Start Menu Reviver

At a glance

• Editor score
  7.4 / 10
• Pricing
  Free plan
• Best for
  Free users preferring a tile-based Start menu
• Free plan
  Yes
• Paid from
  Free
• Supported Windows
  Windows_10
• Facts checked
  20 Sep 2026

• Where it wins

  • Custom tiles support websites, documents, media, and files
  • Search covers applications, documents, and computer settings
  • Touch-optimized layout includes resizable tiles and button styles

• Where it doesn't

  • Verified platform support is limited to Windows 10
  • Taskbar controls are basic
  • The dated documentation focuses on Windows 7, 8, and 10

Our verdict on Start Menu Reviver

Start Menu Reviver is a free shell replacement for Windows 10 that gives users a tile-based alternative to the standard Start menu. It is aimed at people who want customizable shortcuts, a configurable Start button, and a touch-oriented layout for launching applications, websites, documents, media, and system tools. The interface can launch both desktop and modern Windows applications, while shortcut buttons provide direct access to Computer, Libraries, Network, Control Panel, Task Manager, Run, and Settings.

Its strongest area is the breadth of its Start menu controls. Users can create custom tiles for different content types, resize tiles for touch use, choose Start button styles, and search across applications, documents, and computer settings. The menu also includes access to the Windows 8 Start Screen, giving it a distinct tile-focused approach rather than a simple visual refresh. These features suit users who prefer an organized launch surface built around shortcuts and tiles.

The main trade-off is platform scope. The listed support centers on Windows 10, while the product documentation also discusses Windows 7 and Windows 8; users on newer Windows versions should consider a product with explicitly broader support. Taskbar controls are basic, so Start Menu Reviver is more focused on replacing and customizing the Start menu than on reshaping the full desktop shell. Choose it if a free, tile-based launcher with custom shortcuts and search matches your workflow. Choose an alternative if broad current Windows support or deeper taskbar customization matters more.

Your product? Our editors can test Start Menu Reviver in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

Start Menu Reviver pricing

Start Menu Reviver fact sheet

Alternatives to Start Menu Reviver

• SStart11A paid Windows customization tool for detailed Start menu, taskbar, search, and deployment control.9.3
• Seelen UIA broad, free Windows shell replacement for users who want more than Start menu tweaks.9.1
• OSOpen-Shell MenuA flexible classic Start menu replacement with useful search and shortcut controls.8.9

See all Start Menu Reviver alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

Start Menu Reviver 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