PC Doctor November 19, 2012

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Dear PC Doctor,

I just bought a new computer and it came with Windows 8 installed. I did not realize that it was going to be so different from Windows 7! I am not sure if I like it yet, it will definitely take some getting used to. There is one thing I would like to know how to do though. I really miss the start menu button. Is there a way for me to get it back?

            Greg

Dear Greg,

Kudos to you for trying Windows 8! Unfortunately, Microsoft completely removed the start button from desktop mode. You are not alone when you say you would like it back. A few developers have put together some downloadable add-ons for you to get your start menu back. Here is a few of my favorite that I have found.

Start8 by Startdock (www.startdock.com/products/start8) is not free ($4.99) but you can try it out for 30 days. It enables you to make a start button that works very much like Windows 7. If you are used to the older versions of Windows and want to stay that way, I would recommend trying this add-on!

Classic Shell (www.classicshell.sourceforge.net) is also a lot like the Windows 7 start menu but this add-on is free to download. I do not think it looks as nice as Start8 but you cannot beat free. Tip: when installing, be sure to disable all the free Internet Explorer toolbars that come with the download.

Pokki (www.pokki.com) is my favorite out of all the three. It does so much more than just give you a start button and menu. It is an extremely polished start menu that comes with applications that you can install like Facebook, Gmail, Instagram, Angry Birds, Twitter, Pandora and much more. It is 100% free and you can even try it out on a Windows 7 computer.

     Good luck!

             PC Doctor

Until next time…happy computing!