ARCHIVED: How to have a Start menu in Windows 8
On this page:
- Overview
- Install and run Classic Shell
- Make basic changes to the Classic Shell Start menu
- Make additional changes to the Classic Shell Start menu
- Return to the Start screen
- Remove Classic Shell
Overview
Microsoft developed Windows 8 with a Start screen rather than a Start menu. In Windows 10 and Windows 8.1, the Start menu is restored; rather than following these instructions, you could upgrade your operating system. For details, see About Windows 11 and Windows 10 at IU.
There is no built-in way to revert to the Start menu in Windows 8, but some third-party add-ons mimic its functionality. One such add-on, Classic Shell, allows you to return to the visual styles of Start menus found in earlier versions of Windows.
Classic Shell was not exclusively designed for Windows 8; it will work on most modern versions of Windows.
Install and run Classic Shell
Installation
- Navigate to http://www.classicshell.net/.
- Click , and then click . You may have to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
- You may be asked some configuration questions. Generally, click , and then click . All settings can be changed later.
Access the traditional Windows desktop
The Classic Shell add-on does not replace the Start screen, so you may not immediately notice any differences after installation, especially if you did not restart your computer during the process.
To get to what was known as the desktop in previous versions of Windows, from the Start screen, press Win-Shift
. Pressing Win
by itself does virtually the same thing, but also automatically opens the Classic Shell Start menu.
Once you reach the desktop, you will see the familiar interface you are used to from earlier versions of Windows.
Make basic changes to the Classic Shell Start menu
To make changes to your Classic Shell Start menu:
- Open the Start menu by pressing
Win
or clicking the button. (In Classic Shell, the Start button may actually look like a seashell.) - Click , choose , and then select .
- Click the
Choosing the
radio button at the bottom of the tab will give you greater control over the look and feel of your Start menu. However, it is recommended that you limit your changes to those found in the radio button until you are used to the way Classic Shell works.
tab and make your desired changes. Typically, you will not have to restart your computer for your changes to take effect; however, some settings do require a restart.
Make additional changes to the Classic Shell Start menu
You can make additional changes to your Classic Shell Start menu settings by clicking the
tab. (The tab is different than the radio button mentioned above.)
Two additional changes are worth noting; these settings can typically be found at the bottom of the Basic Settings
dialog box:
- Skip Metro Screen: This option allows you to boot directly to the desktop. Sometimes, it is necessary for you to reboot several times for this change to fully take effect.
Note:Note: This setting does not technically skip the new Windows 8 Start screen; rather, it immediately forwards you to the desktop. On a slower machine, you may notice yourself booting into the Start screen, but if you wait a few seconds you will be forwarded to the desktop.
- Enable Start Button: Once it is installed, Classic Shell will generally always be running. However, if you uncheck , the Start button will not appear on your screen. The Start menu will still be available via the Windows key, but the Start button itself will not be present.
Return to the Start screen
You can return to the Windows 8 Start screen from the desktop in one of two ways:
- Press
Win-Shift
. - Press
Win-c
to access the Charms bar on the right side of the screen, and then click the icon.
Remove Classic Shell
For instructions on removing Classic Shell, see Classic Shell FAQ; search for "uninstall".
This is document bcqy in the Knowledge Base.
Last modified on 2022-01-03 10:36:43.