Haters of the Windows 11 Start menu can get rid of it with StartIsBack
The Windows 11 Start menu has been controversial, and an app called StartIsBack lets you get rid of it.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
What you need to know
Windows 11brings a visual refresh and a new Start menu, the latter of which has proven controversial to some. Since Microsoft unveiled the new Start menu, people have expressed frustration with it online. People who dislike the Windows 11 Start menu have another option to get rid of it in the form of StartIsBack (viaXDA).
With StartIsBack, people can customize the look of their Start menu on Windows 11. Generally, the resulting Start menu will look more like that of Windows 7 than Windows 11, but there are quite a few personalization options. The app also includes options for tweaking the look of the default File Explorer.
Shortly after Windows 11 was announced, there was a trick that allowed Insider builds to show the Windows 10 Start menu. Weran a pollto gauge people’s opinions at the time. Over 50% of polled participants said they’d like an option to use older Start menus.
Microsoft may not provide an option to use older Start menus on Windows 11, but that hasn’t stopped third-party developers from creating ways. In addition to StartIsBack, Stardock has an app calledStart11that lets you customize the Start menu.
StartIsBack is in beta testing, so you can expect some bugs and issues at this time. Here’s its feature list from its developers:
There are also some known issues with the app at the moment:
According to its download page, StartIsBack is only meant for Windows 11 build 22000 and isn’t for Dev channel flighting.
Get the Windows Central Newsletter
All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.
This app lets you replace the Windows 11 Start menu with an class Start menu from yesteryear.
Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
