Standard start panel in windows 8.1. Windows tricks: new 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 under named Windows 9, as well as in big update Win8.1 will return the 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

Download free utility Classic Shell latest version you can 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 acceptance of the terms 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 for Classic installation Shell". Click Install.

Installation requires Account administrator, so we 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, a window will open Classic settings Shell. These settings can be changed in the future.

This is what the classic Start for Windows 8 looks like Windows style 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.

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 various programs and tweakers, with the help of which the user resolves 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 old place in the eight. This application supports skins, which means taking advantage of 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. Click on the icon right click mouse 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's repeat, classic Windows menu 8 lost, but can be recreated correctly decent option Not every software is capable 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. Besides the change appearance Start menu for Windows 8, if you like conservative solutions, you can resort to various options, using which you 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, make fine tuning of the interface, as well as add or remove tabs placed 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. Size installation file 400 KB, but, unfortunately, there is no Russian interface. IN this application the preferences of those who do not want to part with the newfangled Metro style, but still wants to fill the empty space with a nostalgic reminder of the lost Windows Start icon. It's worth noting that the only thing that does this is software solution useful is the ability to call start menu 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

One cannot leave unnoticed such a truly amazing software. By 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 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, which will require a system reboot after its removal. The program has unique feature— grouping of applications, that is, the user can move to separate folder programs for the printer, the Internet or multimedia processing. In general, you are guaranteed maximum comfort when using this tweaker.

Solution #5: Wentutu

Bring back the Start button in Windows 8 this program It will certainly help you. 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 disks, but also in Global network 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 in this case installed button"Start" in Windows 8 can cost the user money. Yes, you heard right, this is 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 function 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 $, and this is exactly the price of the software, is an invaluable comfort when further use 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, fully functional and stable free application- 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 means. Often mindlessly 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 you do not want to install for any reason 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 make a quick launch necessary program or applications that are 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 via the new toolbar.

You might be in luck!

If you are using preview version eight, and in particular Developer Preview, then you are just lucky. The fact is that this operating product contains such classic element controls like a 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.

Hello everyone, I often get asked about Eight, and there are questions about how to set up startup in Windows 8.1. Since in this operating system, the start button has radically changed its meaning and principle of operation, the hype alone with its absence created a whole panic and simply pecked at Windows 8. And so we look at what kind of beast this is, the start button.

And so you have a fresh, installed Windows 8.1 and you have no problems that the start button does not work in Windows 8.1 and you decided to customize the start button for yourself. If you, like me, remember XP or seven, then you are used to the fact that you click on start and a classic display opens, on the left in the form of a tree there will be your programs and Windows features, on the right are shortcuts to important elements of the system. In short, this look has been going on for a very long time, probably since Windows 95.

Customizing the launch for yourself

First global distinction it became that now in windows 8.1 start by right clicking on it, it gives large menu, with the most common utilities that are needed when setting it up. This is done so that you quickly get into these settings.

• Programs and components
• Mobility Center
• Power management
• Event Viewer
• System
• device Manager
• Network connections
• Disk management
• Computer management
• Command line
• Task Manager
• Control Panel
• Conductor
• Find
• Execute
• Shutting down or logging out

The list is impressive and you can add your own items to it, the main thing is to correct it Windows registry 8.1. And so we continue setting up the launch in Windows 8.1. We left-click on it, and here is a global change, especially for those who are accustomed to the classics. There is a tile interface, it is also called Metro. Each tile is a shortcut to an application. To be honest, I like them even more than classic menu, or the Start menu in Windows 10. Tiles are live, meaning they can be moved by simply dragging them.

In the right corner of the eight start, you can see the computer shutdown icon, when you click on it you can perform the following actions

• sleep mode
• shutdown

If you also click on the user icon, it will also show its functions

• Change avatar > change the user's avatar during the login window
• Lock > lock your computer
• Logout > Logout

If you right-click on any of the tiles, you will call up a context menu where you can delete it or run it as an administrator.

Remove everything you don’t need, and leave only what you use, and then you will be a pleasure to work with the start button

If you click on empty space right click, you can configure group names in Windows 8.1 start.

There is a magic down arrow at the bottom, thanks to which you can display everything installed programs in Windows 8.1

and here are all the programs and utilities, at the beginning it may not seem very convenient, but if you create tiles on the main panel from here. you won't need to come here.

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.

