My Start Menu on Windows 8.1

[Mem]

You keep mentioning how you can still work as fast as you did in an older Windows OS but you never explain how the new way of doing things makes me faster. You also don't explain how the new way of doing things is easier. Because it isn't faster, or easier, for a desktop user. It's just different.

As I stated you could only pin so many applications to the old start menu,in Metro I've the whole screen and can make my own columns and sizes and have more applications organised in different groups etc..
Speed wise its the same ie one or two clicks max depending on if you are in Metro or the old desktop.

Fact is Win+X menu in Win8/8.1 covers the important aspects of Windows ie CP,System,Command prompt ,search,run etc...

As to change well Microsoft do change things now and then remember DOS decades ago ,remember Win3.1 ,Win95,Win8 all different operating systems,its naive and a bit foolish IMHO to believe things won't change in operating systems especially in the future , regardless of whether you like it or not,even Linux distros change.

I can accept and respect that some users prefer the old start menu,but the new way is just as easy and in some ways easier IMHO and that's really my point.
We could argue this point all day,I've spent 18+ years on the old way(start menu) with Windows and far less time(obviously due to Win8 being fairly new) on the new way but don't find it hard or slow at all.

 

[Hero1711]

for me its faster to access my Download folder and videos from there rather than going to Explorer, then navigate to that folder from there

and no I don't need those as shortcuts on the desktop since I don't use them as much

Ehm, why don't you just pin them on your Start Screen?

I hate that so much! I like my taskbar clean not filled with 10 colorful icons which I may or not use

Start menu keeps an easy to access place for all programs that you may use rarely but not on a regular basis so u wouldn't wanna have them on your desktop as icons

yes you can go to metro start and type the name of the app, but I don't want that. I've been using it the start menu way since 7+ years I won't let MS tell me how to use my computer

The apps can be uninstalled/unpinned.

There is All Programs on Start Screen too.

Also, there are more spaces for your regularly used programs/shortcuts on the Start Screen (as in Windows 8.1) compared to the old Start Menu.

 

[Berryracer]

Ehm, why don't you just pin them on your Start Screen?



The apps can be uninstalled/unpinned.

There is All Programs on Start Screen too.

Also, there are more spaces for your regularly used programs/shortcuts on the Start Screen (as in Windows 8.1) compared to the old Start Menu.

how do you pin a folder?

When I pin a folder to the taskbar, example: D:\Software

all that gets pinned as shortcut to explorer

am I missing something here?

 

[Hero1711]

how do you pin a folder?

When I pin a folder to the taskbar, example: D:\Software

all that gets pinned as shortcut to explorer

am I missing something here?

Ehm... right click on it and Pin to Start?

The short cut will get to directly to the target folder.

Like this, my old Start Screen on W8 (too lazy too take a new one):
http://puu.sh/4AXkD.png

For Computer and Control Panel, type it in the search bar or All Programs -> Windows System and pin them, you will get fully functional Computer shortcut on Start Screen just as on the Desktop/Start Menu (right click shows Manage, Computer Properties, Map network drive,...).

 

[Berryracer]

Ehm... right click on it and Pin to Start?

The short cut will get to directly to the target folder.

Like this, my old Start Screen on W8 (too lazy too take a new one):
http://puu.sh/4AXkD.png

WOW!! That's much better than the Pin to task bar feature in Windows 7! U hated that I can't get direct folder shortcuts on the taskbar like a shortcut to my software folder or videos folder! Now I can pin folders to start! heck, I might even get rid of StartIsBack and stick to the Windows 8 Metro start

thanks bro!

 

[Hero1711]

WOW!! That's much better than the Pin to task bar feature in Windows 7! U hated that I can't get direct folder shortcuts on the taskbar like a shortcut to my software folder or videos folder! Now I can pin folders to start! heck, I might even get rid of StartIsBack and stick to the Windows 8 Metro start

thanks bro!

Yeah, I edited my previous post for Computer and Control Panel. For Games you need to create a shortcut (for example on Desktop) to:
Target: %SystemRoot%\explorer.exe /E,::{ED228FDF-9EA8-4870-83b1-96b02CFE0D52}
Start in: %windir%

And then pin that shortcut to start screen.

