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Power8

Free#7 of 39 in Start Menu Customization Software

Power8: A feature-rich Windows Start replacement for users who want more control over search and taskbar behavior. Ranked #7 of 39 in Start Menu Customization Software by our editors (8.4/10); pricing: Open source; best for users wanting a feature-rich Start replacement.

8.4/10Editor score

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At a glance

Editor score
8.4 / 10
Pricing
Open source
Best for
Users wanting a feature-rich Start replacement
Paid from
Free
Supported Windows
Windows_10
Facts checked
21 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- Search spans apps, control-panel items, files, documents, and network items
- Includes power actions, pinning, recent apps, and Jump Lists
- Extensive taskbar and Start button customization options
Where it doesn't
- Windows-only utility with Windows 10 as the documented supported platform
- Overlay replacement may not suit users seeking a native Start menu experience
- Internet search shortcuts depend on configurable external search providers

Our verdict on Power8

Power8 is an open-source Windows desktop utility that replaces the standard Start menu with a taskbar-integrated overlay. It is aimed at Windows users who prefer a compact, classic-style launcher with more control over programs, folders, power actions, recent applications, and Start button behavior. The menu presents programs and folders with icons and descriptions, while also providing access to control-panel elements, immersive apps, and supported application Jump Lists. Its documented platform focus is Windows 10.

Search is one of Power8’s strongest areas. Internal search covers Start menu items, control-panel elements, network items, and recent applications, while Windows Search integration extends results to files and documents. Configurable internet search shortcuts add another route for web queries. Keyboard activation through Alt+Z, recent-application pinning, and jump-list access make the replacement useful for people who want several ways to reach frequently used items without relying on the default Start layout.

Customization goes beyond menu contents. Power8 supports a configurable Start button image, aspect ratio and orientation behavior, plus extensive taskbar controls. It also includes direct actions for shutdown, sleep, hibernate, restart, log off, and lock. That breadth makes it a good fit for users who want an adjustable Start replacement rather than a narrow launcher. It is less suitable for people who need cross-platform support, a native Windows interface, or a focused tool with fewer controls. Users who prefer the standard Windows Start menu may find the overlay approach unnecessary, while those seeking classic navigation and configurable search have a stronger reason to consider Power8.

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Power8 pricing

Plans Open sourceFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.

See plans on code.google.com

Power8 fact sheet

Free plan	Not verified
Paid from	Free
Supported Windows	Windows_10
Replacement mode	Overlay
Start button controls	Yes
Custom search	Yes
Taskbar controls	Extensive
Saved profiles	Not verified
Deployment	Desktop
Platforms	Windows
Support	Community, Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business (editorial estimate)
Pricing	Open source
Website	code.google.com
Facts checked	21 Sep 2026

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The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Power8 for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.

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Featured on iTechGuides

Power8 is listed in our Start Menu Customization Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update