Modifying Windows 8.1 for those who want to ease into the new stuff... (and extra tips)

**PLEASE NOTE **

This is posted just to have a place to discuss ways to modify the look/feel and such of Windows 8.1.  It is not to complain about the way things are or c/should be: please do that elsewhere if you feel the need.  Let's keep this as a discussion to direct people to who want to know methods of arranging Windows 8.1 features, functions and layouts that makes them more comfortable/gives them back familiarity while they choose whether or not to learn the new stuff included in Windows 8.1.

Feel free to add the tips/tricks you have discovered in modifying Windows 8.1 for yourself of others that made them more comfortable using it.

Try to not be the one that starts some flamewar because of a decision that it would be 'cute'  ('smart', etc.) to add, "I just switched to ____" or "____ sucks" or any other derogatory statement instead of something constructive for those looking for assistance.

**PLEASE NOTE **

Lots of complaints out there about the way Windows 8.1 looks and feels.  Most of it usually centers around the "in your face" start menu screen or the gestures that seem to get in some percentage of people's ways because of mannerisms they have picked up over the years, etc.  The good thing about Windows 8.1 is that there are PLENTY of choices you can utilize to easily return to something more familiar until you can adjust better to some of the new ways of doing things.

Now I know some people may have seen/used the utilities that bring back the Windows XP-7 Start Button Menu amongst other things - and although you can install a third party utility to give you the functionality of the "Start Button Menu" back - it may or may not be something you need to do.  I suggest *against* it, but as I know some will still want it - there are many utilities that add back the "Start Button Menu" as well as help one adjust other settings some find disconcerting in Windows 8.1.  Here's a good list of some such utilities ...

http://www.eightforums.com/customization/12971-list-start-menu-replacements-windows-8-a.html

... to get you started.  Some cost, some are free, etc.

However, I personally haven't seen the need for such a utility.  Nor have many people I have upgraded to Windows 8/8.1.  Many have found that they seldom utilized the "Start Button Menu" and thus they in-turn seldom utilize the "Start Screen Menu" in the same manner.  I highly suggest you try the few tips here to get you started with Windows 8.1 as it will be better for you in the long run and better for your overall experience, in my opinion.

The desktop mode is still basically the same other than no 'start button menu' and a few missing "prettifications" like Aero Glass.  The search is still generally the same as as Vista/7.  Some interactions such as managing wireless network profiles, accessing certain "power-user" level features and the likes may be a bit different dependent on how you utilized Vista/7, but not really a show-stopper.  It is understandable that all the new stuff presented at once can be overwhelming - but hopefully this discussion can help with that - getting you back to something more familiar.

Truthfully - making Windows 8.1 work in a manner that allows you to learn the new stuff at your own pace (if at all) could be here...

1. Create and utilize a LOCAL user account for most of your activities.  There is little need to tie yourself to a Microsoft Live Account if you are not worried over "Cloud Storage" and all the synchronizing between Windows 8.1 devices, etc.  You have, if you have been a Windows user up until now, always likely used a local account on your personal/home computers - there is no one FORCING you to do otherwise now.
2. Change it so the system boots and returns to the desktop by default.  A lot of people complain the new Start Screen Menu is overwhelming and difficult to navigate with a mouse (or even touch screen for some) - so booting into and using the familiar desktop by default helps to adjust to the new operating system more quickly.
3. *If* you miss/need the Start Button Menu - utilize the taskbar in desktop mode in the same manner you could in prior versions of Windows.  Use the built-in Internet Explorer quicklaunch Toolbar taskbar and/or create a couple of taskbar folders to quickly access the old "Start Button Menu" structure you may be missing.  It takes two folders to do this, but you could make a 'Library' out of these two folders and then just have one taskbar folder for accessing all that old structure.
4. Disable some of the gestures that seem to bother some percentage of users who seemingly routinely put their mouse pointer in the upper/lower corners of their screens.
5. Install all the same applications you are used to and USE them!  Those that you can, of course.  You aren't moving Outlook Express if you are coming from XP, really old software,different architecture dependent software, etc.  However, if it ran on Windows Vista/7 - most of it runs on Windows 8.1 as well.

