Solved Who Needs a Start Button in Windows 8.1?

Wynona

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I've used Quick Launch for several years, since it came out in Windows XP (I think). Someone here was kind enough to point me to creating the Programs toolbar. And, although mention has been given both of these toolbars, I've noticed quite a few new folks lately, so I thought I'd point them to the easy way. Especially since everyone misses the old Start Menu.

Also there's a "rep" button you can choose if you want to add something nice for the author(s) of these toolbars.

StartMenu.PNG

Note that I have Windows 8.1 installed and Microsoft's excuse for a start menu is first in line . . . that's OK, better than the Windows 8 way to get there. After that, there's Programs and then Quick Launch.

To install the Programs Toolbar, first, unlock the Taskbar, then follow the instructions in this link: http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2460-start-menu-toolbar-create-windows-8-taskbar.html to create your Programs Toolbar. I didn't go all the way to "startmenu". I stopped at Programs. Programs is all the way over to the right (it was in mine anyway). Grab the handle (triple line of vertical dots) and pull it all the way over to the left, right next to Microsoft's link to Metro. Go to the other side and push everything all the way over to the left until only Programs and >> are showing. You can now lock the Taskbar, or if you want to keep going . . .

To install Quick Launch, unlock the Taskbar, then follow the instructions in this link: http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/5069-quick-launch-add-taskbar-windows-8-a.html. Instructions are given to move Quick Launch to where you want it.

With a little effort, these two toolbars along with Microsoft's excuse for a Start Button will be all you need. All my installed programs are on the Programs bar and those I use most are kept on Quick Launch which is even faster (but not by much) than the Programs bar.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion 500-056
    CPU
    AMD Elite Quad-Core A8-6500
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon HD 8570D
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer 23"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 X 1080
    Hard Drives
    1 TB
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wave K350
    Mouse
    Logitech M510
    Internet Speed
    Fast
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Sometimes Programs create a whole array of shortcuts that cannot be easily re-created on a jumplist or toolbar like that. Some of the professional programs I install and maintain are that way, there is no "exe" file, it's a shortcut to a file with command line arguments. It's easy enough to drag the created shortcuts to the desktop, but only if they can be found in the Start Menu.

If you don't have a bunch of programs that are like that, then what you suggest is fine.

Actually I already have 2 toolbars like that I made. The Problem with Toolbars, is that they take a while to populate when you click on them. If they are links to files, its faster, but links to shortcuts really take a long time to appear on my system.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro with Media Center/Windows 7
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus § DualCore AMD Athlon 64 X2, 2300 MHz (11.5 x 200) 4400+ § Corsair Value Select
    CPU
    AMD 4400+/4200+
    Motherboard
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus/Asus A8M2N-LA (NodusM)
    Memory
    2 GB/3GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce 8400 GS/GeForce 210
    Sound Card
    nVIDIA GT218 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Hitachi 40" LCD HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    "1842 x 1036"
    Hard Drives
    WDC WD50 00AAKS-007AA SCSI Disk Device
    ST1000DL 002-9TT153 SCSI Disk Device
    WDC WD3200AAJB-00J3A0 ATA Device
    WDC WD32 WD-WCAPZ2942630 USB Device
    WD My Book 1140 USB Device
    PSU
    Works 550w
    Case
    MSI "M-Box"
    Cooling
    Water Cooled
    Keyboard
    Dell Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Intellimouse
    Internet Speed
    Cable Medium Speed
    Browser
    Chrome/IE 10
    Antivirus
    Eset NOD32 6.x/Win Defend
    Other Info
    Recently lost my Windows 8 on my main PC, had to go back to Windows 7.
Where do you running programs show up?

