StartIsBack++ 2.0.1 is the latest version of the start menu replacement program for Windows 10 that works similarly as Classic Shell and Start10.
We reviewed the version of StartIsBack+ for Windows 8.1 back when it was released. If you have used that version before, you have a good understanding already what StartIsBack++ 2.0.1 for Windows 10 brings to the table.
The last version of the program dates back to October 2016, and it is version 1.3.4. I’m not sure what happened to version 2.0 though of the application.
StartIsBack++ 2.0.1 for Windows 10 is a commercial program. You can test it for 30 days, but if you want to continue using it, you will have to buy a license for the fair price of $2.99. This is even cheaper than the $4.99 that Stardock charges for its excellent Start10 program, especially since this is for a lifetime license.
StartIsBack++ 2.0
StartIsBack++ 2.0.1 exchanges the start menu that Windows 10 systems ship with a custom one, for instance one that resembles the Windows 7 start menu.
The software ships with three different start menu styles, and an option to select a custom start menu button as well from a list of available options.
If you have used the program before you will notice that new options have been added to the process.
This includes options to skin the taskbar completely. StartIsBack++ 2.0.1 ships with Windows 7 and Windows 8 taskbar styles included that you can enable with a click in the appearance menu.
This enables you to display the Windows 7 start menu with the Windows 10 taskbar, or the default Windows 10 start menu with the Windows 8 taskbar, and the Windows 7 start button.
You may customize the appearance furthermore in the settings. Options include selecting a custom start menu and taskbar color, or enabling a Windows XP-style flyout menu.
As far as other improvements are concerned: you can configure the program to expand the Settings application directly in the start menu. This displays all pages of the Settings application right there for selection.
This option is not enabled by default, and needs to be enabled in the options under “Start menu”. Locate the Settings app under right side items on the page, and switch its state to menu there.
You find the same option for the classic Control Panel there, and may enable the display of items that are not displayed by default there as well.
StartIsBack++ 2.0.1 ships with an improved Settings application search as well. Just type some characters and all Settings pages that match what you have typed are returned by the program for quick opening.
Another new feature is support for dragging and dropping files on Windows App icons in the start menu to open them.
Users who work on devices connected to high DPI screens may notice improved support for high DPI as well.
It is a good idea to go through the settings after installation to customize the program’s functionality. You find plenty of options there to, for instance to hide all modern apps, or add custom folders to the start menu for quick access.
Closing Words
StartIsBack++ 2.0.1 replaces the original Windows 10 start menu with a custom version. You may use it to display a classic start menu on Windows 10 machines, and adjust plenty of other start menu or taskbar related options as well.
Now You: Do you use a start menu replacement on your computer?