Start Menu will reportedly return to Windows 8.1 this fall

At BUILD 2014, Microsoft surprised many by showing off a Start menu that will be making its way back into Windows. After Windows 8 debuted without the iconic feature, there was a great deal of negative feedback, and along with numerous other contentious issues surrounding the OS, it eventually lead to the departure of Steven Sinofsky.

But with Windows 8.1 and its first major update, Microsoft has been slowly re-introducing classic features and has made a commitment to making the OS more mouse- and keyboard-friendly.

Ever since the Start menu was shown off, everyone has been wondering when we will see it return to the OS and, according to Wzor, the answer will be this fall.

Read more at: The Start Menu will reportedly return to Windows this fall - Neowin

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[Nemix]

While I'm perfectly fine with Windows 8.1 Update freshly installed, I certainly wouldn't mind the new Start Menu seen in the pics to return this fall if the rumors are true.

Though personally I think limiting the new Start Menu to just two columns would make the Start Menu look a lot more clean while still providing enough space for it to function as both a Desktop programs launcher and mini Start Screen launcher.

I think they could and maybe should add a Control Panel shortcut left of the Shutdown button and move the Shutdown button to the edge of the second column (Metro UI one).

 

[aem]

I'm beginning to get used to the 'non-start' menu. I just shortcut on desktop the most used apps, as well as Control Panel, RDP etc and i'm set. I don't think i'll be needing the classic menu now hack or when it comes out.

 

[CountMike]

I think they could and maybe should add a Control Panel shortcut left of the Shutdown button and move the Shutdown button to the edge of the second column (Metro UI one).

There's already Control panel and more in the right click menu on the Start button.

 

[elbeasto]

So will they call it 8.2 now? LoL

 

[Nemix]

So will they call it 8.2 now? LoL

I don't think there will ever be a Windows 8.2, Windows 8.1 had to called so because of the kernel changes made from Windows 8 but I don't think Microsoft will be doing another kernel change to Windows 8.1 so for all future updates it's just gonna be Windows 8.1 Update X where Update X = SPX in previous versions of Windows prior to Windows 8.1.

 

[elbeasto]

So will they call it 8.2 now? LoL

I don't think there will ever be a Windows 8.2, Windows 8.1 had to called so because of the kernel changes made from Windows 8 but I don't think Microsoft will be doing another kernel change to Windows 8.1 so for all future updates it's just gonna be Windows 8.1 Update X where Update X = SPX in previous versions of Windows prior to Windows 8.1.

And here I was thinking that it was just a marketing strategy, in an attempt to distance itself from Windows 8.

 

[brotherboard]

So they are returning the "Start Menu" ? Big deal
Actually, I already have Win 8.1 with "StartIsBack" so no big deal. I have a local account as well so no need to see any kindergarten eye candy "apps" and the Microsoft store. But each to their own. Nice to have a choice if apps float your your boat.

 

[CountMike]

You don't actually need to have any Apps to use Start screen.

 

[RommoR]

This is Old news

 

[Ronster]

There is 'kind of' a start screen by check marking the desktop toolbar for the taskbar.
You can at least browse drives/files and run programs similar to the original start screen.

 

[alphanumeric]

There is 'kind of' a start screen by check marking the desktop toolbar for the taskbar.
You can at least browse drives/files and run programs similar to the original start screen.

Just right click the Start Button and you'll get most if not all of that. File Explorer for example is listed.

 

[Ronster]

There is 'kind of' a start screen by check marking the desktop toolbar for the taskbar.
You can at least browse drives/files and run programs similar to the original start screen.

Just right click the Start Button and you'll get most if not all of that. File Explorer for example is listed.

I like the File Explorer but it's not really like the original start menu format. Enable the Desktop toolbar in the taskbar and compare.

 

[alphanumeric]

There is 'kind of' a start screen by check marking the desktop toolbar for the taskbar.
You can at least browse drives/files and run programs similar to the original start screen.

Just right click the Start Button and you'll get most if not all of that. File Explorer for example is listed.

I like the File Explorer but it's not really like the original start menu format. Enable the Desktop toolbar in the taskbar and compare.

Not needed for me. What I use every day is pined to my taskbar anyway. Other frequently used programs and apps are on my main Start Screen. The rest is in All Apps. Plus the two control panel icons is annoying.

 

[Ronster]

Just right click the Start Button and you'll get most if not all of that. File Explorer for example is listed.

I like the File Explorer but it's not really like the original start menu format. Enable the Desktop toolbar in the taskbar and compare.

Not needed for me. What I use every day is pined to my taskbar anyway. Other frequently used programs and apps are on my main Start Screen. The rest is in All Apps. Plus the two control panel icons is annoying.

Right, that's my feeling also. But some do like the start menu, it just seems like enabling the desktop toolbar might be acceptable for those times when you want to navigate all files on the computer similar to the start menu.