Start Screen is unintuitive, slow and inefficient

B

Bootsa

New Member
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2
HI!

I cannot believe that MS has not left us with any option for a simple drop-down list of programs, in text form, which is vastly more efficient to scan and select from than any icon-based silly page like Start Screen.

Can anyone tell me how to get a dropdown screen of programs, such as was formerly available in Windows 97, which was a much more accessible and intuitive operating system. Windows 8, as far as I can tell, has been designed for highschool kids, not people actually interested in the work productivity
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    Laptop
I can't disagree with that.

97 was before my time, but a lot are using start menu replacements which often have the option to boot straight to desktop and disable the hot corners, if that is any use to you.

Many find it transforms 8 into something they can live with - though they wouldn't have chosen it.

You might give Classic shell a go,:

Welcome to Classic Shell
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
SIW2: thank you so much! That's very helpful. In the meantime, I have also happened on Launchbar Commander, which seems to serve my purposes as well. With dropdowns like that, I find Windows 8 really pleasurable to use.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    Laptop
I wouldn't go so far as to say pleasurable.

One can use 3rd party workarounds, but that is not what MS intended.

It isn't going to get any better, I fear. MS seem hell bent on pushing this mobile phone stuff on everyone.

Lots in it for them, if they can get away with it - not so good for the users.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Launchbar Commander looks like it might be handy. Thanks.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Can't agree, but can't disagree.
Start Screen IS kinda slow on a NON-TOUCHSCREEN computers.
However try using Start Menu on a TOUCHSCREEN. It'll be a pain.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Y520
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 7300HQ
    Motherboard
    OEM Lenovo
    Memory
    4GB DDR4-2400
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 (2)
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Seagate 1TB 5400 RPM
    Keyboard
    OEM Lenovo
    Mouse
    Logitech G502 Proteus Core
    Internet Speed
    100 Mbps
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Other Info
    PC:

    AMD Athlon X4 760K
    8GB DDR3-1866
    AMD Radeon RX 460
    Seagate 500 GB 7200 RPM

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 'Ultimate' RTM 64 bit (Pro/WMC).
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer AS8951G 'Desktop Replacement'.
    CPU
    i7-2670QM@2.2/3.1Ghz.
    Motherboard
    Acer
    Memory
    8GB@1366Mhz.
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce GT555M 2GB DDR3
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD w/Dolby 5.1 surround.
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Built-in. Non-touch.
    Screen Resolution
    18/4" 1920x1080 full-HD.
    Hard Drives
    Toshiba 750GBx2 internal. 1x2TB, 2x640GB, 1x500GB external.
    PSU
    Stock.
    Case
    Laptop.
    Cooling
    Stock.
    Keyboard
    Full 101-key
    Mouse
    USB cordless.
    Browser
    IE11, Firefox, Tor.
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, MalwareBytes Pro.
    Other Info
    BD-ROM drive.
False.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 'Ultimate' RTM 64 bit (Pro/WMC).
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer AS8951G 'Desktop Replacement'.
    CPU
    i7-2670QM@2.2/3.1Ghz.
    Motherboard
    Acer
    Memory
    8GB@1366Mhz.
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce GT555M 2GB DDR3
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD w/Dolby 5.1 surround.
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Built-in. Non-touch.
    Screen Resolution
    18/4" 1920x1080 full-HD.
    Hard Drives
    Toshiba 750GBx2 internal. 1x2TB, 2x640GB, 1x500GB external.
    PSU
    Stock.
    Case
    Laptop.
    Cooling
    Stock.
    Keyboard
    Full 101-key
    Mouse
    USB cordless.
    Browser
    IE11, Firefox, Tor.
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, MalwareBytes Pro.
    Other Info
    BD-ROM drive.
Wenda said:
Coke Robot said:
False.
Click to expand...

Who?

Wenda.
Click to expand...

I believe the title of the thread.


I do experience some slow downs on the start screen recently: I cannot click anything until 'something' is loaded.
The performance issues reported in Control Panel indicate WWAHost.exe as a problem maker with ,each boot, 10-40 seconds of slowdowns.

