Windows 8 app to bring back Start menu on desktop

Windows 8 may have been downloaded over 1 million times in its Consumer Preview version in its first day of release, however, a large number of long time Windows users on the PC have not been happy that the familiar Start menu cannot be accessed on the desktop version of Windows 8.

One of those people happens to be Brad Wardell, the founder and CEO of Stardock (who also happens to be part owner of Neowin too). So he and the company decided to do something about it. Today, Wardell and Stardock announced plans to release Start8, a free Windows 8 app that will enable the Start menu on the desktop like many old Windows users prefer it; on the bottom left corner of the screen. The app will also have a Run and Shutdown option when you right click on the menu.

Windows 8 app to bring back Start menu on desktop - Neowin.net
 
Looks quite promising, however, we'll need to actually use it, to assess it's viability. I imagine this will be the first of many such projects, unless MS decide to reintroduce the option...
 

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It just imposes the Win 8 Start Screen onto the desktop...not worth the dl.
 

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Hi there

I think we should put this into the category of "Vapourware".

If you want to stick with the old stuff then stay with W7 or XP (or run as a VM).

Once you get used to W8 the old start menu is DEAD.

Cheers
jimbo
 

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Hi there

I think we should put this into the category of "Vapourware".

If you want to stick with the old stuff then stay with W7 or XP (or run as a VM).

Once you get used to W8 the old start menu is DEAD.

Cheers
jimbo

Interesting how many people are so preoccupied with telling me what I like....
 

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Stardock has released this app for those who are not wanting to change to the new start menu. It is actually quite nice even though I still prefer the new menu.

jimbo, I have a feeling this isn't going to be "Vapor Ware.". . .:D
 

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First of many apps to come for people that want to change things to their preference.
It's all good.
 

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Interesting how many people are so preoccupied with telling me what I like....

They are so sure of its superiority, that all alternatives must be "eliminated with extreme prejudice".

Sound to me like they just don't want to be "left holding the bag". ;)
 

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Start Menu 7 with button for win 8

Windows 8 may have been downloaded over 1 million times in its Consumer Preview version in its first day of release, however, a large number of long time Windows users on the PC have not been happy that the familiar Start menu cannot be accessed on the desktop version of Windows 8.

Hi, I'm developer of Start Menu 7 the leader of Start Menu alternatives in last 7 years. I was release the new 4.2 version with support of Win 8. Also you may setup program under win 7 or vista and change icon of start menu on the fly easy and safe for the system. (program don't change system files).
You may find latest version on the site Start Menu 7
 

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I found this:

These are the reasons for looking no further than Win Eight Metro UI Switcher — for disabling the Metro interface of MS Windows 8:
  • Supports both the x86 and x64 versions of Microsoft Windows 8 (Eight).
  • No administrator privileges required for tweaking.
  • The app is completely standalone — no dependence on .NET framework or other runtime libraries.
  • It is multilingual. For more information on how to translate the utility into your native language, see the file Lngs\English.txt located in the program folder.
  • The portable version of Win Eight Metro UI Switcher is available.
  • The program is true freeware!
Take a look here for videos and screensshots

HTH

NOTE:
Doesn't work in Windows 8 CP
 
Last edited by a moderator:

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I found this:

These are the reasons for looking no further than Win Eight Metro UI Switcher — for disabling the Metro interface of MS Windows 8:
  • Supports both the x86 and x64 versions of Microsoft Windows 8 (Eight).
  • No administrator privileges required for tweaking.
  • The app is completely standalone — no dependence on .NET framework or other runtime libraries.
  • It is multilingual. For more information on how to translate the utility into your native language, see the file Lngs\English.txt located in the program folder.
  • The portable version of Win Eight Metro UI Switcher is available.
  • The program is true freeware!
Take a look here for videos and screensshots

HTH

Hello Dave,

Sorry, but the method that program uses no longer works in the Windows 8 Consumer Preview. It only worked in the older Windows 8 Developer Preview instead. :(
 

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Cool... But it looks like we are using Windows 7 again ;)
anyhow, Thanks for the share... Its very usefull...
 

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