Windows 8 return of start button
A critical mass of negative reviews convinced Microsoft of the stupidity of its decision - to get rid of the familiar Start button in Windows 8. The American corporation announced that in its next operating system called Windows 9, as well as in a major update, Win8.1 will be returned to its place classic Start instead of the Metro interface. However, if you don’t have time to wait or don’t have the desire/opportunity to update, then you can add Start to your G8 right today, fortunately various software developers did not sleep and released many simple but terribly useful utilities.
Classic Shell utility or how to download Start for Windows 8
You can download the latest version of the free Classic Shell utility from the developers’ website - www.classicshell.net by clicking on the button Download Now! or from the Download translated versions page, download the Russified version immediately. The installation process is extremely simple, but we will consider it in detail below.
Launch the Classic Shell installer. In the welcome window, click Further.
We read and put a tick accept the terms of the license agreement, click Further.
At the next stage, you can refuse to install any component, or change the utility installation folder. And again Further.
"Everything is ready to install Classic Shell." Click Install.
An administrator account is required for installation, so select Yes.
The installation process will take a few seconds and a final window will appear indicating completion.
The Start button will appear on the taskbar; the first time you click on it, the Classic Shell settings window will open. These settings can be changed in the future.
This is what the classic Start for Windows 8 looks like in the style of Windows 7 in just a few minutes of work: just download and install Classic Shell.
Alternative
Of course, Classic Shell is not the only utility for installing the Start button in Windows 8, although it is the most popular. Let's give a few more ways.
On many sites you can find the following instructions: , go to the thread
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer
and for the parameter RPEnabled set value 0; if RPEnabled is not in the folder, then it needs to be created (New - DWORD). After rebooting the system, the normal Start should return instead of the Metro interface, but today this method does not work for everyone, so it not recommended.
You can use the utility Start8- You can download it from the official website. 30 days trial period, then you need to buy a license for $5. The advantages of this utility include flexibility of configuration and excellent appearance in Win8 style.
Another analogue - Power8. Download page, the program is free, installs in a couple of clicks. In the settings you need to specify “Launch at startup” so that when the system boots, the utility will also load.
July 12, 2015This article describes the components of the new Metro user interface that was added to Windows 8. The program menu and access to system settings in Windows 8 have changed significantly compared to previous versions of Windows. The famous Start menu is no longer there. The new Metro interface is adapted for use on devices with finger input (touchscreens).
In Windows 8, Microsoft has abandoned the familiar Start button, which opened the Start menu in all previous versions since Windows 95. Now, after loading Windows 8, the Start screen opens instead of the desktop as it was before:
This change was dictated by the fact that Microsoft decided to use a single user interface for devices with different types of input - both traditional ones that use a mouse, and new ones that use a touchscreen and finger controls.
If the computer is connected to the Internet, then the Windows 8 start screen downloads information from Microsoft online services. Weather, stock indices and other information:
In order to open the traditional “Desktop”, in Windows 8 you need to click on the “Desktop” icon in the start screen. This icon is labeled and located at the bottom left.
The Windows 8 desktop looks exactly the same as in previous versions of Windows:
In Windows 8.1, the Start icon has returned to the taskbar. However, this icon does not open the Start menu, as it did before, but the Windows 8 Start screen.
Desktop in Windows 8
For those who are used to older Windows or who use Windows 8 on a regular computer, the Start screen seems like an unnecessary element. Is it possible to get rid of it? How can I make Windows 8 open the Desktop instead of the Start screen immediately after booting?
This became possible in Windows 8.1. You need to right-click on the taskbar, then select “Properties” from the context menu. The following window with settings will open in which you need to go to the “Navigation” tab:
Here you need to enable two options in the "Home Screen" group:
- When you log in and close all applications, open the Desktop instead of the Start screen.
- When you go to the Start screen, automatically open the Applications view. This option determines that instead of the start screen, a list of programs will open immediately.
Windows 8 Sidebar
Some of the functions that were previously available through the Start menu have been moved to the sidebar. Access to the control panel, settings, network connections, shutting down the computer.
The Windows 8 Sidebar opens by hovering your mouse (or sliding your finger) to the top-right corner of the screen or the bottom-right corner. This is what the sidebar looks like:
Keys can be pressed Win+I on the keyboard is the second way to open it.
Windows 8 start menu
In previous versions of Windows, the Start menu was the central point where access not only to programs, but also to system folders and system settings was collected.
In Windows 8, programs and system settings are divided into two parts. Access to programs is provided through the Start screen, and access to settings through the sidebar of Windows 8.
