Windows 8 introduced a new and unique home screen called the Start screen. This Start screen replaces the traditional Start menu found in previous versions of Windows. The Start screen is designed to provide a more visually appealing and customizable experience for users. However, some users may find the new interface difficult to navigate or may simply prefer the familiarity of the old Start menu. In this blog post, we will explore different methods to change the home screen on Windows 8, allowing users to customize their experience according to their preferences.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
To change the home screen on Windows 8, you will need a Windows 8 computer or device. Additionally, you will need administrative privileges to make certain changes. It is also recommended to have a basic understanding of Windows navigation and settings.
What Requires Your Focus?
When changing the home screen on Windows 8, there are several aspects that require your focus:
- Familiarizing yourself with the available options.
- Considering your personal preferences and needs.
- Understanding the impact of the changes on your overall Windows 8 experience.
- Ensuring the changes do not interfere with the proper functioning of your computer.
Method 1: Using Settings
Changing the home screen on Windows 8 can be done using the settings options provided by the operating system. Follow these steps:
- Launch the Settings app by pressing the Windows key + I on your keyboard or by swiping from the right edge of the screen and selecting "Settings".
- Select "Personalization".
- Click on "Start" on the left sidebar.
- From here, you can choose different options such as showing more tiles on the Start screen, choosing a background image, and customizing tile sizes and colors.
- Make the desired changes.
- Close the Settings app.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Easy and straightforward process to customize the Start screen. | 1. Limited options compared to other methods. |
| 2. Allows for customization of tile sizes and colors. | 2. May not provide full control over the Start screen layout. |
| 3. Integrated into the operating system, eliminating the need for third-party software. | 3. May not offer advanced customization options for power users. |
Method 2: Using Third-Party Software
If the options provided by Windows 8 settings are not enough or if you want more control over the home screen customization, you can use third-party software. Here’s how:
- Search for and install a third-party Start menu replacement software. There are several options available such as Classic Shell, StartIsBack, and Start Menu 8.
- Launch the software and follow the on-screen instructions to customize the Start menu according to your preferences.
- Once the customization is complete, the new Start menu will replace the default Start screen.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Provides advanced customization options. | 1. Requires the installation of third-party software. |
| 2. Offers more control over the Start menu layout and functionality. | 2. Additional software may consume system resources. |
| 3. Can replicate the familiar Start menu experience of older versions of Windows. | 3. May not be free of charge for certain software. |
Method 3: Via Registry Editor
Another method to change the home screen on Windows 8 involves using the Registry Editor. Please note that modifying the Registry is a sensitive process and should be done with caution. Follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
- Type "regedit" and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
- Navigate to the following key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\StartPage. - Double-click on the "OpenAtLogon" value.
- Change the value data to "0" to open the traditional Desktop at startup or to "1" to open the Start screen at startup.
- Click OK to save the changes.
- Exit the Registry Editor.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Provides a direct way to control the default home screen behavior. | 1. Requires manual modification of the Registry, which can be risky if not done correctly. |
| 2. Does not require the installation of additional software. | 2. Not recommended for users unfamiliar with the Registry Editor. |
| 3. Offers flexibility in setting the default home screen according to personal preferences. | 3. Incorrect modification of Registry entries can lead to system instability. |
Method 4: Using Group Policy Editor
For Windows 8 Pro and Enterprise editions, the Group Policy Editor can be used to change the home screen. Here’s how:
- Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
- Type "gpedit.msc" and press Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
- Navigate to "User Configuration" > "Administrative Templates" > "Start Menu and Taskbar".
- Double-click on the "Go to the desktop instead of Start when signing in" policy.
- Select the "Enabled" option.
- Click OK to save the changes.
- Exit the Group Policy Editor.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Designed for system administrators to enforce specific settings across multiple computers. | 1. Only available in Windows 8 Pro and Enterprise editions. |
| 2. Provides a centralized and standardized way to change the home screen. | 2. Requires knowledge of the Group Policy Editor interface. |
| 3. Allows for granular control over various aspects of the Start screen and Start menu. | 3. Not recommended for individual home users or non-technical users. |
Why Can’t I Change the Home Screen?
There are several reasons why you may encounter difficulties changing the home screen on Windows 8:
- The options to change the home screen may be limited in certain editions of Windows 8.
- Administrative privileges may be required to make certain changes.
- Incompatibility with third-party software or modifications made to the system.
Here are some fixes to address these issues:
- Upgrade to a higher edition of Windows 8 that provides additional customization options.
- Ensure you have administrative privileges when making changes.
- Remove or update any conflicting third-party software.
Implications and Recommendations
Here are some recommendations to consider when changing the home screen on Windows 8:
- Take the time to explore different methods and options before making any changes.
- Consider your personal preferences and needs when customizing the home screen.
- Be cautious when modifying the Registry or using third-party software, as these actions can impact the stability and performance of your system.
5 FAQs about Changing the Home Screen on Windows 8
Q1: Can I revert back to the default Start screen if I don’t like the changes?
A: Yes, you can easily revert back to the default Start screen by reversing the changes made. If you used a third-party software, simply uninstall the software from your computer. If you made changes using the settings, Registry Editor, or Group Policy Editor, follow the steps again and restore the default settings.
Q2: Will changing the home screen affect the performance of my Windows 8 computer?
A: In most cases, changing the home screen will not significantly affect the performance of your Windows 8 computer. However, using resource-intensive third-party software or making extensive modifications to the Registry may have a minor impact on system performance. It is recommended to use reputable software and exercise caution when making changes.
Q3: Can I change the home screen on Windows 8.1 or Windows 10?
A: While the specific methods may vary, you can customize the home screen on Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 as well. The settings and options available may be different, but the overall process remains similar.
Q4: Are there any risks associated with modifying the Registry?
A: Modifying the Registry can be risky if not done correctly. Incorrect modifications can lead to system instability and may require advanced troubleshooting to resolve. It is recommended to create a backup of the Registry before making any changes and to follow detailed instructions or seek professional assistance if you are unfamiliar with the process.
Q5: Can non-administrator users change the home screen on Windows 8?
A: By default, non-administrator users may not have the necessary privileges to change the home screen on Windows 8. Administrative privileges are typically required to make system-wide changes such as customizing the home screen. However, some individual settings, such as tile arrangement and color customization, may be available to non-administrator users.
Final Words
Changing the home screen on Windows 8 allows users to personalize their computing experience and make it more comfortable and familiar. Whether you prefer the traditional Start menu or the new Start screen, Windows 8 offers different methods to customize the home screen according to your preferences. By following the steps mentioned in this blog post and considering the implications, you can easily change the home screen on your Windows 8 computer to suit your needs.