Start Menu - Restore in Windows 8

How to Restore the Start Menu in Windows 8 and 8.1​

   Information

This tutorial will show you how to restore the Start Menu for all users in Windows 8 and 8.1 using your choice of free programs.

   Tip

Here's a list of some free Start Menu replacements for Windows 8 that are not already in the tutorial below.

Classic Start 8:
Classic Start 8 | Free Classic Style Start Menu for Use with Windows® 8 | ClassicStart8.com

Handy Start Menu:
Handy Start Menu: Makes Working with Your Start Menu Easier

Pokki:
https://www.pokki.com/windows-8-start-menu

Spesoft Windows 8 Start Menu:
Free Windows 7 Start Menu for Windows 8

StartMenu8:
IObit StartMenu8 Free download, Bring Start Menu back to Windows 8

StartMenuPlus8:
StartMenuPlus8 Advanced Start Menu

StartW8:
Start Menu for Windows 8

Wentutu Start Menu for Windows 8:
Wentutu Start Menu for Windows 8

OPTION ONE

To Restore Start Menu in Windows 8 using "Classic Shell"

   Note

Classic Shell is a collection of features that were available in older versions of Windows but were later removed. It has a customizable Start menu and Start button for Windows 7 and Windows 8, it adds a toolbar for Windows Explorer and supports a variety of smaller features. Look here for the full list.

Classic Shell FAQs.

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1. Download and install Classic Shell.​

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2. When it's finished installing, click/tap on the Start orb (see step 4 below) to open settings for you to select what Start Menu Style you would like. (see screenshot below)​

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3. You can now set any other settings you would like to customize Classic Shell. Be sure to set Controls to the actions you want. Click/tap on OK when finished. (see screenshot below)​

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4. You will be able to open settings again by right clicking on the Start Menu button, or by what action you set in Controls. (see screenshot below)​

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OPTION TWO

To Restore Start Menu in Windows 8 using "Power8"

   Note

Power8 gives you a Start button that opens a Start Menu full of features. From the left pane, you can pin your favorite applications and access all your programs via the Programs menu. From the right pane, you can open specific folders, such as Computer, Libraries, Control Panel, Administrative Tools, and Network. You have a search box field at the bottom to search for any application, file, or other item on your PC.

Right clicking on the Power8's Start button, will open a context menu with several options. The Settings item lets you customize Power8 to how you like. You can set Power8 to auto start each time you sign in to Windows 8. You can also resize the button or change its image. You can block all "Metro" features, which means your mouse will no longer open the Start screen thumbnail or the Charms bar. If you block all "Metro" features, you will still be able to press the Windows key to get to the Start screen, or press Win+C to open the Charms bar.

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1. Download and install Power8.​

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OPTION THREE

To Restore Start Menu in Windows 8 using "Start Button 8"

   Note

The free Start Button 8 (aka: Start Menu X) program by Denys Nazarenko, Developer of Start Menu 7, adds a fully customizable Start button and Start Menu to your Windows 8.

Right clicking on Start Menu X's Start button or notification area icon, will open a context menu to allow to set and customize Start Button 8 how you like.

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1. Download and install Start Button 8 (aka: Start Menu X).​

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OPTION FOUR

To Restore Start Menu in Windows 8 using "Start Menu Reviver"

   Note

Don't just replace your Start Menu - revive it. Start Menu Reviver is designed for you, whether you just want a Start Menu back in Windows 8, or want to have more control in Windows 7. The unique tile structure in Start Menu Reviver means that it is the only Start Menu that is also truly touch-friendly. Start Menu Reviver accommodates up to 32 tiles so you can customize it for a truly personal experience. Choose which applications, documents, folders and more you want to launch directly from your Start Menu. You can also change the tile images using our ever-growing library of icons, or create your very own. Launch both traditional desktop programs and new Windows 8 modern applications directly from the Start Menu.

