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Head-to-head · Start Menu Customization Software

StartIsBack vs Start10

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score StartIsBack #4 in Start Menu Customization Software 8.8/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 2 of 2 features Visit StartIsBack
Start10 #8 in Start Menu Customization Software 8.2/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 2 of 2 features Visit Start10

StartIsBack 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 scoreStartIsBack · 8.8/10
  • Free trialboth

StartIsBack scores higher on our rubric for start menu customization software: 8.8 against 8.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #8.

On replacement mode, Start10 gives you Shell_replacement where StartIsBack offers Overlay. On taskbar controls, StartIsBack gives you Extensive where Start10 offers Basic.

StartIsBack is the better fit for windows 10 users seeking affordable classic controls. Start10 is the better fit for windows 10 users wanting Start10 and Fences.

  • StartIsBack fits best

    Windows 10 users seeking affordable classic controls

  • Start10 fits best

    Windows 10 users wanting Start10 and Fences

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Side by side

Feature StartIsBack 8.8/10 Visit ↗ Start10 8.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.8 8.2
Ranking #4 in Start Menu Customization Software #8 in Start Menu Customization Software
Best for Windows 10 users seeking affordable classic controls Windows 10 users wanting Start10 and Fences
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price $4.99/device one-time 30-day trial
Free plan — Not checked yet
Free trial 30 days 30 days
Free trial length 30 days 30 days
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows Windows
Support Email, Community Email, Tickets
Built for Solo, Small business, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Enterprise
Features StartIsBack 2/2 · Start10 2/2
Start button controls ✓ ✓
Custom search ✓ ✓
Specs
Supported Windows Windows_10 Windows_10
Replacement mode Overlay Shell_replacement
Taskbar controls Extensive Basic
Saved profiles Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Restores a Windows 7-style Start menu with configurable shortcuts
  • Offers detailed taskbar skins, sizing, centering, color, and translucency controls
  • Includes search customization and Group Policy support
  • 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
  • Documented support is limited to Windows 10
  • There is no permanent free plan
  • Newer Windows versions require separate related products
  • 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

StartIsBack is a desktop utility for Windows 10 users who want a Windows 7-style Start menu and more control over the taskbar. It supports launching programs and documents, searching for items, configuring Start menu shortcuts, changing…

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. StartIsBackStart Menu Customization Software 8.830-day trial
  2. Start10Start Menu Customization Software 8.230-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • StartIsBack — where it wins

    • Restores a Windows 7-style Start menu with configurable shortcuts
    • Offers detailed taskbar skins, sizing, centering, color, and translucency controls
    • Includes search customization and Group Policy support

    Where it doesn't

    • Documented support is limited to Windows 10
    • There is no permanent free plan
    • Newer Windows versions require separate related products

  • 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
  • StartIsBack8.8/10 · 30-day trial

    A focused, low-cost way to restore classic Start and taskbar behavior on Windows 10.

    Visit StartIsBackFull 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