Windows 8.1 Start button may not offer actual Start menu

Windows 8 users hoping for a return of the traditional Start button and Start menu in Windows 8.1 may be disappointed.

Rumors have floated recently that Microsoft may revive the familiar Start button in the Windows 8.1 update scheduled for release later this year. A new report today from The Verge claims that "sources familiar with Microsoft's plans" have confirmed the return of the Start button.

But... Yes, there always seems to be a but....

Read more at source:
Windows 8.1 Start button may not offer actual Start menu | Microsoft - CNET News

 

[HippsieGypsie]

^ Yes, we all use our computers different. Nobody is right or wrong. Where I think most are miffed is the lack of choice. Give me a default way and a choice and I'm cool. Force it down my throat, well then I am not so happy about it.

How do you not have a choice? I get that visually you might not like the Start Screen/Modern UI, but the basic functionality and features of the Start Menu still exist. There are several ways you can set things up to minimize your use of the Modern UI and you also have the choice of installing one of the many third-party Start Menus available if you really just have to have an old-style, pre-Win8 Start Menu (as well as booting to desktop, etc). Users install third-party utilities all the time to add/change/enhance funtionality and features that they want in Windows. Why should this be any different? Doesn't Classic Shell exist in it's current form because people were mad they didn't have a choice between "Classic" Start Menu and the Win7 Start Menu? How many choices for a Start Menu/Screen does MS have to include to make everyone happy?

Very well stated. :thumbup:

I don't know about anyone else, but I didn't have a choice of UI or menu when booting up 95, unless modifying. Same with 98, 98SE, Vista, or 7 of which I used. These were all OSs MS put out to sell and make a profit. That's what they're in business for and to get as much as they possibly can just as any business does.

That, again, is their intent with 8. They saw fit to introduce a new interface to do so. If one is not pleased, then modify it. It remains possible. Nuff said on this topic already. Geez.

 

[msdos622wasfun]

I actually found myself on Stardock's website last night, looking over Start8 and actually considering it. At the very least it may have had something to do with the fact that I listened to Windows Weekly just a few hours earlier when they were discussing it.

I don't know ... it's tempting, but I'm just not sure I need or want it. There are some aspects of Windows 8 that frustrate me a little, like the fact that sometimes it bothers me that I am not brought back to the desktop if I launch a file that opens a Metro app. But otherwise, I like the Start screen.

What to do, what to do...

 

[pparks1]

^ Yes, we all use our computers different. Nobody is right or wrong. Where I think most are miffed is the lack of choice. Give me a default way and a choice and I'm cool. Force it down my throat, well then I am not so happy about it.

How do you not have a choice? I get that visually you might not like the Start Screen/Modern UI, but the basic functionality and features of the Start Menu still exist. There are several ways you can set things up to minimize your use of the Modern UI and you also have the choice of installing one of the many third-party Start Menus available if you really just have to have an old-style, pre-Win8 Start Menu (as well as booting to desktop, etc)

Understood. It's the fact that I have to use a third party tool to accomplish this that I don't like. In all prior versions of Windows, they included their new start button and it's changes (as the default), with an option to use the "classic style"..which was the way it used to be. You had a choice, right out of the box from Microsoft. They eliminated this as a choice and are forcing users to use the new way or get other software to accomplish the goal.

. Users install third-party utilities all the time to add/change/enhance funtionality and features that they want in Windows. Why should this be any different? Doesn't Classic Shell exist in it's current form because people were mad they didn't have a choice between "Classic" Start Menu and the Win7 Start Menu? How many choices for a Start Menu/Screen does MS have to include to make everyone happy?

Yes, I have purchased and installed Start8 to get that functionality back.

How many choices for a Start Menu/Screen does MS have to include to make everyone happy?

2 would have worked
1). metro screen : This is the current default
2). classic start menu from Windows 7 with boot to desktop.

 

[XweAponX]

Those most likely to keep "Customer Experience Improvement Program" enabled so as to deliver "telemetry" to Microsoft concerning PC usage, are the low information users most likely to NOT use the start menu in the first place.

Those most likely to use the start menu and its features, are those most likely to disable reporting usage habits to Microsoft and will likely have disabled reporting by the "Customer Experience Improvement Program".

If Microsoft thinks for one second that they are getting accurate information from this self reporting tool concerning anything even remotely important, they are sadly mistaken and passing around more potent kool-aid than even Apple has in it's cafeteria.

Maybe this is why the Failure in Telemetry happened - Because most people upon getting a new PC shut that thing off instantly and those who do not maybe hardly use the puter. But it is not a very good system to use to judge what people use and not use - They would have to do hard Polling for that. One thing I DO use, are the little comments boxes in the Microsoft Download Center, I always put my two cents in there.

 

[XweAponX]

I actually found myself on Stardock's website last night, looking over Start8 and actually considering it. At the very least it may have had something to do with the fact that I listened to Windows Weekly just a few hours earlier when they were discussing it.

