Start Screen - Open in Windows 8

Brink · Jan 21, 2013

How to Open Start Screen in Windows 8 and 8.1

Information

The Start screen is a new feature in Windows 8 and Windows RT that replaces the Start Menu from previous Windows. You can pin Store apps, programs, folders, drives, files, contacts, and websites to Start to quickly access what you use most. All of your apps—both apps you install from the Windows Store and desktop apps—are available from the Start screen. You can organize, group, and name categories of apps to how you like on the Start screen. Tiles and notifications show what’s new so you can get important info and updates at a glance.

This tutorial will show you how to open the Start screen in either Start or Apps view in Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows RT, and Windows RT 8.1.

Note

When you sign in to Windows 8, it will open to the Start screen by default.
If you have more than one display, then you can open the Start screen from any display.
- Click/tap on the bottom left corner of the desired monitor to have the Start screen open on it.
- While on the Start screen, press the :winkey: + Page Up or :winkey: + Page Down keys to cycle the Start screen between your connected displays.
The Start screen will close as soon as you open anything else. Even if you have more than one display.

EXAMPLE: Compare new Start screen to old Start Menu

"Start" screen in Windows 8 = Top pin to area in old Start Menu

"Apps" screen in Windows 8 = "All Programs" in old Start Menu

Here's How:

1. Do step 2, 3, 4, or 5 below for how you would like to open the Start screen.

2. Press the Windows :winkey: key, and go to step 6 below.
NOTE: If you have more than one display, then the Start screen will open on the display that the Start screen was last closed on by default.

3. While on your desktop, modern app, or modern UI screen from any display in Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1, click/tap on the Start button to open the Start screen on that display, and go to step 6 below. (see screenshot below)

4. While on your desktop, modern app, or modern UI screen from any display in Windows 8 or Windows RT, hover the pointer on the bottom left corner until you see the Start button pop-up, click/tap on the Start button to open the Start screen on that display, and go to step 6 below. (see screenshot below)

5. While on the desktop or an opened Store app from any display, open the Charms bar, click/tap on the Start charm to open the Start screen on that display, and go to step 6 below. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: If you have a touch screen, then this is a good option to use.

6. In Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1, you can now either swipe up or down on the touch screen, press the CTRL + TAB keys, or click/tap on the arrow button at the bottom left corner to switch between the "Start" or "Apps" view on the Start screen. (see screenshots below)
NOTE: This does not apply to Windows 8 or Windows RT.

That's it,
Shawn

Start Screen - Open in Windows 8

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