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StartIsBack Changelog

What's new in StartIsBack 2.9.20 for Win10

Feb 16, 2024
  • Fixes for new Windows 10 updates

New in StartIsBack 2.9.19 for Win10 (Mar 8, 2023)

  • Fixed unexpected Hold Escape to disable StartIsBack message

New in StartIsBack 2.9.18 for Win10 (Feb 17, 2023)

  • Minor fixes

New in StartIsBack 2.9.17 for Win10 (Nov 28, 2021)

  • Minor fixes

New in StartIsBack 2.9.16 for Win10 (Sep 18, 2021)

  • Fixed update toast not displaying

New in StartIsBack 2.9.15 for Win10 (Sep 18, 2021)

  • Improved support for old and future Windows 10 versions

New in StartIsBack 2.9.14 for Win10 (Jun 13, 2021)

  • Fix for rare crash when using Windows 7 style

New in StartIsBack 2.9.13 for Win10 (May 22, 2021)

  • Support for newest Windows 10 updates. Upcoming Windows Updates may cause older StartIsBack versions to crash.

New in StartIsBack 2.9.12 for Win10 (May 4, 2021)

  • Improved stability and compatiblity with other customization apps

New in StartIsBack 2.9.10 for Win10 (Apr 22, 2021)

  • Support for KB5001391. This upcoming Windows update (currently Insider only) may cause older StartIsBack versions to crash.

New in StartIsBack 2.9.9 for Win10 (Mar 9, 2021)

  • Support for Windows 10 21H1

New in StartIsBack 2.9.8 for Win10 (Dec 24, 2020)

  • Support for Windows 10 Insider builds 2127x

New in StartIsBack 2.9.6 for Win10 (Oct 14, 2020)

  • Support for Windows 10 Insider builds 2023x

New in StartIsBack 2.9.5 for Win10 (Sep 3, 2020)

  • Fixed taskbar z-ordering degradation

New in StartIsBack 2.9.4 for Win10 (Sep 1, 2020)

  • Fixed compatibility with older Windows 10 builds.

New in StartIsBack 2.9.3 for Win10 (Aug 30, 2020)

  • Medium and large icon sizes for pinned / All programs lists
  • Colorized default start button and All programs scrollbar

New in StartIsBack 2.9.2 for Win10 (Jul 28, 2020)

  • Support for ARM64 systems
  • Always pixel perfect taskbar and start menu icons

New in StartIsBack 2.9.1 for Win10 (Apr 25, 2020)

  • Support for start menu live resizing
  • Tons of fixes and performance improvements

New in StartIsBack 2.9 for Win10 (Jan 9, 2020)

  • Supports Windows 10 version 2004
  • Allows new colorful application icons to be shown in taskbar and start menu
  • Reinstates UseWin32TrayClockExperience registry key support
  • Adds obscure Win+Shift+Alt+Esc hotkey to terminate hang foreground application
  • Provides new update download experience

New in StartIsBack 2.8.9 for Win10 (Sep 6, 2019)

  • Fix taskbar not hiding on 1903 when closing Start menu in fullscreen apps

New in StartIsBack 2.8.8 for Win10 (Aug 5, 2019)

  • Fix Custom folders list lost after 1903 upgrade

New in StartIsBack 2.8.7 for Win10 (Jul 18, 2019)

  • Improved dynamic taskbar transparency
  • Fix Run as administrator missing from UWP desktop apps

New in StartIsBack 2.8.6 for Win10 (Jun 28, 2019)

  • Fix Windows Sandbox missing from apps list

New in StartIsBack 2.8.5 for Win 10 (Apr 15, 2019)

  • Fix non-hybrid shutdown used

New in StartIsBack 2.8.4 for Win10 (Apr 9, 2019)

  • Fix reboot not working if other users are logged in

New in StartIsBack 2.8.2 for Win10 (Feb 24, 2019)

  • Fix light and dark mode issues
  • Reboot now honors "Use my sign-in info to <..> reopen apps after <..> restart" option

New in StartIsBack 2.8 for Win10 (Feb 8, 2019)

  • Support for Windows 10 Version 1903
  • Light Mode support
  • Light Mode Plain10 style
  • New Extraordinary Taskbar Perks:
  • Dynamic taskbar transparency
  • Centered taskbar icons
  • Segmented taskbar

New in StartIsBack 2.7.3 for Win10 (Oct 22, 2018)

