What to do if the Start menu does not open. What to do if the Start menu does not open How to open the Start screen in Windows 10

Many users are accustomed to the standard Windows 7 system menu (“Start”), as it is concise and convenient. With the advent of Windows 10 and its modern Start, the question arises: is it possible to return to the “good old” menu without reinstalling Windows? Today we’ll look at how you can customize Start so that it looks like the classic one, and also how to return it to standard style using third party software.

Modern Start Menu on Windows 10

The new Start menu in Windows 10 is very different from the system menu that was in Windows 7, XP and Vista. It can be called the average derivative between the classic “Start” and the Windows 8 start screen. What has changed in the new modern menu compared to the old one to which most users of this operating system are accustomed?

The Start window in Windows 7 has a compact small size and contains icons of all necessary sections

The new menu is divided into two parts. On the left side there are lists of all installed programs, and on the right are live tiles. These are unique icons of various services and programs on the computer. They can be swapped, deleted, renamed, as well as added and resized. Tiles give fast access to frequently used services, sections and programs.

The new Windows 10 Start menu now includes so-called Live Tiles, which were available in the initial version. Windows screen 8

The position of the PC shutdown button has also changed: it is now located on the left side of the screen directly above Windows button. The section for frequently used utilities on the left side of the menu, as well as access to computer settings, has also been preserved. However, items have also been added for other sections that were not there before, for example, “Task Manager” and “Network Connections”.

Customizing the Start Menu on Windows 10

How can you change the appearance of Start so that it resembles a standard window from Windows 7? You can change the color and size of the window, and remove tiles using the menu settings themselves.

Changing size and color

Anyone, even a novice user, can easily resize the large Start menu in Windows 10. The menu shrinks in the same way as the Windows Explorer window.

In the “Personalization” section, change the window color if you are not happy with black. How to do it?

Actions with tiles

You can perform various manipulations with live tiles on the right side of the screen: add, swap, rename, create, etc. However, most users are interested in how to get rid of tiles if they are not needed. Let's look at how to completely remove them from Start if they bother you:

If you don't want to completely remove the tiles, change their size. Right-click the tile and select “Resize” from the list, then click “Small.” You will need to repeat this procedure for each tile separately.

Select Small to reduce the tile size

Setting up the left block

Launch the Personalization window as described in the Changing Size and Color section of this article. Go to the Start tab. This is where we will carry out all additional manipulations. Disable the following items:

Show more tiles. So that only the left side without tiles remains in the menu.
Show a list of applications in the Start menu. The large list of programs will disappear from the menu. Instead of this list, we will put other blocks. We will describe how to do this below in this section of the article.
Show recently added applications. Utilities that you recently installed will not appear in the Start menu.
Show the most frequently used applications. You won't see a list of the programs you use most often.
Sometimes show recommendations in the Start menu. Windows will not display recommendations in tiles.

Turn off any unnecessary options that determine the appearance of the left side of the Start menu

To fill the cleared space on the left side, click the link that says “Choose which folders appear in the Start menu.” In the presented section, select blocks that will be displayed as a list in the left menu area.

Enable the sections you want to see in the left Start zone

If you want to remove only some programs from the list without deleting it completely, use the following instructions:

Sorting tiles into groups

You can organize all the tiles you need into specific groups to keep your Start menu less cluttered. Use existing ones or create your own.

Sort the tiles you need into groups by dragging them

To create new group Click on the icon with two parallel bars and enter the name of the group in the field. Drag all the necessary tiles into this group.

Create a new group and place the tiles that are important to you there

Video: how to customize and optimize Start in Windows 10

How to bring back the classic Start menu in Windows 10

If you have Windows 10, that doesn't mean you can settle for just the new Start menu. You can put back its old version using easy-to-learn programs. Today we will look at several of the most popular utilities: installation and operation of them.

Using the Classic Shell program

Classic Shell is a popular tool for bringing back the classic Start menu. Its great advantage is that it is free. The utility includes three components that can be installed all at once or separately:

Classic Start Menu - the return of the classic Start menu.
Classic Explorer - Add a toolbar to Windows Explorer.
Classic IE - customizing panels in the browser Internet Explorer.

Where can I download this program, how to install it, and then work in it?