Do you think that looks difficult/complex and/or looks like it will take a long time?  It isn't and it won't.  Below is some step-by-step instruction as well as tips later on to assist you along this simple journey and get you using your computer and learning the newer features and methods at your own pace.  Essentially the numbered sections below explain in more detail the numbered sections above.

(1)

Many people didn't even know you could use Windows 8.1 with a non-Microsoft Live account - but you can, some might even say you should, but no need to digress.  Make the switch to/back to a local account:

http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/windows-and-office/quick-tip-change-microsoft-live-to-a-local-account-in-windows-81/

[ Why the web page link?  Why re-invent the wheel?...  The instructions are there, straight-forward and fairly simplistic. ]

(2)

Booting to the desktop is probably the most immediate gratification/relief that someone who is just irritated/confused or otherwise disjointed by the Windows 8.1 Start Screen Menu.  This does not make it go away nor does it bring back a start button menu, etc.

• but it does get you back to a familiar look.

[VIDEO LINK]

1. Enter Desktop Mode.  It's an icon on the Start Screen Menu (labeled "Desktop") or press the Windows logo key +D to get there.
2. Right-click the taskbar (bar at the bottom of the screen that has been there for MANY editions of Windows), choose Properties --> Navigation.
3. Locate and check () the box for "When I sign in or close all apps on a screen, go to the desktop instead of Start".
4. Click OK.

Reboot.  Notice the difference?  Take a deep breath, things are getting more familiar already!

(3)

Put some shortcuts on the desktop itself to the applications you installed/use often or pin them to the taskbar.  You've likely done both of these things before in Windows Vista/7.  Some of the tips below are generalized.  You can pick and choose as you like from them (if at all) to better manage your desktop environment.  Truthfully - you could use these even if you were using Windows XP, Vista, 7, etc. in many cases.

I personally like to make my taskbar twice as tall as normal and use the Internet Explorer Quick Launch toolbar as it lets me put more in a smaller space.  I've used this since Windows XP, at least.  Of course, I use 24" and up monitors for my system, so the double-height taskbar may not be something good for you.

For more information on the taskbar for Windows 8, check this out:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/use-the-taskbar

Things I have found useful over the years and still in Windows 8.1 - and found on the web page linked above are:

• "To unlock the taskbar" under "Move the taskbar"
• "Combine when taskbar is full" under "Change how taskbar buttons appear"
• "To minimize all the open windows on the desktop" under "Take a look at the desktop"

Resizing the taskbar height is just making sure it is not locked and clicking/dragging in the right place.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/resize-taskbar#1TC=windows-7

[ Yes - Windows 7 link because the methodology is still the same for the task at hand.  As it was in Windows XP and Vista as well. ]

Adding the IE quicklaunch toolbar is easy if you want to do it, but there are nuances ('Showing Text', 'Showing Titles', moving to the left or right side, etc.) so again I am deferring to a web link that has more space and better images.  While this particular link is for Windows 8 - the same instructions work for Windows Vista, 7 and 8.1.

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/5069-quick-launch-add-taskbar-windows-8-a.html

[VIDEO LINK]

Now I don't personally miss the "Start Button" or "Start Orb" menu system, but some people swear by it - although I have found many can live without it once they have the links either on the desktop, taskbar or in the quicklaunch toolbar from above.  You could use one of the many utilities already mentioned, but I just don't think there is a need.

Here is how to create a 'library' (an ability around since Vista, at least) that contains the folders (2 of them) that make up the content of the "Start Button/Start Orb menu": simply the list of applications and shortcuts that almost every application you install will likely still put there for a while to come.  This is probably the most complicated thing you might do to bring back some part of the older version of Windows, and truthfully, it's more lengthy in than actually complicated in my opinion.