So, taking your case, I was wondering if most of the users that complained about the Start Screen actually didn't know how to pin the folders on Start Screen (to bring back the usual experience on Start Menu).

 

[Berryracer]

Yeah, I edited my previous post for Computer and Control Panel. For Games you need to create a shortcut (for example on Desktop) to:
Target: %SystemRoot%\explorer.exe /E,::{ED228FDF-9EA8-4870-83b1-96b02CFE0D52}
Start in: %windir%

And then pin that shortcut to start screen.

So, taking your case, I was wondering if most of the users that complained about the Start Screen actually didn't know how to pin the folders on Start Screen (to bring back the usual experience on Start Menu).

here ism y new Metro Start thanks to j00:

 

[Hero1711]

here ism y new Metro Start thanks to j00:

http://i43.tinypic.com/imo3ea.jpg

You can also resize the folder/desktop software icons to be small like the Store icon you got there.

 

[Berryracer]

You can also resize the folder/desktop software icons to be small like the Store icon you got there.

thanks for reminding me dawg

 

[Mem]

WOW!! That's much better than the Pin to task bar feature in Windows 7! U hated that I can't get direct folder shortcuts on the taskbar like a shortcut to my software folder or videos folder! Now I can pin folders to start! heck, I might even get rid of StartIsBack and stick to the Windows 8 Metro start

thanks bro!

Metro is quite customisable if some users bothered to accept it,anyway its easy and glad you learned something new .

As I keep saying you don't really need the old start button menu,it's more or less redundant with Win8.

 

[akugami]

As I stated you could only pin so many applications to the old start menu,in Metro I've the whole screen and can make my own columns and sizes and have more applications organised in different groups etc..

Because Win7 isn't configurable if you wish it to be? I can pin folders, or folders full of shortcuts, or apps to the Start Menu if I wish. I can also re-enable the Quick Launch bar. Having enough shortcuts in Win7 was never a problem.

Speed wise its the same ie one or two clicks max depending on if you are in Metro or the old desktop.

Again, re-learning a different way to do something that is NOT more efficient is not my idea of progress. It's just a different way of doing things. Sidegrade at best.

Fact is Win+X menu in Win8/8.1 covers the important aspects of Windows ie CP,System,Command prompt ,search,run etc...

Not if I have to look down to find place my hands on the Win+X command. I can get to everything you mentioned without looking down in Win7. This actually slows me down having to hit the keyboard commands because I'm not used to using to hitting the Windows key. Ask any gamer and they actually want keyboards that disable the Win key.

As to change well Microsoft do change things now and then remember DOS decades ago ,remember Win3.1 ,Win95,Win8 all different operating systems,its naive and a bit foolish IMHO to believe things won't change in operating systems especially in the future , regardless of whether you like it or not,even Linux distros change.

Strawman argument since I've never been against change. In fact, most of the people who argue against Win8 are not against change.

What I'm against is change that is only done to be different or change that does not increase my efficiency. I liked the changes in the Ribbon Interface for Office because I could see how the re-organization would lead to a more logical workflow. Force a desktop user to do things differently without increasing efficiency in Windows 8 is not a good change.

I can accept and respect that some users prefer the old start menu,but the new way is just as easy and in some ways easier IMHO and that's really my point.
We could argue this point all day,I've spent 18+ years on the old way(start menu) with Windows and far less time(obviously due to Win8 being fairly new) on the new way but don't find it hard or slow at all.

I'm not so tied to the Start Menu that I can't accept change. My very first computer was a Mac Performa 200. I've used DOS. I remember using computers with Win 3.1. I played around with BeOS. I've been through a lot of changes with the different OS's.

It doesn't change the fact that no one has been able to explain to me how the changes FORCED on me in Win8 increases my efficiency. At best you show me alternative ways to do things I've already done for over 10 years.

What's also puzzling is a lot of people are pointing to keyboard shortcuts for things I used to do on a desktop OS with a mouse. Why all of the push towards the modern interface if you need to bypass it to increase efficiency?

