Microsoft Could Launch a Start Menu Option in Windows 8


Recommended Posts

From skimming through this thread, I've come to the conclusion that I may be the on,y person that uses the start key on his keyboard to access the start screen. I don't think I've clicked a corner or start orb for years. My usual usage is, Winkey, then type what I need. It's been like that since vista

Steven Sinofsky is no longer head of the Windows division and more and more voices familiar with matter are hinting that a Start Menu option could, after all, land on Windows 8 platforms.

I suspect it will come back now. A week ago I would have said the start menu option was dead in the water but a week ago I would have placed every dime of my money on a bet against Sinofsky leaving Microsoft.

Seems like the OS works perfectly fine to me. Completely usable.

I think you're looking for opinionated words like 'unconventional', 'inconvenient', maybe 'troublesome', etc...

For you my friend, for you. I understand that you adore this way of working buddy, that is great, honestly! Nothing wrong with that at all, no way, but what is completely 'usable' to yourself, might just not be to 'others'?, including myself. :)

What is wrong with that? Is that unconventional, inconvenient, and maybe troublesome all round? Now that is the question? ;)

1. Wall of text...please fix it.

OCD much

2. They didn't talk about it like it was so much code. They had made some serious changes to the OS, and the older start wasn't able to handle some of the changes they made. Their telemetry data was able to tell them how often the start button was actually used. So looking at that data they knew it wasn't really being used, and they already had the start screen ready.

if no one was using it then why put a bigger one that I don't need to use and if I wanted all my icons on the screen Fences is great for that just doble click and they disapear, you don't need the start screen

You should read some of the earlier posts...in particular the post that links to an explanation from one of the folks that worked on OS. It has all this info and more. The reasons for removal were valid.

and if you take out animations, transicions, transparency, and graphics the os will become faster, that's pretty valid to me to make a text OS

Oh, and yeah...they didn't take out Aero. They took out Glass on the frames...but Glass is still present on the taskbar...and Aero is still the primary theme, but with some changes made for Windows 8.

So again...please don't post up something like this without at least checking what you're saying.

really they took out what made Aero Aero without the glass effect guess what it is called "Classic"

1. Nope. It's called being considerate towards people who are going to read your text. People can read things more easily with proper formatting. Not doing that shows contempt and disregard for yourself and potential readers. If you can't take the time to care about what you're presenting...why should they?

2. Evidently I was wrong in point 1 about making it easier to read if the text is well formatted. The point was that people weren't using the start button. That's why that was deprecated. The start menu had issues that were going to take a lot of work to resolve because of other core OS changes. I won't keep repeating this though since it's apparent you don't care.

3. Hmm actually it seems like you have no intention to discuss this. I was reading your post point by point while replying...and I won't waste further time replying to you on this...unless you indicate you actually want to have an honest discussion and not just troll.

From skimming through this thread, I've come to the conclusion that I may be the on,y person that uses the start key on his keyboard to access the start screen. I don't think I've clicked a corner or start orb for years. My usual usage is, Winkey, then type what I need. It's been like that since vista

Actually I use mine all the time, and so do most folks that I know. It seems like it's the people who are resistant to change who don't use it...and since the keyboards have had the WinKey on them for over a decade now it makes sense that they wouldn't want to use it...since back in Windows 95 days most keyboards didn't have that on there.

I suspect it will come back now. A week ago I would have said the start menu option was dead in the water but a week ago I would have placed every dime of my money on a bet against Sinofsky leaving Microsoft.

Considering JL-G is in charge? Nope.

1. Nope. It's called being considerate towards people who are going to read your text. People can read things more easily with proper formatting. Not doing that shows contempt and disregard for yourself and potential readers. If you can't take the time to care about what you're presenting...why should they?

Sorry it's called OCD no one said anythig about it but you, but it's actually weird that you don't OCD about the start screen when it's nothing but a mess of a wall of tiles go figure.

2. Evidently I was wrong in point 1 about making it easier to read if the text is well formatted. The point was that people weren't using the start button. That's why that was deprecated. The start menu had issues that were going to take a lot of work to resolve because of other core OS changes. I won't keep repeating this though since it's apparent you don't care.

oviously it wasn't that difficult to keep it. We already have plenty of third party software doing it so I find it difficult to belive that microsoft a multibillion dollar company can't do it.

3. Hmm actually it seems like you have no intention to discuss this. I was reading your post point by point while replying...and I won't waste further time replying to you on this...unless you indicate you actually want to have an honest discussion and not just troll.

A troll??? just because I don't have the same point of view and I point out some inconsistenciesof the OS.

