Stardock's Start8 addresses one of the major user complaints about Windows 8: the lack of a Start Menu. It works like a charm. Here's how to add the Start Menu to Windows 8.
Here's how to use Start8 to put the Start menu back into Windows 8
If there's any company that's going to have a field day with Microsoft's controversial new Windows 8, it's Stardock. Case in point: Start8, a free beta program the company markets that replaces the "missing" Start Menu on the Windows 8 explorer desktop taskbar. See also: Using Windows 8 on a PC: 10 things we've learnt.
If you're not familiar, Windows 8 has two completely different interfaces: The new tiled Windows 8 UI (User Interface) first seen with Zune and Windows Phones, and the classic Explorer desktop with a slightly updated look. The problem for many users is that there's no Start Menu for the latter: You initially use the Windows 8 UI to launch all applications no matter which interface they use. You can create desktop and taskbar icons to launch apps, but with the vast majority of existing programs support only the Explorer desktop, this results in a either a very busy desktop or a continual and somewhat jolting switch.
Thanks to Stardock Software, however, you can have your Windows 8 cake and Start Menu too. The Start8 beta is a free download (it'll be a few pounds when the final version ships) that almost completely replicates the behaviour of the Windows 7 Start Menu. It even matches the new look. I don't really have to tell anyone how the Start Menu works, right? Start8 also lets you disable the Windows 8 hot corners.
Start8 works great and eliminates the need to access the Windows 8 UI unless you want to. The only issue with Start8 that I spotted was slightly slow and somewhat inconsistent response of the Windows 8 hot corners. They didn't seem as smooth or consistent as the action is without Start8 installed. I hope the shipping program will be more responsive.
I expect Stardock to make a small fortune off of this program, and if I were Microsoft I'd send the company a thank you note for making Windows 8 more usable. If you're using the Windows 8 preview, install the free Start8 beta and see just how much of a difference a Start Menu can make.
Comments
Guest said: I think people would prefer one of the many free alternatives to start8 more information athttpsuperusercoma493909
mr215 said: if enough people complain about newwin 8 start MSFT may issue an update app optionto start with the classic way I suspectMSFT is very sensitive for Win 8 successvox populii
Robin Window said: Why not just stay with a decent system like Windows 7 rather than get ripped off for another system only 3yrs after Windows 7 launchedWindows 8 may be ok for the nerds with the fancy tile menus and also for the wallys on tablets and phones who just love fiddling with their fingers If you get windows 8 you only have tp lash out on a touch screen to get the whole point of the system so why botherJust a load of unccessary hype after all many people are even quite satisfied with XP as it does all they want from a computerIt certainly isnt a business environment system so who the hell wants to use it if only just for the sheer craze of itUtter madness
DavidGP said: Joshua I totally agree with you in the Start Menu spat yes folk may not like the look but they will get used to it once they try it as its like many other versions of Windows releases lately that those that have not used it complainHow many core applications do we normally use not that many so the Start UI gives quick access to these and in some applications live titles if you need search then its easy to locate an app by typing its nameAlso if you right click the far left bottom corner you have a nice list of Control Panel and other options at your mouse finger
Joshua Coy said: oh for Gods sakepeople the new Start Screen IS the Start Menu just completely redesigned Think about it it contains all of your most used applications and you can search for files and applications on it just like the main reason everyone else used their Start Menu Im not saying that this Start8 application is a bad idea or anything but Im just tired of people always complaining of Windows 8 not having their good ole Start Menu because it still exists Its just completely different from what it used to be