  • Fix minor issues on 1809
  • Switched web links to HTTPS

New in StartIsBack 2.7.2 for Win10 / 1.7.6 for Win8.1 / 2.1.2 for Win8 (Oct 7, 2018)

  • Fix `Display start screen shortcut` not working on 1809

New in StartIsBack 2.7.1 for Win10 (Sep 21, 2018)

  • Developer improvements for Modern apps:
  • Open Folder for modern app from extended context menu
  • Copy AppID for modern app from extended context menu

New in StartIsBack 2.7 for Win10 (Sep 20, 2018)

  • Support for Windows 10 Version 1809:
  • Dark Mode for Plain8 style
  • Dark Mode for configuration app
  • Dark Mode for Windows Run dialog
  • Dark Mode for Windows Desktop tooltips
  • Improved right-side of the start menu:
  • Thumbnails for custom folders are shown
  • Custom file folders can be renamed inplace
  • Custom folder glyphs can be selected
  • Settings pages can be pinned to the right side
  • Glyph is shown on shutdown button

New in StartIsBack 2.6.4 for Win10 (Jun 9, 2018)

  • Support for newer Insider builds
  • Various fixes and improvements

New in StartIsBack 2.6.3 for Win10 (May 17, 2018)

  • Various fixes and improvements

New in StartIsBack 2.6.2 for Win10 (Mar 27, 2018)

  • Support for Windows 10 Version 1803 (Spring Creators Update)
  • Various fixes and improvements

New in StartIsBack 2.6 for Win10 (Feb 8, 2018)

  • Support for Windows 10 Spring 2018 update pre-release builds
  • Acrylic and Acrylic+ blurring styles are added
  • Microsoft Edge prelaunching can be disabled
  • Added Properties context menu item for metro apps
  • Various fixes and improvements

New in StartIsBack 2.5.2 for Win10 (Oct 11, 2017)

  • Improved compatibility with 7+ Taskbar Tweaker
  • Minor improvements and bugfixes

New in StartIsBack 2.5.1 for Win10 (Sep 4, 2017)

  • Improved compatibility with third-party styles
  • Minor improvements and bugfixes

New in StartIsBack 2.5.0 for Win10 (Aug 24, 2017)

  • NEW: Jumplists replacement! StartIsBack now provides custom taskbar jumplists which are much more reliable and responsive.
  • StartIsBack taskbar jumplists are optional (Windows 10 v1607 or higher is required) and customizable with Windows 7/8/10 styles.
  • Also new custom jumplist can do some mac tricks yours can't.
  • Support for Windows 10 Fall Creators update
  • Minor improvements and bugfixes

New in StartIsBack 2.5.0 Beta for Win10 (Aug 1, 2017)

  • Jump List Is Back

New in StartIsBack 2.0.9 for Win 10 (May 8, 2017)

  • Fixed Youdao Dictionary crashing StartIsBack on some systems

New in StartIsBack 2.0.8 for Win 10 (May 2, 2017)

  • Regression fix - start menu does not work without glyphs

New in StartIsBack 2.0.7 for Win 10 (Apr 30, 2017)

  • Improved start menu responsiveness
  • Fixed RTL issues

New in StartIsBack 2.0.6 for Win 10 (Apr 18, 2017)

  • Fixed incorrect taskbar icons

New in StartIsBack 2.0.5 for Win 10 (Apr 14, 2017)

  • Taskbar icons margins can be optionally increased now
  • 'Pin to Start menu' context menu item is removed if SIB start menu is not used
  • Addressed reported minor regressions in user experience
  • Lots of minor fixes

New in StartIsBack 2.0.1 for Win 10 (Mar 27, 2017)

  • Creators Update

New in StartIsBack 2.0 for Win 10 (Mar 25, 2017)

  • NEW: Full taskbar skinning! Windows 7 and Windows 8 taskbar styles included
  • NEW: Improved configuration UI for finer personalization
  • NEW: Ability to change style of taskbar and start menu context menus
  • NEW: PC Settings can be expaned into menu
  • Improved PC Settings search
  • Improved dynamic high DPI support for start menu, orb and configurator
  • Added support for opening files via drag&drop on metro app icons in start menu
  • Lot of minor improvements and various bugfixes

New in StartIsBack 1.7.6 for Win 8.1 (Oct 24, 2016)

  • Digital signature updated

New in StartIsBack 1.3.4 for Win 10 (Oct 10, 2016)

