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Access menus from the bottom of your desktop

Access menus from the bottom of your desktop

Vote: (23 votes)

Program license: Free

Developer: IObit Information Technology

Version: 5.3.0.1

Works under: Windows

Vote:

Program license

(23 votes)

Free

Developer

Version

IObit Information Technology

5.3.0.1

Works under:

Windows

Pros

  • Restores the familiar Start Menu for Windows 8 and 10
  • Minimal impact on system performance
  • Highly customizable interface and start button options
  • Simple installation and setup

Cons

  • Can make accessing the Modern UI more cumbersome
  • Some features like arrow key navigation in the Start Menu are missing
  • Disabling Modern UI boot sequence may not work flawlessly

Restore traditional Start Menu functionality to Windows 8 and 10 with IObit StartMenu8.

Reviving the Classic Start Menu

IObit StartMenu8 is adept at providing nostalgic relief to users who have felt adrift since the introduction of Windows 8. With the radical removal of the familiar Start Menu in favor of the new Modern UI, this desktop customization tool acts as a salve for those yearning for the classic navigation experience. IObit StartMenu8 does more than just mimic the old interface; it integrates seamlessly with Windows 8 and 10, reviving the user-friendly Start Menu from Windows 7.

Features and Customization

Within the realms of personalization, IObit StartMenu8 offers an admirable array of options. Users can choose to run the application during system startup and bypass the Modern UI altogether, thereby booting straight to desktop. However, some experimentation with these settings may be required, as certain features like disabling the Modern UI boot sequence may not execute perfectly on all systems. When it comes to style, users can delight in a near-identical recreation of the Start Menu, complete with shortcuts to essential system areas such as 'Computer' and 'Control Panel.'

The application also provides various skins and start button choices, giving users the opportunity to tailor the look to their liking. This level of customization enhances the overall user experience, providing a sense of control and familiarity within the latest Windows environments.

Interplay with Modern UI

One potential downside is that IObit StartMenu8 can obscure the path to the Modern UI. The software remaps the Windows key to open the StartMenu8 Start Menu by default, which might be inconvenient for those who regularly switch between the desktop and Modern UI. Users must employ an alternative approach, like using 'charms' (Ctrl + C), to access the touch-oriented interface. This added step could be cumbersome for some, especially those who expect the fluidity of integrated navigation across both user interfaces.

Usability

In terms of usability, IObit StartMenu8 provides a familiar and intuitive user interface for those accustomed to the classic layout, but it does have some limitations. During the review period, it was noted that the arrow keys could not be used for item selection within the Start Menu. This is especially inconvenient when dealing with a list of similarly named items where visual distinction is minimal, and navigating with a keyboard is preferred.

Performance and Stability

Performance-wise, IObit StartMenu8 is lightweight and unobtrusive, with a minimal performance footprint on system resources. Stability appears to be robust for a utility still marked as beta, and future updates are expected to iron out the minor inconsistencies currently present.

Conclusion

IObit StartMenu8 is a commendable tool for those who do not favor Windows' Modern UI and wish to restore the classic Start Menu experience. It is an asset for users who wish to preserve traditional navigation within a modern operating system. Despite its minor flaws, it serves its primary function reliably and provides an enhanced level of customization that many users will appreciate.

Pros

  • Restores the familiar Start Menu for Windows 8 and 10
  • Minimal impact on system performance
  • Highly customizable interface and start button options
  • Simple installation and setup

Cons

  • Can make accessing the Modern UI more cumbersome
  • Some features like arrow key navigation in the Start Menu are missing
  • Disabling Modern UI boot sequence may not work flawlessly