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In the ever-evolving world of technology, it’s not uncommon for users to seek ways to customize their devices to suit their preferences better. One particular feature that has undergone significant changes in recent years is the start menu on Windows operating systems. With the release of Windows 8, Microsoft introduced a revamped start menu that received mixed reviews from users. Many individuals preferred the familiar start menu found in previous versions of Windows and sought ways to replicate it on Windows 8. In this blog post, we will explore different methods to make the Windows 8 start menu resemble the start menu found in Windows 10.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Make Windows 8 Start Menu Like Windows 10
There are several reasons why you might want to make the Windows 8 start menu resemble the one found in Windows 10. Firstly, if you have recently upgraded from Windows 7 or an earlier version, you may find the new start menu in Windows 8 to be unfamiliar and cumbersome. Reverting it to a layout you are more comfortable with can help improve your overall user experience. Additionally, if you plan on using Windows 8 in a business or educational setting, having a start menu layout similar to Windows 10 can help streamline user training and minimize confusion. Lastly, personal preference plays a significant role, and if you simply prefer the aesthetics and functionality of the start menu in Windows 10, making Windows 8 resemble it can enhance your overall satisfaction with the operating system.
Method 1: Using Classic Shell
Classic Shell is a free software that allows users to customize various aspects of the Windows operating system, including the start menu. Before we dive into the steps, let’s first understand how Classic Shell can help make the Windows 8 start menu look like Windows 10.
Classic Shell provides options to change the appearance, behavior, and functionality of the start menu. Users can choose from different start button styles, enable additional features such as a search box, and fine-tune the layout to resemble the start menu in Windows 10. Now let’s go through the steps to achieve this transformation.
Step 1:
Download and install Classic Shell from the official website. Ensure that you download the version compatible with your operating system.
Step 2:
Launch Classic Shell from the Start menu after installation. A settings window will appear, providing various customization options.
Step 3:
Navigate to the "Start Menu Style" tab in the settings window. Here, you will find options to customize the start button, the layout, and the appearance of the start menu.
Step 4:
To make the Windows 8 start menu resemble Windows 10, select the "Windows 7 style" option from the dropdown menu.
Step 5:
Adjust any other settings you desire to further personalize the start menu. Classic Shell offers a plethora of customization options, allowing you to tailor the start menu to your liking.
Step 6:
Click "OK" to save your changes. The start menu will now resemble the style found in Windows 10.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Allows customization of the start menu to resemble Windows 10. | 1. Requires installing third-party software. |
| 2. Provides additional customization options beyond the start menu. | 2. May have compatibility issues with future Windows updates. |
| 3. Free to use and easy to install. | 3. Reliant on an external application for the desired start menu style. |
Method 2: Via Start Menu Reviver
Start Menu Reviver is another popular software that can transform the look and feel of the start menu on Windows 8. It offers a modern and customizable start menu, similar to the one found in Windows 10. Let’s explore the steps to achieve this transformation.
Step 1:
Download and install Start Menu Reviver from the official website. Ensure that you download the version compatible with your operating system.
Step 2:
Launch Start Menu Reviver from the Start menu after installation. You will be greeted with a setup window.
Step 3:
Follow the on-screen instructions to set up Start Menu Reviver according to your preferences. The software provides various customization options to personalize your start menu.
Step 4:
Once the setup is complete, the start menu will automatically resemble the one found in Windows 10.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Offers a modern and customizable start menu. | 1. Requires installing third-party software. |
| 2. Provides smooth integration with Windows 8. | 2. May not receive regular updates or support. |
| 3. Easy to install and use. | 3. Limited customization options compared to other software. |
Method 3: Using StartIsBack
StartIsBack is a software that restores the classic start menu in Windows 8 or Windows 8.1, making it resemble the start menu in Windows 7. The familiar layout and functionality can provide a seamless transition for users familiar with Windows 7. Follow these steps to achieve a Windows 10-like start menu using StartIsBack.
Step 1:
Download and install StartIsBack from the official website. Ensure that you download the version compatible with your operating system.
Step 2:
Launch StartIsBack after installation. The start menu will now resemble the one found in Windows 7.
