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StartIsBack

Paid#4 of 39 in Start Menu Customization Software

StartIsBack: A focused, low-cost way to restore classic Start and taskbar behavior on Windows 10. Ranked #4 of 39 in Start Menu Customization Software by our editors (8.8/10); pricing: 30-day trial; best for windows 10 users seeking affordable classic controls.

8.8/10Editor score

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At a glance

Editor score
8.8 / 10
Pricing
30-day trial
Best for
Windows 10 users seeking affordable classic controls
Free plan
No
Paid from
$4.99/device one-time
Supported Windows
Windows_10
Facts checked
20 Sep 2026

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

Our verdict on StartIsBack

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 the Start button appearance, and adjusting taskbar presentation. Its focus is narrow: restoring and customizing core Windows navigation rather than adding a broad productivity suite. It suits individuals and families who prefer classic controls, while organizations can use its Group Policy support and business licensing options.

The published plans use one-time pricing rather than a subscription. Personal 1 PC costs $4.99, Personal 2 PCs costs $8.99, and the Family Pack costs $11.99; each plan is for personal use. A 30-day trial provides time to evaluate the software, but there is no permanent free plan. The pricing structure is straightforward for households with one or more personal PCs, and the entry tier keeps the cost low for a single Windows 10 installation.

Customization depth is the main reason to choose StartIsBack. Users can select Start menu and taskbar skins, modify the Start button appearance, replace taskbar jump lists, center and resize taskbar icons, and control taskbar color and translucency. Search is also part of the customization set, and Group Policy support gives administrators an additional configuration option. The trade-off is platform scope: the documented product is for Windows 10, while related products cover other Windows versions under separate names. Choose StartIsBack for focused classic controls on Windows 10; choose another option if support for newer Windows versions is required from the same product.

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

StartIsBack pricing

Plans 30-day trialPaid No free plan — trial or paid only. Prices checked 20 Sep 2026.

See plans on startisback.com

All 3 StartIsBack plans and prices →

StartIsBack fact sheet

Free plan	No
Paid from	$4.99/device one-time
Supported Windows	Windows_10
Replacement mode	Overlay
Start button controls	Yes
Custom search	Yes
Taskbar controls	Extensive
Saved profiles	Not verified
Free trial	30 days
Deployment	Desktop
Platforms	Windows
Support	Email, Community
Built for	Solo, Small business, Enterprise (editorial estimate)
Pricing	30-day trial (source)
Website	startisback.com
Facts checked	20 Sep 2026

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Featured on iTechGuides

StartIsBack 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