Start Menu X

When Windows 8 was announced, many of us thought that Microsoft would improve the Start menu, rather than replace it completely. Fortunately, there are many applications out there, which bring back the Start button and menu to Windows 8. While most applications provide Windows 7 and XP-style menus, Start Menu X brings something new to the table. Instead of the same old menu, the software offers an enhanced Start menu, with a new look and many useful features. If you experiment with Start Menu X for a minute or two, you will definitely want the application even on older Windows versions.

Start Menu X is offered free of charge and it can be upgraded to a Pro version, for extra features. Installing a similar application on Windows 7 or older versions would make no sense, because they already got a Start button and menu, but Start Menu X can be, in fact, installed on earlier platforms, like Windows 7, Vista or XP. The process is straightforward and you can complete it in just a few seconds. Also, Start Menu X doesn't have any special requirements and it doesn't use too many resources.

When launched, the application will immediately change the Start button's function or add one, if you are using Windows 8. Apart from the menu's modern and elegant design, the first thing you will notice is the fact that it can be resized, by simply clicking and dragging one of its corners, rather than going through any menus and selecting preset sizes. By default, the menu displays common locations, on the left side, such as the Library folders, Program folder and so on, but you can add folders, as well as commands and separator lines. Hovering over a folder will display its contents in the larger area of the menu, on the right and you can do the same with contained folders, to see their files or sub-folders.

The contents of the Programs folder can be organized in virtual groups. You can place system utilities, graphics and office programs, as well as games and Internet applications in their own categories. If virtual groups are already enabled, you can simply click and drag a shortcut or an entire folder to a virtual group. Alternatively, you can choose what programs should be placed in specific groups in a special panel. What's more, if you upgrade Start Menu X to the Pro version, you will be able to organize a main folder's contents on tabs.

The application's general settings menu is another place where you can find many useful options. A good example is the possibility of disabling the hot corners in Windows 8. Setting up hotkeys and selecting a different Start button are other features which are worth mentioning. Also, you may customize the menu itself, by scaling its text and icons, adjusting the width of the columns or applying different skins.