And I'm typing this in my main computer which I recently converted to Windows 8.1. I trying to give Win8 a fair chance by using it on a daily basis. So far, my prognosis is that they should have given you a choice of using the Modern UI or the "classic" UI. The Modern UI needs a lot more polish before it is ready for prime time.

 

[Hero1711]

Because Win7 isn't configurable if you wish it to be? I can pin folders, or folders full of shortcuts, or apps to the Start Menu if I wish. I can also re-enable the Quick Launch bar. Having enough shortcuts in Win7 was never a problem.

Again, re-learning a different way to do something that is NOT more efficient is not my idea of progress. It's just a different way of doing things. Sidegrade at best.



Not if I have to look down to find place my hands on the Win+X command. I can get to everything you mentioned without looking down in Win7. This actually slows me down having to hit the keyboard commands because I'm not used to using to hitting the Windows key. Ask any gamer and they actually want keyboards that disable the Win key.

Strawman argument since I've never been against change. In fact, most of the people who argue against Win8 are not against change.

What I'm against is change that is only done to be different or change that does not increase my efficiency. I liked the changes in the Ribbon Interface for Office because I could see how the re-organization would lead to a more logical workflow. Force a desktop user to do things differently without increasing efficiency in Windows 8 is not a good change.

I'm not so tied to the Start Menu that I can't accept change. My very first computer was a Mac Performa 200. I've used DOS. I remember using computers with Win 3.1. I played around with BeOS. I've been through a lot of changes with the different OS's.

It doesn't change the fact that no one has been able to explain to me how the changes FORCED on me in Win8 increases my efficiency. At best you show me alternative ways to do things I've already done for over 10 years.

What's also puzzling is a lot of people are pointing to keyboard shortcuts for things I used to do on a desktop OS with a mouse. Why all of the push towards the modern interface if you need to bypass it to increase efficiency?

And I'm typing this in my main computer which I recently converted to Windows 8.1. I trying to give Win8 a fair chance by using it on a daily basis. So far, my prognosis is that they should have given you a choice of using the Modern UI or the "classic" UI. The Modern UI needs a lot more polish before it is ready for prime time.

You are not FORCED to use Windows 8. Just go back to Windows 7 or whatever you prefer till the Modern UI is polished enough.

 

[Mem]

Because Win7 isn't configurable if you wish it to be? I can pin folders, or folders full of shortcuts, or apps to the Start Menu if I wish. I can also re-enable the Quick Launch bar. Having enough shortcuts in Win7 was never a problem.

Again, re-learning a different way to do something that is NOT more efficient is not my idea of progress. It's just a different way of doing things. Sidegrade at best.



Not if I have to look down to find place my hands on the Win+X command. I can get to everything you mentioned without looking down in Win7. This actually slows me down having to hit the keyboard commands because I'm not used to using to hitting the Windows key. Ask any gamer and they actually want keyboards that disable the Win key.

Strawman argument since I've never been against change. In fact, most of the people who argue against Win8 are not against change.

What I'm against is change that is only done to be different or change that does not increase my efficiency. I liked the changes in the Ribbon Interface for Office because I could see how the re-organization would lead to a more logical workflow. Force a desktop user to do things differently without increasing efficiency in Windows 8 is not a good change.

I'm not so tied to the Start Menu that I can't accept change. My very first computer was a Mac Performa 200. I've used DOS. I remember using computers with Win 3.1. I played around with BeOS. I've been through a lot of changes with the different OS's.

It doesn't change the fact that no one has been able to explain to me how the changes FORCED on me in Win8 increases my efficiency. At best you show me alternative ways to do things I've already done for over 10 years.

What's also puzzling is a lot of people are pointing to keyboard shortcuts for things I used to do on a desktop OS with a mouse. Why all of the push towards the modern interface if you need to bypass it to increase efficiency?

And I'm typing this in my main computer which I recently converted to Windows 8.1. I trying to give Win8 a fair chance by using it on a daily basis. So far, my prognosis is that they should have given you a choice of using the Modern UI or the "classic" UI. The Modern UI needs a lot more polish before it is ready for prime time.