[VIDEO LINK]

1. Press the Windows Logo Key + S (or Q) on your keyboard and that should open the "Search" bar on the right side of the screen.  It's probably looking "Everywhere" and that is fine.  Type in the word:

  libraries

and press ENTER.  That should bring up the Windows Explorer window in "Libraries" view. 2. At the top find "New Item" and click on it to drop the choices down and choose "Library".  You can name it what you want, I kept it simple and called it "Start Menu". 3. Now right-click on the new library you just created (should see it alongside the "Documents", "Music", "Pictures" and "Videos" libraries on the lower right part of the window you opened) and choose "Properties" from the menu that comes up.  This is where you can add the multiple folders that this library will contain. 4. Click on the "Add..." button. 5. In the top address bar type in:

  %appdata%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs

Press Enter. 6. At the bottom-right part of the window, click on the "Include folder" button. 7. Click on the "Add..." button. 8. In the top address bar type in:

  %programdata%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs

Press Enter. 9. At the bottom-right part of the window, click on the "Include folder" button. 10. Click OK.

Now you have a Library that contains the two main lists of programs the old Start Button/Start Orb menu used to populate its list.  You can now create a pseudo and simplified version of that Start Button menu list of installed programs on your taskbar if you like.  Here's how:

1. Right click or press and hold on an empty space on the taskbar, click/tap on Toolbars, and click/tap on New toolbar.
2. In the top address bar, click and type in (replacing whatever is there):

  libraries

... and press enter.  You should see the list of libraries, one of which is the one you created above. 3. Double-click on the one you created from before and then click on "Select Folder" at the bottom right section of the window.

Now you have a taskbar toolbar that has the text from the name of the Library and possibly two folder icons in it.  If you resize that/move it around per the instructions from the "quicklaunch Toolbar" from above, it can look like a button menu-system.  Later I will have a picture of this.

I know that was a lot of information - but again - you don't have to use it all, only the parts you like/want to use.  Also, this part [(3)] essentially should work wind Windows Vista or 7 as well.  Mostly work in Windows XP even.

(4)

METHOD 1: Using the taskbar Properties

[VIDEO LINK]

1. Right-click on the taskbar and select Properties option.
2. It'll open the Taskbar and Navigation properties window.
3. Go to "Navigation" tab and uncheck following options present in "Corner navigation" section:

• When I point to the upper-right corner, show the charms
• When I click the upper-left corner, switch between my recent apps

The 1st checkbox (being empty) will disable the Charms and the 2nd checkbox (being empty) will disable App Switch list.  Apply the changes and it'll immediately disable those hot corners in Windows 8.1.

METHOD 2: Using PC Settings

[VIDEO LINK] 

You can also disable hot corners using PC Settings (via the modern UI Control Panel).

1. Move your mouse cursor to top-right or bottom-right corner of screen and click on Settings icon present in Charms Bar.
2. Now click on "Change PC settings" option.  It'll open PC Settings page.
3. Now go to "PC & devices **** --> Corners & edges" section.
4. As you can see in the screenshot below, you can disable the hot corners by setting both options present in "Corner navigation" section to Off.

Source: http://www.askvg.com/how-to-disable-hot-corners-charms-bar-and-app-switch-list-in-windows-8-1/ via Hamiltonboy78

** Note - that only disables access to the charms from the upper corner.  If your problem is it appears at all/when you move your mouse to the lower right corner - it's a registry value change...

[VIDEO LINK]

1. Open the notepad application (Windows Logo Key + R, type in NOTEPAD and click OK.)
2. Paste the following into notepad:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ImmersiveShell\EdgeUI]

"DisableCharmsHint"=dword:00000001 3. From the Notepad menu, choose "File" --> "Save As". 4. Choose the "Desktop" from the left pane. 5. Change the "Save as type" and the bottom to "All Files (*.*)". 6. For a File Name type:

DisableCharms.reg 7. Click on "Save". 8. Close the notepad application. 9. Locate the file (DisableCharms.reg) on your desktop and double-click it. 10. Answer in the affirmative to all questions.

