Windows 10: Windows 8.1 Start Screen vs. Windows 10 Start Menu

Agree with what Paul stated, but we'll see what Continuum brings to the table. Some aren't getting the orientation operation. 8.1 is Start Screen oriented, whereas 10 is desktop oriented just as 7 and prior.

In 8.1 this means when a Modern Store app is closed out it returns to the Start Screen. When closing a desktop app it stays on the desktop. To return to the Start Screen one needs to press the WinKey or Start Flag. I would prefer it to return to the Start Screen immediately, but that's neither here nor there in this case. With 10, we're left looking at a desktop repeatedly only to push the WinKey or Start Flag.

Personally I like the brief return to the Start Screen to see updated data there whatever it may be. e.g. I'm using an app and I get an email notification. I decide I don't want to answer to it just yet. I close out the app, it returns to the Start Screen, and then I open my Mail app to read/answer to the email. There's a certain flow to using an OS. Personally the Start Menu breaks it every time, whereas the Start Screen does not. It's also giving me at-a-glance personal info that the Start Menu does not.

Like I stated > We shall see what Continuum brings.

 

Perhaps one advantage the Start Menu has over the Start Screen is the ability to drag and drop back and forth to numerous locations, albeit a significant function for desktops or not.

 

Hi there

I also think for devices with larger screens than small tablets or mobile phones a CASCADING type of menu (whether touch or mouse operated) beats any sort of single (one dimensional) endless scrolling type of system to select a tile and then start it.

Even on a mobile phone I get irritated by the incessant scrolling I have to do to find an application -- probably due to the zillions of bloat apps that come pre-installed on most mobiles these days --and if you "root" then to get rid of the junk then things like Bank apps no longer work --doubly screwed !!!!.

Cheers
jimbo

 

Don't know about Classic Menu, but with Start8, you can toggle back and forth quite easily: click at the top of the start menu for the start screen, press Esc on the start screen for the start menu.

 

What. . .under Win 8 folks cried the wows of not having a start menu, and how sad it was they had to use a third party application to just have a start menu. . . Microsoft has given them a start menu (not as yet perfect though they are working on it), and now they are attempting to push the idea that a third party menu is the only way to go. . .go figure.

 

Speaking for myself, I like what MS is doing with the start menu in 10. I haven't used any third party menu programs in Win 10 and don't plan on using one. I'm curious what changes, If any, Will be made to the start menu before 10 goes final.

 

K..., MS just needs to include these options and it'll be perfect for everybody!!! *Wink

 

I do a lot of photo/video editing (and gaming) so desktop view is very natural to use, however for my social stuff, browsing mags, Netflix, etc., Metro offers a lot of nice venues.

So, I like both, however I am not at all happy about the Windows 10 start Menu so a third party application is my choice.

I still don't understand why they brought another tiled menu into the mix, the start screen is optimum for tiles, and all they needed to do was add a Windows 7 menu. I just dont follow Microsoft's logic.

 

When complaining our mother would say to us "You'd complain if you were hung with a new rope!"

The Stones put it; "You can't always get what you want, but you get what you need."

Very nice, Edwin. *Thumbs

But now let's face reality. *Wink

 

I love Win8.1's start menu!

 

*Ditto Reminds me of OS X Launch Pad

 

*Ditto Reminds me of OS X Launch Pad hahaha *Tongue

 

Start Screen and from what I've seen in the early somewhat functioning Windows 10 Start Screen, 10>8.1.1. It's more or less what I wished Microsoft would have designed it, take bits of the old Start menu and combine it with the new. That way it's new but familiar. And this way, I might not have to pin File Explorer locations to Start anymore!

It looks like it's going to mesh Windows Phone's Start Screen with Windows 8.1's Start Screen together. It doesn't seem like All Apps will be a totally different view, but more like the old All Programs list. How they have it set it up in the latest preview build when you enable it, it'll have the All Apps list alongside with the rest of your Start Screen.

I prefer a full Start Screen mainly because to me, it's like the backstage view of the Desktop. I'm kind of glad they're taking that route as I wished they did three years ago when 8 was being developed. The Desktop is the forefront of the Windows PC whether anyone likes that or not, and it should be complemented how in Office 2010/13 has their Backstage view through the File tab. It shows much more, it consolidates pop out windows, easier to navigate, and just better.

 

The answer was always has been "both". Always.
Some users will prefer the Start Screen.
Some users will prefer the Start Menu. (like me)

AFAIK, You can boot and open the start screen on desktop too if you like. However, giving the option should be easier than checkbox lost in a menu.

 

As things stand now, I will simply continue to use the Classic Shell start menu replacement...