Step 3:
Customize any additional settings according to your preferences using the StartIsBack configuration options.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Restores the classic start menu like Windows 7. | 1. Requires purchasing a license to access all features. |
| 2. Provides a seamless transition for users familiar with Windows 7. | 2. May have compatibility issues with future Windows updates. |
| 3. Offers additional customization options beyond the start menu. | 3. Reliant on an external application for the desired start menu style. |
Method 4: Via Start8
Start8 is another software that brings back the classic start menu to Windows 8. It offers a customizable start menu with various options to resemble the start menu found in Windows 7 or Windows 10. Follow these steps to make the Windows 8 start menu look like Windows 10 using Start8.
Step 1:
Download and install Start8 from the official website. Ensure that you download the version compatible with your operating system.
Step 2:
Launch Start8 after installation. The start menu will now resemble the one found in Windows 7.
Step 3:
Customize any additional settings according to your preferences using the Start8 configuration options.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Restores the classic start menu like Windows 7 or Windows 10. | 1. Requires purchasing a license to access all features. |
| 2. Provides a customizable start menu with multiple layout options. | 2. May have compatibility issues with future Windows updates. |
| 3. Configurable options for additional customization. | 3. Reliant on an external application for the desired start menu style. |
What to Do If You Can’t Make Windows 8 Start Menu Like Windows 10
If you encounter difficulties or are unable to make the Windows 8 start menu resemble the one found in Windows 10 using the methods described above, here are a few potential fixes:
1. Update your Windows 8 to the latest version – Installing the latest Windows updates can resolve compatibility issues and improve the performance of third-party software used to customize the start menu.
2. Seek alternative start menu customization software – If the methods mentioned earlier do not meet your requirements, there are numerous other software options available that offer varying degrees of start menu customization.
3. Consider upgrading to Windows 10 – If your primary reason for wanting the Windows 8 start menu to resemble Windows 10 is the overall user experience, upgrading to Windows 10 might be a more viable solution.
Bonus Tips
Here are three bonus tips to enhance your start menu customization experience on Windows 8:
1. Experiment with different start button styles – Many customization software options provide an array of start button styles to choose from. Try out different styles and find the one that suits your taste.
2. Utilize additional start menu features – Some software options offer additional features, such as a search box, live tiles, or integration with technical bloggers. Explore these features and leverage them to enhance your start menu experience.
3. Regularly check for updates – Keep your start menu customization software up to date to ensure you have access to the latest features, bug fixes, and compatibility improvements.
FAQs
Q1: Can I revert back to the original Windows 8 start menu?
A1: Yes, most start menu customization software allows you to revert back to the original Windows 8 start menu layout if desired. Simply access the application’s settings and choose the appropriate option.
Q2: Will customizing the start menu affect the overall performance of my computer?
A2: Customizing the start menu should not have a noticeable impact on the overall performance of your computer. However, keep in mind that running additional software in the background may consume system resources to some extent.
Q3: Can I customize other aspects of Windows 8 beyond the start menu?
A3: Yes, many start menu customization software options also provide additional customization features for various aspects of the Windows operating system. These features may include taskbar modifications, explorer enhancements, and more.
Q4: Can I use these methods on Windows 10 as well?
A4: No, these methods are specifically tailored for making the Windows 8 start menu resemble the one found in Windows 10. If you are looking to customize the start menu on Windows 10, there are alternative methods available specifically suited for that operating system.
Q5: Is it safe to download and install third-party start menu customization software?
A5: As with any software, it is essential to ensure that you download from reputable sources and exercise caution. Stick to well-known software providers and read reviews from trustworthy sources before downloading and installing any applications.
Final Thoughts
Customizing the start menu on Windows 8 to resemble the one found in Windows 10 can significantly enhance the user experience, familiarity, and overall satisfaction with the operating system. Whether you prefer the layout and functionality of the classic start menu or desire the modern look of Windows 10, the methods described in this blog post offer reliable options to achieve your desired start menu style. Follow the steps carefully and consider the bonus tips to tailor the start menu to your preferences. Remember to explore other customization options available within the software you choose and regularly check for updates to ensure the best experience possible.