider stripping out features that aren't being used) Fixed how some of the file types which use extra information to reference their sub-songs is handled which was preventing some from being correctly resolved back to their base file (noticed fixing above) Fixed an issue with the handling of files with underscores in their filepath which wasn't being correctly handled causing some of the filename to be lost when shown as the title if title reading is delayed Fixed a few things that might be behind NotSoDirect not being stable for some setups though am still not certain that the changes done for this are going to fully resolve the problem from the crash reports Fixed the OS toast handling when there's no prior shortcut in the OS start menu to now create the shortcut (needed to allow the yes/no buttons for the new build / post-release toast) to be done as a hidden one so it's less likely to cause annoyance for those not wanting to see it whilst still allowing this less than ideal OS api implementation requirement to be met to avoid toasts without the needed buttons Fixed a regression when moving from taglib1 to taglib2 which broke some of the handling in place to allow for external programs to still access files when wacup has a held open cached instance of the file Everything else Updated cppwinrt (gen_win10shell.dll) to 3.0.260520.1 (26 May 2026) Updated libcurl (libcurl.dll) to 8.2.1 (24 Jun 2026) Updated Monkey's Audio (in_ape.dll) to 13.15 (28 Jun 2026) Updated mpg123 (mpg123.dll) to 1.33.6 (6 Jun 2026) Updated OpenSSL (libcurl.dll) to 3.5.7 (9 Jun 2026) Updated pugixml to 1.16 (16 Jun 2026) Updated taglib (tag2.dll) to 2.3.0 (11 May 2026) Updated vgmstream (in_vgmstream.dll) to the latest Git commit from 28 Jun 2026 Download: WACUP 64-bit | 9.6 MB (Freeware) Download: WACUP 32-bit View: WACUP Website | Screenshots Get alerted to all of our Software updates on Twitter at @NeowinSoftware
    • "over a thousand engineering hours" and started selling it but could not take a couple of minuets to send an AI email to ask permission. What an expensive lesson.
    • just tested it yesterday, a simple page with autoloading ADS takes 60mb....just 1 page for 60 megabytes.   poor people with a limited internet never will visit neolose
  • Recent Achievements

    • Week One Done
      Collagen Project earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • Reacting Well
      Wakeen1966 earned a badge
      Reacting Well
    • Rookie
      Almohandis went up a rank
      Rookie
    • Apprentice
      jahara21 went up a rank
      Apprentice
    • Reacting Well
      NovaEdgeX earned a badge
      Reacting Well
  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      526
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      265
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      146
    4. 4
      Steven P.
      99
    5. 5
      macoman
      55
  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!