Windows Start Menu Archives

Winsage

March 24, 2025

How has the Windows Start menu evolved? Looking back in time as Microsoft turns 50

In 2025, Microsoft will celebrate its 50th anniversary. The Start menu was first introduced in Windows 95 on August 24, 1995, replacing the "Program Manager" and providing a more intuitive user experience. Subsequent versions included refinements in Windows 98, minimal changes in Windows ME, a redesigned two-column layout in Windows XP, enhanced search functionality in Windows Vista, and updates in Windows 7 that included "Jump Lists." Windows 8 replaced the traditional Start menu with a full-screen Start screen, while Windows 10 reintroduced the Start menu with a hybrid design. Windows 11 featured a centered Taskbar and a simplified Start menu layout with static icons. Each iteration has aimed to balance innovation with user familiarity.

Winsage

March 7, 2025

Hands-on: Listary is a lightweight launcher that levels up your productivity on Windows

Listary is a hybrid app launcher and file search tool designed to enhance productivity by providing quick access to applications and files. Users can launch apps by pressing Ctrl twice, which opens a search bar for swift navigation, reducing reliance on the Windows Start menu. It features fast file search capabilities, allowing users to customize their search index and filter results based on content types and modification dates. Listary includes a Quick Switch feature for instant folder access and integrates with various third-party applications. However, it lacks extensive extensibility through plugins, offering limited advanced capabilities compared to competitors.

Winsage

February 10, 2025

9 tools that will supercharge your productivity on Windows

- Microsoft Outlook is a free, built-in tool for managing emails, appointments, meetings, and tasks, featuring calendar sharing and integration with Microsoft To Do. - IFTTT automates repetitive tasks by connecting various apps, services, and devices through customized applets. - The Windows Snipping Tool captures screenshots, records desktop activity, supports full-screen video recording, and has OCR capabilities for text extraction from images. - Microsoft PowerToys is a suite of utilities that enhances the Windows experience, including tools for multitasking, file management, and keeping the PC active. - Grammarly provides real-time grammar and spelling checks, compatible with platforms like Microsoft Word and Google Docs, with a premium version offering advanced features. - Obsidian uses Markdown to create interconnected notes, allowing users to build a personal knowledge base with customizable plugins. - Microsoft 365 includes applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, along with collaboration tools like Teams and OneDrive, with regular updates for new features and security. - UniGetUI is a package manager that simplifies app installations by allowing users to select and install multiple applications simultaneously. - Flow Launcher allows users to quickly launch applications, files, and websites, enhancing workflow efficiency and providing flexibility as a portable app or standard installation.

Winsage

November 3, 2024

We tried Windows 11 LTSC. It comes with your classic apps, no AI or modern UI

Windows 11 LTSC version 24H2 is designed for enterprise users and does not support personal Microsoft accounts during setup. The installation process requires a work or school account, but users can bypass this by using a command prompt trick to set up a local account. The operating system is free from adware and promotional content, presenting a clean interface. It includes the new Outlook web app and retains legacy versions of some applications like Snipping Tool and Paint, which have been updated with modern features. Customization options are limited in the unactivated version, and users must download applications manually without access to the Microsoft Store. File Explorer has enhancements like tab duplication and support for various compression formats. A list of pre-installed applications includes various Microsoft Visual C++ runtimes, Microsoft Edge, Outlook, Paint, and Notepad.

Winsage

November 2, 2024

4 Windows Snipping Tool tips and tricks you need to know

The Snipping Tool in Windows 11 allows users to capture screenshots and annotate images. It can be accessed quickly using keyboard shortcuts, such as Windows + Shift + S to open the tool and Print Screen to launch it if enabled in settings. The tool includes Optical Character Recognition (OCR) for extracting text from screenshots, which can be copied or edited. Users can utilize a delay feature to capture pop-up menus or tooltips. Additionally, the Snipping Tool now supports video recording, allowing users to capture screen activity along with audio. Alternatives like ShareX are also available for users seeking more features.

AppWizard

August 23, 2024

Google app expands to Windows laptops with new ‘Essentials’ tool

Google is launching a new tool called Google Essentials to enhance the integration of its applications and services with Windows laptops, initially available on HP's Spectre, Envy, Pavilion, OMEN, and Victus series, with plans to extend to OmniBook models. The app serves as a gateway to various Google services, including Google Play Games, Google Photos, and Google Messages, and is designed to improve user experiences on Windows devices. Google Essentials allows synchronization of mobile gaming progress with PC gaming, particularly for users of laptops powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 3nm chip. Users can access Google Docs, Drive, and Calendar through quick links, and Google One subscribers can enjoy a two-month trial of Google One 100GB for cloud storage. Users have the option to uninstall Google Essentials and associated services if desired, and Google plans to expand the app's availability to more laptop and desktop models in the future.

Winsage

August 21, 2024

The best Windows Start menu app now works with Arm devices

The latest update of Start11, version 2.1, now offers native support for ARM architecture, enhancing the experience for users of Windows on ARM devices utilizing Snapdragon chips. The update includes advanced search functionality, improved folder path handling, and various bug fixes. It allows users to customize the Start menu and taskbar, facilitating management across organizations.

Winsage

August 15, 2024

I forced myself to not use the Windows Start menu, and I think I prefer it this way

The Windows 11 Start menu has been criticized for its lack of flexibility and customization options since its launch in 2021. Users have expressed frustration with the inability to resize the menu and the mandatory Recommended section. Flow Launcher is an alternative application that enhances efficiency by allowing users to execute tasks using the keyboard, enabling rapid program launching, file searching, and command execution. It functions as a powerful search bar, similar to the Run dialog, with enhanced capabilities, including plug-in support for various commands. Flow Launcher includes built-in extensions for accessing browser bookmarks, executing Windows Terminal commands, and terminating processes, along with a plugin store offering diverse tools. However, it has some shortcomings, such as challenges in searching for specific features and occasional issues with launching certain applications.

Winsage

July 26, 2024

5 best apps for customizing your Windows Start menu

Start11 offers a variety of customization options for the Start menu, including the ability to bring back Windows 7 or Windows 10 styles, as well as unique options like the Windows App style. It also allows for quick access to user folders, the ability to create folders and groups, and display folders from the PC directly in the Start menu. Start11 is a paid app that provides unrivaled organization capabilities for the Start menu.

Winsage

July 19, 2024

Windows 11 Start Menu Not Working? Here’s How To Fix It – SlashGear

The text provides steps to fix Windows Start Menu glitches, including restarting Windows File Explorer, restarting the computer, uninstalling third-party applications, booting Windows in Safe Mode, and checking for pending Windows Updates.