Now the upper and lower right corners are inactive for the charms. 

You can still open the charms by going to the lower/upper right corner with the pointer and dragging straight up/down.  It's just a little more effort than hitting that corner was.

(5)

The last thing I suggest is installing and using the same applications you used before.  Sounds simple because... it is.  It's an important tip, though.

If you used and liked Mozilla Thunderbird or Windows Live Mail 2012 before - install and use them now.  If you used Skype - download and install the desktop edition for Windows.  If you have always used Adobe Reader for PDFs, download and install it now.  Google Chrome?  Mozilla Firefox?  Google Earth?  Paint.NET?  OpenOffice or LibreOffice?  Microsoft Office?  iTunes?  VLC media player?  The list goes on and on.

This is still Microsoft Windows - don't start treating it like a tablet because one screen and some gesture capabilities give you that OPTION now.

That could get you to a place where you are comfortable using Windows 8.1 without *ANY* third party applications, fancy registry hacks or anything other than, really, stuff native to WIndows 8.1 and stuff, in some cases, you could have done in Windows Vista/Windows 7.

Here's a few random tips

• The lower-left section of Windows 8.1's main screen (the Windows Logo icon) has a lot of surprises when you right-click on it.  Try it.  That's the mouse button you DON'T USE to make the selection, but to get more choices.

• If you have a bar pop-up or the start screen come up and you don't want it there - press the ESC key.
• There are MANY ways to shutdown Windows 8.1.  People seem to have trouble with this one, so...

1. Pressing CTRL+ALT+DEL and clicking on the power button at the bottom right. [VIDEO LINK]
2. Right-click on the Windows Logo in the bottom left of the screen and choosing a "shut down or sign out" option (conveniently I imaged this above.) [VIDEO LINK]
3. Launch the Charms bar, click on the Settings charm, and then select the Power icon. [VIDEO LINK]
4. I've used this method, but it's a little long; at the Start screen, click on your account photo in the upper right corner and then select the Sign out option. Click your mouse or tap any key to get past the Lock screen. At the log-in screen, click on the Shut down button in the lower right corner. [VIDEO LINK]
5. Just press the actual physical power button (not holding it down, just pressing it once and letting go to start the shutdown process.)
6. For those that have a touchscreen (I don't usually) - perhaps this: open File Explorer and navigate to the Windows\System32 folder. Scroll down the folder's contents until you see a file called "SlideToShutDown.exe". Double-click that file, and the lock screen appears at the top half of the screen promoting you to slide your finger down to exit Windows. Just slide your finger to power down.  To make this option more handy, right-click on the "SlideToShutDown.exe" file and select the option to Pin to Start. Now you have a Start screen tile that you can click on or tap whenever you want to shut down Windows. [VIDEO LINK]
7. There is a power button at the top-right area of Windows 8.1 Update 1, the start screen menu, now.  Click it, see your choices there.  (You still click the username to the left of it for logoff type options.)

• Ask.  That's what forums like these are for.  Ask your question (not this discussion specifically, this is a discussion, not a place to reply and ask your question: How to ask a question)
• DON'T PANIC.  It isn't that bad.  It's a computer, it does what you tell it to.  Deep breath, relax, figure it out.  Don't go in expecting everything to be like it was.

<extra images>

In case anyone was curious what a Windows 8.1 system with the above modifications could look like (sans any fancy background image) - here it is:

All Windows 8.1 and no third party applications to change the look or feel; all built-in options, many of which were there in Windows Vista and Windows 7 as well.

The home made "Start Button Menu" looks like this...

</extra images>

 Hope that helps someone!