StartIsBack returns Windows 10 and Windows 8 a real fully featured start menu and start button, behaving exactly like the ones in Windows 7.
Publisher’s description
What is StartIsBack++?
StartIsBack++ by startisback.com is free Windows software in the customisation category.
Installation and requirements
The publisher provides EXE installers for 32-bit Windows. The main installer is 1.6 MB. It can be installed for the current user only, without administrator rights. A silent install is possible with the installer’s documented switches.
Popularity and file types
The Chocolatey package has been downloaded 9,188 times. Similar programs include PowerToys, Scribus and Mattermost.
Pros / Cons
Pros
- Free to use
- Documented silent install
- Installs without administrator rights
- Small download (1.6 MB)
Cons
- No native ARM64 build
- 32-bit only
In short: StartIsBack++ is a free customisation tool for 32-bit PCs. Administrators can deploy it unattended.
Is StartIsBack++ safe to download?
- The file is served by startisback.sfo3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com; check that it is the publisher’s official mirror
- The download link uses HTTPS
- A SHA256 hash is published, so you can verify the file:
680110BE3178C2C2A32DD29B1E5CA9A2F08AAB902AFEC3EFB2A6CA6216A1C33B· Open the VirusTotal report for this hash - The link answered when we last checked it (October 22, 2026)
- ExeAtlas does not host, wrap or modify installers
Related guide: How to check a file’s SHA256 hash on Windows
Recent versions
All 1 versions ›| Version | Date | Size | Files |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.9.21Latest | December 10, 2025 | 1.6 MB | 32-bit EXE |
Install from the command line
Silent install ›winget install --id StartIsBack.StartIsBack -echoco install startisbackplus -yStartIsBackPlusPlus_setup.exe /silentRelated guide: How to use winget: install and update apps
Information
- Publisher
- startisback.com
- Category
- Customisation
- Licence
- Freeware
- Price
- Free
- Requires
- Windows 11 / 10
- Architecture
- 32-bit
- Installer
- EXE
- Version
- 2.9.21
- Released
- December 10, 2025
- Added to the catalogue
- December 13, 2025
- Versions listed
- 1
- Chocolatey downloads
- 9,188
- winget ID
- StartIsBack.StartIsBack
- Chocolatey package
- startisbackplus
Ratings and reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to rate it.
Alternatives to StartIsBack++
See all ›-
PowerToys0.101.2362.0Microsoft PowerToys is a set of utilities for power users to tune and streamline their Windows experience for greater productivity.Open source4M ↓ -
Open source110.1K ↓ -
Open source201.8K ↓ -
Open source77.9K ↓ -
TranslucentTB2026.2.0.0A lightweight utility that makes the Windows taskbar translucent/transparent.Open source55K ↓ -
Lively Wallpaper2.2.1.0Free and open-source software that allows users to set animated desktop wallpapers and screensavers.Open source19.4K ↓ -
IPFS Desktop0.50.1An unobtrusive and user-friendly desktop application for IPFS on Windows, Mac and Linux.Open source22.8K ↓ -
AltSnap1.68Easily drag windows when pressing the alt key. Unofficial fork of AltDrag from Stefan Sundin.Open source10.1K ↓
Frequently asked questions
Is StartIsBack++ free?
Yes. StartIsBack++ is free to use.
Is StartIsBack++ safe to download?
The download comes from startisback.sfo3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com; ExeAtlas does not host or change the file. Compare its SHA256 hash with the one shown here, or open the VirusTotal report for that hash.
How do I install StartIsBack++ with winget?
Open PowerShell or Windows Terminal and run the winget command shown on this page. winget downloads the official installer and checks its SHA256 hash before running it.
Can StartIsBack++ be installed silently?
Yes. The silent install page lists the exact command for each installer.
Does StartIsBack++ run on ARM (Windows on Arm)?
There is no ARM64 build; Windows 11 on Arm can run the 32-bit version through emulation.
Can I use StartIsBack++ without administrator rights?
Yes, there is a per-user installer that does not need administrator rights.
What are alternatives to StartIsBack++?
PowerToys, Scribus, Mattermost, Rainmeter and TranslucentTB. The alternatives page compares them.