Windows 8.1 classic start menu hack

I've been playing around with the win 8.1 eval copy and I tried to do the registry hack to get the classic menu back, but it seems to have been removed.

Under HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer there used to be a value called RPEnabled that could be changed to bring back the classic start menu. It's not there in 8.1. Anyone know how this can be done?

I never actually did this to Win 8, I've only read about it. I just thought I'd try it in 8.1.

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Comments

TechGuy215

My fix for Windows 8:

Step1: Format HDD that Windows 8 is on.
Step2: Install Windows 7.
Step 3: Enjoy!

dave330i

TechGuy215 wrote: »

My fix for Windows 8:

Step1: Format HDD that Windows 8 is on.
Step2: Install Windows 7.
Step 3: Enjoy!

Very similar to Windows Vista fix.

veritas_libertas

I thought 8.1 was suppose to bring back the Start menu?

gunbunnysoulja

8.1 brings back a start button, not really a start menu. I use classic shell with Windows 8 and it works great.

tpatt100

I barely use my Start menu in Windows 7. Anything I use frequently is on my task bar.

srabiee

I use Start8 beta with Windows 8.1 and now the OS is actually usable. Without Start8, I refuse to use Windows 8 or Windows 8.1. The Metro interface is just total s***.

wallpaper_01

Same barely use it, quite like 8.1

Haswell

Just use Classic Start (which is free BTW) from Ninite.com

I happen to like Windows 8. It does feel about 20% faster, with faster start-up an shutdown. Plus, I the task manager seems more streamlined and less bloated.

SteveLord

Any freshly installed OS would feel faster.

jibbajabba

TechGuy215 wrote: »

My fix for Windows 8:

Step1: Format HDD that Windows 8 is on.
Step2: Install Windows 7.
Step 3: Enjoy!

I just replaced my work Win8 desktop with Ubuntu

tpatt100

SteveLord wrote: »

Any freshly installed OS would feel faster.

Lol yeah my Motorola Razr felt snappy after I reset it to factory default image and no third party apps.

Reseven

Thanks for the responses guys. I've read about Classic Start and that seems to be the most popular way to do this.

I was just hoping someone knew how to get it back without 3rd party stuff. I figured if it was possible with earlier versions then it's probably still hidden in there somewhere.