Power8

Every Windows iteration brought about something new that wasn’t really an innovation or of any help. One change in particular managed to spark a lot of controversy, because it eliminated the popular Start Menu. This gave developers a chance to come up with methods of bringing it back, just like Power8 does.

In case you’re not already used to the Start Screen or haven’t switched to Windows 10 yet, this application can bring the Start Menu back in a matter of seconds. Sure enough it only works with Windows 8/8.1, since it’s Microsoft’s only OS that has no Start Menu. You also need to make sure .NET Framework is installed, but it’s usually bundled in Windows.

Right after the installation is complete, you notice the Windows logo/button disappear from its original position, being replaced with something else. Sadly, the new button is incredibly thin, and you have to move the cursor all the way to the corner to activate it. You risk bringing the Start Screen back up, because the bottom left corner of the screen acts as a gateway.

On the other hand, the application comes with a built-in feature to Disable Metro Apps, which also eliminates the corner link so you can easily use the new Start Menu. There’s one more thing you need to consider in case the application tickles your fancy, and that is to enable the option that makes it run at startup, otherwise you need to launch it every time you want to equip the Start Menu.

Truth be told, you might be a little disappointed about the visuals, because it’s not exactly a replica of any other Windows Start Menu, nor does it have anything to make it stand out from the crowd. This doesn’t mean you can’t use it, though.

It’s fitted with most important areas of your computer, such as the control panel, libraries, this PC, as well as power options, search bar, and the classic programs list. There are some dedicated options and general controls, and even some to manage online search engines.

Taking everything into consideration, we can say that Power8 is an application you can give a shot, at least to take the pressure off working with the disputable Start Screen. It might not be good-looking, but it manages to satisfy your needs for such a component, and can even block Metro apps so you never have to deal with them again.

Power8 is part of these download collections: Tweak Windows 8, Windows 8 Start Menu