The Best 42 Handy Start Menu Alternatives

  • Synapse icon

    Synapse

    Synapse is a semantic launcher written in Vala that you can use to start applications as well as find and access relevant documents and files by making use of the Zeitgeist engine.

    Free Open Source Linux

  • PStart icon

    PStart

    PStart is a simple tray tool to start user defined applications. Designed to run portable applications, you can start anything runnable from USB key devices or removable disks.

    Free Windows

    Portable Program Launcher
  • Start8 icon

    Start8

    Return the Start Button to Windows 8 With these features: - Search for Windows 8-style (Modern UI) apps - Pin desktop and Metro apps to the start menu - Jump List support - Unified Search for apps, settings and files - Boot directly...

    Commercial Windows

  • ASuite icon

    ASuite

    ASuite is a simple application launcher to manage an unlimited number of files, folders and webpage for quick access. It is designed to work with removable storage (uses relative paths) media like USB sticks, hard drives, iPods, etc.

    Free Open Source Windows

    Portable Program Launcher USB drives
  • StartIsBack icon

    StartIsBack

    StartIsBack returns Windows 8 a real fully featured start menu and start button, behaving exactly like the ones in Windows 7. StartIsBack radically improves desktop usability and makes new Start screen clutter-free.

    Commercial Windows

  • Start Menu X icon

    Start Menu X

    Start Menu X is a replacement of the system menu for professionals. Virtual Groups Group programs by purpose (office applications, graphics, etc) without changing their location on the hard drive.

    Freemium Windows

  • IObit Start Menu 8 icon

    IObit Start Menu 8

    Start Menu 8 can help users who are not willing to change their behaviors and bring back the classic start menu. Users can enjoy a familiar start menu again with just one click while other styles are also available.

    Free Windows

  • Portable Start Menu icon

    Portable Start Menu

    Portable Start Menu is a simple and free start menu application that can be installed on USB sticks or local PCs. Organize your programs in a simple menu system and launch them via a tray icon.

    Free Windows

  • Scherlokk icon

    Scherlokk

    Scherlokk is a lightning fast file search utility build for precise and reliable search of every file which meets the search criteria. Music, pictures, bookmarks, documents, etc can be found quickly and easily.

    Commercial Mac OS X

  • Promptu icon

    Promptu

    Say goodbye to repetitive, time-consuming tasks, like hunting through your programs, folders, files, and bookmarks for the ones you need. Promptu lets you associate...

    Free Windows

  • Middleclick icon

    Middleclick

    Welcome to MiddleClick. The next generation application launcher from CodeLogic Software. MiddleClick displays a dashboard of your desktop and web applications whenever...

    Commercial Windows

  • LaunchIt icon

    LaunchIt

    LaunchIt is an Android application similar to the likes of QuickSilver for Mac, Launchy for Windows, and GnomeDo for Linux. It allows you to quickly find information on...

    Commercial Android

  • JetStart icon

    JetStart

    Tired of digging into crowded Start Menu? JetStart offers you a quick access to categorized Start Menu shortcuts, recently launched programs and system commands. ...

    Freemium Windows