Windows 8 Knowledge Base

[#1]

Question

How can I make Windows 8 seem more like Windows 7?

Answer

Windows 8 looks different than Windows 7 but still retains all functionality. However, some people may want Windows 8 to resemble Windows 7 more closely.

Launching the "Desktop" application from the Start screen will open Desktop mode, which looks very similar to the Windows 7 interface. However, there is no Start Menu. The Start screen is used for tasks that once were launched from the Start Menu.

To emulate the Start Menu:

1. Right-click on the taskbar.
2. Select "Toolbars".
3. Select "New toolbar..."
4. In the "Choose a folder" window, click in the address bar in the blank space to the right of the current folder to place the cursor in the address bar.
5. Type "C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\" in the address bar and press ENTER.
6. Click the "Select Folder" button. There will now be a toolbar on the taskbar titled "Start Menu" that emulates the old Start Menu. Changes to this folder will also effect the "All apps" section of the Start screen.

[#2]

Step 5... there is no "ProgramData" folder!

[#3]

Can;t find a "ProgramData" folder under the C: drive

[#4]

KathiC & Beecher, Windows has hidden the "ProgramData" folder by default so you won't see it when browsing the file system, but if you follow the step-by-step instructions in this article it will work as described.

Jim