Easier All Apps View in Windows 8 - Fix Windows 8 Shortcomings

Improving Access to the All Apps View in Windows 8

The All Apps view within Windows 8 proves to be a valuable resource, particularly for users who find many of their preferred applications aren't pinned to the Start Screen. However, navigating to this view can be cumbersome.

A Familiar Concept, Reimagined

Essentially, the All Apps view functions as the modern equivalent of the All Programs menu found in earlier Windows versions, dating back to Windows 95. While Windows Vista and 7 introduced modifications, the Start Menu remained the primary access point for all installed applications. The All Apps view serves a similar purpose, presented in a full-screen format.

Although pinning Windows apps, such as Event Viewer, and desktop applications to the Start Screen is possible, the resulting icons can appear visually inconsistent. The inability to customize these icons with aesthetically pleasing Metro-style images further discourages this practice. Consequently, the All Apps screen remains a necessary component for many users.

The Challenge of Navigation

The primary issue lies in the convoluted process of accessing the All Apps view. Typically, users must open the Start Screen by clicking a corner or pressing the Windows key. Then, a right-click on an empty area or the Win + Z key combination is required to reveal the App bar, from which the All Apps screen can be launched.

Touchscreen users can swipe up from the bottom of the screen, offering a slightly more direct route, but this method remains relatively hidden and not immediately obvious.

After considerable time spent grappling with this inefficient system, a more streamlined solution was sought.

Leveraging AutoHotkey for a Solution

Initial investigation focused on keyboard shortcuts. The WIN + Q combination was found to open the search box, which offers limited utility as the same functionality is readily available via the Windows key and direct typing.

Further exploration revealed that CTRL + TAB allows toggling between the Start Screen and the All Apps screen. This discovery provided the foundation for an automated solution using AutoHotkey.

The script developed automates the process by sending the Windows key, followed by a brief pause, and then the Ctrl + Tab key combination.

Send {LWin}
Sleep 60
Send {Lctrl down}
Sleep 10
Send {Tab}
Sleep 10
Send {Lctrl up}

This AutoHotkey script can be compiled into an executable file, a shortcut created, and the shortcut’s icon customized to the user’s preference.

One-Click Access via the Taskbar

Pinning this shortcut to the Taskbar provides instant, one-click access to all installed applications.

This approach proves particularly beneficial on tablet devices. Instead of swiping up and selecting the All Apps icon, a single tap on the shortcut tile directly launches the desired view, streamlining the application launch process.

A momentary flash to the desktop occurs due to AutoHotkey’s desktop application nature. While a more integrated solution may be implemented in future Windows updates, this method offers a significant improvement in usability.

It is important to note that this solution is not compatible with the Surface RT, due to limitations inherent in the Windows RT operating system.