Skip to content
ToolGPA

Alternatives · Utilities

StartAllBack alternatives

As of Nov 12, 2026, the highest-graded StartAllBack alternative is Files (2.8 GPA). It's also the best free one.

StartAllBack compared with 4 alternatives: Microsoft PowerToys, Files, Fences and Flow Launcher.

StartAllBack is a paid product with a free trial, starting at $4.99 one-time for a personal license. 3 of the 4 alternatives are free or have a free plan. One more offers a free trial.

Listings checked up to Nov 12, 2026 · Where the facts come from

Black Friday: is there a StartAllBack sale?

At a glance

ToolPriceFree planRuns on
StartAllBackThis toolFree trial · from $4.99 one-timeTrial onlyWindows
Microsoft PowerToysFreeFreeWindows
FilesFree plan · from $12.99 one-timeYesWindows
FencesFree trial · from $9.99/yrTrial onlyWindows
Flow LauncherFreeFreeWindows

How each one differs from StartAllBack

  1. Microsoft PowerToys

    Free Microsoft utilities for customizing Windows 10 and 11

    • Microsoft PowerToys is free.
    • Microsoft PowerToys has a free plan, which StartAllBack lacks.
    • Microsoft PowerToys is open source, according to its own site.
    • Microsoft PowerToys also covers launcher, window management, file management and keyboard and mouse remapping.
    • Microsoft PowerToys does not cover menu bar app, which StartAllBack does.

    Suits: Windows users who want window layouts, a launcher and key remapping from one free install

    Microsoft PowerToys vs StartAllBackMicrosoft PowerToys pricing and details

  2. Files

    Open-source file manager for Windows with tabs and dual pane

    • Files starts at $12.99 one-time purchase (Microsoft Store, US price).
    • Files has a free plan, which StartAllBack lacks.
    • Files is open source, according to its own site.
    • Files also covers file management and file compression.
    • Files does not cover menu bar app, which StartAllBack does.

    Suits: Windows users who want tabs, dual pane and tags in a file manager

    Files vs StartAllBackFiles pricing and details

  3. Fences

    Windows desktop organizer that groups icons into shaded areas

    • Fences starts at $9.99 per year (Single, 1 Year Subscription).
    • Fences also covers file management.
    • Fences does not cover menu bar app, which StartAllBack does.

    Suits: Windows users whose desktop is crowded with shortcuts and files

    Fences vs StartAllBackFences pricing and details

  4. Flow Launcher

    Free, open-source app launcher and file search for Windows

    • Flow Launcher is free.
    • Flow Launcher has a free plan, which StartAllBack lacks.
    • Flow Launcher is open source, according to its own site.
    • Flow Launcher also covers launcher, file management and calculator.
    • Flow Launcher does not cover menu bar app, which StartAllBack does.

    Suits: Windows users who want a keyboard launcher at no cost

    Flow Launcher vs StartAllBackFlow Launcher pricing and details

Limits worth knowing in StartAllBack

  • Windows 11 only for StartAllBack; Windows 10 and 8 use StartIsBack versions.
  • After the 30-day trial the Start menu goes blank and a reminder appears at every boot until a key is activated.
  • New versions for new Windows releases may need a license upgrade payment, according to the vendor's FAQ.
  • Activation is tied to the PC's hardware, and one key activates a limited number of computers.
StartAllBack pricing and details

Common questions

What are the alternatives to StartAllBack?

The alternatives to StartAllBack in this directory are Microsoft PowerToys, Files, Fences and Flow Launcher. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with StartAllBack.

Is there a free alternative to StartAllBack?

Yes. Microsoft PowerToys and Flow Launcher are free to use. Files has a free plan alongside paid ones.

Is there an open-source alternative to StartAllBack?

Microsoft PowerToys, Files and Flow Launcher are described as open source on their own sites.

When were these prices checked?

Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 5, 2026 to Nov 12, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.

Keep reading

  • +2
    Best of

    The best Mac utilities in 2026

    Six utilities that make a Mac quicker to work on: two launchers, a window manager, a clipboard manager, a text expander and a subscription that bundles hundreds of apps. Each pick says what it does, what it costs and where else it runs.

    6 tools · Updated October 2026