Windows 8: Using Windows 7 Features - Start Menu, Explorer, Task Manager

Reverting to a Familiar Interface in Windows 8

Users who experimented with the Windows 8 Developer Preview may have encountered changes to the Start menu, Windows Explorer, and Task Manager that weren't to their liking.

Fortunately, it's possible to restore the appearance and functionality of these elements to resemble those found in Windows 7.

Methods for Restoration

This guide details two distinct approaches to achieving this reversion: a direct modification of the Windows Registry, and the utilization of a specialized third-party application.

Both methods aim to provide a more traditional user experience for those accustomed to Windows 7's interface.

Using a Registry Hack

Directly editing the Windows Registry allows for a manual restoration of the classic Start menu, Explorer, and Task Manager.

This method requires careful execution, as incorrect registry modifications can potentially destabilize the system.

Employing a Third-Party Tool

Alternatively, a third-party tool can automate the process of reverting these components.

This approach generally offers a more user-friendly experience and reduces the risk of errors associated with manual registry editing.

The tool handles the necessary registry changes and file replacements automatically.

Choosing the Right Approach

The selection between a registry hack and a third-party tool depends on the user's technical proficiency and comfort level.

For experienced users, the registry hack provides greater control, while for others, the third-party tool offers a simpler and safer solution.

Restoring the Windows 7 Start Menu via Registry Modification

The Windows 7 Start menu, along with the familiar Explorer and Task Manager, can be reinstated in Windows 8 through a modification of the system registry. Initiate this process by pressing the Windows key and the 'R' key simultaneously to open the Run dialog.

Type "regedit" into the Open field and then press Enter, or select OK to launch the Registry Editor.

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Should the User Account Control prompt appear, confirm the action by clicking Yes to proceed.

Note: The appearance of this dialog is contingent upon your current User Account Control settings.

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Navigate through the registry tree to the following location:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer

With the Explorer key selected in the left pane, locate and double-click the RPEnabled value displayed in the right pane.

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In the Edit DWORD (32-bit) Value window, modify the data within the Value data field to "0" and then click OK. A value of "0" disables the Metro UI, activating the classic Start menu, while a value of "1" enables the Metro UI and disables the classic Start menu.

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Exit the Registry Editor by selecting Exit from the File menu.

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The Task Manager will immediately revert to its classic appearance. However, a restart of Windows Explorer is necessary for the Start menu changes to take effect. Since the Task Manager is now in the Windows 7 style, restart Explorer as you would in that version, utilizing the Classic Close Explorer Method.

If you revert to the Metro UI (setting RPEnabled back to 1), the Task Manager will display in the new style, requiring a restart of Explorer using the Windows 8 Task Manager.

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Following the Explorer restart, the classic Start menu will be available for use.

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Note: Existing Explorer windows will not be affected by the switch to the Classic Start Menu. To view the classic Windows Explorer, close any currently open Explorer windows and relaunch the application.

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To revert to the Metro UI, re-enter the registry and set the RPEnabled key's value back to "1".

Employing a Third-Party Application

While a registry modification can restore the familiar Start menu, an even simpler method exists. A dedicated tool, known as Windows 8 Start Menu Toggle, facilitates quick switching between the Metro UI and the classic Start menu with a single click. The download link for this utility is provided at the article’s conclusion.

To operate Windows 8 Start Menu Toggle, administrative privileges are required. Locate the downloaded .zip file, right-click the .exe file within, and select "Run as administrator" from the context menu.

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Should the User Account Control prompt appear, confirm by clicking Yes to proceed.

NOTE: The appearance of this prompt is contingent upon your current User Account Control settings.

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Windows 8 Start Menu Toggle is a portable application, meaning installation is not necessary. However, upon its initial execution, the program may request the installation of the Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5.1, if it isn’t already present. Select "Accept changes" to initiate the installation process.

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Installing the .NET Framework within Windows 8 necessitates a connection to Windows Update. Click "Connect to Windows Update" to enable the system to download and install the required components.

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A dialog will appear, indicating the progress of the updates being downloaded from Windows Update. Once the download and installation are complete, a confirmation dialog will be displayed. Click "Finish".

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To launch Windows 8 Start Menu Toggle, double-click the w8smt.exe file. A compact dialog box will appear, featuring a prominent button. If you are currently utilizing the Metro UI, the button will state "Use Classic Start Menu". Clicking this button will conceal the Metro UI and activate the classic Windows 7 Start menu, Explorer, and Task Manager.

NOTE: A restart of Explorer is not required for these changes to take effect. Should the Start button not immediately reflect the change, simply move your mouse over it and click. The transition to the classic Start menu should occur within moments.

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When the classic Start menu is active, the button within Windows 8 Start Menu Toggle will change to "Use Metro Start Screen". Clicking this button will revert to the Metro Start Screen, hiding the classic Start menu.