This software has its own official resource, so we will download the installer from it. Follow the link and click on Classic Shell 4.3.1 (Russian) to download the Russian version of the program.
Download the Classic Shell installer from the official website
In "Downloads" find the installer file and run it. Left-click on “Next”.
Click on “Next”
Then check the box to the left of the box indicating that you accept the agreement.
In the next section of the installation wizard, you will be asked to select components to install. Select only Classic Start Menu if your goal is change appearance"Start."
Select the components you need to install on your PC
Now just click on the “Install” button. Wait for the installation to complete. Click "Done".
Click on "Done"
Right-click on the Start icon in the lower left corner of the screen. From the small list of options, select Customize to launch Classic Shell.
In the window that appears, select one of three Start menu options.
Choose a style for your Start menu
Click on the "Cover" tab to choose a menu style.
Choose a skin for your Start menu
In the “Basic Parameters” tab, you can set your own values for various items. However, you can not change anything, leaving the default settings. The classic Start menu will still open.
You can optionally change the values of the main parameters
More fine tuning is done in hidden tabs. To open them, check the “Show all settings” item at the top of the window - new sections will appear.
Check "Show all options" to see more settings
When you complete the setup, click on OK.

Video: how to return the standard “Start” using Classic Shell

Using the StartIsBack++ program

The StartIsBack tool is free utility with an interface in Russian. It will allow you not only to return the standard Start menu, but also to customize it to your preferences. With this program you can:

change menu layouts;
adjust transparency;
put large program icons in the menu;
use improved search;
sort the lists of utilities displayed in Start;
enable the All Programs option if you want to have access to all utilities through Start and much more.

Another advantage of the program is that it installs on your PC very quickly: in just a couple of clicks. Let's take a closer look at how to install the utility and then work in it.

Open in any browser official resource utility developer. In the Download tab there will be a large green button to download the installer. Left click on it. When it downloads, launch it.
Click on the green StartIsBack button
Select one of two options: “Install for me only” and “Install for everyone”, depending on whether you want the classic Windows menu to be used by all accounts on this computer or not. If you are the only user, select the first option.
Choose to install StartIsBack either for yourself only or for all computer accounts
The software will immediately restore the previous “Start”. To change menu options, click on “Configure StartIsBack”.
Click on “Configure StartIsBack”
The tool window will open. In the “Appearance” tab, select the design style you like, as well as the icon for the “Start” button. Other options are also available under styles: transparency, color, icons big size on the “Taskbar”, removing an avatar from “Start” and others.
Select a Start menu style and click Apply
In the first tab of the Start Menu, change the basic settings as desired: large program icons, sorting programs in the list, highlighting recently installed applications and much more.
Check the boxes to the left of the options you need and click on “Apply”
In the "Advanced" tab you can delete recent history open utilities or disable the history storage option, as well as enable animation on the “Taskbar” and in the “Start” menu.
Disable storage of the list of recently opened programs or clear this list using a special button

Video: how to use StartIsBack++

Using ViStart 8.1 program

Software called ViStart allows users to enjoy the familiar Start from Windows XP and Windows 7 for free. The utility offers a choice a large number of menu styles. However, they will need to be downloaded and installed separately on your PC. In the program itself, you can choose between four designs. The downside of the utility is that its interface is in English. Now we will help you understand it.

In any browser, open the official resource of this assistant. Click on the little green Download button to download the installer.
Click on Download Now
Click Next to begin the installation.
Left click on Next
Now click on Accept to accept the terms of the agreement. The software will instantly install on your computer.
Click on Accept to accept the terms of the agreement
In the window that opens, select the desired Start type with the left mouse button. Now just click on OK - the program will install the classic menu.
Choose the style of your Start menu from four options
If you want to look at other styles that the developers offer, click on Get More. On the website that opens, click on the link I’d like to change the appearance of My Windows Start Menu.
Click on the link I’d like to change the appearance of My Windows Start Menu
A page will open where you can choose any style you like absolutely free. Decide on a style and left-click on it.
Select a style from the program's official website for your Start menu
Click on the black Download button.
Click on the black Download button
Open the downloaded file. Click Next in the gray window. The new Start menu style will be installed on your PC.
In the new window, click Next to set a new style

Using Start Menu X

Start Menu X - modern solution problems with the inconvenient Start menu in Windows 10. The developers of this program offer a choice of paid and free versions. The program interface is entirely in Russian. The window has many tabs in which you can fine-tune the appearance and functionality of Start. Due to this utility system menu may have Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8 and 10 style.

First, let's install the program, and then look at how to use it.