Sorry but I don't see that as better than or a replacement for the Start menu.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo IdeaCenter K450
    CPU
    Intel Quad Core i7-4770 @ 3.4Ghz
    Motherboard
    Lenovo
    Memory
    16.0GB PC3-12800 DDR3 SDRAM 1600 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Integrated HD Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP h2207
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050@59Hz
    Hard Drives
    250GB Samsung EVO SATA-3 SSD;
    2TB Seagate ST2000DM001 SATA-2;
    1.5TB Seagate ST3150041AS SATA
    PSU
    500W
    Keyboard
    Wired USB
    Mouse
    Wired USB
    Internet Speed
    3GB Up, 30GB Down
    Browser
    SeaMonkey
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender; MBAM Pro
    Other Info
    UEFI/GPT
    PLDS DVD-RW DH16AERSH
Where do you running programs show up?

Sorry but I don't see that as better than or a replacement for the Start menu.

In the Taskbar. Just like before.

This way is just cleaner and more convenient for me.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion 500-056
    CPU
    AMD Elite Quad-Core A8-6500
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon HD 8570D
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer 23"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 X 1080
    Hard Drives
    1 TB
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wave K350
    Mouse
    Logitech M510
    Internet Speed
    Fast
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Where do your running programs show up?

My preference is to control and monitor running programs in The Task Manager.

t1a.jpg

etc, etc, etc...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Server 2012 / 8.0
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built
    CPU
    Intel i7 QuadCore 3770k
    Motherboard
    Asrock Extreme 4
    Memory
    16GB Crucial Ballistix
    Graphics Card(s)
    intel embedded gpu
    Sound Card
    Sound Blaster Z
    Monitor(s) Displays
    AOC / Westinghouse
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Plextor pcie msata
    PSU
    Rosewill Silent Night 500W Fanless / PicoPSU
    Case
    open bench - no case enclosure
    Cooling
    Silverstone HEO2 Passive Silent
    Keyboard
    logitech washable K310
    Mouse
    logitech wired
    Browser
    ie / maxthon
    Other Info
    Totally silent. No fans at all.
Who Needs a Start Button in Windows 8.1?

I don't. You don't. Others don't... but many do! People are so conditioned to use a Microsoft Start Menu over a generation of users, that it is expected to be there. There are Microsoft employees that have Start8 or Classic Shell installed. I remember seeing a Microsoft presenter extolling the virtues of touch on their Surface but when going to the desktop for a moment, there it was (a desktop start menu) for everyone to see!

What about the dude looking for the start button in the system tray? :confused:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Server 2012 / 8.0
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built
    CPU
    Intel i7 QuadCore 3770k
    Motherboard
    Asrock Extreme 4
    Memory
    16GB Crucial Ballistix
    Graphics Card(s)
    intel embedded gpu
    Sound Card
    Sound Blaster Z
    Monitor(s) Displays
    AOC / Westinghouse
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Plextor pcie msata
    PSU
    Rosewill Silent Night 500W Fanless / PicoPSU
    Case
    open bench - no case enclosure
    Cooling
    Silverstone HEO2 Passive Silent
    Keyboard
    logitech washable K310
    Mouse
    logitech wired
    Browser
    ie / maxthon
    Other Info
    Totally silent. No fans at all.
If I were just a simple user, didn't install a lot of extra programs, used the computer to simply get to the net and/or watch media or listen to music, I actually wound not bother with any Start Menu replacements.