It's clear you kind of guy that does not like the new changes, regardless and you have to remember Win8/8.1 is not just a desktop OS its now a hybrid OS so caters for all types of hardware ,you can stay with Win7 but don't expect things to stay the same forever(desktop OS has become more then just a desktop OS),as to keyboard commands well hate to burst your bubble I hardly use them,good old right click in left corner with mouse for my Win+X menu(old desktop UI or Metro does not matter),now was that hard for me as a gamer hell no,as a gamer myself never had any issues with keys or mouse even in multiplay online.

Anyway each to their own as they say but I'm sure if you persevere with Win8 you will make some progress.

Again, re-learning a different way to do something that is NOT more efficient is not my idea of progress. It's just a different way of doing things. Sidegrade at best.

That's down to the user in question ,you can get ten people on Win7 and each will use Win7 and customise it their way,efficiency is down to how you use and customise your PC not just the OS so many variables including the user.

What I did as a desktop user is added programs I needed to the old desktop UI as a desktop user,rest I kept in Metro,keeps my desktop clean but I still have access to my important programs I need on the old desktop,that's what I'm happy with.
The key is make Windows OS work for you and not the other way around,all a question of thinking and planning what you need in Metro or on the old desktop UI,once you have done this you should be good to go as they say.

The Modern UI needs a lot more polish before it is ready for prime time.

Not surprising being Win8 is their first hybrid OS with redesigned UI,8.1 has seen some minor changes and I bet Win9/10 will see more,it took Win7 decades to get where it is from Win95,Win8 was a whole new fresh start.
Win8 is very stable but nobody here will argue we need more fine tuning in Metro etc so give it time.

I'm already looking forward to Win9 and whatever changes that will bring,a lot easier to accept things that way then resist,end of the day you can stay on an old dated OS or embrace changes regardless (lets face it no Windows OS is rocket science even Win8/8.1) and try and keep up,your call,nobody is forced you have plenty of old Windows or Linux distros to choose from,as I stated you can't expect things to stay the same forever, being very naive if you do.

 

[akugami]

You are not FORCED to use Windows 8. Just go back to Windows 7 or whatever you prefer till the Modern UI is polished enough.

Come on, your comments are meant to incite. You clearly know what I mean. Do we really need to act this childish?


@MEM

I still think that Win8 is nowhere near polished enough to act as a full time replacement for things we've been doing for the last 10+ years. Nothing you say has convinced me that Win8 is NOT more efficient than Win7. Your own comments acknowledge that different people work differently. For many, Win8 is not a positive upgrade from workflow perspective. At best it contains different ways of doing things that someone would have to learn in order to keep up their old level of efficiency.

Your comments about me not accepting change are also puzzling and something I disagree with considering what I wrote and how I actually liked some changes like the Ribbon Interface which made major changes to the Office interface. On a given day, I can be working with WinXP, Win7, Win8, iOS, and Android.

As it is, I think we've just about exhausted this conversation. We'll have to agree to disagree.

 

[Mem]

Come on, your comments are meant to incite. You clearly know what I mean. Do we really need to act this childish?


@MEM

I still think that Win8 is nowhere near polished enough to act as a full time replacement for things we've been doing for the last 10+ years. Nothing you say has convinced me that Win8 is NOT more efficient than Win7. Your own comments acknowledge that different people work differently. For many, Win8 is not a positive upgrade from workflow perspective. At best it contains different ways of doing things that someone would have to learn in order to keep up their old level of efficiency.

Your comments about me not accepting change are also puzzling and something I disagree with considering what I wrote and how I actually liked some changes like the Ribbon Interface which made major changes to the Office interface. On a given day, I can be working with WinXP, Win7, Win8, iOS, and Android.

As it is, I think we've just about exhausted this conversation. We'll have to agree to disagree.

Yep,wait for Win9 and a new chapter begins on likes and dislikes etc .

 

[nehalem256]

In your case metro actually works for you then. Pin them to the metro screen and all you need to do everytime is hit the windows key and click the app.

