The Start menu is back, but some don’t want it anymore

Dec 22, 2014 13:48 GMT  ·  By

If you’re a long-time Windows user, you most likely know that, when Windows 8 came out, the whole world was complaining that Microsoft removed the Start menu, which suddenly proved to be one of the most popular features of Redmond’s operating system.

So after a couple of years of struggle, Microsoft finally decided to bring the Start menu back in Windows 10 with a modern twist, mixing the traditional design with live tiles that were previously exclusively available on Windows 8.1.

Guess what happened next! Some of the users who had previously blasted Microsoft for removing the Start menu no longer want it back and call for the company to keep the Start screen available in Windows 10.

More than 4,500 votes on feedback platform

Some of these users have expressed their opinions on the Windows UserVoice feedback platform, with many explaining that the Start screen is much more helpful than the Start menu because it provides access to all installed app in a much more effective way.

“In Windows 10, please allow an option to retain the ‘Windows 8.1 Start screen,’ just like it is now, for those who wish to keep the stylish and modern start screen as it is. The representational artwork and the info given for Windows 10 suggests that although you can choose to have the Start screen, it will look different,” the user who first submitted the feature request wrote.

And still, there’s no doubt that opinions on this particular feature are still mixed, and while some users want the Start screen to remain available in Windows 10, others want the Start menu on the their desktops, and that’s why it’s so important for Microsoft to offer users the power of choice.

Users will be allowed to choose

In Windows 10, users will actually be allowed to decide if they want the Start menu or the Start screen.

By default, on the traditional PC, where the mouse and keyboard continue to be the main input method, the Start menu will be offered by default, while the Start screen will only be available on tablets.

However, consumers will be able to choose by simply right-clicking the taskbar and enabling the feature they want to use. This option is already available in Windows 10 Technical Preview, and rebooting or signing off the user account is required. The same behavior is expected to be offered in the final version of Windows 10 scheduled to go live next year.

Windows 8.1 Start screen (5 Images)

Windows 8.1 Start screen
Windows 8.1 Start screen user account optionsWindows 8.1 Start screen power options
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