When Microsoft first announced that it would remove the Start Button and Start Menu in Windows 8, the response was high. Users either wanted to stick with the old and focus on using the Start Button and Start Menu and Desktop apps, or they were just fine with embracing the new and learning how to use the new Start Screen.
While Microsoft has made it clear that it has heard feedback from both sides of the aisle and is ready to make concessions (most notably the return of the Start Button to its place on the taskbar), it hasn’t indicated it will do anything. Sort it out when you get to the Start Menu.
Read: Windows 8.1 – The Start Button Won’t Save You
Instead, users who want to avoid the Start Screen altogether, even after the Windows 8.1 update, will need a way to get Windows to do what they want. Fortunately, there are more than a few solutions out there: we’ve covered a few, like Start Menu Reviver, and our favorite so far has been Classic Shell.
Here’s how to use Classic Shell to get both the Start Menu and the Start Button right back, without having to wait for Windows 8.1 or pay for expensive alternatives.
download the Classic Shell. Because it’s free, you won’t be asked to provide credit card information or any payment method, although you can donate to the project.
Once you’ve finished downloading, double-clicking on the downloaded file or using the Run button that opens in your web browser of choice. Remember to read and accept the Terms of Service. You will be prompted by Windows to give permission for the application to be installed. do by Click ‘Yes’.
When the installation is finished, you will notice two things. For one, you’ll now find a new colored Start Button on your taskbar. Second, clicking this button will trigger an empty Start Menu that matches the color of your computer’s Aero interface. Don’t worry if it’s empty. As you use more apps, whether it’s Metro apps or desktop apps, it will automatically populate with apps you open frequently.
You can continue to access the Start Screen by pressing and holding it. Shift Click the button on your keyboard and start button at the same time or by bringing it to the top right corner of your screen.
You can choose from different skins based on older versions of the Start Menu. right click new start button and then click settings. These include everything from a version inspired by the Metro design language to a version as simple as the version found in Windows 98. Here you can also set the text size etc. You will find options to set it up.
Inside Basic Settings There are also options to fully control your experience so you never have to look at the new Start Screen again, including an option that activates the Start Menu every time you press the Windows key on your keyboard. There’s also the option to boot directly to the desktop so you never have to use the Start Screen again.
