Is there an app for windows 11 that brings back the start screen from windows 8, 8.1, and 10?

Bringing Back the Start Screen on Windows 11: Is There an App for That?

Windows 11 has introduced a plethora of new features and a refreshed user interface, but one of the most talked-about changes is the redesign of the Start Menu. Many long-time Windows users who preferred the Start Screen from previous editions, particularly Windows 8, 8.1, and 10, have found themselves yearning for that familiar layout. The absence of the Start Screen has left some frustrated as they try to navigate through the new system. If you’re among those looking for a solution, you’re not alone, and there are indeed options available.

Understanding the Windows 11 Start Menu

Windows 11 opts for a centrally aligned Start Menu that focuses on simplicity and streamlined access to applications. While this design works well for many, it lacks the dynamic and tile-based structure of the Start Screen that allowed for a more personalized experience. For users who appreciated the quick visual layout that the Start Screen offered, finding a workaround or an app to restore that functionality has become a priority.

Third-Party Applications

Fortunately, there are several third-party applications that aim to replicate the features of the Start Menu or Start Screen from earlier Windows versions. Here are a couple of noteworthy options:

1. Open-Shell: Formerly known as Classic Shell, Open-Shell is a free and open-source tool that allows users to customize the Start Menu on Windows 11. While it doesn’t bring back the exact Start Screen from Windows 8, it offers a range of layouts and skins that can mimic the classic Start Menu you’re used to. Many users have reported success in creating a more familiar interface through its extensive settings, allowing for a level of customization that brings a touch of nostalgia to the user experience.
2. Start11: This is a paid application developed by Stardock that offers a variety of Start Menu styles, including one that resembles the Windows 10 Start Menu. Start11 gives users options to adjust the Start Menu’s functionality, appearance, and behavior extensively. While it might not fully replicate the Start Screen, it can be customized to suit many preferences, which makes navigating the desktop much more engaging for those who preferred the old layout.
3. RetroBar: For users looking for a simple solution, RetroBar is an interesting alternative that mimics the classic taskbar and Start Menu experience. Although its primary focus is on the taskbar, it provides a nostalgic touch that may help bridged the gap for those missing elements from previous iterations of Windows.

Conclusion

While there may not be a direct app that fully restores the Start Screen from Windows 8, there are several viable alternatives that can help recreate that experience to some extent. Exploring third-party applications like Open-Shell, Start11, and RetroBar allows users to achieve a more familiar setup that accommodates their workflow while offering the benefits of Windows 11. As you seek to enhance your experience on Windows 11, trying out these applications might just make your computing experience feel much more comfortable. Remember, always ensure any third-party application is downloaded from a reputable source to keep your system secure.