  • Support for newer Insider builds

New in StartIsBack 1.3.1 for Win 10 (Jun 30, 2016)

  • Support for Windows 10 Anniversary Update
  • Improved Plain10 flyout menus

New in StartIsBack 1.3 for Win 10 (Jun 23, 2016)

  • Support for Windows 10 Anniversary Update
  • New feature to disable application preloader on Windows 10 Anniversary Update
  • Improved Plain10 visual style (search results are no longer black on white)
  • StartIsBack now does not require reinstallation after Windows build upgrade
  • Added glyph icons to PC settings
  • Added support for non-numeric metro icon badges
  • Added 'Open file location' for jumplist items
  • Various fixes and improvements

New in StartIsBack 1.2.1 for Win 10 (Feb 5, 2016)

  • Support for newer Indsider builds

New in StartIsBack 1.2 for Win 10 (Dec 21, 2015)

  • NEW: Taskbar skinning! StartIsBack provides taskbar skinning with third-party msstyles as well as built-in Windows 7 style
  • Improved start menu performance
  • Fixed slow windows animations on some systems
  • Fixed some items not opening from search results
  • Various minor improvements and fixes

New in StartIsBack 1.1.8 for Win 10 (Nov 22, 2015)

  • Fixed Win+X menu on build 10240

New in StartIsBack 1.1.7 for Win 10 (Nov 16, 2015)

  • Support for Windows 10 Version 1511 (November update)

New in StartIsBack 1.1.6 for Win 10 (Oct 26, 2015)

  • Ability to enter Advanced Startup when shift-clicking Reboot
  • Tweak to configure user avatar animation
  • Fixed metro app icons not loading
  • Fixed Switch user shutdown option

New in StartIsBack 1.1.5 for Win 10 (Oct 6, 2015)

  • NEW: Start menu animation

New in StartIsBack 1.1.2 for Win 10 (Sep 19, 2015)

  • Fixed start button misbehaving on some systems

New in StartIsBack 1.1.1 for Win 10 (Sep 16, 2015)

  • Fixed Plain10 skin issues on some systems

New in StartIsBack 1.1.0 for Win 10 (Sep 14, 2015)

  • NEW: Plain10 skin, Windows 10 style
  • Minor improvements

New in StartIsBack 1.0.2 for Win 10 (Aug 10, 2015)

  • Windows logo button on tablet always opens system menu
  • Fixed minor issues

New in StartIsBack 1.0 RC 2 for Win 10 (Jul 28, 2015)

  • New startscreen.exe icon
  • Ready for translation
  • Fixed:
  • live badge showing '1' instead of correct value
  • translucency settings reset each time opening configurator

New in StartIsBack 1.0 RC for Win 10 (Jul 28, 2015)

  • Style has been reinvigorated for Windows 10
  • Reimplented Modern apps uninstallation. NOTE: It's possible to blow your leg off with it and even uninstall Store. Handle with care!
  • Tweaks and changes to default settings
  • Notable fixes:
  • System transparency setting is now honored
  • Improved RTM compatibility

New in StartIsBack Beta 2 for Win 10 (Jul 11, 2015)

  • Ability to reduce resource usage by disabling newer Start menu and Cortana processes from prelaunching
  • Ability to use adequately sized (32x32) large icons and larger start menu button on taskbar
  • Modern icon glyphs on Start menu right hand pane
  • Modern blur, drop shadow and immersive context menus for start menu
  • Fully dynamic DPI aware start menu and configuration app
  • Lots of new minor additions and tweaks

New in StartIsBack 1.7.5 for Win 8.1 (Mar 6, 2015)

  • Dynamic high-DPI start menu scale adjustment
  • Start menu searches in PC settings as well
  • Improved compatibility with Windows 10 Technical Preview
  • Offline activation for enterprise licenses
  • Fixed minor issues

New in StartIsBack 1.7 for Win 8.1 (Nov 24, 2014)

  • Fixed problems with KB3000850 update installed
  • Fixed minor issues

New in StartIsBack 1.7 Beta for Win 8.1 (Oct 28, 2014)

  • Compatibility with Stardock WindowBlinds
  • Experimental compatibility with Windows 10 Technical Preview

New in StartIsBack 1.6.2 for Win 8.1 (May 15, 2014)

  • Fixed: incorrect start menu position on some multi-mon configurations
  • Fixed: problems to install on Windows 2012 R2 Terminal Server