But once you get Office, Adobe Products, 3DS Max etc that all have a bunch of extra shortcuts, it's easier if you have a Start Menu. But I have one system I'm making just to pay my bills, I don't intend to put anything else on there but Quicken- I'll start with 8, then update it to 8.1 - On that one I intend to not have anything showing up on the desktop or start screen. Right now I have Windows 7 on it, once I upgrade it to 8, I plan to leave it pretty much as is.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro with Media Center/Windows 7
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus § DualCore AMD Athlon 64 X2, 2300 MHz (11.5 x 200) 4400+ § Corsair Value Select
    CPU
    AMD 4400+/4200+
    Motherboard
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus/Asus A8M2N-LA (NodusM)
    Memory
    2 GB/3GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce 8400 GS/GeForce 210
    Sound Card
    nVIDIA GT218 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Hitachi 40" LCD HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    "1842 x 1036"
    Hard Drives
    WDC WD50 00AAKS-007AA SCSI Disk Device
    ST1000DL 002-9TT153 SCSI Disk Device
    WDC WD3200AAJB-00J3A0 ATA Device
    WDC WD32 WD-WCAPZ2942630 USB Device
    WD My Book 1140 USB Device
    PSU
    Works 550w
    Case
    MSI "M-Box"
    Cooling
    Water Cooled
    Keyboard
    Dell Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Intellimouse
    Internet Speed
    Cable Medium Speed
    Browser
    Chrome/IE 10
    Antivirus
    Eset NOD32 6.x/Win Defend
    Other Info
    Recently lost my Windows 8 on my main PC, had to go back to Windows 7.
I use classic shell because it lets me tap the win key and search for what I need in programs, settings, and the like, all from the "old" desktop.

The new desktop may be fine for phones and tablets, but it is like typing with mittens on a PC - the zombie reincarnation of Microsoft Bob.

Here's proof:

Bill Gates says Microsoft Bob will make a comeback | Microsoft - CNET News
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 consumer 64 bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire M5 481PT-6644
    CPU
    Intel Core I5
    Memory
    6 GB
    Hard Drives
    Spinning/SSD hybrid 500GB/20GB
    Mouse
    ELAN Trackpad
    Internet Speed
    18mbs/5mbs
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
I have a 3 monitor setup on my desktop PC. Having a Start Button on each monitor is actually convenient. At the moment Metro Apps don't remember what screen they were last launched on so being able to open Metro on the screen I want the app displayed on is good. The Start Button lets me do that easily. I have 7 icons on my main taskbar for the programs I use every day. I haven't felt the need to install a third party app to give me the old style start menu. All my occasional use programs are on my Metro Start Screen.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Education 64 Bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X4 980 Black Edition Deneb 3.7GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS M4N68T-M V2 µATX Motherboard
    Memory
    8GB 4GBx2 Kingston PC10600 DDR3 1333 Memory
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Geforce GT640 2 Gig DDR3 PCIe
    Sound Card
    VIA VT1708s High Definition Audio 8-channel Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" LG E2242 1080p and 2 19" I-INC AG191D
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1024 - 1920x1080 - 1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    Crucial MX100 256 GB SSD and 500 GB WD Blue SATA
    PSU
    Thermaltake TR 620
    Case
    Power Up Black ATX Mid-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Stock heatsink fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless K350 Wave
    Mouse
    Logitech M570 Trackball and T650 TouchPad
    Internet Speed
    80 Mbps Down 30 Mbps Up
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    HP DVD1040e Lightscribe - External USB2
I agree with you Wynona, a Start menu isn't needed. I have been using Win 8 and 8.1 since the very first previews were available and have never installed one of the 3rd party Start menu apps because I don't miss the old Start menu. I rarely used it in XP and Win 7 so when it disappeared in Win 8 I didn't mind.

I use the 2 Toolbars you suggested along with a 3rd, the Desktop Toolbar. Virtually all programs provide the option to create a shortcut on the Desktop during installation. With the Desktop Toolbar, all those shortcuts are presented in a popup menu. I create folders to organize my Desktop shortcuts so it makes it very easy to find what I'm looking for. I also go one step further and hide the icons on the Desktop so it looks empty, but everything is available from the Toolbar.

