Create Simple Start Menu Substitute in Windows 8

Microsoft has removed Start Menu from Windows 8. Without a start menu, most of the people are finding it difficult to work their way around Windows 8. You can use a third party software like Classic Shell to add Start Menu feature in Windows 8. But if you do not want to install any software, then you can easily create your own simple start menu in Windows 8. Here is how:

  1. Switch to the Windows desktop by pressing the hotkey Win + D.
  2. Right-click anywhere on the taskbar and select Toolbars → New toolbar from the context menu.

    Create Simple Start Menu Substitute in Windows 8

  3. When you are asked to choose a folder for the new toolbar, copy/paste the following and click Select Folder:
    %AppData%MicrosoftWindowsStart Menu

    Create Simple Start Menu Substitute in Windows 8

  4. You would be able to see the new Start Menu toolbar in your taskbar.

    Create Simple Start Menu Substitute in Windows 8

    When you click on this toolbar, you can see subfolders with shortcuts to various programs and system tools. You can use this toolbar as a substitute for the Start Menu to quickly launch programs.