You still haven't answered why do they keep all the duplicate programs on the desktop since they want to make a lean OS, and why they don't give a choice

and for that I'm a troll :o lol

You tell me. All my icons are organized into groups on the Start Screen. My desktop is as clean as it can be. :D

So you've basically taken what people used to do with the old 9x style start menus, create folders for a task/purpose and group all the relevant shortcuts inside. And you've applied it to the start screen.

That's not progress, that's regression. Search exists for a reason. And honestly, how on earth is that favourites section even useful.

man DM wtf is up with all the IE stuff....? that is a bit messy, do you actually go to every single site that's pinned? I only, have the top 4 I go to most...leaving the others in the browser. See....

AfHV4.jpg

4ti8c.jpg

Not having the start button isn't all that bad, but there are still times I get annoyed that there isn't one. I have contemplated going back to W7, I don't want to go through the headache of getting everything set back up so. I'm sticking to windows 8. Besides I let my mum try it out since she not good with comp's, she likes that it's easier for her to get to things instead of me having to do it for her.

man DM wtf is up with all the IE stuff....? that is a bit messy, do you actually go to every single site that's pinned? I only, have the top 4 I go to most...leaving the others in the browser. See....

AfHV4.jpg

4ti8c.jpg

Not having the start button isn't all that bad, but there are still times I get annoyed that there isn't one. I have contemplated going back to W7, I don't want to go through the headache of getting everything set back up so. I'm sticking to windows 8. Besides I let my mum try it out since she not good with comp's, she likes that it's easier for her to get to things instead of me having to do it for her.

****, stop it! your scaring us.

I really hope they don't bring back the start menu, the start screen is fine, and using metro apps with a start menu would be an even bigger clusterfeck

no it wouldn't be, bring back the start menu, PEOPLE WANT CHOICE

  • Like 3

no it wouldn't be, bring back the start menu, PEOPLE WANT CHOICE

Can we stop focusing on the Start Menu specifically.

I'm willing to bet 90% of the complaints would go away if they added a simple replacement, it doesn't need to be the old start menu. Just a small menu/window with a search box and a couple of "essential" shortcuts. (CPanel etc.)

That would let desktop people use the desktop in peace, the mobile device users can flip between whatever suits the situation and the fanboys can live in Metro and waste their meaningless lives obsessing over their Faycebewk tiles and fawning over images of Sinofsky as usual.

I really hope they don't bring back the start menu, the start screen is fine, and using metro apps with a start menu would be an even bigger clusterfeck

Wrong! move mouse pointer to upper right, bingo! we have the modern UI. why is it so bad to give people what they want or might want? This reminds me of UBISOFT and the ghost recon franchise. we have been wanting the tactical squad based shooter revived but all we get are cinematic, linear trash games and now GR is on the level of Call of duty.

you don't want loyal customers?don't give them what they want. I never or very seldom use modern UI in 8.

Added***. As with all things everyone has their own agenda, this area as well.So we got Modern UI in windows, who's to say the next leader of windows designs something and the modern UI for 8 is out the window?

First Vista's UI was changed with 7, 7 gets changed with 8, 8 will more than likely get changed by 9.... MS hasn't grasped sticking with anything except the start menu. I'm under the impression that MS is somewhat schizophrenic when it comes to UI's and designing the OS overall. wasn't the last head of windows, there when they made 7 and Vista?

A guy could get a freaking headache from all this nonsense :wacko:

Edited by ChrisJ1968

I also prefer my 'favourites' hidden, and where they should be, in my browser lol, and certainly not on my desktop!

You been taking 'e' s lol :D

Start =/= Desktop.

man DM wtf is up with all the IE stuff....? that is a bit messy, do you actually go to every single site that's pinned? I only, have the top 4 I go to most...leaving the others in the browser. See....

More or less. I'm planning to clean up a few later on.

Wrong! move mouse pointer to upper right, bingo! we have the modern UI. why is it so bad to give people what they want or might want? This reminds me of UBISOFT and the ghost recon franchise. we have been wanting the tactical squad based shooter revived but all we get are cinematic, linear trash games and now GR is on the level of Call of duty.

you don't want loyal customers?don't give them what they want. I never or very seldom use modern UI in 8.

Added***. As with all things everyone has their own agenda, this area as well.So we got Modern UI in windows, who's to say the next leader of windows designs something and the modern UI for 8 is out the window?