On official page program, click on the red “Download” button.
Click on the red “Download!” button
Open the installer and check the circle to the left of “I accept the terms of the agreement.” Click “Next”.
Check the "Free version" option. Click on "Next" again.
Select “Free license type” and click “Next”
In the next menu, select “Combine Programs and Applications in one main menu item.” Click “Next” again.
Select the folder to install the utility.
Click on “Install”. We are waiting for the installation to finish. Click on the “Finish” button.
Open the tray on the “Taskbar”. In it we find the Start Menu X icon.
In the Windows tray, left-click on the flower icon
We left-click on it and the “Start” menu will open with a large list of programs.
In Start Menu X you can open any program and service installed on your PC
Right-click on the same icon and select “Settings”.
Select Settings from the context menu
In the first tab “Integration with the system”, select the key combination that will open Start Menu X. Also enable the utility launch along with loading Windows.
Select the keys that will launch Start Menu X on your PC
In the “Personalization” section, configure the visual design: type, scale, column width. In the same block you can clear the icon cache.
Select the visual appearance of Start Menu X and adjust the scale
In the Start Button, select the icon you like.
Select the Start icon from the list of available ones
In the Control section, select the system options you want to see in Start.
Check the sections you want to see in Start Menu X
Change the hotkeys to launch system options in active window"Start."
Select keyboard shortcuts to open certain sections when Start Menu X is open
In the “Style” block, change the overall appearance of the menu: Start Menu X, Classic Start Menu, or Start Menu 10.
Choose from three styles for Start Menu X
The Advanced Options section allows you to fine-tune your Start menu.
If desired, set the necessary parameters in the “Advanced Options” tab and close the settings window

Using IObit Start Menu

A tool called Start Menu 8 from developer IObit boasts a fairly easy-to-learn interface in Russian. Thus, it is suitable even for a beginner who is uncomfortable working with the new large “Start” of Windows 10.

The disadvantage of the program is that it is paid. This utility can be used for free for a week. Then you will be asked to activate, that is, purchase a subscription.

First, let's visit the official resource of the IObit developer to safely download the installer of this useful program.
Click on the big green “Download for free” button.
Download Start Menu from IObit official website
We launch the already downloaded installer to immediately proceed to installing the utility.
Click “Yes” to allow the application to make changes on your computer, and then click “Next” in the installation wizard window to start the installation.
Click on “Accept”.
Click on "Accept"
Specify the path to the folder in which all utility files will be saved. You can leave the automatically generated path. Click "Next".
Wait for the installation to complete and click on “Finish”.
Click on “Finish”
After this, find the program icon on the “Desktop” and double-click on it with the mouse.
In the “Style” tab, select one of three options for the appearance of “Start”: Win 10, Flat or the classic style of Windows 7. In the same window, you can adjust the transparency level of “Start”. Click on “Apply”.
Select a style for your future Start menu and click Apply
Go to the Start Button Icons tab. Here you need to decide on the type of button in the lower left corner of the screen. Select any one you like and click on “Apply”.
Select an icon and click on "Apply"
On the left side of the screen, switch to the General section. In this tab you can set values for the main parameters of the program: whether it starts with Windows boot, whether to update this utility, determine the number of programs that will be shown in Start, the type of program icons in the menu (small or large), etc.
Set your own values for general parameters as desired
In the Menu section, you can select specific sections to appear in the Start menu.
Select the sections you want to appear in your Start
In the "User Interface" you can customize the font color and size, background color, and also set a picture for your profile.
Change custom menu settings: background, font size and color, account image and more
In the “Advanced” tab, the user has the right to disable or enable the transparency of the “Taskbar”, the “View tasks” button, and more.
Turn on important options and leave everything disabled
As you change the settings, the Start menu will immediately change. However, you do not need to restart your computer to see the changes.

Using Stardock Start10

The utility offers a choice of three styles for the Start menu. This may be standard Windows window 7 or a modern menu in the style of Windows 10. The program is also very easy to use, since the interface is in Russian. The disadvantage, as with IObit Start Menu, is that it is paid. At first you can use it for free for a month.

