How to Use Windows 7 Start Menu, Explorer, and Task Manager in Windows 8
The display of Window 8’s start menu and task bar is nice, but if you are bored with the regular display for some reason and want to switch to the classic display which you used to have in Windows 7, then two techniques are available with the help of which you can use Windows 7’s start Menu, Explorer and the Task Manger while still using Windows 8.
One method is the Registry Hack method whereas the other is the Third Party Tool. The Third Party Tool takes less time only if you have run Windows 8 Start Menu Toggle before and for this method you do not require to restart your windows in order to view the changes.
But this guide will explain both methods for your convenience and you can choose to use the one you find easier and less complicated.
Instructions
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Using a Registry Hack
If you do not like the Start Menu as well as the task manager and you wish to bring Windows 7’s display back then follow the method explained as follow:
Press the Windows Key + R and the Run dialogue box will appear on your screen. -
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In the Open edit box enter regedit and press the enter key.
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If a window with the title of User Account Control opens on your screen then click the Yes tab.
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Registry Editor will open on your screen. You will have to navigate for the key given below:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer -
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From the keys viewed on the left side of the window, select the Explorer key and then double click the RPEnabled value. Another dialogue box with the title Edit DWORD (32-bit) Value will appear on your screen.
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You will have to change the value given in the Edit DWORD (32-bit) Value box to 0 before clicking OK.
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In order to close the Registry Editor window, drag your cursor towards the File and click it. From the drop down menu click Exit.
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After making these settings your task manger will immediately change into the classic style, but that will only be viewed if you restart your Windows Explorer.
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If you want to change the style back into a Metro UI then follow similar steps and change the value of RPEnabled to 1 and again restart the windows.
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Using a Third-Party Tool
There is another easy way to change your start menu. For that you require Windows 8 Start Menu Toggle. This tool will allow you to change the style from Metro UI to Classic Start Menu in next to no time. -
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Windows 8 Start Menu Toggle has to be run as an Administrator. First you will have to download the zip file of Windows 8 Start Menu Toggle and then extract it. Right click the file and select Run as an administrator from the menu.
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User Account Control dialogue box will appear. You will have to click Yes in order to continue.
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If the Windows 8 Start Menu Toggle is being run for the first time, you will be asked to install the Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5.1. To continue the installation procedure, click Accept changes.
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In the next step you will have to click connect to Windows Update. This will allow the Windows to connect and download along with installing the relevant changes.
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When the process of downloading completes you will have to click Finish.
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Double click the w8smt.exe file; a small dialogue box will appear on your screen.
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A huge blue button will be viewed by you, saying Use Classic Start Menu. Click it.
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You do not need to restart your Windows in order to view the changes made. By following these simple methods you will be able to switch from classic to Metro UI interface or the other way round.
