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Head-to-head · Start Menu Customization Software

Start11 vs StartAllBack

  • 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
StartAllBack #5 in Start Menu Customization Software 8.7/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 1 of 2 features Visit StartAllBack

Start11 leads on 0 checks, StartAllBack 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 StartAllBack
  • Most featuresStart11 · 2 of 2

Start11 scores higher on our rubric for start menu customization software: 9.3 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #5.

On supported windows, Start11 gives you Both where StartAllBack offers Windows_11.

Start11 is the better fit for power users and organizations needing deep control. StartAllBack is the better fit for windows 11 users wanting extensive taskbar control.

  • Start11 fits best

    Power users and organizations needing deep control

  • StartAllBack fits best

    Windows 11 users wanting extensive taskbar control

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Side by side

Feature Start11 9.3/10 Visit ↗ StartAllBack 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 8.7
Ranking #1 in Start Menu Customization Software #5 in Start Menu Customization Software
Best for Power users and organizations needing deep control Windows 11 users wanting extensive taskbar control
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price — —
Free plan — —
Free trial — 30 days
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows Windows
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business
Features Start11 2/2 · StartAllBack 1/2
Start button controls ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Custom search ✓ ✓
Specs
Supported Windows Both Windows_11
Replacement mode Overlay Not checked yet
Taskbar controls Extensive Extensive
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
  • Classic Start menu styles with integrated search
  • Detailed taskbar controls for position, labels, sizing and grouping
  • Restyles context menus and Windows Explorer interface elements
Cons
  • Available for Windows only
  • No free plan is offered
  • Search integrations are centered on Everything and Microsoft Edge
  • Supports Windows 11 rather than broader Windows versions
  • Paid product with no free plan
  • License information is presented as a single plan
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 →

StartAllBack is a Windows 11 desktop customization utility for people who prefer classic Windows interface behavior over the default experience. It restores alternative Start menu styles and navigation, adds Start menu search, and supports…

Read the review →
  1. Start11Start Menu Customization Software 9.3Paid
  2. StartAllBackStart Menu Customization Software 8.730-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

  • StartAllBack — where it wins

    • Classic Start menu styles with integrated search
    • Detailed taskbar controls for position, labels, sizing and grouping
    • Restyles context menus and Windows Explorer interface elements

    Where it doesn't

    • Supports Windows 11 rather than broader Windows versions
    • Paid product with no free plan
    • License information is presented as a single plan
  • Start119.3/10 · Paid

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

    Visit Start11Full verdict →
  • StartAllBack8.7/10 · 30-day trial

    A focused Windows 11 customizer for users who want classic navigation and deep taskbar control.

    Visit StartAllBackFull 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