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Head-to-head · Start Menu Customization Software

StartIsBack vs StartAllBack

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

StartIsBack 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 scoreStartIsBack · 8.8/10
  • Free trialboth
  • Most featuresStartIsBack · 2 of 2

StartIsBack scores higher on our rubric for start menu customization software: 8.8 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #5.

On supported windows, StartAllBack gives you Windows_11 where StartIsBack offers Windows_10.

StartIsBack is the better fit for windows 10 users seeking affordable classic controls. StartAllBack is the better fit for windows 11 users wanting extensive taskbar control.

  • StartIsBack fits best

    Windows 10 users seeking affordable classic controls

  • StartAllBack fits best

    Windows 11 users wanting extensive taskbar control

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Side by side

Feature StartIsBack 8.8/10 Visit ↗ StartAllBack 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.8 8.7
Ranking #4 in Start Menu Customization Software #5 in Start Menu Customization Software
Best for Windows 10 users seeking affordable classic controls Windows 11 users wanting extensive taskbar control
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price $4.99/device one-time —
Free plan — —
Free trial 30 days 30 days
Free trial length 30 days 30 days
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows Windows
Built for Solo, Small business, Enterprise Solo, Small business
Features StartIsBack 2/2 · StartAllBack 1/2
Start button controls ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Custom search ✓ ✓
Specs
Supported Windows Windows_10 Windows_11
Replacement mode Overlay Not checked yet
Taskbar controls Extensive Extensive
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
  • 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
  • Documented support is limited to Windows 10
  • There is no permanent free plan
  • Newer Windows versions require separate related products
  • Supports Windows 11 rather than broader Windows versions
  • Paid product with no free plan
  • License information is presented as a single plan
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 →

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. StartIsBackStart Menu Customization Software 8.830-day trial
  2. StartAllBackStart Menu Customization Software 8.730-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

  • 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

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