It seems like the default Start Screen (Metro) in Windows 8 and 8.1 may be with us for sometime. Microsoft may not change it for the previous Start button that was in previous versions of Windows.
With the new Metro style Start Screen, many new users are having difficulties access all programs in Windows 8. In Windows 7 and prior versions, all one had to do was click Start and navigate to All Programs. That’s no available in Windows 8 and 8.1 right away.
This brief tutorial is going to show you another useful way to get access to all the programs in Windows 8 without using third-party tools or software.
There are many third-party tools that will help you enable or bring back the old Start button in Windows 7 to Windows 8. We’ve talked about one such program here.
It’s easy to install and configure, but if you don’t want or can’t install third-party software on your machine, then this method might just be what you need.
It’s not going to bring back the Start menu, but will make it easy to access all the programs in Windows 8 from the taskbar.
To get started, sign on to Windows 8 and click the Desktop tile.
The desktop tile will bring you to your desktop. Next, right-click at the bottom right taskbar and select New –> Toolbar –> New toolbar..
Next, copy and paste the line below into the box as shown in the image below.
%ProgramData%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs
Then click Select Folder button to create the link on the Toolbar as shown below.
The next time you want to access all your programs, select the programs link and navigate to the program you want.
That’s it!
Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I access all programs in Windows 8 without using third-party tools?
To access all programs in Windows 8 without third-party tools, you can create a custom toolbar on the taskbar by following a few simple steps. Right-click on the taskbar, select New, then Toolbar, and paste %ProgramData%MicrosoftWindowsStart MenuPrograms in the box.
What is the alternative method to access all programs in Windows 8?
An alternative method to access all programs in Windows 8 is by creating a toolbar on the taskbar that links to the Programs folder. This method allows you to navigate through all your programs without the need for third-party software.
How do I bring back the Start menu in Windows 8?
If you want to bring back the Start menu in Windows 8, you can use third-party tools that enable this feature. However, if you prefer not to install additional software, creating a toolbar to access all programs is a built-in alternative.
Can I access all programs in Windows 8 from the taskbar?
Yes, you can access all programs in Windows 8 from the taskbar by creating a custom toolbar that links to the Programs folder. This method provides easy access to all your programs directly from the taskbar.
Is there a way to simplify access to all programs in Windows 8?
Yes, you can simplify access to all programs in Windows 8 by creating a toolbar on the taskbar that points to the Programs folder. This method streamlines program navigation without the need for external tools.
How do I navigate through all programs in Windows 8 without a Start menu?
To navigate through all programs in Windows 8 without a Start menu, you can create a toolbar on the taskbar that links to the Programs folder. This allows you to access all your programs seamlessly.
Are there tools to help access all programs in Windows 8?
While there are third-party tools available to bring back the traditional Start menu in Windows 8, you can also access all programs by creating a custom toolbar on the taskbar. This method offers a simple way to navigate through programs.
What steps can I take to access all programs in Windows 8 easily?
To access all programs in Windows 8 easily, create a custom toolbar on the taskbar that links to the Programs folder. This method simplifies program access without the need for additional software.