New in StartIsBack 1.6.1 for Win 8.1 (Apr 22, 2014)

  • Advanced startup shutdown option: hold shift when invoking shutdown options
  • Fixed: top edge could be wrongly enabled on desktop

New in StartIsBack 1.6 for Win 8.1 (Apr 7, 2014)

  • Support for Windows 8.1 Spring Update:
  • Pin Metro apps to Taskbar from Start menu
  • Setting to use modern apps close button to close app forcefully
  • General improvements:
  • Automatic downloading of updates. StartIsBack now will download new versions automatically in background, using BITS service, and offer you to install them
  • Default start button has shine effect
  • Default start button can be used with bottom-left corner again
  • Improved XP style All Programs menu new program highlighting
  • Improved XP style All Programs menu responsiveness
  • Improved Multi-monitor hot corners behavior
  • Fixed:
  • Modern app icons didn't show when dragging
  • Shutdown button didn't install Windows Updates by default
  • Problem with shortcut’ dialog could be spawned on startup
  • Display start menu adjacent to vertical taskbar’ worked incorrectly with auto-hide taskbar
  • Remove and prevent access to Shutdown’ Windows policy also prevented logoff

New in StartIsBack 1.5.2 for Win 8.1 (Jan 11, 2014)

  • Flyout menus use menu font, start menu selection and look better with high DPI
  • Updated translations

New in StartIsBack 1.5.1 for Win 8.1 (Dec 27, 2013)

  • Start Menu is responsive at all times regardless of Windows disk icon cache
  • Bottom-left screen edge changed
  • It's possible again to use both new start button and bottom-left hot corner when taskbar is on bottom (non-default start button orb has to be used)
  • On secondary monitors, turn on 'enable all screen edges on secondary monitors' and turn off 'open start menu on active monitor' to use original start button only
  • Fixed: UAC dialog may be invisible with specific UAC settings
  • Fixed: Start button may be absent with specific RDP / monitor login

New in StartIsBack 1.5 for Win 8.1 (Dec 20, 2013)

  • New features for everyone:
  • Adjust transparency level and color of start menu
  • Adjust transparency level and color of taskbar
  • Customize Start Apps folder icon / hide it
  • Multi-column menus for items on right hand side
  • Better start menu scaling on high dpi displays (proportions don't get blown off)
  • New features for multi-monitor users:
  • Option to hide start button separately on primary and secondary monitors
  • Option to open start menu / start screen on active monitor
  • Option to open Start screen on secondary monitor at logon
  • Improved DisplayFusion compatibility
  • New features for those who don't frequently need start menu:
  • Enable bottom-left screen corner to use original Windows 8 start button (when taskbar is on bottom side)
  • Start menu won't be loaded into memory
  • You can still open start menu when you need it with mouse wheel click or swipe up gesture (on touchscreen)
  • Other changes:
  • Updated Aero8 style

New in StartIsBack 1.5 Beta 3 for Win 8.1 (Dec 2, 2013)

  • StartIsBack upgrade no longer may require reboot / uninstall
  • Multi-monitor settings are now in separate page (if you have multiple monitors or run "startisbackcfg /mutimon")
  • Modern apps are not shown in search if neither modern recent apps nor folder are enabled
  • Optimizations for 'not using start menu' scenario (bottom-left screen edge - original start button enabled):
  • Start menu is not loaded into memory until used
  • Original start button opens start menu on mouse wheel click or when swiped up (on touchscreen)
  • Original start button works on taskbar on start screen as expected
  • Minor UI changes

New in StartIsBack 1.0.5 for Win 8.1 (Nov 8, 2013)

  • Default start button selection covers whole taskbar edge
  • StartIsBack DLLs are now digitally signed too
  • Fixed: running search items with parameters didn't work
  • Fixed: minor issues with right-button-drag on start menu items
  • Fixed: userpic could display wrong on domain-joined machines

New in StartIsBack 1.0.4 for Win 8.1 (Oct 31, 2013)

  • Flat selection is used for flyout menus with flat styles
  • Search shortcut is not shown in All Programs menu
  • Better Modern UI icons in high contrast white mode
  • Tap & hold-ing shut down button on touch screen shuts down without 'slide to shutdown'
  • Trial & updates are also checked when you unlock your session
  • StartIsBackCfg and StartScreen commands can be executed from Run dialog
  • Fixed: start button and user picture may be missing when video driver crashes (CloverTrail)
  • Fixed: can't remove pinned shortcuts of deleted games
  • Fixed: programs can't be dragged into start menu from XP styled All programs
  • Fixed: start button did not close start menu on touchscreen