Access to the program menu in Windows 8 is possible through the start screen, at the bottom of the start screen there is an arrow button, you need to press it:
After this, the second part of the Start screen will open, what can be called the Windows 8 Start menu. The most convenient way to find a program is to start writing its name in the search field:
You can set it to open the Applications screen instead of the Home screen. How to do this is described in the previous section “Desktop in Windows 8”.
Win + X menu (Power User Menu)
If you press the Win + X keys on your keyboard, the "Power User Menu" will open:
This menu contains a set of Windows 8 system commands. This menu can be opened in other ways:
- If you right-click on the Start image in the taskbar.
- On the touchscreen, you need to make a long tap (long touch) on the “Start” picture in the taskbar.
In incredibly record time, the “nimble eight”, released just a couple of years ago, managed to win a lot of fans. And there is a reasonable explanation for this. The developers' creative approach to the design style of the new operating system is explained by the cold calculation of the forward-thinking Microsoft team. The Metro interface really looks impressive. However, Windows 8 has somewhat puzzled conservative users. However, the problem was resolved fairly quickly. Take the time to read this article, from which you will learn a lot of interesting things about the start button and how to return the usual comfort when working with the successor to Windows 7.
Joys and disappointments
Touch devices have literally transformed. The hardware of compact devices, inspired by the new capabilities of the operating system, began to amaze its owners with its productive performance. And the Start menu in Windows 8 fits quite harmoniously into the tiled mosaic of the start screen. Nevertheless, desktop users literally immediately felt a kind of trick on the part of Bill and his team in this innovation. The inconvenience and unfamiliarity pretty much frayed the nerves of many who were so eagerly awaiting the release of Microsoft's perfection. Alas, the miracle was not allowed to happen. And that's why.
Windows 8: Where is the Start button?
It’s difficult for us, users accustomed to the traditional layout, to relearn - that’s how people are made, and the “eight” with its starting bells and whistles once again confirmed the truth of the wise statement “Even an old woman can get screwed.” It goes without saying that a solution was found. Smart programmers have returned the navigation functionality of previous operating systems that was lost by the eight. Today, there is an incredible variety of programs and tweakers with which the user can resolve a deadlock. However, some, with some gratitude, “switched” to Metro literally right away. True connoisseurs of established traditions began to install software features on their PCs and laptops. Life started to get better! If you are wondering where the Start menu is in Windows 8 with the original interface, then you will see the answer by looking at the start screen of the new operating system.
The most proven methods for returning a convenient button to its place
In order not to scare the most indecisive users, perhaps we’ll start with free options.
Solution #1: VIStart
This program is absolutely free, almost weightless, its size is only 800 KB. However, there is a drawback in the form of the lack of a Russian interface. By the way, it was previously developed as software to decorate Windows XP. Today it performs a useful mission - to return the "Start" button to its original place in the "eight". This application supports skins, which means that by using this software you can change the appearance of the start menu.
Installation and configuration
After installation, the Lee-Soft Application Manager icon will appear in the system tray, which, in principle, is an update agent; the “Start” button itself will not appear in Windows 8. Create and name it Start. However, the issue is resolved automatically. After you see the desired icon, the installation process can be considered complete. Right-clicking on the icon will allow you to change the design.
Solution #2: Classic Shell
Incredibly convenient software, distribution size 8.5 MB, Russian interface available. Moreover, it is a freely distributed program. Let us repeat, Windows 8 has lost the classic menu, and not every software is capable of correctly recreating a decent version of comfortable functionality. Classic Shell will return your operating system to its former management efficiency, and the traditional Windows 7 logo will appear in the lower left corner of the screen, which you can change to a different type of icon. Immediately after, it will offer three classic types of Start menu at your discretion. So for those who value the standard, this is simply an indispensable program.
Installation and configuration
Installation does not take much time and does not require any explanation. Everything is pretty standard and simple. As for the program settings, the widest prospects open up for the user. In addition to changing the appearance of the start menu for Windows 8, those who like conservative solutions can resort to various options, using which they can achieve full compliance with the standard implemented in the seventh OS. With certain settings, it is capable of performing various actions. For example, calling the start screen or traditionally entering the Start menu. However, the user can set any key combination to perform certain actions according to the scenario he specified. The stunning selection of tools will surprise even a skeptic. You can change everything in the program: sound, graphic design, fine-tune the interface, and also add or remove tabs located in the application launch window. Classic Shell is competent in solving this problem.