Every single example someone has given can be done in Windows 8 just as quickly if not quicker than Window 7, but people just don't want to learn. The best example of this is the search and launch function. In Windows 7 we would search for a common app (say "cmd") and then launch it right? In Windows 8 you can do exactly the same. Win key+r or just hit the windows key and start typing. Same result, same amount of time.

I stand by my claim that the start menu is retro and serves no function.

That takes 2 clicks. Quick-launch takes one click.

In what world is 2 clicks to perform a previous one-click action not a step backward? Not to mention that previous the action could be performed with just the mouse. Now it takes keyboard and mouse.

 

[WilliamM2]

That takes 2 clicks. Quick-launch takes one click.

In what world is 2 clicks to perform a previous one-click action not a step backward? Not to mention that previous the action could be performed with just the mouse. Now it takes keyboard and mouse.

You can add quick launch to Windows 8, the same way you add it in 7. I use a classic shell in 8, not so much for the start button, but so that it skips the start screen and goes directly to the desktop.

I still prefer 7 though.

 

[glugglug]

Nobody else uses a left side taskbar? I find it especially nice with multiple monitors.

Also, having the start menu shown kind of hides my taskbar:

 

[Underclocked]

If you use Classic Shell and want to try my custom start button - feel free. Be sure to save it as a .png http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=29dd93s&s=5#.UknruxBqypQ

 

[balloonshark]

If you use Classic Shell and want to try my custom start button - feel free. Be sure to save it as a .png http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=29dd93s&s=5#.UknruxBqypQ

Thanks for sharing .

 

[fleshconsumed]

Nobody else uses a left side taskbar? I find it especially nice with multiple monitors.

Also, having the start menu shown kind of hides my taskbar:

I do I think it's a better use of space on a widescreen monitor since vertical space is more precious than horizontal. Although I don't like start menu hiding my taskbar, I use classic shell right now in Win8 and I have the start menu to the right of the taskbar.

A question, how did you make your vertical taskbar so wide? Mine is only 3 icons wide while yours can fit 5 icons in the notification area. I haven't found a way to make it wider, what's your secret?

 

[BarkingGhostar]

In Win 98, Xp, Vista, and Win 7, my start point has always been the desktop. The Start Menu is for those little used programs that didn't merit desktop space. Now with Win 8.1 and Start8, my start place is still the desktop. Why would I want additional layers between me and my programs?

Are you suggesting your behavior is the norm? I would be the antithesis of you as I have Windows with nothing on my desktop. I use the Start menu and taskbar (always hidden) as needed.

I guess I am the extreme opposite case. I have seen some folks with so many icons they ran out of space.

 

[Berryracer]

Are you suggesting your behavior is the norm? I would be the antithesis of you as I have Windows with nothing on my desktop. I use the Start menu and taskbar (always hidden) as needed.

I guess I am the extreme opposite case. I have seen some folks with so many icons they ran out of space.

I once fixed a friend's PC and when I gave it to him he said he is not happy because I didn't put many programs for him on the desktop

some people like seeing stuff they would've use on the desktop such as Adobe Acrobat Reader just for the sake of having icons

meh, I only have Nero Express on the desktop and the rest are in the Start Menu where I can launch them as they are used less often

 

[glugglug]

I do I think it's a better use of space on a widescreen monitor since vertical space is more precious than horizontal. Although I don't like start menu hiding my taskbar, I use classic shell right now in Win8 and I have the start menu to the right of the taskbar.

A question, how did you make your vertical taskbar so wide? Mine is only 3 icons wide while yours can fit 5 icons in the notification area. I haven't found a way to make it wider, what's your secret?

right click the taskbar and uncheck the "Lock Taskbar"option?

Also, found the option in StartIsBack to put the start menu to the right of the taskbar.

 

[fleshconsumed]

right click the taskbar and uncheck the "Lock Taskbar"option?

Also, found the option in StartIsBack to put the start menu to the right of the taskbar.

Rofl, now I feel like a dumb idiot. That option was in WinXP, I just thought it was for something else...

Thanks I guess... for pointing out my stupidity... Ha! But seriously, thanks.