New in StartIsBack 1.0.3 for Win 8.1 (Oct 26, 2013)

  • Fixed: return to last used environment didn't work properly in some configurations
  • Fixed: start menu issues with some multi-mon configurations
  • Fixed: high contrast theme became transparent
  • Fixed: wallpaper on start screen could shift when you reselect it

New in StartIsBack 1.0.2 for Win 8.1 (Oct 21, 2013)

  • Updated and new translations
  • Resize to fit taskbar' when adding orb is off by default
  • Fixed: PuTTY jumplist issue
  • Fixed: uninstall folder security bug
  • Fixed: Start screen screenshot could be offset
  • Fixed: Start screen animation did not play first time

New in StartIsBack 1.0.1 for Win 8.1 (Oct 16, 2013)

  • Support for Win7 userpic animation tweaking
  • Fixed configurator error on some rare PCs species

New in StartIsBack 1.0 for Win 8.1 (Oct 10, 2013)

  • General:
  • StartIsBack+ is better suited for tablets and convertibles.
  • Start menu:
  • Start menu can be configured not to cover taskbar when it's placed on screen side
  • Skinning:
  • StartIsBack+ has built-in high contrast skin
  • Other changes:
  • StartIsBack+ is not yet optimized for screen readers
  • Includes changes from the previous Beta 1 version

New in StartIsBack 2.1.2 (Aug 30, 2013)

  • New: Latvian, Bulgarian translation
  • Fixed: minor configuration problems
  • Updated group policy file

New in StartIsBack Beta 1 (Jul 19, 2013)

  • New unique features:
  • "Everything at once". Hold down Windows key for half a second until search icon appears in the center of the screen; release it and have instant access to all your running apps, taskbar and charms or search bar at the same time from any app you use. Its a great multitasking helper which should be very useful for both tablet and classic PCs. You don't have to learn all keyboard shortcuts, run your mouse to the screen corners or perform awkward swipes. Just hold down Win key! (off by default)
  • Taskbar on Start screen. You can set StartIsBack to always display taskbar on Start screen and greatly reduce Start screen stress!
  • Although this function appeared in SIB 2.1, it really shines in Windows 8.1 when you set your wallpaper for Start screen.
  • General:
  • Start menu has been rebuilt from ground up. It no longer uses code present in explorer; but! No features were lost and actually has been improved with new features and many fixes for bugs present in original menu code. StartIsBack+ uses LESS resources than native menu!
  • Start menu utilizes start menu "soul" left in Windows; it's fully compatible with Windows 7 / StartIsBack settings and policies
  • StartIsBack+ does not require a process or service to run, comes with support / translation for all Windows languages (where MUI is available)
  • Start menu:
  • Start menu has been rebuilt from ground up. Lot of Windows 7 menu bugs were fixed
  • Items in right pane can be removed or tweaked in-place (hold shift with right-click)
  • Items in right pane can be configured as menu for more items (like Connect To)
  • You can add your own folders into right pane by drag & drop
  • All Programs can show folders before items
  • Start menu configuration is much more streamlined
  • Start Apps (Modern apps) folder in All Programs:
  • Higher-quality icons are used
  • You can create a shortcut for Modern app from Start Apps folder directly via drag & drop
  • You can uninstall Modern apps directly from context menu
  • Start button:
  • StartIsBack+ provides start button for each taskbar
  • StartIsBack+ uses built-in Windows 8.1 start button image (by default), but with different selection / animation effect to distinguish it
  • Skinning:
  • Same skins included; Plain8 is the default
  • Start menu is a full sheet of glass; without hacks
  • Glass layer can be turned off totally; without hacks
  • StartIsBack allows using msstyles from Windows 8 unaltered (you still need UxStyle or whatever)
  • Other changes:
  • All screen edges but bottom-left are enabled by default
  • Settings for bottom-left corner were removed
  • F3 on desktop no longer launches desktop search
  • StartIsBack+ settings for start menu are now stored in ..\StartIsBack registry key, not in ...\Explorer\Advanced. Existing settings are migrated.
  • THIS IS A BETA VERSION AND NOT FEATURE COMPLETE YET
  • Release is not planned until 8.1 RTM