Left-click on the link that leads to the official resource of the Stardock developer.
Since the program is not free, click on the blue Try It Free button to download the free version of the utility. The necessary installer will be downloaded immediately. We find it in “Downloads” and launch it.
Click on Try it Free
In the window that appears, we agree to the terms of use of the program. Check the box next to I agree to the terms of this license agreement.
Click the Next button
Specify the path to the folder in which the program files will be stored. Then click Next.
We are waiting for the running installation to complete. Click on Finish.
Click on Finish
In the first block of the “Style” window, select “Windows 7 style”.
Select a style for the Start menu in the appropriate section
IN next parameter for the theme, select the desired value in the drop-down menu, for example, Rounded Windows 7.
Select a theme from the drop-down menu
Now we determine what the “Start” button will look like, for example, we choose 7 impulse.
Decide what the Start button will look like
You will immediately see that the Start button has changed.
The Start button changed immediately
In the “Customize” block, enable or disable the following functions: large program icons, highlighting in the list of recently installed utilities, displaying a photo on the account avatar, and more. You can leave everything as default. Once configured, simply close the window. All changes will take effect.
If desired, change the settings in Start10 and close the program window

If you are not satisfied with the new Start menu in Windows 10, you can always return the standard menu to Windows style 7. This can be done using special utilities: StartIsBack, Classic Shell, IObit Start Menu and many others. No installation third party utilities, you can make the new menu look like the classic one due to the available settings: changing the size, removing tiles, adding new sections, etc.

First preview new Windows has finally become available for download. Interested users can use their account Microsoft to join the Insider Program and start downloading .

With Windows 10, the good old Start menu is back, but it's not quite the same as we know it from Windows 7. This time it includes all the best from Windows 7 + dynamic tiles of universal applications (until recently, such applications were officially called modern). In particular, the left side of the menu is very similar to the Windows 7 Start menu, while the right side is made up of tiles.

If you have used Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 is enough for a long time If you've already gotten used to the Start screen, you'll be glad to know that Windows 10 lets you turn it on.

Let me remind you that on computers with a keyboard and mouse connected, Windows 10 automatically turns on the new Start menu, while on touch devices the Start screen is used by default.

Please note that when you enable the Start screen in Windows 10, the Start menu will be completely disabled. This way, the Start screen will open both when you click the Start button in the lower left corner of the screen and when you press the Windows logo key on your keyboard.

So let's enable the Start screen in Windows 10:

Step 1: Right-click on the taskbar and select "Properties".

Step 2: In the “Taskbar and Navigation properties” window, open the “Start Menu” tab. Find the option “Use the Start menu instead of the Start screen” and uncheck it. Finally, click "Apply" to turn off the Start menu and turn on the Start screen.

"Home Screen" Windows 10 borrowed some elements from previous versions of the OS. With Windows 7, the usual list was taken, and with Windows 8, live tiles were taken. The user can easily change the appearance of the menu "Start" built-in tools or special programs.

This article will look at some applications that change the appearance "Home screen", and will also describe how to do this without unnecessary software.

Method 1: StartIsBack++

StartIsBack++ — paid program, which has many customization tools. Opening "Desktop" occurs without the Metro interface. Before installation, it is advisable to create a “Restore Point”.

Method 2: Start Menu X

The Start Menu X program positions itself as a much more convenient and improved menu. There is a paid and free version software Next we will look at Start Menu X PRO.

Method 3: Classic Shell

Classic Shell, like previous programs, changes the appearance of the menu "Start". Consists of three components: Classic Start Menu (for the menu "Start"), Classic Explorer (changes the toolbar "Conductor"), Classic IE (also changes the toolbar, but for the standard Internet Explorer browser. Another advantage of Classic Shell is that the software is completely free.

Method 4: Standard Windows 10 Tools

The developers have provided built-in tools for changing the appearance "Home screen".

Many users were unhappy with the appearance of the radically new Start menu in Windows 8 and new version operating system, Microsoft decided to listen to the demands of millions of users from all over the world and gave them a choice: use the full-screen Start menu or install the classic version, the familiar Windows users 7 and older versions of the operating system. Are you new to Windows 10? Here are instructions for changing the appearance of the Start menu in Windows 10.

The traditional Start menu, installed by default in Windows 10.

By default, Windows 10 comes with the classic design, which looks like a combination of the Start menu from Windows 7 and Windows 8. On the left side, you will find a list of frequently used applications and recently added ones, as well as a button that will open you a list of all installed applications. The right side of the menu displays all of your apps' pinned tiles, just like Windows 8.

The Start menu personalization window in Computer Settings.

If you prefer full screen mode display or just want to try an alternative interface, you can change it as follows:

Full screen Start mode in Windows 10.

This will switch the Start menu to full-screen mode, similar to Windows 8. Note that in this case, the computer's power key will appear at the bottom left, along with the all applications button. A list of installed apps will open in the sidebar, and a button in the top left corner will take you to a panel with frequently used apps and four links to File Explorer, PC Settings, All Apps, and Power Management.

How do I turn off frequently used and recently added apps from showing in the Start menu?

Alternative Start Menu from Stardock.

