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Head-to-head · Start Menu Customization Software

Start11 vs Start10

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score Start11 #1 in Start Menu Customization Software 9.3/10 Paid ✓ 2 of 2 features Visit Start11
Start10 #8 in Start Menu Customization Software 8.2/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 2 of 2 features Visit Start10

Start11 leads on 0 checks, Start10 on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreStart11 · 9.3/10
  • Free trialonly Start10

Start11 scores higher on our rubric for start menu customization software: 9.3 against 8.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #8.

On supported windows, Start11 gives you Both where Start10 offers Windows_10. On replacement mode, Start10 gives you Shell_replacement where Start11 offers Overlay. On taskbar controls, Start11 gives you Extensive where Start10 offers Basic.

Start11 is the better fit for power users and organizations needing deep control. Start10 is the better fit for windows 10 users wanting Start10 and Fences.

  • Start11 fits best

    Power users and organizations needing deep control

  • Start10 fits best

    Windows 10 users wanting Start10 and Fences

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Side by side

Feature Start11 9.3/10 Visit ↗ Start10 8.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 8.2
Ranking #1 in Start Menu Customization Software #8 in Start Menu Customization Software
Best for Power users and organizations needing deep control Windows 10 users wanting Start10 and Fences
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price — 30-day trial
Free plan — Not checked yet
Free trial — 30 days
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows Windows
Support Phone, Tickets, Community, Docs Email, Tickets
Integrations 2 integrations 1 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Enterprise
Features Start11 2/2 · Start10 2/2
Start button controls ✓ ✓
Custom search ✓ ✓
Specs
Supported Windows Both Windows_10
Replacement mode Overlay Shell_replacement
Taskbar controls Extensive Basic
Saved profiles Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Multiple Start menu layouts with detailed visual and organizational controls
  • Extensive taskbar customization, pinning, positioning, and ungrouping
  • Backup, kiosk locking, scripting, and deployment configuration tools
  • Multiple Start menu layouts with desktop and Universal app search
  • Filtered searches, custom button images, colors, and textures
  • Secondary-monitor support and Stardock Fences integration
Cons
  • Available for Windows only
  • No free plan is offered
  • Search integrations are centered on Everything and Microsoft Edge
  • Supports Windows 10 rather than a broader platform range
  • Taskbar customization is limited to basic controls
  • Group Policy support is available only in the business edition
Our verdict

Start11 is a paid Windows desktop customization application from Stardock Corporation. It replaces and enhances the Start menu on Windows 10 and Windows 11, with support for ARM systems. The product is aimed at power users who want more…

Read the review →

Start10 replaces the Windows 10 Start menu with a choice of classic and modern layouts. It is designed for Windows 10 users who want a more traditional Start menu, more control over appearance, or a different way to find applications. The…

Read the review →
  1. Start11Start Menu Customization Software 9.3Paid
  2. Start10Start Menu Customization Software 8.230-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Start11 — where it wins

    • Multiple Start menu layouts with detailed visual and organizational controls
    • Extensive taskbar customization, pinning, positioning, and ungrouping
    • Backup, kiosk locking, scripting, and deployment configuration tools

    Where it doesn't

    • Available for Windows only
    • No free plan is offered
    • Search integrations are centered on Everything and Microsoft Edge

  • Start10 — where it wins

    • Multiple Start menu layouts with desktop and Universal app search
    • Filtered searches, custom button images, colors, and textures
    • Secondary-monitor support and Stardock Fences integration

    Where it doesn't

    • Supports Windows 10 rather than a broader platform range
    • Taskbar customization is limited to basic controls
    • Group Policy support is available only in the business edition
  • Start119.3/10 · Paid

    A paid Windows customization tool for detailed Start menu, taskbar, search, and deployment control.

    Visit Start11Full verdict →
  • Start108.2/10 · 30-day trial

    A focused Windows 10 shell replacement for classic layouts, search, styling, and Fences integration.

    Visit Start10Full verdict →

More comparisons

All start menu customization software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update