I don't know ... it's tempting, but I'm just not sure I need or want it. There are some aspects of Windows 8 that frustrate me a little, like the fact that sometimes it bothers me that I am not brought back to the desktop if I launch a file that opens a Metro app. But otherwise, I like the Start screen.

What to do, what to do...

GET it - It is NOT a waste of money by any means. It's probably one of the better Orb replacements. One thing about it, is that you find out right away that you needed it and your computer navigation goes back the the way it was in 7. It sticks whatever you want to put on it, right there at your fingertips.

 

[legacy7955]

^ Yes, we all use our computers different. Nobody is right or wrong. Where I think most are miffed is the lack of choice. Give me a default way and a choice and I'm cool. Force it down my throat, well then I am not so happy about it.

How do you not have a choice? I get that visually you might not like the Start Screen/Modern UI, but the basic functionality and features of the Start Menu still exist. There are several ways you can set things up to minimize your use of the Modern UI and you also have the choice of installing one of the many third-party Start Menus available if you really just have to have an old-style, pre-Win8 Start Menu (as well as booting to desktop, etc)

Understood. It's the fact that I have to use a third party tool to accomplish this that I don't like. In all prior versions of Windows, they included their new start button and it's changes (as the default), with an option to use the "classic style"..which was the way it used to be. You had a choice, right out of the box from Microsoft. They eliminated this as a choice and are forcing users to use the new way or get other software to accomplish the goal.

. How many choices for a Start Menu/Screen does MS have to include to make everyone happy?

Yes, I have purchased and installed Start8 to get that functionality back.

How many choices for a Start Menu/Screen does MS have to include to make everyone happy?

2 would have worked
1). metro screen : This is the current default
2). classic start menu from Windows 7 with boot to desktop.

Absolutely correct.

There only needs to be two choices which would satisfy ALL customers. Why does MS continue to deny this fact? Pride, arrogance, ignorance, or perhaps all three?

Bottom line is that MS could have been the darling of the OS news IF they would have allowed BOTH traditional desktop users and Metro users to have their UI choice as the default boot on start up when you turn the PC on.

 

[GhostDog]

Pretty stupid to not bring back the Start Menu in my opinion. It's like bringing in something that's half baked, and expecting it to be the royal prize of a cooking show. They should have brought back the Start Menu as well and kept it as an option.

I don't need the Start button on my task bar, but I do have it enabled so that when I press the start button on the keyboard,it brings up the start menu so I can quickly access programs while I'm exclusively working in the desktop. That's how I use Windows 8 exclusively. I use the Start Modern Screen when I need to access quickly bing news or that or modern ui apps.

Microsoft dropped the ball this is a half-baked decision, won't do jack crap for people who want a fully fictional Start Menu.

 

[turbofish]

To take away the start button on the consumer OS is bad but to do the same thing on their server products is just suicide. Have you seen a tablet server yet? Nope and you will never see one so why do we have a UI designed for tablets on a server?

 

[Fredledingue]

I don't understand why they put a Start Button if it doesn't bring the Start Menu... Doesn't make any sens.

 

[XweAponX]

A server is intended to serve, to be always running so that workstations can access it whenever. It's rediculous to even consider running a Server OS on a tablet, that is designed for casual use! It'll never be done.

But even though the idea of a server is to always run unattended, there MUST be a way for access to the databases and other programs which serve the group! ON a user PC? MAYBE we can go without an orb. On a SERVER? It simply has to be there- Or else the whole system needs to be tossed in the trash and the OS it is running.

 

[HippsieGypsie]

Oh contraire given enough resources, of course.

Similarly, consider a web server application [such as the multiplatform "Apache HTTP Server"] This web server software can be run on any capable computer. For example, while a laptop or personal computer is not typically known as a server, they can in these situations fulfill the role of one, and hence be labelled as one. It is, in this case, the machine's role that places it in the category of server.

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Server_(computing)

Not all that savvy or familiar, but if a Start Menu works on a server, why wouldn't the Start Screen work? Don't forget All apps included.

 

[turbofish]

I shouldn't need to fix the missing start button and tablet based UI on a server. The tablet based UI and charms just doesn't work well on a server. Remember, we rarely actually log into a server directly buy remotely

 

[JLyman]

I shouldn't need to fix the missing start button and tablet based UI on a server. The tablet based UI and charms just doesn't work well on a server. Remember, we rarely actually log into a server directly buy remotely

What do you need to do on a server that Server Manager can't help you with or a simple :windows key, search using that thing called a keyboard:?

 

[jimbo45]

Hi there
Windows 2012 server can operate in one of 3 modes : CLI mode (Dos box with Powershell - loads of enhanced commands available too), Basic desktop mode - or unbelievably in "standard W8 desktop mode" -- I.e Metro).

So at least when installing W 2012 server you are given the choice of desktop interface and can modify it later.