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1. Download and install Start Menu Reviver.​

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OPTION FIVE

To Restore Start Menu in Windows 8 using Stardock "Start8"

   Note

While Start8 by Stardock is not a free program, it is only $4.99. It is an excellent program if none of the free programs above did not meet your needs.

Start8 Start menu for Windows 8. Bring the Windows 8 Start menu back.

• Add the best Windows 8 start menu to your desktop
• Windows 7-styled start menu enhanced for Windows 8
• Pin Modern applications to the Windows 8 start menu
• Boot directly to the Windows 8 desktop

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1. To purchase/try, download, and install Start8.​

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NOTE: If you like, you could try Start8 for 30 days free before needing to purchase or uninstall it.​

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That's it,
Shawn

Related Tutorials

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• How to Create a Start Menu Toolbar on Taskbar in Windows 8 and 8.1
• How to Have Start Screen Docked to your Desktop or Add a Taskbar in Windows 8 and 8.1
• How to Download a Start Screen Shortcut in Windows 8 and 8.1
• How to Open the Start Screen in Windows 8 and 8.1

 

[Brink]

Yeah, you'll need to a 32x32 PNG for it to look right.

However, the program Start8 does work best.

 

[ICit2lol]

Ok Shawn I might just go with the Stardock8 it is only $5 anyway thanks for the trouble though

 

[MrShowdown]

Installed Start8 + Aero Glass for Windows 8 and with some settings it looks like this:

Soo beautiful
Just trying to find out the way to enable the blur on the Start8 Start Menu.
Link to Aero Glass for W8

 

[Ex_Brit]

I tried various earlier versions of the AeroGlass tool and decided to wait for the final version as some minor issues were apparent. With 8.1 coming the tool will need even further refinements no doubt.

Never did manage to get AeroBlur to work properly.

This was yet another example of Microsoft acting high-handedly and deciding to do away with those effects in the interests of battery preservation. They forget that the vast majority of systems are plugged in and don't need to worry too much about power drain so, as they should have done with the Start button and menu, made it an option.

That's why I like Vista so much, it has everything.

BTW along with the AeroGlass tool you linked there is this which allows further adjustments including blur: Aero Glass Tweaker

 

[MrShowdown]

I tried various earlier versions of the AeroGlass tool and decided to wait for the final version as some minor issues were apparent. With 8.1 coming the tool will need even further refinements no doubt.

Never did manage to get AeroBlur to work properly.

This was yet another example of Microsoft acting high-handedly and deciding to do away with those effects in the interests of battery preservation. They forget that the vast majority of systems are plugged in and don't need to worry too much about power drain so, as they should have done with the Start button and menu, made it an option.

That's why I like Vista so much, it has everything.

BTW along with the AeroGlass tool you linked there is this which allows further adjustments including blur: Aero Glass Tweaker

Yeah, that's one of the few things i hate about Windows 8.
AeroGlass tool doesn't work Windows 8.1 due to changes of DWM to use Direct3D 11 instead of Direct3D 10.1.
And yeah, Vista is one of the most best looking Windows version ever made. I used Vista theme on my Windows 7 installs.

EDIT: Ex_Brit, you might want to look at this: Aero Glass for Win8 RC4 by ~wango911 on deviantART

 

[Ex_Brit]

Interesting, thanks ;-)

 

[MrShowdown]

Interesting, thanks ;-)

You're welcome

 

[dracul]

Talk about ask a question.
I knew from my reading that windows 8 and 8.1 were not at the top of some people’s favorite list.
But from my question I had no idea I would get a half of a nights reading. I thank you all for the
and points of thought about which fix works best and is the most easily installed.
In the last few posts 8.1 which I have, would seem to be somewhat more difficult to return the old start to?

Am I reading this correctly?

Thanks;
Jake

 

[Brink]

Hello Jake,

No worries. You could just as easily install a program to restore the Start Menu in Windows 8.1 as well using one of the options in the tutorial.