WWAHost starts at boot? What is that!
What is WWAHost.exe and Why is it Running?
It is related to Metro so now after I seem to like it, it turns against me. Nice.
But it would be nicer to fix this problem somehow and there's no need for me to uninstall apps if required just to speed up things (that would be hilarious). I'm still investigating it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy DV6 7250
    CPU
    Intel i7-3630QM
    Motherboard
    HP, Intel HM77 Express Chipset
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD4000 + Nvidia Geforce 630M
    Sound Card
    IDT HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6' built-in + Samsung S22D300 + 17.3' LG Phillips
    Screen Resolution
    multiple resolutions
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 250GB + Hitachi HDD 750GB
    PSU
    120W adapter
    Case
    small
    Cooling
    laptop cooling pad
    Keyboard
    Backlit built-in + big one in USB
    Mouse
    SteelSeries Sensei
    Internet Speed
    slow and steady
    Browser
    Chromium, Pale Moon, Firefox Developer Edition
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    That's basically it.
Hopachi said:
Wenda said:
Coke Robot said:
False.
Click to expand...

Who?

Wenda.
Click to expand...

I believe the title of the thread.


I do experience some slow downs on the start screen recently: I cannot click anything until 'something' is loaded.
The performance issues reported in Control Panel indicate WWAHost.exe as a problem maker with ,each boot, 10-40 seconds of slowdowns.

WWAHost starts at boot? What is that!
What is WWAHost.exe and Why is it Running?
It is related to Metro so now after I seem to like it, it turns against me. Nice.
But it would be nicer to fix this problem somehow and there's no need for me to uninstall apps if required just to speed up things (that would be hilarious). I'm still investigating it.
Click to expand...

LOL, a traitor...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Y520
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 7300HQ
    Motherboard
    OEM Lenovo
    Memory
    4GB DDR4-2400
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 (2)
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Seagate 1TB 5400 RPM
    Keyboard
    OEM Lenovo
    Mouse
    Logitech G502 Proteus Core
    Internet Speed
    100 Mbps
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Other Info
    PC:

    AMD Athlon X4 760K
    8GB DDR3-1866
    AMD Radeon RX 460
    Seagate 500 GB 7200 RPM
MrShowdown said:
Hopachi said:
Wenda said:
Who?

Wenda.
Click to expand...

I believe the title of the thread.


I do experience some slow downs on the start screen recently: I cannot click anything until 'something' is loaded.
The performance issues reported in Control Panel indicate WWAHost.exe as a problem maker with ,each boot, 10-40 seconds of slowdowns.

WWAHost starts at boot? What is that!
What is WWAHost.exe and Why is it Running?
It is related to Metro so now after I seem to like it, it turns against me. Nice.
But it would be nicer to fix this problem somehow and there's no need for me to uninstall apps if required just to speed up things (that would be hilarious). I'm still investigating it.
Click to expand...

LOL, a traitor...
Click to expand...

LOL, indeed! :D

But I've managed to fix it without uninstalling anything. The hang on the Start Screen is no more!

EDIT: I think this slowdown I mention here can be more expected on filled-up start screens with many tiles.
Reducing the number of apps shown and less start screen shortcuts may help, but what it we want to keep our current (high) number of app tiles and shortcuts? What it we even increase the app number? Things will get even slower then.

The issue is rather simple to comprehend:
- The user installs apps... then, few apps become many, start screen gets filled or not but each app wants to notify you with stuff and content + live tiles.
- More apps result in a longer load-up of notifications (delay: when I couldn't click on anything, the notifications were loaded so it seems).

I've disabled all apps notifications and BAM: no more Start Screen delays!
(get into Metro PC-Settings -> Notifications -> ON/OFF)
Turning off live-tiles can also help here.

This is understandable: I'm on a 5300rpm HDD.