Now I for the life of me cannot see any possible reason as to why I would need Metro in any way whatsoever on a SERVER !!!.

If you Must have the full desktop GUI with Metro etc - then in server configuration just enable the "Desktop Experience". I prefer the bog standard command line version - you get a basic Windows screen with what looks like the old "Dos Box" in it but the shell has been considerably enhanced (Powershell). It's easy to operate this remotely --in any case my servers are all operated as VM's using something like VMWARE'S free Esxi which has minimal overhead and allows the virtual machines access to some real hardware devices.

I'd imagine most people running servers prefer the CLI interface to a full windows screen - unless for fun you want to run the server as a desktop OS --I've done that with windows 2003 server --makes a first class desktop OS but you need to configure a server a bit to operate satisfactorily as a Desktop / Workstation OS. !! Can be done though and is usually far more robust and efficient than the desktop OS it's replacing. I haven't tried this yet with Windows 2012 server but it can be done.

Cheers
jimbo

 

[BoostAddicted]

Metro screen? What's that? Heh, I use the startisback start menu program. It's basically the Win7 start menu with lots of extra customizable goodies. I've had it since the day I installed Win8. I honestly couldn't tell you how the metro screen works, or why apps like adobe reader and Skype have to take up my entire screen (probably shows how little I know about Win8). Win8 boots and I never see the metro screen unless I'm forced to somehow because I can't access an application from my desktop - Skype being an example. For some reason I can't access it from the stat menu/going through the C drive. I have to go to the metro screen and click to run it there.

Although, I am excited to see what Win 8.1 brings to the table. I believe it to be consumer friendly to at least add the option for the start menu if it is desired.

 

[jmarsh07]

I didn't notice anyone mention this so I'm going to add my 2 cents. If you just right-click in the bottom left corner you get.........wait for it.........everything that was on the old start menu. Just as a little hint for any new windows users who happen to read this------right-click on everything and if it has additional functions a menu will come up. I've always found this useful and don't know why Microsoft just doesn't tell everyone to right click on everything.

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/4503-power-user-tasks-menu-open-windows-8-a.html

 

[Mustang]

I know I'm stating the obvious, but the Start Button is not a Start Menu, but a link to Modern start screen.

In essence M$ have replaced the traditional alpha numeric Start Menu with a full screen tile menu.

Those who use the Modern start screen have more options in Win8.1 than in W8.

However, those who have no use for apps in Modern start screen, and no desire to ever go there, are not offered any option to use a traditional Start button/Orb which opens an alpha numeric, cascaded start menu. And that's what all the fuss is about.

IMHO the Win7 Start Orb/Menu had evolved to the ultimate efficiency with search function, jump start, every program/app concisely stored in a few square inches and links to AppData, Favorites, Contacts, etc ... as well as Computer, Control Panel, etc.

M$ could so easily provide such a classic Start Orb/Alpha Numeric menu, to give traditional desk top users this option. But they point blank refuse. Which is tantamount to saying: "Yes, we'll give you heaps of options to modify the Modern Start Screen, but if you want to modify the desktop to get a legacy start menu .... well go buy third party apps! And, oh, by the way, most of them that you paid for will not work on Win8.1.

Thanks a bunch M$! That's really showing care for your legion of past desktop users.

It will be interesting to see how many past M$ fans will be pushed into Mac/Linux, etc ... by this attitude of "Our way or the highway!"

 

[acr731]

I didn't notice anyone mention this so I'm going to add my 2 cents. If you just right-click in the bottom left corner you get.........wait for it.........everything that was on the old start menu.

This is not correct. Right clicking in the area you mentioned brings up administrative options normally found in the control panel. It does NOT bring up everything that was on the old start menu; not even close.

 

[jimbo45]

Hi there

The START button does have a use in Windows 8.1.


Actually in Windows 8.1 if you switch the navigation to display the APPLICATION screen whenever the START screen is requested FIRST then the start button does have some use. The application screen displays all the installed applications and there are a lot more VERTICAL tiles so for most installations you can avoid the endless scrolling (if you need to scroll at all).

Note Windows 8.1 has a Windows 8 "Classical Start screen" with the default Metro rubbish and a second Applications screen and in the NAVIGATION icon in the control panel you can choose which of these screens is displayed as the "Start screen".

You can also of course pin applications to the task bar / desktop / original Classical start screen etc. Just remember when windows applications are installed they are ONLY viewable on the APPLICATIONS screen not the classical start screen -- you have to pin these to that screen if you want to.

The search is available from EITHER of those screens -- I prefer to display the applications screen initially rather than the START screen.

I also have set Boot directly to desktop -- set that also in the same NAVIGATION option.

So pressing the START BUTTON in my case brings up the applications screen which is actually not too bad.

Cheers
jimbo

 

[Tews]

There sure is a lot of dissension over a this pseudo start button... All you need is to install is Classic Shell and be done with it... The best of both worlds.