Windows 8.1 Start button shown in leaked screenshots

The Verge learned earlier this year both that the Start button would be returning and that a boot to desktop option is being considered for the coming update. Thurrott is also reporting that a boot to desktop option will be included, but that it will be turned off by default. Though Microsoft is yet to confirm that either of these options will be present in Windows 8.1, this new leak certainly helps to further substantiate the Start button's return.

Read More: Windows 8.1 Start button shown in leaked screenshots | The Verge
 
Hi there
A Start button is of absolutely NO USE unless the user can link it to some options such as a customized toolbar or even if I dare say it a Menu.

Having a start button just to show the start screen isn't really of ANY use unless one can boot straight to the desktop -- and even in this case it's useless. The ONE complaint you don't see people saying about Windows 8 is in how to GET to the start screen from the desktop anyway. Most can handle the Charms bar OK.

I think 99% of dis-satisfied W8 users would be quite happy with the existing start screen PROVIDED they could boot straight to the desktop first -- Most people can easily pin to the quick launch bar or the desktop applications they run frequently without too much trouble.

Cheers
jimbo
 

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I thought all folks wanted was the boot directly to desktop option with a start menu option like W7. I've got my most used programs pinned to the takbar but there are others easily accessed from the start menu - along with control panal etc.

We will see as everything floating around seems to be based on speculation, hope, maybes, W8 salvation, etc, etc.
 

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I thought all folks wanted was the boot directly to desktop option with a start menu option

Yes, you are right. That is what a lot of potential customers want.

It doesn't seem to be what MS wants.
 

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  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
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    PC/Desktop
I'd already commented on this on SevenForums, so rather than re-type it, I'll quote....

""So in other words, Microsoft is still not listening. :mad: :doh:

I can't see downloads from Stardock, Classic Shell etc slowing down much
in a hurry. :haha:

If this is the extent of the 'improvements' then I doubt I'll bother. Why spend
months getting Win 8 to work and look just the way I want it to, then having
to start from scratch to rectify the same issues in 8.1?""


Seriously, I'm perfectly happy with W8 as I now have it set up. Unless 8.1
brings something to the table (no pun intended) for the desktop users, is there a
need for it if I have to go through all the rigmarole again?

Wenda.
 

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    i7-2670QM@2.2/3.1Ghz.
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    Full 101-key
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    USB cordless.
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    Windows Defender, MalwareBytes Pro.
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    BD-ROM drive.
I don't know how long they will continue to support 8 after 8.1 is released.
 

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I don't know how long they will continue to support 8 after 8.1 is released.

Probably not long, if the way they've dissed 7 like a hot spud (no SP2) is any indication. :(


Wenda.
 

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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.
I think support for 8 might only be a few months, from a whisper. It is likely true.


Start button thing is fascinating. I suspected they may launch an ambush. Will be interesting to see what happens.

Those who know what it is in response to will probably see it as MS flicking the V.

Maybe Joe public won't catch on.

MS have enough to deal with after the reveal of the Xbox one. That went down like a bucket of cold sick.
 

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  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
The Verge learned earlier this year both that the Start button would be returning and that a boot to desktop option is being considered for the coming update. Thurrott is also reporting that a boot to desktop option will be included, but that it will be turned off by default. Though Microsoft is yet to confirm that either of these options will be present in Windows 8.1, this new leak certainly helps to further substantiate the Start button's return.

Read More: Windows 8.1 Start button shown in leaked screenshots | The Verge

That's the same exact start button that I'm using, using Start8 from Stardock.
 

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    Cooler Master Hyper212 120mm
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    Logitech G510
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    Razor DeathAdder 3.5
Unfortunately, I don't think it is going to work the same way as Start8.

But, you never know - MS may surprise everyone.
 

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    PC/Desktop
I heard that this is basically a button for the start screen. This is good but also confusing. It would have been better for it to bring you to the hidden menu.
 

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Well from what I read on the BBC news site today (BBC News - Microsoft 'U-turn' sees Start button back on Windows 8) it seems the Start button is basically a move of the charm windows key oh and allowing the user a clear marker on the screen for right click to existing win8 options. So does it offer me anything new, nope don't think so. My primary concern using windows 8 is the APPs list feature. OK so now I can just start typing and bingo it gives me a list of apps installed, not bad an extension of Win7 feature, but sometimes you can't remember the name of that tool use downloaded a year ago but need, you might remember the company name (which is often the menu top category in win7 start menus.

Anyway, my prime beef which they have not sorted is TOO FEW OPTIONS in the Metro interface, one thing Windows has always been is configurable now I am forced to the registory for some bits.

Well that is my view point. I do like the boot to desktop, if I had win8 on a desktop I would like that feature.

Andy001z
Win8 Tab user.
 

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I think 99% of dis-satisfied Windows 8 users would be quite happy with the existing start screen PROVIDED they could boot straight to the desktop first

I don't know why you think that.

The impression I get is that many are trying to

avoid the Start Screen like a leper wearing a loud shirt
.

More than half of Windows 8 users just treat it like Windows 7 ? The Register

.

Hi there
I think you misunderstood the whole point of that post. -- By Booting DIRECTLY to the desktop people wouldn't even have to LOOK at the start screen so whatever was actually on the start screen would be an irrelevance in any case.

Of course a BETTER start screen would be a huge improvement but the point of the post was to say that boot directly to desktop would satisfy a very large percentage of the people who currently hate W8.

Cheers
jimbo
 

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    SSD's * 3 (Samsung 840 series) 250 GB
    2 X 3 TB sata
    5 X 1 TB sata
    Internet Speed
    0.12 GB/s (120Mb/s)
To me, the button itself was never the concern. I never wanted the button back, I wanted the menu back. I could even compromise and say I could live with a transparent start screen that floated over the desktop but I think MS wants the Start Screen and Metro apps to be a separate environment.

I could even deal with the current situation if they had given us a more sophisticated taskbar where I can group applications together so I could use the horizontal space more effectively. Office seems to have taken care of the issue of not being able to see recently accessed files, i.e. opening Excel 2013 will give you a view of a list of recently accessed files, the number which can be user defined. Not all programs do this but I can deal with this.

Losing context and breaking my focus is the largest complaint.

The charm implementation bothers me, perhaps more than most other people. I don't know how many times my palm has brushed up against the right side of the mouse pad, activating the start screen. I've cursed it out in private many a times and have come close in public too.

I had to fudge around with the registry to enable the checkbox to disable the touchpad when usb mouse is connected. I don't know how Synaptics thinks removing that checkbox would make for a better user experience. Blows my mind that a company whose sole purpose is touchpads would think that is a good idea. I couldn't figure out the regedit to enable disabling the side swipe unfortunately.
 

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