Return the start button in windows 8 without third party programs is not possible, so third-party programmers began to write 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 ones free options. Below we will look at several programs. They differ in the design of the start menu and the presence 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 a button start windows 8 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 produce more fine tuning, at the top of the window, check the “show all options” option, 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 select a paid edition with large set functions and use it for 30 days, after which you will be offered to buy the application or switch to free version. Let's look at the program recovery menu Windows start 8 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 do it with ease and without consequences. You can always find out more about all the possibilities on the developers’ website.

Classic Shell - free program to return the same look classic Start menu in operating systems Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista. The program changes the visual display of elements of the Windows operating system for more convenient use.

Many users experience inconvenience when using the Start menu due to the fact that Windows developer, Microsoft company Constantly changes the settings, options, and appearance of the Start menu.

Therefore, many users want to return the classic Start menu for the operating systems Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8. In the operating system Windows system 7 users change the appearance of the Start menu in the style of the Windows XP operating system.

The free Classic Shell program returns classic look The Start menu allows you to make extensive customization of the display styles, options and design of the start menu.

The Classic Shell program consists of three components:

• Classic Start Menu - bringing back the classic Start menu
• Classic Explorer - Adding a Toolbar to Windows Explorer
• Classic IE - customizing panels in the browser Internet Explorer

In this article we will look at the operation of the Classic Start Menu component, which allows you to create the old Start menu in the Windows operating system. Not all users need other program components.

The Classic Shell program works in Russian. You can download the Classic Shell program from the official website of the developer. On the downloads page, select the “Classic Shell x.x.x (Russian)” file to download to your computer.

Installing Classic Shell

Installation of the Classic Shell program occurs in Russian and does not cause any difficulties. Go through the Classic Shell installation wizard one by one.

In the Custom Installation window, you must select application components to install on your computer. By default, all components are selected for installation.

We want to bring back the classic Start menu, so we only need to keep the “Classic Start Menu” and “Classic Shell Update” components (for automatic updates).

The “Classic Explorer” and “Classic IE” components change the appearance of Explorer and Internet browser Explorer, and not all users need such changes. Therefore, disable the installation of these components.

Classic Shell for Windows 10

After left-clicking on the Start menu, you will see the classic Windows 7-style Start menu installed in the Windows 10 operating system. This is what the Start menu looks like with default settings.

The classic Start menu for Windows 8.1 or Windows 8 will look similar.

Setting up Classic Shell

After installing the application, the “Classic Start Menu Options” window will open. In this window, all program parameters are configured.

You can change Classic Shell settings at any time. To do this, right-click on the “Start” menu and select “Settings” in the context menu.

In the “Start Menu Style” tab, you can select a classic style for the Start menu in the style of the Windows XP or Windows 7 operating systems.

With default settings, the standard Start button is displayed on the Desktop. Instead of a button image from the operating system, you can set an image from Classic Shell (two options) or add your own own image, if you have a similar picture.

By default, the main settings in the program are made in the tabs: “Start Menu Style”, “Basic Settings”, Cover”, “Start Menu Customization”.

Check the box next to “Show all parameters” to configure other parameters in the Classic Shell program.

After this, additional settings will become available in the tabs: “Menu View”, “Start Button”, “Taskbar”, “ Windows Settings 10", " Context menu", "Sounds", "Language", "Controls", "Main Menu", "General Behavior", "Search Field".

Although the program is configured optimally by default, the user can independently change the application settings to suit his needs by experimenting with the settings. To do this, select the settings, see what happened after changing them. If it turns out that you went a little overboard with the settings changes, you can return the program settings to their defaults.

In the application settings you can hide unnecessary functions, change the display of items and icons, change the order of items, remove items from the Start menu.

To do this, select the element, select a command and display. After right-clicking on the desired element, select additional functions.

In the “Cover” tab you can select a cover for standard menu"Start". By default, Windows 10 uses the Metro skin. You can choose from other skins: Windows Aero, Metallic, Midnight or Windows 8, a minimalist Classic Skin or No Skin.

Classic Shell parameter settings can be saved to an XML file in order to load settings from this file when new installation Classic Shell programs. To do this, use the “Archive parameters” button, select the right option: “Save to XML file” or “Load from XML file" To reset the program's settings to default, select "Reset all settings."

Removing Classic Shell

Classic Shell program is uninstalled in a standard way. If the program was not uninstalled correctly, or some problems arose during the uninstallation process, use special utility which can be downloaded from here.

Conclusion

The free Classic Shell program installs an alternative (formerly classic) Start menu in the Windows operating system. After installing the program on the computer, the user can return the classic appearance of the Start menu in Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, and make other changes to the appearance and settings of the start menu.