Stardock brings its Start10 Start menu customization software on Steam

By Dan Thorp-Lancaster
published

If you want to add an extra bit of spice to your Start menu on Windows 10, then Stardock's Start10 is a good place to start (excuse the pun). And now, you can grab Start10 through not only Stardock itself but also through the software section of Valve's Steam marketplace.

Start10 gives you some pretty granular controls over customizing your Start menu. You can switch between Windows 7, Modern, and Windows 10 designs by default. On top of that, Start10 lets you change the menu icon, adjust transparency, tweak colors, and much more. Some of the app's features include:

  • Replaces the Windows 10 tile menu with a menu you are used to
  • Restores the quick links to core system functionality
  • Filter searches in the Start menu
  • Replaces the start button and allows you to use your own
  • Integrates Stardock's "Fences" into the menu
  • Maintains the "All Programs" folder metaphor
  • Apply texture to the Start10 background and taskbar

It's not a bad little application, particularly if you're heavily into customizing your Windows setup. If you want to give the app a shot, it's now available through Steam for $4.99, along with Stardock's own website (opens in new tab).

See on Steam

Dan Thorp-Lancaster
Dan Thorp-Lancaster

Dan Thorp-Lancaster is the former Editor-in-Chief of Windows Central. He began working with Windows Central, Android Central, and iMore as a news writer in 2014 and is obsessed with tech of all sorts. You can follow Dan on Twitter @DthorpL and Instagram @heyitsdtl. 

36 Comments
  • Wasn't steam about Games?
  • Yeah...and anything that effs with Microsoft too.
  • Was. They introduced the ability to download software via the store in 2012
  • But why?
  • Primarily for software in which gamers, youtubers/streamers and indie devs would use. Game engines, audio production, 3d modeling, recording software, etc. is mostly what you will find.
  • It was largely in response to MS app store selling games. In a nutshell, everyone wants to have their walled garden, but MS isn't allowed to with windows. Valve is a company who has their own locked down environment to sell mostly games, and they don't want anyone competing against them.
  • F*ck off Stardock. I don't want your half-a$$ed crap in my Start menu.
  • THIS!!!!! UI design needs to advance. Desperately clinging onto the Windows 95 start menu holds back the advancement of civilization. LOL, ok, I'm exaggerating a bit, but star dock "does the devil's work."
  • Agreed.
  • Its fugly as all hell.
  • Interesting. I use Stardock on my W10 desktop to W7-ise the look.
  • Just interested. Why?
  • I don't know why you are being down-voted. Windows allows third party start menu for a reason people. I prefer tiles so I stick with Windows 10's default start menu, but that doesn't mean its the best. You do you.
  • It is almost like the old spirit of Windows is dying as the Apple mindset is taking over. All of these Windows users who want others to use Windows how they think it should be used rather than respecting that other people may want a different experience as you have been able to do for over 25 years of the OSs history. I use the Windows 10 start menu as well, but if people want it to look like Windows 7, 8 or something completely new, then who is it hurting? 
  • Luddites rejoice!
  • What does that mean?
  • Stardock has made their living on this product perpetuating the old UI of XP.
  • Yep and I turn the color down on my HDTV until it's black and white because well...change is scary.
  • Change is so scary I hand draw my nudes, not snapchat them.
  • I don't get the negative comments. Isn't using Windows supposed to be about flexibility, making it look the way you want? What do *you* care what *my* W10 desktop looks like?   Unless you're a Microsoft employee or an immature 13 year old.
  • Except this entire company makes money off of insecure grandpas who think the new start menu spies on them and sends their social security to Hillary, so she can make the frogs gay.
  • Wat
  • Wat
  • No! Not Pepe!
  • The idea is that change is bad. The problem is that these same users tend to load other things and this is how we get security failures.
  • For me, as someone who liked Windows 8, I feel like we've capitulated enough on the start menu. Don't these people get tired of dragging their heals?
  • Would this mean Steam needs to be running in order for Start10 to function? While Start8 was essential for Windows 8 and Start10 was a good idea during the beginnings of Win10 I just don't see a real need for it now.
  • Nah, steam just hates MS because they pose a sizeable threat to their platform. No Start = No Store = No Windows Store Games = Yes Steam Games.
  • Some things are best left to history. I think this is one of those things. :X
  • Yup
  • Next we'll start seeing applications that bring back the old Control Panel
  • The name of the software should be called "How to make Win 10 look like crap because I can't embrace change and accept new tech".
  • I'm just using only one Stardock app, ShadowFX App. From my view, Windows 10 default window border shadow looks a bit dull. Now I can see depth between active and inactive windows. Personal taste may vary.
  • I really don't get people who want a classic start screen (win7)!! I guess for nostalgic reasons, because the new one is far more mature and optimized.
  • The ability to change windows logo on start button itself is great for me. It will be great to use alongside wallpaper engine and decent icons. I haven't tried Fences as i think it is more for utility, as i am for pretty looks. Also this program is not limited to change the looks of start menu to classic version, something else with background is possible. I hope Stardock will get all their customizing apps to Steam and make a bundle.
  • I bought Stardock when Windows 8 didn't have a Start Menu. However, I deleted it after MS brought the Start Menu back. I don't think Stardock is really relevant anymore.