Customize Windows 8 Start Screen: 6 Easy Ways
Customizing the Windows 8 Start Screen
Although the Start screen in Windows 8 cannot be completely eliminated, extensive customization options are available to personalize its appearance and functionality.
Beyond simply removing unwanted tiles, the Start screen can be transformed into a comprehensive, full-screen launcher for applications, folders, and websites.
Adjusting the Visual Style
Users have the ability to modify the color scheme of the Start screen. It's possible to opt for a more subdued palette or, conversely, embrace a vibrant and colorful design.
The Start screen’s aesthetic can be tailored to individual preferences, allowing for a unique user experience.
Optimizing Tile Arrangement
Removing tiles that are infrequently used is a key step in streamlining the Start screen. This decluttering process enhances usability.
By carefully curating the displayed tiles, the Start screen can be optimized for quick access to frequently used programs and resources.
The Start screen effectively functions as a dynamic hub, adapting to the user’s specific needs and workflow.
Customizing the Start Screen Appearance
The default appearance of the Start screen in Windows 8, with its flat blue-purple color scheme and minimal background, may not appeal to all users. Fortunately, the background and colors of the Start screen can be readily altered to suit individual preferences.
To access these customization options, navigate to the charms bar. This can be done by moving your mouse cursor to either the top or bottom left corners of the screen, or by utilizing the WinKey+C keyboard shortcut.
Within the charms bar, select the Settings charm, and then click on “Change PC settings.”
(For devices equipped with a touchscreen, the charms bar is accessible by swiping in from the right edge of the screen.)
Personalizing Colors and Backgrounds
Once in PC settings, select the Personalize category. Then, click on “Start screen” to reveal the available customization options.
Here, you can choose from a variety of pre-defined background images and color schemes provided by Microsoft. While custom images and schemes aren’t supported, a diverse selection is offered.
Options range from intricate backgrounds in vibrant pinks to simple, flat color backgrounds in shades of dark gray, allowing for a personalized visual experience.
Adjusting Tile Sizes
The Windows 8 Start screen features tiles of varying dimensions. Certain tiles, like those for Mail and People, are displayed at a larger size compared to others, such as Internet Explorer and the Store.
Users have the ability to customize the size of each tile individually. To do so, right-click on the tile you wish to modify.
A menu will appear at the bottom of the screen, offering options to either "Smaller" or "Larger" the tile.
If you are utilizing a touch screen device, a long press on the tile will bring up the same resizing options.
This allows for a personalized Start screen layout, prioritizing frequently used applications with larger tiles for quick access.
Managing Live Tile Functionality
Certain tiles on your Start screen are designed to display dynamically changing information. Tiles like those for Finance and News, for instance, regularly refresh with current financial data and news headlines sourced from the internet.
Should you find these constant updates distracting or undesirable, it’s possible to disable the live functionality. Simply right-click on the tile in question and select the option to "Turn live tile off."
Disabling live tiles will cause them to display only the application's name. Clicking the tile will then launch the app, allowing you to view the information when you specifically choose to do so.
Removing Tiles Entirely
Alternatively, if a tile is no longer needed on your Start screen, you can remove it completely. Select the "Unpin from Start" option to eliminate the tile.
This action will not uninstall the associated application; it merely removes the tile from the Start screen interface.
Grouping Tiles on the Start Screen
Within the Start screen interface, tiles can be organized into distinct groups, and each group can be assigned a specific name for easy identification.
To create these groups, simply drag and drop tiles; visual cues will appear between groups during this process, guiding placement.
Naming your groups is accomplished through the Semantic Zoom feature.
This feature is activated by holding down the Ctrl key while scrolling the mouse wheel downwards, or by clicking the dedicated button located at the screen’s bottom-right corner, adjacent to the horizontal scroll bar.
(Alternatively, on touch-enabled devices, a pinch-to-zoom gesture – spreading two fingers apart on the screen – can be used.)
Once groups are visible, a right-click on any group will reveal a context menu.
Selecting the "Name group" option from this menu allows you to input a descriptive name.
These names are then displayed directly on the Start screen.
This enables users to effectively categorize their tiles, applications, and shortcuts for improved organization and access.
Customize Windows to Launch Desktop Applications
For users who prefer a traditional desktop experience and aren't fans of the previous Start screen interface, it's possible to configure Windows as a dedicated launcher for desktop applications.
Begin by removing any tiles representing applications you don't frequently use. This is achieved by right-clicking each tile and selecting the "Unpin" option.
Pinning Your Favorite Apps
Subsequently, populate the Start screen with tiles for the desktop applications you utilize most often. This ensures quick and easy access to your preferred programs.
All installed desktop applications can be located through the "All Apps" view. Access this view by right-clicking anywhere on the Start screen and choosing "All apps" from the context menu.
To add an application to your Start screen, locate it within the "All Apps" list, right-click on its name, and then select "Pin to Start".
This process allows you to tailor the Start screen to function primarily as a desktop application launcher, streamlining your workflow and providing a more familiar user experience.
Pinning Folders and Websites
It is possible to add direct access to folders and websites by pinning them to your Start screen. To accomplish this with a folder, locate it within File Explorer and then right-click, selecting the "Pin to Start" option.
Websites can also be added as tiles to your Start screen. Simply navigate to the desired webpage and utilize the "Add site to Start Screen" function, typically found within your browser's menu.
Browser Compatibility
This functionality is natively available in Internet Explorer. However, other web browsers, such as Google Chrome, also provide a similar "Pin to Start Screen" option within their menus.
Once pinned, both folders and websites will be displayed on your Start screen as tiles, functioning similarly to other application shortcuts.
Through customization, the Start screen can be modified to resemble a traditional, full-screen Start menu.
This allows users to prioritize desktop applications and avoid utilizing the Windows 8 apps if they prefer not to.
- The Start screen can be tailored to individual preferences.
- Users are not obligated to use the Windows 8 applications.
This approach offers a more familiar experience for those transitioning from earlier versions of Windows.
Related Posts
Touchscreen on Windows PC: Do You Need It?
Find Lost Windows or Office Product Keys - Easy Guide
Windows 10 Resetting Settings: Why It Happens & How to Fix
Monitor FPS in UWP Games on Windows 10 - A Simple Guide
Remove 'Get Windows 10' Icon & Stop Upgrade Notifications