The fact is, people resist change and resist anything new that forces them out of their "comfort zone".
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    W10 Pro (desktop), W10 (laptop), W10 Pro (tablet)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home built i7-8700K, Hp Envy x360 EVO Laptop, MS Surface Pro 7
    CPU
    3.7Ghz Core i7-8700K, 11th Gen Core i7-1165G7 4.7Ghz, 10th Gen Core™ i5-1035G4 1.1Ghz
    Motherboard
    ASUS TUF Z370-Pro Gaming, HP, MS
    Memory
    16G, 8G, 8G
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon RX580, Intel Iris X Graphics, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G4
    Sound Card
    ATI High Definition Audio (Built-in to mobo)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dual Samsung U32J59 32 inch monitors, 13.3" display, 12.3" display
    Screen Resolution
    3840x2160 (Desktop), 1920x1080 (laptop), 2736x1824 Pro 7
    Hard Drives
    500GB ssd boot drive with 2 & 10TB Data (Desktop), 512GB ssd (laptop), 128GB SSD (tablet)
    PSU
    Corsair CX 750M
    Case
    Antec 100
    Cooling
    Coolermaster CM 212+
    Keyboard
    IBM Model M - used continuously since 1986
    Mouse
    Microsoft IntelliMouse
    Internet Speed
    665Mbps/15Mbps down/up
    Browser
    FireFox, MS Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender on all
    Other Info
    Retired in 2015 after working in the tech industry for 41 years. First 10 years as a Technician, the rest as a programmer/software engineer. After 1 year of retirement, I was bored so went back to work as a Robotic Process Automation Consultant. Retired for 3rd (and final) time in 2019.
... but it is like typing with mittens on a PC ...

I understand preference to something familiar but what setting is not available from Win + X ?
(or a sub set of Win + X)

wxl.jpg

... and typing with mittens? :huh:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Server 2012 / 8.0
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built
    CPU
    Intel i7 QuadCore 3770k
    Motherboard
    Asrock Extreme 4
    Memory
    16GB Crucial Ballistix
    Graphics Card(s)
    intel embedded gpu
    Sound Card
    Sound Blaster Z
    Monitor(s) Displays
    AOC / Westinghouse
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Plextor pcie msata
    PSU
    Rosewill Silent Night 500W Fanless / PicoPSU
    Case
    open bench - no case enclosure
    Cooling
    Silverstone HEO2 Passive Silent
    Keyboard
    logitech washable K310
    Mouse
    logitech wired
    Browser
    ie / maxthon
    Other Info
    Totally silent. No fans at all.
Thanks, mdmd! I wasn't aware of Win + X. Nice to have, although I wish I could bring up the complete Control Panel. I have it on my Quick Launch, but I have to change it to the icons every time I use it. And no, it's not that much of a problem, but convenience is what I like mostest. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion 500-056
    CPU
    AMD Elite Quad-Core A8-6500
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon HD 8570D
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer 23"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 X 1080
    Hard Drives
    1 TB
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wave K350
    Mouse
    Logitech M510
    Internet Speed
    Fast
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
You can also move your mouse into the lower left corner and right click it, opens the same thing
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro with Media Center/Windows 7
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus § DualCore AMD Athlon 64 X2, 2300 MHz (11.5 x 200) 4400+ § Corsair Value Select
    CPU
    AMD 4400+/4200+
    Motherboard
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus/Asus A8M2N-LA (NodusM)
    Memory
    2 GB/3GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce 8400 GS/GeForce 210
    Sound Card
    nVIDIA GT218 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Hitachi 40" LCD HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    "1842 x 1036"
    Hard Drives
    WDC WD50 00AAKS-007AA SCSI Disk Device
    ST1000DL 002-9TT153 SCSI Disk Device
    WDC WD3200AAJB-00J3A0 ATA Device
    WDC WD32 WD-WCAPZ2942630 USB Device
    WD My Book 1140 USB Device
    PSU
    Works 550w
    Case
    MSI "M-Box"
    Cooling
    Water Cooled
    Keyboard
    Dell Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Intellimouse
    Internet Speed
    Cable Medium Speed
    Browser
    Chrome/IE 10
    Antivirus
    Eset NOD32 6.x/Win Defend
    Other Info
    Recently lost my Windows 8 on my main PC, had to go back to Windows 7.
Howaboutdemapples! Of course, my hands are dyslexic and I was trying to click on the lower right corner. Sigh . . . something gets lost in the translation between left corner and right mouse click . . .

