The "sad face" (😞) appearing in your Start menu or taskbar context menu is almost always a sign that your StartIsBack (or its Windows 11 successor, StartAllBack) trial period has expired. This software is not freeware, and the developers use this graphic to indicate that the license is no longer active. Why You’re Seeing It
Developer Support: According to reviewers at CK's Technology News, the developer is highly responsive, often patching the software within days of new Windows Insider builds breaking it. startisback sad face
The "sad face" in StartIsBack (or its Windows 11 successor, StartAllBack) is not a bug, but rather an "interesting feature" designed to alert you that your trial period has expired. It serves as a visual watermark that appears in context menus, the Start menu, or even on folders to nudge you toward purchasing a license. Why the Sad Face Appears The "sad face" (😞) appearing in your Start
For power users only. If none of the above works, the DLL may be unregistered. The "sad face" in StartIsBack (or its Windows
If you want to keep using the software, you will need to buy a license or re-enter your existing product key in the software settings. Restart Windows Explorer:
OpenShell: A popular, open-source, and entirely free alternative that provides a classic Start menu.
Value: Experts at XDA Developers argue that for a $5 investment, the stability and visual polish it provides make it "absolutely worth it". Top Alternatives