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Windows 10 Start menu solutions pop up from Stardock and Classic Shell

It's hard to adjust to PC life without a Start Menu, but the folks at Stardock and the makers of Classic Shell would like to make it so nobody has to.

Ozzie Mejia

August 12, 2015 11:11 AM

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Change can be difficult to adjust to, especially when something has become routine for so many years. When Microsoft transitioned to Windows 8 years ago, users were outspoken about the removal of the traditional Windows Start menu. Windows 10 now, likewise, appears to not have any kind of Start menu and the folks at Stardock (the name behind games like Galactic Civilizations and Sorcerer King) have had just as much trouble adjusting. That's why they've done something about it by creating a tool called Start10.

Start10 brings back the key functions of the old Start menu, offering search, quick links, and the familiar layout of the classic Windows 7-style menu. Its a premium program, but Stardock is offering a free 30-day trial for anyone that wants to try it out first. The full Star10 program runs for $4.99.

For those looking for a free alternative, there's also the old Classic Shell that helped Windows 8 users through the original Start menu-less dystopia. The makers of this program have recently upgraded their program to version 4.2.4, officially adding Windows 10 support. There is no charge for Classic Shell, but the creators appreciate any and all donations.

Regardless, these look to be the most reliable options for PC gamers seeking to bring back their old Start menu. Any other suggestions? Join the conversation and let us know. Now back to your regularly-scheduled PC gaming.

Ozzie Mejia

Senior Editor

Ozzie has been playing video games since picking up his first NES controller at age 5. He has been into games ever since, only briefly stepping away during his college years. But he was pulled back in after spending years in QA circles for both THQ and Activision, mostly spending time helping to push forward the Guitar Hero series at its peak. Ozzie has become a big fan of platformers, puzzle games, shooters, and RPGs, just to name a few genres, but he’s also a huge sucker for anything with a good, compelling narrative behind it. Because what are video games if you can't enjoy a good story with a fresh Cherry Coke?