Launchy replaces the Start menu on Windows, macOS, and Linux, finding programs, files, folders, and bookmarks by keystroke.
Free plan Open source AndroidWindowsMacLinuxAPI
- Home
- Cloud, Backup & PC
- Start Menu Customization Software
Best Start Menu Customization Software 2026
Facts read 30 Sep 2026 – 19 Oct 2026
Start Menu customization software gives Windows users options for changing how they find and open apps. This list is for buyers comparing tools in that category.
The standings: top 10
| Name | In a line | Record score | Price from | Try it free | Runs on | Facts read |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 Launchy | Launchy replaces the Start menu on Windows, macOS, and Linux, finding programs, files, folders, and bookmarks by keystroke. | 5.7 | Free plan | Free plan | Android, Windows, Mac, Linux | 15 Oct 2026 |
| 02 Executor | Executor is a Windows workflow app that starts programs, opens files or websites, and runs multiple actions from one command. | 5.0 | Free plan | Free plan | Windows, Self-hosted | 19 Oct 2026 |
| 03 LaunchMenu | LaunchMenu is an open-source applet launcher for macOS and Windows with keyboard navigation and fuzzy search. | 5.0 | Free plan | Free plan | Windows, Mac, API | 15 Oct 2026 |
| 04 Starling | Starling is a desktop environment with 2D and optional 3D workspaces, plus a Windows shell for Windows 10 and 11. | 5.0 | Free plan | Free plan | Web, Windows, Mac, Linux | 11 Oct 2026 |
| 05 Dawn Launcher | Dawn Launcher is a Windows launcher for organizing and searching apps, files, and websites. | 4.7 | 34 CNY one-time | Free plan | Windows | 8 Oct 2026 |
| 06 StartAllBack | StartAllBack restores and adjusts classic Windows 11 taskbar, Explorer, and context menu elements. | 4.7 | $4.99 one-time | Free trial | Windows | 11 Oct 2026 |
| 07 Listary | Listary may suit Windows users who want to find files, folders, and apps from a search interface or navigate folders from file dialogs. | 4.5 | $19.95 one-time | Free plan | Windows | 4 Oct 2026 |
| 08 MaxLauncher | MaxLauncher is a Windows tabbed launcher for programs, folders, and commands, with up to 300 configurable buttons. | 4.5 | Free plan | Free plan | Windows | 11 Oct 2026 |
| 09 My Start Menu | My Start Menu lets Windows users create a shortcut menu and search its folders and recent documents. | 4.5 | $25 one-time | Free trial | Windows | 8 Oct 2026 |
| 10 PExplorer | PExplorer may suit people setting up a portable shell for Windows or WinPE environments who want desktop, Start menu, and taskbar components. | 4.5 | Free plan | Free plan | Windows | 9 Oct 2026 |
Compare the listed fields: free plan, starting paid price, supported Windows versions, replacement mode, Start button controls, custom search, taskbar controls and saved profiles. Check a maker’s page for details before choosing.
02
Executor
Executor is a Windows workflow app that starts programs, opens files or websites, and runs multiple actions from one command.
WindowsSelf-hosted Record5.0 Visit
03
LaunchMenu
LaunchMenu is an open-source applet launcher for macOS and Windows with keyboard navigation and fuzzy search.
WindowsMacAPI Record5.0 Visit
04
Starling
Starling is a desktop environment with 2D and optional 3D workspaces, plus a Windows shell for Windows 10 and 11.
WebWindowsMac+1 Record5.0 Visit
05
Dawn Launcher
Dawn Launcher is a Windows launcher for organizing and searching apps, files, and websites.
Windows Record4.7 Visit
6
StartAllBack
Windows $4.99 one-time Record4.7 Visit StartAllBack restores and adjusts classic Windows 11 taskbar, Explorer, and context menu elements.
7
Listary
Windows $19.95 one-time Record4.5 Visit Listary may suit Windows users who want to find files, folders, and apps from a search interface or navigate folders from file dialogs.
8
MaxLauncher
Windows Free plan Record4.5 Visit MaxLauncher is a Windows tabbed launcher for programs, folders, and commands, with up to 300 configurable buttons.
9
My Start Menu
Windows $25 one-time Record4.5 Visit My Start Menu lets Windows users create a shortcut menu and search its folders and recent documents.