Another great option is Start8 by Stardock in OPTION FIVE. While it's not free, it is only $4.99 if one of the free programs in the tutorial do not meet your needs.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

 

[dracul]

Shawn;
Again thanks for the info, when I asked the question I hadno idea what I would get back. The replies are hi in the forties, wonderfulhelp, but T M I for an old brain that took two years to get to handle XP.
I will take a look at Start 8 after I hit send here.
Jake

 

[Brink]

Shawn;
Again thanks for the info, when I asked the question I hadno idea what I would get back. The replies are hi in the forties, wonderfulhelp, but T M I for an old brain that took two years to get to handle XP.
I will take a look at Start 8 after I hit send here.
Jake

You're most welcome Jake. I hope it'll meet your needs.

 

[dracul]

Shawn;
I looked over a lot of the list of Starts, got into ClassicShell 4.0 for 8.1. It took just a little reading, but I got itand now have a start menu almost like XP. This I understand much easier thanthat collection of tiles. This I think I can work with and to put a cherry ontop; I opened the wife’s side, hit the button and up came the new start menu.
Thank you for the help, also everyone that joined in;Thanks.
Computers are far from my strong part, but if you or anyoneon the list need help with firearms just ask on the privet EM.
Jake

 

[Brink]

That's great news Jake. I'm glad that one will work for you.

 

[dracul]

start menu

Dub

 

[waltc]

Comparison of Windows 8/.1/.1.1 Start Menus

This is the first time I've actually seen a by-features comparison chart that is pretty much completely objective. No one is trying to sell anything here, and I think the information is very valuable as we wait on Microsoft to bring back a Start Menu for Windows 8--something the company has already stated recently that it is definitely going to do (but which for some mysterious reason is taking them an aeon to get get done!)

Take a look at these Windows 8 Start Menus and say what you will. Anyone who has read a couple of my posts already knows where I stand on this... Enjoy!

 

[Edwin]

Kudos to whoever compiled that chart!

 

[xpclient]

Kudos to whoever compiled that chart!

Thank you I made that chart and tried to keep it an unbiased, objective comparison. Btw if you are not satisfied with Classic Shell's menu glass color not 100% matching the Taskbar color, then I made a free skin with an installer for it. That modded skin matches the Start Menu color with the Taskbar color: Get the best looking Start Menu for Classic Shell 4+ with Winaero Skin 2.0 | Winaero

 

[MilesAhead]

I'm looking for a freebie along the lines of Handy Start Menu. I want something that will automantically categorize the applications it knows. But it also has to make it easy to create new categories and add shortcuts via drag and drop.

I added a category with Handy Start Menu. I could not get it to accept a shortcut. So I get an empty entry in the Start Menu. Really strange. I know there was an auto categorizing start menu that worked in Vista but I forget the name of it. At any rate I'm looking for a Handy Start Menu alternative that's intuitive.


Edit: I tried Start Menu X but it gives some error about 64 bit DLL registration failure. It starts up. But I wonder what the DLL does that won't work now. I'll install again to get the error msg.

Edit2: the DLL is shellext-proxy-64.dll

Edit3: I guess this is supposed to allow skipping the Start Page on boot. Oh well. Guess I'll try it anyway. Even install as admin didn't allow it to register. Maybe it doesn't expect recalcitrant users like me who are still running 8.0.

 

[jhexp67]

I have used Classic Shell and Start8 [Stardock]
Classic Shell is free and Start8 is $5 [after a 30 day free trial]
Both are excellent programs.
I can't choose which is better. Start8 has a more modern user interface [UI]

 

[Brink]

I have used Classic Shell and Start8 [Stardock]
Classic Shell is free and Start8 is $5 [after a 30 day free trial]
Both are excellent programs.
I can't choose which is better. Start8 has a more modern user interface [UI]

Hello Paul, and welcome to Eight Forums.

Both are excellent choices, but it depends on what you like best that counts. I'd say give them both a play for a while to see if one stands out better to you.