Solution #3: Win8StartButton
This is a rather primitive-looking software, but nevertheless it can return the start button. The installation file size is 400 KB, but, unfortunately, there is no Russian interface. This application takes into account the preferences of those who do not want to part with the newfangled Metro style, but still want to fill the empty space with a nostalgic reminder of the lost Windows Start icon. It is worth noting that the only thing that makes this software solution useful is the ability to call up the start menu of the eighth OS, albeit in a somewhat compressed form. Perhaps some users will like this software. In any case, such a constructive approach to solving the problem has the right to life.
Solution #4: Start Menu Reviver
Such a truly amazing software product cannot go unnoticed. For unknown reasons, this “madness” is considered popular. While a dissatisfied G8 user is looking for the perfect solution to install the Start button, they are trying to reward Windows 8 with a new tiled interface.
Setting up and using mini Metro
What the user sees after installation is actually the start screen of the new version of Windows Phone. Chaotically located tiles of applications, services and services do not lend themselves to any systematization. Of course, the user has the opportunity to eliminate all this, but the question of why duplicate what the program is designed to save the user from cannot be solved logically. Perhaps such a strangeness for someone is the original solution they are looking for. In any case, it's up to you to decide whether the program is worth your attention.
Solution #4: Start Menu X
The program has long been known and enjoys enormous popularity. The software fits into a compact 4.4 MB, the Russian-language designation is present. Despite the fact that the set of functionality is practically no different from some previously presented applications, the features of originality are still quite visible when the user customizes this interface element specifically for his purposes, using the Windows 8 operating system. Add the “Start” button to its rightful place, when you use "Start Menu X" is quite simple. Even a novice user can cope with this task.
Setup and use
In order to make the necessary changes in the program, just right-click once on the icon, which after installation takes its natural position in the lower left corner of the screen. The unique design element of the "Start" button is the hero of the popular game Angry Birds. The tweaker has extensive customization options and a number of optional additions: editing the list of programs in the start menu, disabling the active corners inherent in the G8, changing skins, and more. It is worth noting that this is the only program of all presented in this review that will require a system reboot after its removal. The program has a unique feature - grouping applications, that is, the user can move programs for the printer, the Internet, or multimedia processing to a separate folder. In general, you are guaranteed maximum comfort when using this tweaker.
Solution #5: Wentutu
In Windows 8, this program will, of course, help you get back the Start button. However, the meager functionality and long launch time of the application are a big disadvantage for developers. Connoisseurs of asceticism and users who are thoughtful by nature will probably like the program.
Solution #6: Power 8
The name speaks for itself! After installing the program, the user will most likely be discouraged by the size of the Start button. However, the minimized appearance of the control can be enlarged. The main advantage of such a software solution is the originality of the design of the functionality missing in the new operating system. The style is as close as possible to Windows 8. The classic Start menu will now look on your computer as a harmonious continuation of the G8 design. Fortunately, the developers have foreseen the fact that it will be more convenient for Russian-speaking users to manage the functionality of the program using Cyrillic characters.
Setting up the application
The limited arsenal of design tools is compensated by a proprietary feature: the Search field now searches not only on local drives, but also on the Global Internet. However, there is a somewhat inconvenient point: before each search query you need to insert a prefix in the form of a letter. For example, to use Google, you need to enter “g”. The settings provide for blocking the G8 start screen, and the user is also given the opportunity to edit the list of programs displayed in the menu. Otherwise, everything is the same as for everyone else.
Solution #7: StartIsBack
In this case, the installed Start button in Windows 8 can cost the user money. Yes, you heard right, this is a paid program! So what is the developers' excuse? Let's figure it out.
Setting up and using the program
At first glance, the program does not strike you with anything outstanding. However, upon closer examination, everything looks more than ideal. After installing StartIsBack, the functional button organically takes its place without any unnecessary actions or “pushing” from the user. The graphics are simply top notch. Literally every control element duplicates the original Start menu of the Windows 7 operating system down to the smallest detail. Of course, if you want to change the appearance of the start window or make other types of settings, all this is available to you, as in the case of using this functionality in the seventh OS. If you don't want to permanently part with the benefits of the Metro interface, the program offers several types of settings with which you can achieve the desired results with great ease. Believe me, $3, which is exactly the price of the software, is priceless comfort in the future use of Windows 8.
Start button
The programs whose descriptions you have read have one common purpose - to return an unfairly removed control element to a new operating system. Of course, this review does not present all the ways to transform the Start menu. Nevertheless, the main “leaders” were considered with all the objectivity of an unbiased user. Nevertheless, we can confidently consider the “Classic Shell” program to be the most appropriate for its functions. Agree, a fully functional and stable free application is quite a valuable gift. Full compatibility with all known operating systems from Microsoft (including version 8.1) puts such a program at the highest level in terms of feasibility of use. Download the installation distribution from the official website and your problem will be solved.
