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How to Get the Windows 8 Desktop and Start Screen (Or Taskbar and Start Screen) on the Same Display

Dec 14, 2012 07:33 PM
Desktop screen featuring weather updates, time display, and web browser icons.

I've been using Windows 8 for a few months now, and it's definitely not as terrible as some people say, but it definitely isn't as revolutionary as the big wigs at Microsoft had hoped for.

The new Metro interface is great to look at, but having to switch back and forth between the Start screen and the desktop is downright silly. It is basically like having two computers on one device. One is great for running those Windows Store apps, and the other seems to be where most of the computer management takes place.

So, in order to avoid having to constantly switch back and forth between screens, as such...

Rocky shoreline with smooth water and desktop icons visible.
Windows 8 Start Menu with colorful tiles for apps and features.
Rocky shoreline with smooth water and desktop icons visible.
Windows 8 Start Menu with colorful tiles for apps and features.

You can now combine both screens onto one display using this Start Menu Modifier tool...

How to Get the Windows 8 Desktop and Start Screen (Or Taskbar and Start Screen) on the Same Display

The download file is a .zip, so you'll have to extract it. Once extracted, run the .exe and adjust where you want the Start screen to be located, on the top or bottom.

But, for those of us that actually like the new Start screen, there is a less intrusive option available in the newest version of Start Menu Modifier, which lets you only show the Taskbar, which is great.

Windows 8 Start menu interface with colorful tiles and apps.

So, instead of having to search for the Control Panel from the Start screen and then open it up on the desktop, I can add it to the Taskbar and click on it regardless of which screen I'm on.

This helps to add the familiarity of older Windows operating systems to the new interface, and quite frankly, is better for multitasking.

What do you think about this tool? Like it or hate it?

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