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
Search for StartIsBack or StartAllBack and select Uninstall. 4. Use a Free Alternative
Community and Shared Experience: The users of StartIsBack form a community bound by their shared preference for a classic Windows experience. The sad face becomes a symbol of this shared experience, a lighthearted way for users to express their sentiments about Windows evolution.
Final Pro Tip: Before you install any major Windows update, go to StartIsBack settings and export your skin and configuration. That way, even if the sad face appears after the update, restoring your setup takes 30 seconds.
: It fixes the Windows 11 taskbar (allowing you to move it) and brings dark mode to older areas like the Control Panel. Low System Impact
Restart Windows ExplorerIf you have a license but the face appears randomly, try a quick reset: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Find Windows Explorer in the list. Right-click it and select Restart.