How to Keep the Windows 8.1 Start Screen Alive in Windows 10

As Windows 10’s public preview continues to evolve, many users find themselves torn between the modern conveniences of Microsoft’s latest OS and the familiar layout they’ve grown to love in Windows 8.1. If you’re one of those who spent years mastering the full-screen Start menu and aren’t ready to let go, there’s still a way to preserve that tile-based experience in Windows 10. With a bit of tweaking, plus a small foray into the Windows Registry, you can have your new system looking and behaving more like the old one you cherished.

Why Do We Cling to Old Interfaces?

From my experience, we as human beings, often resist change, especially when it comes to user interfaces. Even if the new design might be simpler or more intuitive, our habits and preferences can keep us tethered to what’s familiar. The transition from the Windows 8.1 Start Screen to Windows 10’s new Start menu is no exception. Some love the compact, classic-style menu with pinned tiles on the side, while others miss the immersive, full-screen approach.

In January 2015, Microsoft rolled out a Windows 10 Build 9926 preview, featuring a revised Start menu that can expand to a full screen with just one click. For fans of the old 8.1 Start screen, this new approach might not fully scratch that nostalgic itch. Fear not, there’s a workaround.

Step 1: Explore Windows 10’s Built-In Options

Before taking the plunge into registry edits, note that Windows 10 already provides an easy way to switch between a traditional Start menu and a full-screen Start interface:

1. Open Settings: Right-click on the taskbar and select “Properties,” or head to the new “PC settings” interface.
2. Enable Full-Screen Start: Look for an option (in some builds) to toggle the Start menu to open in full screen. This can recreate some of the 8.1 vibe, but with a modern Windows 10 twist.

This built-in feature might be enough for casual users wanting bigger tiles and a more immersive layout. But if you’re still craving the exact 8.1-style Start screen, read on.

Step 2: Editing the Registry for the Real Old-School Feel

For those who just have to replicate that old 8.1 sensation, you’ll need to add a new registry key. Warning: tweaking the registry always carries some risk, so, be sure you know what you’re doing or at least create a backup first.

• Disable the (New) Start Menu:
  If you uncheck the topmost item in the Start menu properties, you’ll revert to the older, full-screen Start experience upon your next login.
• Launch the Registry Editor:
  Press Win + R, type in regedit, and hit Enter.
• Navigate to the Key
  HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
• Create a New DWORD value and name it
  EnableXamlStartMenuEnsure its value is set to 0 (which is the default).
• Sign Out and Sign Back In:
  Once you’ve closed the Registry Editor, log off, then log back on. Right-click your taskbar, open “Properties,” and in the “Start menu” tab, you should see an option reminiscent of the Windows 8.1 experience.
• Disable the (New) Start Menu:
  If you uncheck the topmost item in the Start menu properties, you’ll revert to the older, full-screen Start experience upon your next login.

Keep in mind that Microsoft might remove this trick in later builds, or they could revamp the Start menu to reduce the need for such workarounds. After all, part of the Windows 10 preview process is to nudge users toward the new interface. However, this option offers a safety net for those who aren’t ready to abandon the 8.1 style just yet.

Why Might This Matter?

1. Muscle Memory:
   If you’re deeply accustomed to Windows 8.1, switching to Windows 10’s layout can disrupt your workflow. Being able to toggle back ensures a smoother transition.
2. Corporate/Enterprise Preferences:
   Some organizations standardized on Windows 8.1’s tile-based Start Screen. Having an option to maintain that UI might appease employees uneasy about a new, unfamiliar environment.
3. User Feedback:
   Microsoft clearly wants users to test and critique Windows 10. This fallback is a subtle nod that they recognize not everyone adapts to major UI shifts at the same pace.

Looking Forward

As 2015 unfolds and Windows 10 edges closer to an official launch, it’s anyone’s guess if Microsoft will preserve this registry hack or refine the Start menu settings to cater to old and new fans alike. Windows 10’s direction — merging the best of Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 — reflects a broader theme in tech: balancing innovation with user comfort. Whether or not you plan to keep the old Start screen, it’s worth admiring how Microsoft attempts to address both modern aesthetics and legacy habits under one operating system umbrella.

Keep an Eye on Future Builds: Microsoft’s preview program is iterative. They might remove the “EnableXamlStartMenu” trick or morph it into a straightforward toggle. If you’re a fan of that 8.1 layout, stay vigilant — each new build could shift your Start menu setup again.

Closing

If you’re one of those Windows 8.1 loyalists who just isn’t ready to say goodbye to your full-screen Start menu, registry edits and a bit of patience can keep your workflow intact during the Windows 10 preview period. Let us know if you decide to try it — has it helped you stay in your comfort zone, or does Windows 10’s new Start menu win you over in the end?

Leave a comment below with your experiences, tips, or any interesting registry hacks of your own. As Microsoft refines Windows 10, our feedback shapes the final product — so don’t be shy about voicing your thoughts.

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Source: Dr. Windows