10
PExplorer
Windows Free plan Record4.5 Visit PExplorer may suit people setting up a portable shell for Windows or WinPE environments who want desktop, Start menu, and taskbar components.
11
Pinpoint
Windows Free plan Record4.5 Visit Pinpoint is a Windows keystroke launcher with app and bookmark search, file search, and utilities such as a calculator.
12
SbieShell
Windows Free plan Record4.5 Visit SbieShell provides desktop, Start menu, taskbar, and notification-area features for Sandboxie desktops and Windows PE.
13
Start Menu X
Windows $14.99 one-time Record4.5 Visit Start Menu X replaces the Windows Start menu with customizable tabs, virtual program groups, and folder access.
14
Flow Launcher
Windows Free plan Record4.4 Visit Flow Launcher is a Windows app and file search tool that opens from a customizable hotkey and supports web search.
15
Keypirinha
Windows Free plan Record4.4 Visit Keypirinha is a Windows keyboard launcher for apps, files, bookmarks, URLs, registry keys, and built-in utilities.
16
Wradial
Windows Free plan Record4.4 Visit Wradial runs Windows apps, paths, commands, and workflows from a shortcut wheel opened with a trigger-key gesture.
17
Seelen UI
Windows Free plan Record4.3 Visit Seelen UI is a customizable Windows desktop environment with a dock, Start menu, window manager, and widgets.
18
Start Everywhere
Windows Free plan Record4.3 Visit Start Everywhere provides a grouped, sortable way to reach Windows apps and files, with several launch options.
19
Start Menu Reviver
Windows Free plan Record4.3 Visit Start Menu Reviver adds a customizable tile-based Start menu to Microsoft Windows, with search for apps and settings.
20
SystemTrayMenu
Windows Free plan Record4.3 Visit SystemTrayMenu is an open-source Windows Start menu alternative for browsing and opening files, links, and folders.
21
ViStart
Windows Free plan Record4.3 Visit ViStart replaces the Windows Start menu and supports app pinning, file search, and browsing all apps.
22
Wox
WindowsMacLinux Free plan Record4.3 Visit Wox is a keyboard-first launcher for Windows, macOS, and Linux with app, file, and other tools.
23
Fluent Search
Windows Free plan Record4.2 Visit Fluent Search is a keyboard-driven Windows tool for finding apps, files, browser data, commands, windows, and more.
24
Power8
Windows Free plan Record4.2 Visit Power8 replaces the Windows Start menu and adds power and session controls.
25
Win9xplorer
Windows Free plan Record4.2 Visit Win9xplorer recreates the Windows 95/98 shell with a retro Start menu, file explorer, and taskbar.
Before you choose
Check Windows support
Windows appears across the listed tools, while macOS, Linux, Android, API and self-hosted options appear in the category too. Check the maker’s page to confirm support for your setup.
Decide what you want to change
Compare replacement mode, Start button controls, custom search, taskbar controls and saved profiles. These fields can help you narrow the list to the controls that matter to you.
Review the cost before installing
A free plan and a free trial are different ways to try software. Check the listed pricing model and the maker’s page for current terms and paid pricing.
Check the licence
If you need to read or change the code, check the tool’s licence. The list identifies open-source software, but the licence terms determine what you can do with it.
Questions
What is Start Menu customization software?
It is software for changing or replacing parts of the Windows Start Menu experience. Compare options such as replacement mode, Start button controls and custom search.
Can I find a free option?
The list includes tools marked with a free plan. Check the maker’s page for the plan’s current terms and limits.
Is a free trial the same as a free plan?
No. A free trial is a limited-time way to try software; a free plan is a plan marked as free. Confirm current terms with the maker.
Which platforms should I check?
Windows is listed for the category, with macOS, Linux, Android, API and self-hosted support also represented. Confirm compatibility for a specific tool on its maker’s page.
What does open source mean when choosing a tool?
Open-source status relates to access to the code and its licence. Check the licence terms to see what reading, changing or sharing the code allows.
More in Cloud, Backup & PC
Web browsers 154Backup software 151Remote desktop software 135Data recovery software 128Disk Space Analyzers 105File transfer services 105Keyboard and Mouse Customization Software 105File Manager Software 100PC Optimization Software 97Media Player Software 76PC Benchmark Software 73Photo Storage Services 71File Conversion Software 69Window Management Software 65Cloud Storage Services 64Hardware Monitoring Software 59Download Manager Software 58Desktop Search Software 57