The Start Menu’s Resurrection: How to Reclaim the Familiar in Windows 8.1
The start menu, a cornerstone of the Windows experience since Windows 95, met an unexpected demise with the arrival of Windows 8. While Windows 8.1 brought back a semblance of the beloved start button, it was merely a ghost of its former self, leading users back to the Windows 8 start screen with its tile-based interface. While Microsoft may eventually revert to the familiar start menu, users needn’t wait! Here’s a detailed look at three popular methods to restore the classic start menu in Windows 8.1, each offering different approaches and levels of customization:
1. Classic Shell: The Quintessential Start Menu Revival
For those yearning for the pure, unadulterated experience of the classic start menu, Classic Shell is the ultimate choice. A simple download and installation, and this application seamlessly replaces the Windows 8.1 start button with the traditional menu. Boot straight to desktop, bypassing the Windows 8 start screen entirely – classic simplicity at its best.
But Classic Shell is more than a nostalgic throwback. It’s a powerhouse of customization for power users seeking fine-grained control:
- Start Button Icon: Replace the default icon with any image of your choice.
- Start Menu Style: Select between the Windows classic or Windows 7 styles, tailoring the look to your preference.
- Modern UI Control: Customize which shortcuts open the Modern UI screen, maintaining a balance between classic and modern.
- Icon Sizes: Adjust the size of icons within the start menu for optimal visual appeal.
- Active Corners: Enable or disable active corners, giving you direct access to Modern UI.
- Classic Explorer Settings: Ditch the Modern UI for Windows Explorer completely. Embrace the Windows 7 toolbar at the top of every Explorer window and restore the familiar button layout.
Classic Shell is a versatile solution for both purists and those seeking a deeper level of control over the start menu experience.
2. Pokki: A Modern Twist on the Start Menu
If Classic Shell feels too traditional, Pokki offers a more modern take on the start menu, with an emphasis on flexibility and customization. Instead of replacing the Windows 8.1 start button, Pokki adds its own icon alongside it. Remove the Windows 8.1 start button entirely by right-clicking the Pokki icon and deselecting "Show Windows Logo".
The Pokki menu is a blend of the classic and the modern. It features a large panel of grey boxes to the right, each capable of housing an app. On the left, you’ll find quick navigation links for favorites, all apps, Control Panel, and a customizable list of locations like Libraries and Documents.
Pokki offers multiple customization options:
- Theme: Choose a theme that matches your personal style.
- Left Sidebar: Show or hide the left sidebar, controlling the visibility of quick links.
- Quick Links: Choose which quick links appear in the sidebar, prioritizing your most used access points.
- Icon: Replace the default Pokki icon with other options like "walnut", "home", or the Windows logo.
Pokki provides a less intimidating customization experience compared to Classic Shell, making it a great choice for those who prefer a simpler approach.
3. Start Menu Reviver 2: A Blend of the Familiar and the Modern
For those who appreciate the modern Windows 8 style but miss the functionality of a traditional start menu, Start Menu Reviver 2 provides the perfect blend. This free software seamlessly integrates with the Windows 8.1 start button while presenting a familiar layout, bringing back the start menu without hindering the modern aesthetic.
Start Menu Reviver 2 features a two-column layout:
- Left Column: Provides quick access to frequently used programs and system features such as Computer, Libraries, Control Panel, Run, Task Manager, Settings (for Start Menu Reviver), represented by intuitive icons. Hover your mouse pointer over any icon to reveal its name.
- Right Column: Displays a list of your installed programs.
Start Menu Reviver 2 offers customization options to tailor the menu to your liking:
- Layout: Choose between a classic layout that displays all applications alphabetically or a tile-based layout reminiscent of the Windows Phone start screen.
- Tiles: Arrange tiles to your liking by dragging and dropping them. Make tiles smaller by dragging and dropping another tile on top of the larger tile.
- Tile Editing: Right-click any tile to access the Edit Tile feature for further customization.
Start Menu Reviver 2 is a visually appealing option that blends the features of a classic start menu with the modern elements of Windows 8. However, users with older computers may experience some lag during use.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Start Menu Revival
Whether you crave the pure nostalgia of the classic start menu, prefer a modern twist on the familiar, or seek a harmonious blend of old and new, these three powerful solutions provide a way to reclaim the functionality and aesthetic of the start menu in Windows 8.1. Explore the options, customize to your liking, and enjoy the comfort and ease of the start menu’s return.