New in StartIsBack Test Build 10 (Jul 19, 2013)

  • “Everything at once” finalized
  • “Taskbar on start screen” fixed

New in StartIsBack Test Build 9 (Jul 19, 2013)

  • Hold down Windows key for 1/2 second until you see visual feedback; release it to launch Search AND opened apps.
  • I call it ‘Everything at once’ meaning it uncovers hidden features without having to go into screen edges; in the proper build, long-press will be configurable to display taskbar, maybe charms / start screen / start menu

New in StartIsBack Test Build 8 (Jul 19, 2013)

  • Fixed: disabling program broke explorer
  • Fixed: custom taskbar could break start button
  • Fixed: arrows in start menu didn't scale with DPI
  • Fixed: launching modern apps from start menu could instantly switch back to desktop

New in StartIsBack Test Build 7 (Jul 3, 2013)

  • Adapted to Windows 8.1 changes
  • Start button now utilizes built-in Windows 8 button image, but with different animation (to distinguish it), by default
  • Start buttons are available on each taskbar and adapted for multimon

New in StartIsBack Test Build 6 (Jul 3, 2013)

  • Sum of fixes:
  • Additional menu items are always show in right pane context menu on touch screen
  • Fixed: Selection stuck on touch screen
  • Fixed: Context menu crash

New in StartIsBack Test Build 5 (Jul 3, 2013)

  • Fixes:
  • Fixed: autocomplete failed for network server names
  • Fixed: two items could be shown selected in programs after jumplist is closed
  • Fixed: right pane didn't recalculate its size properly
  • Fixed: shutdown button press didn’t close the menu

New in StartIsBack Test Build 4 (Jul 3, 2013)

  • Right side Start menu pane overhaul:
  • You can add custom folders by drag&drop‘ing them! Try holding Shift when doing that
  • Items can be configured in-place with Shift+right click
  • Run and PC settings are not shown by default
  • Items can be renamed to empty string to reset their name
  • Also:
  • Start Apps folder can be linked like items from it. Try placing it into right pane!
  • Userpic frame from selected skin is used for high contrast style
  • Fixed ’See more results' selection issues
  • Fixed start button not closing menu
  • Minor improvements & fixes

New in StartIsBack Test Build 3 (Jul 3, 2013)

  • High contrast style uses correct color
  • Fixed All Programs arrow not showing
  • Metro apps high resolution icons are used if available
  • You can now create shortcuts for Metro apps with drag&drop from Start Apps folder anywhere (but not in Start Menu)

New in StartIsBack Test Build 2 (Jul 3, 2013)

  • Fixed start menu positioned incorrectly when taskbar is set to autohide
  • Improved start menu appearing painting
  • Fixed: UAC dialog not in focus if secure desktop is disabled
  • All Programs XP style handles CTRL+SHIFT UAC invoke
  • Metro apps icons loading is robuster, faster
  • PC Settings is shown on right pane – just for testing

New in StartIsBack Test Build 1 (Jul 3, 2013)

  • What‘s new:
  • Start menu has been rewritten from group up. As a result, it no longer depends on code that Microsoft left in explorer and removed later. Yet it’s still very native – pixel perfect – startmenu-as-you-know-it.
  • Fixed native menu / StartIsBack birth defects:
  • Animation glitches
  • All Programs button focus stuck
  • Shutdown options tooltip stuck
  • Start menu not respecting system tooltips settings
  • Start menu not positioning correctly when there are docked apps
  • Start menu glitches when taskbar is on right
  • All Programs XP mode menu prevented hover opening of another items
  • All Programs XP mode menu drag&drop problems

New in StartIsBack 2.1.1 (Jun 26, 2013)

  • New: Lithuanian translation
  • Fixed: installer could fail to replace files
  • Fixed: new version notification could be erroneously displayed
  • Restricted installer to not install on Windows 8.1 or Windows Server 2012 R2 Preview versions

New in StartIsBack 2.1 (May 15, 2013)

  • Hot: Advanced option - Show taskbar on Start screen. Very useful on tablets!
  • Configurator fully supports high-DPI screens and RTL languages
  • Desktop toast notification is shown when new StartIsBack version is available
  • "Pin to Start menu" is available in all programs context menus, not just in File Explorer
  • Excluded shortcuts for system shortcuts available in right pane from MFU
  • Multiple license activations are possible on the same Windows installation, same license key, but different hardware
  • Fix: 'Start is apps' feature breaking toast notifications
  • Fix: closing desktop returns to desktop
  • New translations