First Vista's UI was changed with 7, 7 gets changed with 8, 8 will more than likely get changed by 9.... MS hasn't grasped sticking with anything except the start menu. I'm under the impression that MS is somewhat schizophrenic when it comes to UI's and designing the OS overall. wasn't the last head of windows, there when they made 7 and Vista?

A guy could get a freaking headache from all this nonsense :wacko:

So far the only people crying over the decrepit Start Menu are a few techies. A vocal minority who will cry very loudly.

If anything Start will be streamlined in Windows 9, as JL-G is now heading the division. She worked with Sinofsky to develop the Metro UI. So, no, it's not going away.

There just isn't anyway the old menu is coming back at all. It doesn't make sense in the slightest to bring it back. You move computing forward, not back.

Derp Matrix at it again, I see. Yet, no comment from him on the low sales of Windows 8. Oh wait, "Microsoft doesn?t comment on rumors or speculation." Pathetic.

Low OEM sales? Nothing new there. Not an indication of anything. It's just before the holidays.

Not sure why you keep slamming me, but Start is here, and not going anywhere. It's pretty obvious you guys aren't designers or developers. The Metro UI will be improved upon for Windows 9. That's how things go.

It's pretty obvious you guys aren't designers or developers.

Indeed, the abomination known as Metro is a result of developers thinking they are designers.

Not sure why you keep slamming me, but Start is here, and not going anywhere. It's pretty obvious you guys aren't designers or developers. The Metro UI will be improved upon for Windows 9. That's how things go.

I'm a web/graphic designer actually and I think Modern UI is crap.

Let me present a scenario: Graphic designer works on a very detailed graphic which require his attention, he needs an additional app for something

a) In Windows 7 he opens the small (start) menu find what he need and continue his work with as small as possible distraction.

b) In Windows 8 he opens the colorful full screen menu which completely distract him from his work.

How Metro UI will be non-distractive?

Why Microsoft try to force the new UI on their customers?

Microsoft could made the finishing of the setup wizard with user input of selecting UI with or without start menu, it is not that hard as they already have 99% of everything needed.

Let me present a scenario: Graphic designer works on a very detailed graphic which require his attention, he needs an additional app for something

a) In Windows 7 he opens the small (start) menu find what he need and continue his work with as small as possible distraction.

b) In Windows 8 he opens the colorful full screen menu which completely distract him from his work.

How Metro UI will be non-distractive?

Why Microsoft try to force the new UI on their customers?

Microsoft could made the finishing of the setup wizard with user input of selecting UI with or without start menu, it is not that hard as they already have 99% of everything needed.

The reason for this has already been posted at least twice in this thread. It wasn't a random removal.

Will everyone stop posting about how easy this is until after you read the post from Brandon about this.

