Windows 8 start button app best

The release of Windows 8, and the death of the Start menu , has spurred numerous developers to partake in black arts. Through arcane coding, they have resurrected and even improved the old Start menu for the benefit of desktop users everywhere. What Microsoft killed has been brought back to life in numerous new incarnations.

All the apps in this trio come from established developers and re-construct the Start menu while also offering significant customization. But which is the best? Start Menu Reviver has chosen a path that differs from the Start menu alternatives developed thus far. Rather than ignoring touch, Start Menu Reviver tries to incorporate it while simultaneously courting the mouse.

Surprisingly, Reviver manages to meet this goal with few compromises. The large, metro-style icons shown when the menu is first opened can be complimented by a pop-out list of programs and files that allow for quick access to any software installed.

Tiles can be moved, apps changed, icons switched, and more. All of this makes for a flexible and enjoyable menu.

There are just two minor flaws that might annoy some users. However, this is only an issue on a PC with a large display. StartIsBack offers extensive configuration options. Many of them—such as the choice to display Control Panel as a link, a menu, or not at all—will be familiar to Windows 7 veterans.

But you can also control whether to boot Windows 8 to the Start screen or the desktop, and which key brings up which environment. Like the Metro Start screen, it displays big, rectangular tiles. By default, the two big tiles on the top are My Computer and Internet Explorer. You can change them. More: Classic Shell: Full Review. If you want a slightly different take on the Windows Start button experience, check out Pokki. This alternative offers a slew of slick features including alerts for incoming emails and tweets for apps downloaded from the Pokki store.

You can also map up to 16 of your favorite apps to one-click buttons for quick, easy access. More: Pokki: Full Review. Miss the Windows 7 Start button, but are stuck with a Windows 8 laptop? Power8 may be the answer.

Like Power Shell and Stardock's Start 8, Power8 gives you a Start button that provides the look and feel of Windows 7's Start menu, with added customization options that will greatly improve your Windows 8 experience.

More: Power8: Full Review. Revel's BringBack Windows 8 Start button app brings back the Windows 7 Start button you know and love and throws in some convenient customization options, as well as drag-and-drop functionality.