New in StartIsBack 2.0.2 (Mar 12, 2013)

  • Improved compatibility with non-fullscreen modern apps
  • Shortcuts for games are no longer created in Games start menu subfolder. Games can be searched from Start menu search
  • Fix: Start Screen shortcut was removed by some cleaners

New in StartIsBack 2.0.1 (Mar 5, 2013)

  • Fix: crash in Windows XP style All Programs list
  • Updated translations

New in StartIsBack 2.0 (Mar 5, 2013)

  • New skin and orb image
  • Greatly improved Appearance UI
  • Modern Apps (Start Apps) are included into MFU and all programs list (optional)
  • Shortcut to Start Screen in Start Menu
  • Option to display all programs as multi-column flyout menu (Windows XP style)
  • Option to enable Start Screen hot corner on desktop
  • Bottom-left hot corner configuration
  • Option to configure what happens when Modern app closes
  • Advanced Win hotkeys configuration options
  • Option to hide Start button
  • Option to disable StartIsBack
  • Some useful Windows settings at hand
  • Group Policy support
  • Fixed:
  • Programs removed from MFU program list could return there
  • Secondary tiles for modern apps are excluded from MFU and new program highlighting
  • Search no longer finds faux shortcuts (Desktop, PC settings, Windows Store)
  • Pinned items are automatically renamed if renamed from shortcut properties
  • Shortcuts for games with dot in name could be created incorrectly
  • Uninstall could fail to remove installation directory
  • Windows key could fail to show start menu on some systems
  • Search could be slow to update search results and icons
  • Switching users could squish start menu
  • Incorrect blending in start button hover animation

New in StartIsBack 1.33 (Jan 18, 2013)

  • Fix: StartIsBack could fail to work on some systems with DEP enabled

New in StartIsBack 1.32 (Jan 12, 2013)

  • Fix: new program highlighting errorneusly fired for new users and roaming profiles
  • Fix: orb unhides when hidden taskbar is shown (IrfanView)
  • Fix: icons could fail to show in program list

New in StartIsBack 1.31 (Jan 7, 2013)

  • Fix: program highlighting could work incorrectly
  • Fix: moving metro apps between monitors didn't update hot corners
  • Windows 7 start menu pinned items are migrated on first install
  • Startup programs are launched without 10 second delay
  • Shortcuts for newly installed games are created in Games start menu subfolder
  • New translations

New in StartIsBack 1.3 (Dec 26, 2012)

  • Fix: MFU app list could contain duplicate item
  • Fix: Start orb could be moved by rogue programs
  • Fix: license activation for all users could fail on some systems
  • Fix: shortcuts created by Windows Installer didn't show 'Pin to Start Menu'
  • Hot corners are enabled for Modern apps only for monitor where they're open on
  • Newly installed programs are properly highlighted
  • Right-to-left Windows languages are now supported
  • License key is no longer stored as a plain text
  • Improved start menu performance
  • AeroByDesign skin updated
  • New translations

New in StartIsBack 1.2.1 (Dec 7, 2012)

  • Fix: user frame could be incorrectly placed for bottom taskbar

New in StartIsBack 1.2 (Dec 6, 2012)

  • New: skins! StartIsBack now supports start menu skins without
  • third-party tools; two beautiful ones included
  • New: option to combine start button menu with Win+X menu
  • New: option to hide user account picture
  • New: shortcut for configuring Start menu in Control Panel
  • Fix: hibernate shutdown option could fail to show in configurator
  • Fix: high contast themes start menu issues
  • Installing for all users no longer requires log off
  • New translations
  • StartIsBack is now digitally signed

New in StartIsBack 1.1 (Nov 21, 2012)

  • Fix: opening start button context menu did not prevent autohide
  • Fix: uninstall could fail to remove settings / license
  • Fix: taskbar unhide didn't work in start button area
  • New: silent install (/silent for user install; /elevated /silent for machine install; if machine must be run with admin rights; does not start explorer back)
  • New: option to start with start screen
  • New: option to call start screen with Win key
  • New alternate orb (by PainteR)
  • New translations
  • Less restrictions (same as in Windows 7) on items which can be pinned to start menu
  • Start button context menu shows same items as in Windows 7