Bonus.

Of course, no one has canceled third-party applications with which you can change the appearance of the Start menu. If you're still unhappy with the way Microsoft has changed the menu, you can install the classic option, which will look exactly the same as what is used in Windows 7. Please note that to do this you need to use third party applications. Stardock provide a great app called Start10 for just such purposes.

Classic Shell - free program to return the previous appearance of the classic Start menu in the operating systems Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista. The program changes the visual display of elements of the Windows operating system for more convenient use.

Many users experience inconvenience when using the Start menu due to the fact that the Windows developer, Microsoft, constantly changes the settings, options and appearance of the Start menu.

Therefore, many users want to return the classic Start menu for the Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8 operating systems. operating system Windows 7 users change the appearance of the Start menu in the style of the Windows XP operating system.

The free Classic Shell program returns the classic look of the Start menu and allows you to make extensive settings for the display of styles, options and design of the start menu.

The Classic Shell program consists of three components:

Classic Start Menu - bringing back the classic Start menu
Classic Explorer - Adding a Toolbar to Windows Explorer
Classic IE - customizing panels in Internet Explorer browser

In this article we will look at the operation of the Classic Start Menu component, which allows you to make the old Start menu in the operating system Windows system. Not all users need other program components.

The Classic Shell program works in Russian. You can download the Classic Shell program from the official website of the developer. On the downloads page, select the “Classic Shell x.x.x (Russian)” file to download to your computer.

Installing Classic Shell

Installation of the Classic Shell program occurs in Russian and does not cause any difficulties. Go through the Classic Shell installation wizard one by one.

In the Custom Installation window, you must select application components to install on your computer. By default, all components are selected for installation.

We want to bring back the classic Start menu, so we only need to keep the “Classic Start Menu” and “Classic Shell Update” components (for automatic updates).

The “Classic Explorer” and “Classic IE” components change the appearance of Explorer and Internet browser Explorer, and not all users need such changes. Therefore, disable the installation of these components.

Classic Shell for Windows 10

After left-clicking on the Start menu, you will see the classic Windows 7-style Start menu installed in the Windows 10 operating system. This is what the Start menu looks like with default settings.

The classic Start menu for Windows 8.1 or Windows 8 will look similar.

Setting up Classic Shell

After installing the application, the “Classic Start Menu Options” window will open. In this window, all program parameters are configured.

You can change Classic Shell settings at any time. To do this, right-click on the “Start” menu and select “Settings” in the context menu.

In the “Start Menu Style” tab, you can select a classic style for the Start menu in the style of the Windows XP or Windows 7 operating systems.

With default settings, the standard Start button is displayed on the Desktop. Instead of the button image from the operating system, you can set the image from Classic Shell (two options) or add your own image if you have a similar image.

By default, the main settings in the program are made in the tabs: “Start Menu Style”, “Basic Settings”, Cover”, “Start Menu Customization”.

Check the box next to “Show all parameters” to configure other parameters in the Classic Shell program.

After this, additional settings will become available in the tabs: “Menu View”, “Start Button”, “Taskbar”, “ Windows Settings 10", "Context menu", "Sounds", "Language", "Controls", "Main menu", "General behavior", "Search field".

Although the program is configured optimally by default, the user can independently change the application settings to suit his needs by experimenting with the settings. To do this, select the settings, see what happened after changing them. If it turns out that you went a little overboard with the settings changes, you can return the program settings to their defaults.

In the application settings, you can hide unnecessary functions, change the display of elements and icons, change the order of elements, and remove elements from the Start menu.

To do this, select the element, select a command and display. After right-clicking on the desired element, select additional functions.

In the “Cover” tab you can select a cover for standard menu"Start". By default, Windows 10 uses the Metro skin. You can choose from other skins: Windows Aero, Metallic, Midnight or Windows 8, a minimalist Classic Skin or No Skin.

Classic Shell parameter settings can be saved to an XML file in order to load settings from this file when new installation Classic Shell programs. To do this, use the “Archive parameters” button, select the desired option: “Save to XML file” or “Load from XML file" To reset the program's settings to default, select "Reset all settings."

Removing Classic Shell

The Classic Shell program is uninstalled in the standard way. If the program was not uninstalled correctly, or some problems arose during the uninstallation process, use special utility which can be downloaded from here.

Conclusion

The free Classic Shell program installs an alternative (formerly classic) Start menu in the Windows operating system. After installing the program on the computer, the user can return the classic appearance of the Start menu in Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, and make other changes to the appearance and settings of the start menu.