If you are new to Windows 8, be prepared for a surprise!
Windows 8
is different. In fact, it was redesigned from the ground up as an
operating system that’s equally at home on a desktop PC, laptop and
tablet. It’s the most significant upgrade to Microsoft’s operating
system since Windows 95. Just in case you haven’t upgraded yet, make
sure to check out my previous articles on how you can
install Windows 8 on a virtual machine without removing your current Operating System.
Probably, one of the most-missed features will be the
start menu in Windows 8
– that shortcut that we all use to access our programs and files. We
all thought that button would be ever-present. Microsoft just proved us
wrong! That will be years of habit that go up in smoke with the removal
of the start menu.
Get back the Start Menu in Windows 8
The
good news is that some smart developers have already found a
work-around to bring back the start menu to Windows 8. There are
currently a few third-party applications out there that can help you
find your way in Windows 8. While I have listed the applications in no
specific order, read up to the bottom to find out which one I recommend
you to install.
1. Pokki Start Menu
Pokki
Start Menu is probably one of the best-looking Start Menu out there.
Although it does not look similar to previous Windows Start Menu, this
nifty tool allows you to access your files and applications easily.
2. Vistart
Vistart
is yet another start menu replacement for Windows 8. One thing I didn’t
like about it during the installation process is that it comes bundled
with adware applications such as Sweetim. Oh well, I guess the
developers deserves to make a few quick bucks for their effort.
(They get a commission if you choose to install those adwares. )
3. Classic Shell
Classic
Shell comes with a lot of options to play with. You can switch to
Windows Xp , Vista or Seven Start Menu easily. Best of all it is free
and does not contain third party app unlike Vistart.
4. Win8StartButton
This
app shrinks the Metro interface to the same size as a Start Menu. You
might want to install this one if you want both a Start Menu and the
Metro interface at the same time. Unfortunately, it seems that this tool
is available only in German language.
5. Start Menu Modifier
This one does not really add anything to the desktop. It just breaks the ’tiles’ in the Metro UI horizontally.
6. Revel BringBack
While
this one adds a really sexy Start Menu with a Windows 8 logo, it seems a
little buggy as it did not remove the start menu image even after
uninstalling it.
7. Spesoft Windows 8 Start Menu
This
one looks pretty much the same as the Classic Shell except that it
lacks some features like the restart/switch user button, and it seems to
be a bit slow.
8. Power8
It is similar to Classic Shell except that its start button is smaller and users might find it difficult to click on.
9. Start Menu X
Start
Menu is another replacement for the system menu that comes in two
flavors: Free and Pro ($19.99). It is the only app that has the ability
to resize itself.
10. IOBit StartMenu8
Once installed, it will not only bring you back your
Start Menu in Windows 8 but also allows you to skip the Metro Screen and boot up directly to your desktop.
I
have tried all the 10 tools mentioned above and I personally think
Classic Shell is the best of them. It’s highly customizable and best of
all it’s free. Now do you think people will get accustomed to the
Windows 8 without the Start Menu ? Share your opinions with us in the
comment section below.
