Moving to Windows 8.1 ?

On Holiday · 28 Oct 2013 at 23:09

I'm in desperate need of a reformat and I'm considering moving to Windows 8.1.
I've tried Windows 8 (not 8.1) on a Virtual Machine and the biggest issue I had with it was the start menu, and that horrible tablet-like tile interface.

Are there any good mods to get the Start Menu as similar as possible to Windows 7 ?

Other than that, are there any other mods/add-ons/changes that I should consider?

Neil79 · 28 Oct 2013 at 23:22

Yep

START8
START IS BACK
CLASSICSHELL

up to you if you want to go to windows 8.1 on a clean install, but Windows 8 is perfectly fine with any of those above ^

mark2410 · 29 Oct 2013 at 11:35

i like pokki

shadow_boxer · 29 Oct 2013 at 12:39

mark2410 said:
i like pokki

Same. Really liked it too. Gone to 8.1 now but wasn't sure if it's still compatible, need to investigate.

casual_eze · 29 Oct 2013 at 13:01

give it a chance on your physical install, you will like it when you get used to it (which takes a couple of hours). Remember, the windows logo key on your keyboard is your friend!

spiki · 30 Oct 2013 at 12:55

I installed 8.1 on Monday night having moved from Vista Home Premium.
Must say, I'm really liking it. Starts up quickly and everything very smooth.
Installed BF3 and runs just great. Also installed Classic Shell, although I customised the Start/metro screen with various apps (Ebay, FB, Dropbox etc.) and its all very handy. I just created a new partition and installed it. Have since resized it and can see myself using 8.1 as Vista just seems so sluggish.

On Holiday · 30 Oct 2013 at 17:20

Running 8.1 in a Virtual Machine now, installed Classic Shell. Liking it

Still not a fan of the whole "Start/Apps" screen. Is there a way to always make programs open on the Desktop, and not on it's own in a full screen (i.e. Google Chrome/Skype)

KIA · 30 Oct 2013 at 17:40

YarwoodUK said:
Running 8.1 in a Virtual Machine now, installed Classic Shell. Liking it Still not a fan of the whole "Start/Apps" screen. Is there a way to always make programs open on the Desktop, and not on it's own in a full screen (i.e. Google Chrome/Skype)

Use the desktop version of the app.

On Holiday · 30 Oct 2013 at 17:56

KIA said:
Use the desktop version of the app.

How would I do that?

mark2410 · 30 Oct 2013 at 17:58

just install the normal chrome or skype versions as you normally would. dont use the stupid "app store" which is just full of crappy metro apps.

daveip · 31 Oct 2013 at 12:28

YarwoodUK said:
How would I do that?

For Chrome - click on the settings button in the top left and click on "restart chrome in desktop mode" or something along those lines.

coolsurfer · 31 Oct 2013 at 12:30

If you use startisback it'll be like metro doesn't exist ;-)

linktoinsanity · 31 Oct 2013 at 14:59

StartISBack is pretty good. Trialling it on my laptop at the moment. I just cannot get on with the Start Screen, but I have it configured so that Shift+Win brings up the Start Screen still, whilst just Win brings up the Start Menu.