This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Posts

    • Good. I hope more people sue them for focusing on this worthless junk.
    • How about fire the guy who approved all the bad decisions? The guy who bought these studios in the first place? Oh wait, Satya is safe with his billions while the workers pay the price.
    • This had nothing to do with games. This is all about management wanting to squeeze as much money from Xbox to keep Microsoft's AI ambitions afloat. Someone has to make money to burn on AI.
    • GeekBook X16 Pro Intel Core Ultra 9 thin and light laptop gets a 17% discount by Steven Parker GEEKOM is back with a 17% discount on its top-of-the-range X16 Pro laptop. You may remember that we reviewed the X14 Pro back in February, which marked GEEKOM's debut into the ultrathin laptop segment. You can view the full specs below. GEEKOM X16 Pro Model NX14CM Dimensions 322.58 × 213.36 × 5.8 mm (12.7"L x 8.4"W x 0.23"T) Weight 997 g / 2.2 lbs Material Unibody Magnesium Alloy CPU Intel Ultra 5 125H (14C/18T, 24MB L3, 2.3-5.1 GHz, TDP 20W) Intel Ultra 9 185H (16C/22T, 24MB L3, 2.3-4.5 GHz, TDP 35W) Graphics Intel Arc graphics 8 Xe-cores @ 2350MHz 1024 shading units/stream processors (128 CUs), 8 Raytracing Cores, 64 texture mapping units, and 32 ROPs NPU Intel AI Boost, 11 TOPS / Up to 33 TOPS (CPU+NPU+GPU) Memory 32GB Dual-channel LPDDR5x 7467 MT/s Micron SODIMM Storage 1 x M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 4x4, Wodposit 1TB, 2 TB Display 16.0" IPS LCD, 2560 × 1600 (16:10) 100% sRGB, 120Hz Refresh Rate Camera 2MP 1080P 1 × Light sensor in camera module 1 × LED indicator in the camera module Windows Hello Support: No Mic 2 x Digital Mics integrated in the camera module Speakers 2 x 3813 (4Ω×2W) built in body Audio Codec: ALC269QN-VC3-GR Certificate: DTS: X Ultra Operating System Windows 11 Pro 25H2 Bluetooth Bluetooth 5.4 Wireless LAN MediaTek MT7922 M.2 Wi-Fi 6E LAN card Left I/O ports 1 x HDMI 2.0 2 x USB4 (40 Gbps) Right I/O ports 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (5 Gbps) 1 x 3.5 mm Audio jack 1 x Camera Privacy Shutter Keyboard 78Key 1.2±0.2mm / Height 3.5±0.2mm (with backlight) White LED light in Caps Lock and Fn key Language: Default US Touch Pad Dimension: 120 x 71mm Material: Mylar Position: Middle Interface: I2C, Dualpoint button Dock Input port: 1 x Type-C 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x RJ45 1 x PD 1 x HDMI (Bio) Security Fingerprint sensor (in the power button) SD Card slot No Kensington Lock No Battery 77Wh (Input 20V, 3.25A) Power 65W PD GaN Fast Charge, USB-C to USB-C Warranty 2 years (Early Bird 1+1 Years) Deal price $1119.67 The X16 Pro is powered by the Intel Ultra 9 185H, which was released in Q4 2023 and is a 14th Gen Meteor Lake CPU designed for laptop/mobile using the Intel 4 architecture based on a 7nm process. The Ultra 9 185H features 16 cores and 22 threads running at up to 5.1 GHz. It also includes a dedicated NPU utilizing Intel AI Boost at 11 TOPS. On the graphics front, the 185H includes the still fairly capable ARC Graphics (not to be confused with the newer ARC 140T) integrated GPU with a max GPU frequency of 2350 MHz across 8 Xe-cores. It has been said that the iGPU is equivalent to the NVIDIA GeForce 3050 and GTX 1650 in gaming and synthetic benchmarks. Other highlights include an AMOLED display, LPDDR5x memory at 7467 MT/s, WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4, and a fingerprint sensor built into the power button. AI PC? Although the Intel Core Ultra 9 185H includes a dedicated NPU, it's only 11 TOPS; therefore, it does not qualify as a Copilot+ PC. However, it can reach up to 33 TOPS with a combination of NPU, CPU, and GPU. As I said, although we only reviewed the X14 Pro, the unboxing is the same for the X16 Pro, which I noted in my review. The packaging is quite a nice experience. The outer box houses the X16 Pro box with a small compartment that contains the 5-in-1 Dock ($40 value), which appears to be an "Early Bird" inclusion. Upon removing the box cover, the X16 Pro is revealed sitting in a cardboard compartment with two small booklets of documentation. To the left of the X16 Pro are two cardboard compartments containing the 65W charger and Type-C USB cable. What’s In The Box 1 x GEEKOM X16 Pro Ultra-thin Laptop 1 x Type-C to Type-C cable 1.8M 1 x 65W GaN PD Fast Charger 1 x Warranty Card 1 x Thank You Card 1 x User Guide All products sold by GEEKOM receive a 3-year free Warranty from the date you receive the product. If needed, you can RMA or return locally relative to your region (the U.S. has a U.S. warehouse, mainland E.U. has a German warehouse). GEEKOM X16 Pro at GEEKOM U.S. for $1,119.67 was $1,349 (17% off) Use coupon code NWGBX1617 when checking out. This flash deal expires on July 2. Huge Summer Sale As a reminder, yesterday GEEKOM kicked off their Huge Summer Sale, in which there are deep discounts on a range of other GEEKOM products. From June 15 to June 30, the GEEKOM Official Store will be running its Summer Sale, with discounts starting from 15% off across the entire lineup, up to 50%! This is their biggest promotion of the year so far, offering pricing that is even lower than select Prime Day deals. You can check out the discounts at the dedicated Summer Sale landing pages below. GEEKOM U.S. Summer Sale GEEKOM U.K. Summer Sale While the Summer Sale ends on June 30, this deal will remain active until July 2.
    • We are reached to the point that apple looks affordable and better choice than anything else, in what dystopia are we living in....
  • Recent Achievements

    • One Year In
      Console General earned a badge
      One Year In
    • One Year In
      Twozo Technologies earned a badge
      One Year In
    • One Month Later
      Twozo Technologies earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • Week One Done
      Twozo Technologies earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • Veteran
      branfont went up a rank
      Veteran
  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      519
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      199
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      110
    4. 4
      Steven P.
      89
    5. 5
      Nick H.
      71
  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!