Alternative
The G8 developers did their best! The new OS provides the ability to ease the time-consuming process of navigating to the Start screen and back to the desktop. By the way, “Start” for Windows 8 can be done using standard tools. Often, meaningless wandering among the colorful Metro tiles in search of the desired program can simply be avoided. Below is what you need to do.
Pseudo-menu "Start"
The user of the eighth OS can at any time create a so-called toolbar, which will display all the necessary programs. In essence, this solution is a kind of substitute for the classic “Start” button. If for some reason you do not want to install third-party software and are completely satisfied with the new interface, then the presented option will help you significantly increase your productivity when working with Windows 8. Proceed as follows:
- Right-click on the "Taskbar".
- From the drop-down menu, select “Panels” - “Create...tools”.
- In the “Folders” checkbox, paste: %ProgramData%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs.
- After you click on the “Select...” button located just below, a toolbar with the ambiguous name Programs will appear in the tray.
Now you can always quickly launch the necessary program or application that is installed on your computer. And even if it’s not a problem for you that the Windows 8 Start button has disappeared, you will in any case appreciate the convenience of unhindered access to installed software through the new toolbar.
You might be in luck!
If you are using the preview version of eight, and in particular the Developer Preview, then you are simply lucky. The fact is that this operating product contains such a classic control element as the standard “Start” button. All you have to do is change some values in the registry. Be careful when working in a special editor, as incorrectly entered parameters can affect the stability and performance of the system as a whole.
Button return process
In order to return the Start button for Windows 8, you need to do the following:
- Use the Win+R key combination to call the Run utility.
- At the prompt, enter the regedit command.
- After you go to the Registry Editor, follow the path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer.
- After that, on the right side of the window, click on the RPEnabled item.
- From the context menu, select Modifi, and in the next window (in the Value Data checkbox) change the value from “1” to “0”. Don't forget to confirm your actions with the "OK" button.
After rebooting the operating system, you will be pleasantly surprised by the pristine functionality of the Start menu.
Finally
Perhaps some of you, in the process of getting acquainted with this material, became somewhat thoughtful about why all this torment, if you can install the “seven” and not fool yourself. Perhaps you are right. However, the predecessor of the eighth OS is significantly inferior in all respects to the new operating system. This is precisely why the vast majority of desktop users need the Start button in Windows 8. Let’s not forget that many developers are focusing their attention on new operating systems. In other words, all their efforts and professional research will one way or another be directed towards the prospects of their development. Thus, whether we want it or not, in order to stay on the “wave of unlimited possibilities”, we should still choose the “eight”. However, it is quite possible that for some PC users such warnings will seem completely uncritical to do anything right now and immediately. Therefore - to each his own.
"Start Menu 8 brings back the familiar system you were used to navigating with Windows 7. The Windows 8 interface (called Metro) does not have a Start button, it has been replaced with the tiled menu used on Windows phones and tablets "
User Reviews
“Even though I’m not a beginner, when I launched Win 8 for the first time, I was completely at a loss, and the help of Start Menu 8 came in very handy; the program saves me time and allows me not to change my habits too much. In addition, once I had a small problem that I couldn't solve on my own, so I wrote to IObit support without much hope... I was wrong... They responded quickly and helped me with all my questions right away. I've become an even bigger fan since then! IObit, looking forward to their next product."
User Reviews
"As a technology consultant and application developer, I rely heavily on virtualization software. I like to create new virtual machines for each of my projects. This way I can keep everything organized and install only the tools needed for a given project. Because I don't love the Metro screen in Windows 8, I use apps to replace the Start menu to make it look the same as in Windows 7. Over the past few years I have tried several different programs, both paid and free. Sometimes they work well. , sometimes not. Since I started using Start Menu 8, I have had NO problems with the Start Menu. Start Menu 8 is a perfect implementation of a great idea and is very easy to use and configure."
How to get the start button back in Windows 8 and preferably free? I understand you, friends, oh yes, this new tiled Metro interface, I also suffered for a long time, then I successfully replaced the Start button. If you don't like it, you can easily return this button to its place. And in fact, many users, over many years of using Microsoft products, have become so accustomed to this button that they can no longer do without it, their hand with a mouse is no and no, and they still strive to get into the lower left corner, and there instead of a button Start "Oblomingo" sketch of the Metro start window in miniature.
