Nero Start 28.5.42.0

If you need quick access to disc burning, audio editing, video creation, or backup utilities, Nero Start consolidates everything into one convenient launcher that simplifies your workflow.

The software works as a gateway to free Nero tools that would otherwise require individual downloads and installations.

From Nero Start's interface, you can install and launch applications including Nero WaveEditor for audio production, Nero Burning ROM for disc creation, and Nero Media Player for video playback with 4K support.

For a complete walkthrough on accessing these tools, see Is Nero Still Worth It? Free Tools vs Better Alternatives.

Video Editing and Creation

Nero Start includes tools for creating, trimming, and enhancing videos. The built-in editors handle basic cutting, scene transitions, and title overlays suitable for home movies and social media content.

Users requiring more advanced encoding control may prefer dedicated converters like HandBrake for format conversion or XMedia Recode for batch processing with extensive codec support.

For professional-grade video workflows, MKVToolNix offers lossless MKV editing and merging capabilities.

Audio Production and Editing

The suite provides mixing and audio optimization through Nero WaveEditor, which supports recording, cutting, and applying effects like reverb, equalization, and pitch shifting. The spectrum analyzer helps identify frequency issues during editing.

For more comprehensive audio production, Audacity delivers multi-track recording with master effects and real-time processing. Users focused specifically on MP3 work should consider mp3DirectCut for lossless trimming or LameXP for batch audio conversion with the industry-standard LAME MP3 Encoder.

Disc Burning and Data Management

Nero's disc burning heritage remains central to the suite. Through Nero Start, you can access tools for burning CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs with data verification. The backup functionality protects important files by creating disc archives.

If you prefer lighter alternatives focused solely on disc burning, ImgBurn handles ISO images and disc verification, CDBurnerXP provides modern burning with Blu-ray support, BurnAware Free offers a streamlined interface, or AnyBurn delivers complete burning features in a compact 1MB package.

For straightforward ISO burning, True Burner creates standard and bootable discs with minimal complexity.

Media Format Support

Nero Start applications handle a wide range of audio and video formats including MP4, MKV, AVI, MP3, FLAC, WAV, and AAC.

For system-wide format compatibility beyond Nero's ecosystem, install the K-Lite Codec Pack which adds support for HEVC, AV1, VP9, and virtually every other format to Windows Media Player and DirectShow applications. The K-Lite Mega Codec Pack includes additional encoding tools for content creators.

Media Playback Alternatives

The included Nero Media Player provides 4K playback with hardware acceleration, but users seeking standalone players have excellent options. VLC Media Player plays virtually any format without codec installation.

MPC-HC delivers lightweight performance with full customization, while MPC-BE integrates LAV Filters for modern codec support including AV1 and Dolby AC-4. For help choosing between these options, read MPC-BE vs MPC-HC: Which Media Player is Right for You?.

Video Encoding for Advanced Users

Content creators needing professional encoding beyond Nero's built-in tools should explore StaxRip for extensive filter and codec customization, VidCoder for HandBrake-based encoding with batch queuing, Shutter Encoder for comprehensive format conversion, or MediaCoder for GPU-accelerated batch transcoding.

Our guide Video Encoding Wars: StaxRip vs HandBrake helps you choose the right encoding tool for your workflow.

System Requirements

Nero Start runs on Windows 10 and Windows 11 with both 32-bit and 64-bit support.

The application requires approximately 155MB of disk space for the initial installation, with additional space needed for individual tools as you install them through the hub. An internet connection is required for downloading tools but not for using them after installation.

Who Should Use Nero Start

Nero Start works best for users who want multiple multimedia tools accessible from a single interface without managing separate installations. The centralized approach simplifies updates and provides consistent styling across applications.

However, users who only need one specific function - like disc burning or audio editing - may prefer standalone alternatives that offer more focused features without the hub overhead.