Windows 8 Start Menu1.5 RC2

Windows 8 Start Menu is a lightweight software application whose purpose is to help you launch the utilities installed on your computer and open their file location with minimum effort.Despite its name, the program is not specifically built for Windows 8 users, and can be run on other operating systems as well, such Windows 7, XP, or Vista.

The advantages of being portable

Since this is a portable program, it is important to mention that it doesn’t leave any traces in the Windows Registry.You can copy it on any USB flash drive or other devices, and take it with you whenever you need to run apps on the breeze, without having to go through installation steps.

Minimalistic design

Windows 8 Start Menu sports a clean and simple layout that allows you to carry out most operations with minimal effort. By default, the primary panel remains on top of other windows.The tool doesn’t create a start menu or replace the existing one as its name suggests, but it actually places a transparent panel on your desktop that lists the utilities installed on your system.On the downside, Windows 8 Start Menu doesn’t allow you to resize the primary panel, move it to another area of the desktop, and set the transparency.

Basic functionality

The utility lets you run the selected item, open its file location by performing a double-click operation on the desired file, as well as activate the Run command where you can input the name of a program, folder, document, or Internet resource, and Windows opens it for you. Additionally, you may switch to mini-version of the program that provides the same functions, which are displayed in a small panel.

Bottom line

All in all, Windows 8 Start Menu comes bundled with only some basic functions for helping you launch your favorite applications. It cannot compete with other powerful utilities on the market, as it doesn’t offer support for advanced functions for grouping programs into different categories and performing search operations, just to name a few suggestions.