Frequently Asked Questions

Why would I want to use Start Menu for Mac?

Start Menu for Mac is ideal for those who made the switch from PC to Mac and miss the Start Menu on Windows, as well as current Mac users looking for something different from the Launchpad that's built in to macOS.

How much does it cost?

Beta releases of Start Menu for Mac are available free of charge, but the goal is to charge for a license once version 1.0 is released. In the meantime, beta testing participants can try out the product without paying, but the beta release builds will expire 90 days after installation.

How do I make Start Menu for Mac automatically launch when logging in to my Mac?

You can select the Launch Start Menu for Mac at login checkbox option from the Welcome dialog that appears the first time Start Menu for Mac is launched. This option is also available in Start Menu Settings (from the Start Menu popup, click the control menu and then select Settings).

Do I need to quit and relaunch Start Menu for Mac whenever I install or uninstall an app on my Mac?

No. Start Menu for Mac will automatically pick up any new or removed apps in your Applications folder.

How do I get the Start Menu popup to have that translucent look like what I see in the screenshots?

The translucency effect is available on macOS 26 Tahoe and newer. It can be turned on or off in Start Menu Settings.

I'm wary of using vibe-coded software (e.g., because of the potential for serious bugs and security vulnerabilities, as well as concerns about environmental impacts of AI data centers, etc.). Was AI used to create Start Menu for Mac?

No. I even disabled the AI code generation and auto-suggestion feature in my IDE because it was annoying, distracting and often just plain wrong.

Ask a Question

Post your questions to the Start Menu for Mac discussion group on GitHub.

Report a Bug or Feature Suggestion

Go to the Issues page on GitHub to create an issue for a bug or feature request.