Start Everywhere review
A flexible free Start-menu replacement with strong placement and appearance controls.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Start Everywhere is a free Windows utility for people who want an alternative to the built-in Start menu. It provides a unified tree for installed programs, documents, files, system functions, and shutdown options, with alphabetical grouping and date-based sorting for longer lists. It supports Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11 on 64-bit systems, and can operate alongside the standard Windows Start menu or replace the shell experience.
The Free plan includes customizable appearance and behavior without a paid tier. Users can adjust themes, colors, menu item sizes, fonts, and menu contents, then place the menu anywhere on screen, including across multiple monitors. Activation options include the Windows Start button, a click button, active corners, and hotkeys. The software is distributed as a single executable rather than through a traditional installation, which suits users who prefer a lightweight utility with portable-style distribution.
Its strongest area is access control and menu presentation. Start Everywhere can preview text and image files without opening them, launch custom commands with administrator privileges, and export or import settings for repeatable configuration. It also supports partial or full integration with the Windows Start menu. The trade-off is a narrow Windows desktop focus: taskbar controls are basic, and the product is not a cross-platform customization tool. Choose Start Everywhere if free access, multi-monitor placement, and detailed Start-menu presentation matter most; choose another option if broader taskbar control or support beyond Windows is central to your workflow.
Start Everywhere pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Free alternative Start menu with shell-replacement support
- Flexible placement, activation methods, themes, and menu contents
- Custom commands, administrator-mode launching, and settings import/export
- Where it doesn't
- Windows-only support limits platform flexibility
- Taskbar customization is limited to basic controls
- The product focuses on Start-menu access rather than broader desktop customization
Start Everywhere fact sheet, pricing and score →
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