If somebody disagrees with my method then I hope he/she doesn't run from SSD because that wouldn't count to me.
SSD are way faster and the notification delay might be unnoticeable. ;)

You can turn off just a few notifications if you still need some of them ON, all is possible.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy DV6 7250
    CPU
    Intel i7-3630QM
    Motherboard
    HP, Intel HM77 Express Chipset
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD4000 + Nvidia Geforce 630M
    Sound Card
    IDT HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6' built-in + Samsung S22D300 + 17.3' LG Phillips
    Screen Resolution
    multiple resolutions
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 250GB + Hitachi HDD 750GB
    PSU
    120W adapter
    Case
    small
    Cooling
    laptop cooling pad
    Keyboard
    Backlit built-in + big one in USB
    Mouse
    SteelSeries Sensei
    Internet Speed
    slow and steady
    Browser
    Chromium, Pale Moon, Firefox Developer Edition
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    That's basically it.
Hopachi said:
MrShowdown said:
Hopachi said:
I believe the title of the thread.


I do experience some slow downs on the start screen recently: I cannot click anything until 'something' is loaded.
The performance issues reported in Control Panel indicate WWAHost.exe as a problem maker with ,each boot, 10-40 seconds of slowdowns.

WWAHost starts at boot? What is that!
What is WWAHost.exe and Why is it Running?
It is related to Metro so now after I seem to like it, it turns against me. Nice.
But it would be nicer to fix this problem somehow and there's no need for me to uninstall apps if required just to speed up things (that would be hilarious). I'm still investigating it.
Click to expand...

LOL, a traitor...
Click to expand...

LOL, indeed! :D

But I've managed to fix it without uninstalling anything. The hang on the Start Screen is no more!

EDIT: I think this slowdown I mention here can be more expected on filled-up start screens with many tiles.
Reducing the number of apps shown and less start screen shortcuts may help, but what it we want to keep our current (high) number of app tiles and shortcuts? What it we even increase the app number? Things will get even slower then.

The issue is rather simple to comprehend:
- The user installs apps... then, few apps become many, start screen gets filled or not but each app wants to notify you with stuff and content + live tiles.
- More apps result in a longer load-up of notifications (delay: when I couldn't click on anything, the notifications were loaded so it seems).

I've disabled all apps notifications and BAM: no more Start Screen delays!
(get into Metro PC-Settings -> Notifications -> ON/OFF)
Turning off live-tiles can also help here.

This is understandable: I'm on a 5300rpm HDD.

If somebody disagrees with my method then I hope he/she doesn't run from SSD because that wouldn't count to me.
SSD are way faster and the notification delay might be unnoticeable. ;)

You can turn off just a few notifications if you still need some of them ON, all is possible.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the tip, Hopachi!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Y520
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 7300HQ
    Motherboard
    OEM Lenovo
    Memory
    4GB DDR4-2400
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 (2)
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Seagate 1TB 5400 RPM
    Keyboard
    OEM Lenovo
    Mouse
    Logitech G502 Proteus Core
    Internet Speed
    100 Mbps
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Other Info
    PC:

    AMD Athlon X4 760K
    8GB DDR3-1866
    AMD Radeon RX 460
    Seagate 500 GB 7200 RPM
MrShowdown said:
Thanks for the tip, Hopachi!
Click to expand...

You're welcome.

A few days after the tweak and I can confirm that the slowdown didn't happened anymore.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy DV6 7250
    CPU
    Intel i7-3630QM
    Motherboard
    HP, Intel HM77 Express Chipset
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD4000 + Nvidia Geforce 630M
    Sound Card
    IDT HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6' built-in + Samsung S22D300 + 17.3' LG Phillips
    Screen Resolution
    multiple resolutions
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 250GB + Hitachi HDD 750GB
    PSU
    120W adapter
    Case
    small
    Cooling
    laptop cooling pad
    Keyboard
    Backlit built-in + big one in USB
    Mouse
    SteelSeries Sensei
    Internet Speed
    slow and steady
    Browser
    Chromium, Pale Moon, Firefox Developer Edition
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    That's basically it.
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