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Start Menu X

Freemium#6 of 39 in Start Menu Customization Software

Start Menu X: A focused, low-cost Start replacement with useful organization tools and a free tier. Ranked #6 of 39 in Start Menu Customization Software by our editors (8.5/10); pricing: Free plan; best for budget users wanting a free Start replacement.

8.5/10Editor score

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Start Menu X8.5 Visit Start Menu X

At a glance

Editor score
8.5 / 10
Pricing
Free plan
Best for
Budget users wanting a free Start replacement
Free plan
Yes
Supported Windows
Both
Facts checked
20 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- Freeware includes Start menu, Start button, search, groups, and timers
- Virtual groups, tabs, folders, and sorting organize large app collections
- PRO uses a one-time purchase and adds single-click folder launching
Where it doesn't
- Available only on Windows
- Several structural and launch features require the PRO tier
- The multi-PC license is a separate purchase for two or more PCs

Our verdict on Start Menu X

Start Menu X is a Windows desktop utility that replaces the system Start menu and can replace or customize the Start button. It is aimed at Windows users and professionals who manage many applications and want more control over how programs, folders, documents, and system actions are organized. Its core feature set includes virtual groups, configurable folders and applications, tabs, a fullscreen application list, internal document and system search, and shutdown and sleep timers. Group Manager assigns programs to groups, while the overlay replacement keeps the focus on the familiar Start-menu role rather than introducing a separate desktop environment.

The pricing structure is straightforward. The Freeware plan includes the Start button replacement, Start menu replacement, internal document search, virtual groups, and shutdown timers. The PRO plan costs $14.99 as a one-time purchase and adds single-click launch, virtual-group management, tabs and menu-structure changes, file sorting, and free minor 7.x updates. It also states no subscription. For two or more PCs, the PRO for 2 or more PCs plan costs $11.99 as a one-time purchase and includes PRO features with a multi-PC license. The paid tier therefore concentrates on deeper organization and faster launching rather than changing the product’s central purpose.

Start Menu X is strongest when the goal is to reorganize a Windows application library without paying for a recurring plan. Its breadth is practical: users get menu customization, search, folder configuration, program grouping, and power-management controls in one utility. The trade-off is platform scope, since it is available only on Windows, and the free plan does not include the full tab, sorting, structural-editing, and single-click-launch feature set. Choose it if a free Start replacement covers the need or if a one-time PRO purchase is preferable; choose another category option if the requirement extends beyond Windows or calls for a different type of launcher.

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Start Menu X pricing

Plans Free planFreemium A usable free plan; paid tiers unlock the limits above. Prices checked 20 Sep 2026.

See plans on startmenux.com

All 3 Start Menu X plans and prices →

Start Menu X fact sheet

Free plan	Yes
Paid from	Not verified
Supported Windows	Both
Replacement mode	Overlay
Start button controls	Yes
Custom search	Yes
Taskbar controls	Not verified
Saved profiles	Not verified
Deployment	Desktop
Platforms	Windows
Support	Email
Built for	Solo, Small business (editorial estimate)
Pricing	Free plan (source)
Website	startmenux.com
Facts checked	20 Sep 2026

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Featured on iTechGuides

Start Menu X 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