Windows 8 is the newest operating system from Microsoft that is both fast and innovative. But unfortunately one problem exists, the normal start menu has disappeared from this version and many users do not like that.
Therefore people are searching for free start menus to add into windows 8 so they can be more comfortable using this version.
Free Start Menus for Windows 8
ClassicShell is a veteran among all the start menus listed here. It was born even before Windows 8, and can be used to replace the start menu on Windows 8, 7 and Vista. The menu is customisable has the search box of Windows Vista and 7 in addition to the usual menu items, is able to skip the Metro (tablet interface) screen, can be used to disable the Metro hot corners, supports jump lists, shut down the computer, etc. It has been translated into some 35 languages (at the time this review was written). ClassicShell has other optional features for Windows Vista and 7 (which you can elect not to install when setting up the software). The program is released under the MIT License, and is therefore open source.
Power8 creates a sort of start window when you press the Alt+Z key, displaying it in the desktop corner nearest your mouse cursor. From this start window, you can access the start menu, the control panel, the network neighbourhood, jump lists, list of recently launched applications, search, shut down the system, etc. The site boasts that the software does not modify your system by patching system files, hook system objects, add rubbish to your registry, add services or drivers, etc. This software requires .NET Framework 4, and while it is meant for Windows 8, will apparently also work on Windows 7 SP 1 and even XP SP 3. There also appears to be localisations for a number of languages, for those of you who don’t use an English version of Windows. This program is released under the GNU General Public License, and is open source. 
This software provides a resizable start menu for Windows 8. At the time this is written, it displays the usual list of programs without any search field, although it has a button which you can click to get the run prompt. It is resizable in that you can switch it to one of 2 sizes. This software requires .NET Framework 4.5.
(Note the site is in German, but according to the description, the button can be used on English and German systems.) This start button puts a button on the task bar that activates a start menu that has the Windows 8 aesthetic style. You can then search from the menu, launch applications or control panel applets, shut down the computer, etc.
This start menu appears to add a Windows 7-style menu to Windows 8, including a search field, the ability to pin items to the menu, a recently launched program list and a shut down button.
These free start menus were sourced from http://www.thefreecountry.com/utilities/start-menu-for-windows-8.shtml.
This RetroUI review originally appeared on CNET.
Created by the folks at Thinix, RetroUI Pro tries to bring together the two worlds of the Windows 8 UI and the standard desktop, so you get a slick blending of both.
Right off the bat, the program’s Start menu looks and feels different than the Start menus offered by other programs. Clicking on the Start orb brings up a menu filled with tiles and blocks in a nod to the Windows 8 Start screen UI.
The left pane displays square icons for both standard desktop applications and Windows 8, aka Metro, apps, while the right pane offers access to your library folders, Control Panel, programs, and your user folder. You can pin any right-pane folder or other item to the left pane so that it’s more easily accessible. You can also easily right-click on any left-pane item and select the delete command to remove its icon from the pane.
You’ll find dedicated buttons to launch the Start screen, Charms bar, Task Switcher, and Windows 8 search screen. A shutdown button offers links to sleep, lock, log off, restart, and shut down your PC. And the familiar Run command is handily available.
Advantages to Installing a Free Start Menu
- A free start menu for windows 8 will allow you to boot directly to the Windows 8 desktop instead of having to boot to a tablet interface.
- A free start menu will place a “Shut down” button on the menu. Many people do not like how Windows shut down procedure works.
- Your computer will be easier to navigate, if that is how your prefer to find your applications.
Are you thinking about downloading some free start menus for Windows 8?
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