14 DAY TRIAL // StartIsBack is one of the many apps that bring back the Start button on Windows 8 devices and a new beta released today brings support for Windows 8.1 Preview too.
Called StartIsBack+, the new app is specifically designed for Windows 8.1 and is currently in beta, so you might still find a few minor bugs after installation.
The program takes control of the built-in Windows 8.1 Start button and launches a clean Start Menu that provides one-click access to installed software. StartIsBack+ also features some exclusive features, including an option to display the Taskbar while browsing the Start screen.
“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,” the developers behind the project described one of the “unique” features available in StartIsBack+.
“It’s 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!”
In addition, the Start Menu has been rebuilt from the ground up, so it now features a new Modern UI that includes both desktop and Metro apps.
“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!” the app description reads.
StartIsBack+ is offered as a free upgrade for all StartIsBack users and can be installed on both x86 and x64 versions of Microsoft’s new Windows 8.1 Preview operating system.