PStart

Free plan Windows

What PStart is

PStart is a Windows tray tool for launching applications you choose, including portable programs kept on a USB key or removable disk. It can be installed on a hard disk or removable device. In portable mode, it uses relative paths, so applications can still launch if a USB drive receives a different drive letter. Incremental search helps locate programs on the local disk and portable applications on the USB drive. You can organize the tray menu into folders and subfolders, use hot keys or mouse sensors, and hide the tray icon. PStart can carry notes on a USB drive and show reminders while it is running or the next time it starts. Making the settings file read-only disables or hides options for modifying settings, items and notes. PEGTOP Software recommends portable applications such as Firefox, Thunderbird, FileZilla and Eclipse. Downloads listed include PStart version 2.11, a 768 KB Windows installer, and a 618 KB U3 version 2.09. PStart is freeware with no advertisements, spyware or hidden costs.

Who it suits

PStart suits Windows users who want a menu for launching selected local or portable applications. It may be useful for people carrying programs, notes and reminders on removable storage.

What it does well

Runs applications from a USB key or removable disk.
Relative paths handle changing USB drive letters.
Includes incremental program search.
Supports hot keys, mouse sensors and custom folders.
Freeware with no advertisements or spyware.

What to know first

Portable installations have no uninstaller.
Portable-install files must be removed manually.
The listed platform is Windows only.

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
PStart	100% freeware · no advertisements · no spyware · no hidden costs	Free

As pegtop.net lists them, read 10 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Verdict

PStart brings portable and local application shortcuts, search, notes and reminders into a Windows tray menu. Its portable mode has no uninstaller, so account for manual file removal when you are done.

Facts from PStart's own pages

Download: The maker lists PStart version 2.11 as a 768 KB Windows installer and also lists PStart U3 version 2.09 as a 618 KB download. · pegtop.net, 10 Oct 2026
Install options: PStart can be installed locally on a hard disk or to a removable device. · pegtop.net, 10 Oct 2026
Limit: Portable installations have no uninstaller, and their files must be removed manually. · pegtop.net, 10 Oct 2026
Maker: PEGTOP Software describes itself as a one-person software company in southern Germany, founded in 1996. · pegtop.net, 10 Oct 2026
Notes and reminders: Users can carry notes on a USB drive and set reminders that appear while PStart is running or the next time it starts. · pegtop.net, 10 Oct 2026
Portable app compatibility: The maker recommends portable applications such as Firefox, Thunderbird, FileZilla, and Eclipse for use from a portable device. · pegtop.net, 10 Oct 2026
Portable paths: In portable mode, PStart uses relative paths so applications can still launch when a USB drive receives a different drive letter. · pegtop.net, 10 Oct 2026
Purpose: PStart is a tray tool for launching user-defined applications, including portable applications on USB keys and removable disks. · pegtop.net, 10 Oct 2026
Quick search: PStart includes incremental search for programs on the local hard disk and portable applications on a USB drive. · pegtop.net, 10 Oct 2026
Settings protection: Making the settings file read-only disables or hides settings, item, and note modification options. · pegtop.net, 10 Oct 2026
Support: The FAQ directs users whose questions are not answered to contact the maker. · pegtop.net, 10 Oct 2026
Tray menu: The tray menu supports user-defined folders and subfolders, mouse sensors, hot keys, and hiding the tray icon. · pegtop.net, 10 Oct 2026
U3 version: PStart is available in a U3 version for launching other portable applications from a U3 device. · pegtop.net, 10 Oct 2026