Windows 8 removes the traditional start menu and replaces it with a Start Screen. At first glance, doesn’t look as robust as the original Start Menu. However, the new Start Screen actually allows both flexibility and greater speed in getting things done.

This is the Windows 7 start menu you are familiar with. In fact, this start menu is nearly identical to that of Windows XP released 10 years ago.

This short post will show you the multiple ways you can access the same items on the old start menu in Windows 8 without applying any third party modifications.

There are 3 main areas in Windows 8 that you can use to access these options. They are the new Start Screen, the Charms bar and Windows Key + X. For most menu items seen above, you have multiple options to access it in Windows 8. Here they are:

1. All Programs

Start Screen > Right Click > All Apps

If you want a list of everything you have the same way it was shown in Windows 7 via All Programs, you can do so by right clicking anywhere in the new start screen. An ‘All Apps’ button will appear on the bottom right hand corner and this will list any program on your computer both traditional and modern UI based.

2. Search Bar

Start Screen > Start Typing

Not much here has changed. You simply type at the Start Screen to find the anything you want. Microsoft has decided to keep things organized so you can select whether to hunt for an app/settings/files. As an added benefit, you can also search within other apps from this universal search bar.

3. Libraries

Libaries basically refer to the 4 main categories that Microsoft groups folders into ever since Windows Vista. I personally did not use this feature but here’s how to find them if you do. The 4 main categories are Documents, Music, Pictures and Videos.

Start Screen > Start Typing

You can simply type ‘Documents’, ‘Music’, ‘Pictures’ and ‘Videos’ in the Start Screen to get to the folder directly. Desktop > Taskbar

A more traditional way is to access it from the Desktop. The taskbar has File Explorer pinned and you simply click on it to launch all 4 libraries at once.

4. Games

Games Explorer was an ill conceived, seldom used and thankfully gone feature in Windows 8. It was supposed to be a way to aggregate games on your PC since the Vista days. You could set parental controls and manage updates. The problem? No game developer took full use of it and Games for Windows Live never took off the same manner as XBOX Live. Dead since Vista, finally removed in Windows 8.

5. Computer

Start Screen > Start Typing

At the Start Screen, type ‘Computer’ and the exact same option from previous versions of Windows will appear. Start Screen > Right Click > All Apps > Computer

You can also find Computer in a more manual but mouse friendly manner by hitting ‘All Apps’ and scrolling to find it. Winkey + X > File Explorer

A hidden feature that Microsoft added to help those making the leap from Windows 7 to Windows 8 is the Windows Key + X combination. This pulls up a menu at the bottom left hand corner that has options that are otherwise less noticeable in Windows 8.

5a. Computer > Properties

There were multiple functions that could be executed from right clicking ‘Computer’ both on the old start menu and from desktop icons. The first of the two main functions used were properties. This is the properties screen or what is called System in Windows 8. Notice that you can access Device Manager and other settings from this screen. There are many ways to get here:

Start Screen > All Apps > Computer > Right Click > Properties

When you right click ‘Computer’ in the Start Screen, you get extra options similar to what would have occured when you right clicked ‘Computer’ in the traditional start menu. ‘Properties’ will appear in the bottom left hand area on right clicking and will lead you to the System screen. Winkey + X > System

This short cut is the fastest method to get to System. Striaght forward and quick. Charms > Settings > PC Info

The charms bar is accessible by moving the mouse to either the top or bottom right corner of your monitor. Hit ‘Settings’ and you will be able to access ‘PC Info’ which will lead you to the same destination.

5b. Computer > Management

‘Management’ is the second most popular right click command from ‘Computer’ and there are two ways to get here:

Start Screen > All Apps > Computer > Right Click > Manage

The same method to get to the System screen will fire up Computer Management if you hit the Manage button instead. Winkey + X > Computer Management

Again, the fastest way to get to Management. Windows Key + X is a really useful shortcut menu.

6. Control Panel

The good old Control Panel hosts many of the options that are discussed here. It’s pretty easy to fire it up again.

Start Screen > Start Typing

Type ‘Control Panel’ at the Start Screen and you’re done. Start Screen > Right Click > All Apps > Control Panel

If for some reason you prefer to just use your mouse only. This is the slowest method to get to the Control Panel. Winkey + X > Control Panel

Probably slower than method 1 but still quick enough.

7. Default Programs

Default Programs is a user friendly method of handling file associations. I will stop explaining the methods from here on unless they have not already been elaborated above.

Start Screen > Start Typing Start Screen > Right Click > All Apps > Default Programs Also Listed In: Control Panel

8. Devices & Printers

Devices and Printers is a subset set of Device Manager. There was little use for it in Windows 7 as mainstream users didn’t bother with it. Power users went straight to Device Manager.

Listed In: Control Panel

Devices & Printers is the one option that is nearly eradicated from Windows 8 and is accessible from Control Panel. Charms > Settings > Change PC Settings >Devices

This is essentially the modern UI version of Control Panel but Devices and Printers can be seen here as well. You can add and remove devices here.

9. Help & Support

I probably never used Microsoft’s Help & Support. But if you want official documentation, you can still find that in Windows 8. Seriously, you should just google when you face issues. Or bing it, if that’s what you prefer.

Start Screen > Start Typing Start Screen > Right Click > All Apps Charms > Settings > Help

Help can be obtained from hitting ‘Settings’ after you activate the Charms bar.

10. Shutdown/Restart/Sleep/Hibernate

This is likely the biggest change for users. How do I turn my computer off?!

Charms > Settings > Power Use the Power Button

It is surprising that most users do not dare hit the power button on their computer after booting up. In Windows 8, the power button on your CPU can be used without worry. Hit it once and Windows 8 will shutdown properly.

Conclusion

Windows 8 requires users to adapt to new ways of doing old things. You may question why but this is how it is when a company is pushing its operating system to a new hybrid arena.

Many of the new methods are actually faster and more efficient. It’s all a matter of inertia and adaptability.

The best way forward is to adapt and learn these new ways. Many of the new methods are actually faster and more efficient. It’s all a matter of inertia and adaptability.

Hope this little guide was useful.