Bring back the classic Windows 8.1 start menu. Windows tricks: new Start button

Windows 8 is a rather different system from previous versions. Initially, it was positioned by the developers as a system for touch and mobile devices. Therefore, many things that are familiar to us have been changed. For example, a convenient menu "Start" you won’t find it anymore, because they decided to completely replace it with a pop-up sidebar Charms. And yet, we will look at how to return the button "Start", which is so lacking in this OS.

You can return this button in several ways: using additional software or only system tools. Let us warn you in advance that you will not return the button using the system, but simply replace it with a completely different utility that has similar functions. As for additional programs - yes, they will return to you "Start" exactly as he was.

Method 1: Classic Shell

With this program you can return the button "Start" and fully customize this menu: how appearance, as well as its functionality. So, for example, you can put "Start" with Windows 7 or Windows XP, or simply select the classic menu. As for the functionality, you can reassign the Win key, specify what action will be performed when you right-click on the icon "Start" and much more.

Method 2: Power 8

Another fairly popular program in this category is Power 8. With its help you will also get back a convenient menu "Start", but in a slightly different form. The developers of this software They do not return the button from previous versions of Windows, but offer their own, made specifically for the eight. Power 8 has one interesting feature- in field "Search" you can search not only on local drives, but also on the Internet - just add a letter "g" before requesting to contact Google.

Method 3: Win8StartButton

And the last software on our list is Win8StartButton. This program is created for those who like general style Windows 8, but still inconvenient without a menu "Start" on the desktop. Having installed this product, you will receive the necessary button, when you click on it, part of the elements of the eight start menu appears. It looks quite unusual, but it fully corresponds to the design of the operating system.

Method 4: System Tools

Also you can make a menu "Start"(or rather, its replacement) with standard system tools. This is less convenient than using additional software, but still this method is also worth paying attention to.


We looked at 4 ways in which you can use the button "Start" and in Windows 8. We hope we were able to help you and you learned something new and useful.

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 the 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 new version 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 what they are looking for original solution. 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 transfer 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, which is missing in the new operating system functionality. 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. True, there is a somewhat inconvenient moment: before each search query you must 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 start screen of the G8, 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, insert: %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.

Return Button 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.

Many users who were waiting for the new Windows 8 were surprised that instead of the classic Start menu they saw a start screen with a tiled interface. Microsoft promised to return the standard style, but we never saw it. After which, users wondered, how to make a start button in Windows 8 similar to Windows 7.

It is not possible to return the start button to Windows 8 without third-party programs, so third-party programmers began writing their own software. Today there are a decent number of programs. There are both free and paid applications, these include:

  1. Classic Shell
  2. Start Button 8
  3. Pokki
  4. StartMenu8
  5. Other

To change the start, I don’t see the point of paying 3-5 bucks when you can use good free options. Below we will look at several programs. They differ in the design of the start menu and the presence of various settings. I think you will find one you like among them.

How to restore the Start menu in Windows 8 using Classic Shell

Classic Shell is a free utility that allows you to install the Windows 8 start button in the classic version. At its core, it replaces the start screen and contains a lot of settings to suit the user’s needs. Let's take a closer look at the algorithm of actions with this program.

1. Download the Russified version of Classic Shell, unzip and install it.

2. Right-click Start and select Settings from the menu to change the appearance and configuration of the Start menu.

3. A settings interface will open in front of you, consisting of 3-4 tabs depending on the selected style. Configure to suit your individual needs.

  1. Start menu style - start tab, in which 3 design styles are available, and there is an option.
  2. Basic parameters - allows you to set the action for mouse clicks and keys, customizes the user's needs, adds and removes elements.
  3. Cover – sets the design of the selected style, and also changes colors, icon size, and font.
  4. Start menu settings - here you select start items, as well as their state.

If you want to make more fine-grained settings, check the “show all options” option at the top of the window, which shows even more tabs.

4. After setting, click OK to save. The result will be a picture like this.

How to make a start button in Windows 8 using Start Button 8

Start Button 8 has paid and free versions. During installation, you can choose a paid edition with a large set of functions and use it for 30 days, after which you will be offered to buy the application or switch to the free version. Let's look at the program Windows 8 start menu recovery more details.