How to get the start button back in Windows 8
Many users may notice that in the new Windows 8.1 operating system there is a “Start” button and this is in fact the case, but I would like to note that this button no longer carries all the functions that were previously inherent in it in previous operating systems. If we click on the new Start button with the left mouse, we will be taken to the Metro interface with animated wallpaper. Right-click on the Start button and a menu will appear in which you can select only options: Shutdown, Sleep mode, Reboot, and so on.
But you and I want something else, so that when you click on the Start button, the real Start menu, familiar to everyone from Windows XP and Windows 7, opens, which always connects the user with programs, folders and various operating system parameters, that is, it gives a choice of where to start just start working on the computer. It’s not for nothing that the translation of the word “Menu” is selection, list.
Well, okay, I’ve become philosophic, but it’s time to tell, how to get the start button back in windows 8. To return the Start button, you can use a special program (there is no way without this); unfortunately, you cannot return the button using the built-in tools in Windows 8.
I suggest you use two of the best (in my opinion), free programs Power8 and Start Menu 8 and one paid Start8 (I especially liked the latter). How to get the start button back using the free Power8 program Official website of the program https://code.google.com/p/power8/downloads/list
Power8 - will create a very neat Start button in your Windows 8, with which we will acquire a functional Start menu for Windows 8. As in previous operating systems from Microsoft, you will have access to the control panel, administration and network settings, as well as all your programs .
I want to say that the Power8 program does not make any serious changes to the system and can be easily removed if you wish. The program will run with Windows 8 and has the most necessary settings, and of course it can block Metro functions.
On the program developer’s website, click on the Downloads button. Power8 1.4.4 Installer.
Launch the program installer and install it.
As we agreed, the Power8 application returned the Start button to us,
We click on the button with the left mouse and a very convenient and already familiar menu appears, with which you can launch any program installed in the operating system and more.
If you select Administration, all administration tools will open, select Control Panel and, in fact, get into the main management tool of the operating system. The menu also contains control buttons: rebooting and shutting down the PC, standby and hibernation mode, logging out, and starting the screensaver. At the very bottom there is a search field.
In order to enter the program settings, right-click on our button and select “Settings”
Conclusion: the program is not bad and contains a minimum of settings, but on the whole it will suit the user who cannot do without the Start button in the new Windows 8 operating system.
How to get the start button back using the free Start Menu 8 program
Another good program that can help you with this simple matter. Start Menu 8 has slightly more settings than the program we previously reviewed.
Official website of the program http://ru.iobit.com/iobitstartmenu8/, click download for free.
When installing the program, check the Custom installation (for advanced users) option and uncheck the programs that you do not need.
After installing the program, the following Start button will appear in the lower left corner of the desktop; click on it with the left mouse and a functional menu will open that will allow us to administer the system, search and launch programs, and go to the control panel.
If you click the Metro application button, all the Windows 8 metro applications will open. Or click Switch to Metro, the Metro tiled interface will immediately open.
To configure the program, left-click on the Start button and select Settings.
In the settings of the Start Menu 8 program we can choose the style of the Start menu,
Common parameters
Start button view
Conclusion: Start Menu 8 performs its main function well, but it does not have all the wide variety of settings that are present in the next paid program we are considering. How to return the start button using the Start8 program
In my opinion, this is the best program in this regard and with the maximum number of settings (minus one, it is paid, but costs only $5). But you can use the program for free in test mode for 30 days.
Start8 is very easy to install. After installing the Start8 program, you will boot straight to the Windows 8 desktop, bypassing the tiled Metro interface
In the Start menu there is a Windows 8 Menu button, with which you can enter the Metro interface, I must say this is very convenient and useful if you suddenly need a tiled interface.
I really liked the search, you can use it to find anything on your computer.
A description of all the features of the program would take up an entire article, but there is no point in this, since the Start8 program is intuitive and simple, this is the case, friends, when you get pleasure from mastering all the features of the program. Right-click on the Start button and select "Settings"
You can choose the Windows 7 style, I’m sure it will completely suit you. But I didn’t quite understand the meaning of the Windows 8 style. Choose the appearance of the Start button itself. The Normal button, in the Windows 8 style, looks very appropriate here. Or check Other and press Select. A window will open in which you can select any button you like, even in the Windows XP style.
Check "Highlight recently installed applications"
And all recently installed programs will be highlighted in the Start menu.
You may also notice that there is no Run button in the menu; in order for it to appear, look just below the item “What shortcuts should I place in the right column?” and opposite the “Run” element set “Display as link”,
If you need something else, look for it and note it. For example, mark the “Downloads” element, set “Display as menu” and when you hover the mouse over the “Downloads” element, the entire contents of the “Downloads” folder will be displayed.
Control.
Desktop. If hot corners bother you, you can turn them off.