Actually, I have to right click on the little metro window before I get the right menu; otherwise I get the same as comes up in the lower right corner. :)

And, depending on where one clicks in the lower right corner, different menus pop up.

Oh, well, clickety clickety click . . .

Maybe we should rename this thread: How Many Start Buttons/Menus Can You Find in Windows 8.1?

:dinesh:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion 500-056
    CPU
    AMD Elite Quad-Core A8-6500
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon HD 8570D
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer 23"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 X 1080
    Hard Drives
    1 TB
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wave K350
    Mouse
    Logitech M510
    Internet Speed
    Fast
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
@mdmd
I understand preference to something familiar but what setting is not available from Win + X ?
(or a sub set of Win + X)

There's one submenu on Windows 8.1 :winkey:+X that you don't get on Server 2012

Shut Down or Sign Out:
shut.PNG


@Wynona
Once I have changed Control panel to Small icons, it always comes up like that - I wonder why yours always changes back?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP COMPAQ Presario CQ57
    CPU
    AMD E- 300 APU with Radion HD Graphics 1.30GHz
    Motherboard
    inbuilt
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI
    Sound Card
    High Definition Audio on-board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    notebook
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    Seagate ST9500325AS
    Google drive 15GB
    Skydrive 25GB
    BT Cloud
    PSU
    external 20v
    Case
    Laptop
    Cooling
    pretty good
    Keyboard
    inbuilt
    Mouse
    touchpad
    Internet Speed
    BT Infinity Unlimited - 80 up 20 down =70/16 really
    Browser
    Chrome Canary usually
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender and Malwarebytes
    Other Info
    no Start menu modifications
    Upgraded with no issues to 8.0 and to 8.1
Thanks, mdmd! I wasn't aware of Win + X. Nice to have, although I wish I could bring up the complete Control Panel. I have it on my Quick Launch, but I have to change it to the icons every time I use it. And no, it's not that much of a problem, but convenience is what I like mostest. :)

Well, duhhhhhhhhhh! And there's the Control Panel listed as big as Dallas! And, fafhrd, when I click on it there, it comes up with the small or large icons.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion 500-056
    CPU
    AMD Elite Quad-Core A8-6500
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon HD 8570D
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer 23"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 X 1080
    Hard Drives
    1 TB
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wave K350
    Mouse
    Logitech M510
    Internet Speed
    Fast
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
@mdmd
I understand preference to something familiar but what setting is not available from Win + X ?
(or a sub set of Win + X)
There's one submenu on Windows 8.1 :winkey:+X that you don't get on Server 2012
Shut Down or Sign Out:

Yes. 8.1 has a few interesting features. Now installing 8.1 from the store on a separate ssd.
I would unplug the server ssd and use the 8.1 ssd for awhile then pull the 8.1 and use server.
This can be done in 30 seconds.

Right now, I'm rather interested in Deskscapes running videos on the start screen and all apps as a background. It's just a frivolous interest, I know.

I still like IE 10 and server 2012. In some sense, I prefer the original Windows 8 metro style.
I get bored easily, so will probably switch between 8.1 and server 2012 from time to time.

Anyway, it's a no brainer to Shut Down or Sign Out in a few different ways. :cool:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Server 2012 / 8.0
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built
    CPU
    Intel i7 QuadCore 3770k
    Motherboard
    Asrock Extreme 4
    Memory
    16GB Crucial Ballistix
    Graphics Card(s)
    intel embedded gpu
    Sound Card
    Sound Blaster Z
    Monitor(s) Displays
    AOC / Westinghouse
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Plextor pcie msata
    PSU
    Rosewill Silent Night 500W Fanless / PicoPSU
    Case
    open bench - no case enclosure
    Cooling
    Silverstone HEO2 Passive Silent
    Keyboard
    logitech washable K310
    Mouse
    logitech wired
    Browser
    ie / maxthon
    Other Info
    Totally silent. No fans at all.
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