1. Download Start Button 8, unpack and install it (once installation is complete, do not uncheck the “run now” option).

2. Now click on the start button and click on settings.

3. A settings window will open containing 5 links with a set of parameters:

  1. Integration with the system - be sure to leave the checkbox on the option to run with Windows. Here you can set launch keys, actions with the start screen, and control of active zones.
  2. Personalization – here we adjust the visual design, scale, column width.
  3. Start button - changes the icon.
  4. Control – here we set the key combination that is triggered when open menu start.
  5. Advanced options – additional parameters.

4. After setting, close the window. Thus, you will get the usual start button with quick access to other elements.

As you can see make the start button in Windows 8 classic style possible with a lot of applications. Basically, these utilities do not change system files, which allows you to easily and without consequences. You can always find out more about all the possibilities on the developers’ website.

19.04.2015 Frank 0 Comments

Previously, I didn’t want to write anything about Windows 8.1, probably because of its monotonous appearance. But just recently, having experimented with it, making some changes and additions, Windows 8.1 has become pleasant and convenient for me.

What I've done? Changed the start button menu (how to make a start button to return the classic menu will be described below).

Although I didn’t start with this, but with the transparency of the windows - the result was excellent. But I didn’t stop there, but in addition to transparency, I added shadows to the windows - it turned out to be 3D.

I also installed several of my favorite programs (animated weather on the desktop, solving problems in examples, including equations, sending free SMS from a computer to a phone, and the like) - they took root perfectly on Windows 8.1.

Anyone who wants to do the same, or rather change their Windows 8.1 - you are welcome - here, and now on the topic: how to make a start button to return the standard menu, like in Windows 7.

Shell program to change the start button to the classic menu in windows 8.1

In manual mode, there is no way to create a start button with the classic menu in Windows 8.1.

To do this you need to download the program. A lot of them. Of the free ones, the classic shell performed best - by clicking on the link you can download it immediately.

Why not. It has a lot of settings, in Russian and no glitches were noticed.

You can download it at max. speed, without any advertising and bells and whistles.

Installing the shell program is normal, like all standard ones - you can do it without any problems and you can easily change the standard start button in Windows 8.1 to the normal one like in Windows 7.

How to customize the start button and menu in win 8.1

As soon as you install the shell program, the settings menu will immediately become available to you, but first you will need to expand it by checking the box.

In general, you need to check three boxes: show parameters, select a style, and, if desired, change the icon itself (the Start icon can even be changed to your own) Start.

Choose all further settings at your own discretion. Yes, I almost forgot about the control panel.

When you clicked on it in the menu in Windows 7, it opened into categories, in Windows 8.1 it’s a little different - sections will open in the form of links.

If you want to get into the categories, no problem - just click not once, but twice.

How to change the launch color

Many people have their own favorite color. It can be attached to the start button menu.

Performing such an operation is simple. First, go to the tab - menu view.

Then check the box next to the line: override glass color.

Now select the color that suits you best (your favorite) and confirm by clicking on the “OK” option twice.

That's all. Now you have a regular, normal Start icon, and its icon is of your personal choice.

If you want to improve some more elements of Windows 8.1, follow the link at the beginning of the article. Good luck.

1 discussion about “How to change the start button to the windows 8.1 menu”

    thank you very much, it immediately became easier and more convenient to work, otherwise I got tired of clicking

    "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 myself, so I wrote to IObit support without much hope... I was wrong... They responded quickly and helped with all the questions right away! Since then I have become an even bigger fan 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 of this project. Since I don't like the Metro screen in Windows 8, I use apps to replace the Start menu so it looks the same as it does in Windows 7. Over the past few years, I've tried several different programs, both paid and free. Sometimes they work well, sometimes they don't. Since I started using Start Menu 8, I haven't had ANY problems with the Start Menu. Start Menu 8 is the perfect implementation of a great idea, and is also very easy to use and configure."

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