Tile-based Metro interface is one of the key features of Microsoft’s new operating system Windows 8. It is similar to that used by Windows phone 7 that are designed for easier use on a touch screen. However, after using Windows 8 Developer preview, some users find trouble using the new start screen. For them, here is a simple trick to get the same start menu as in Windows 7.
However, before going to the subject, I think, it is interesting to know why Microsoft killed the old Start Menu. The answer in short, according to Microsoft, is ‘no one uses it’. Read it here to know more.
How to Enable Windows 7 Start Screen in Widows 8?
This is a simple registry trick meant for Windows 8 dev preview only, however back up your registry before applying the trick.
1. Open Run command box by using Win + R keys. In the Run command box, type regedit and hit Enter to open Registry Editor.
2. Now navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER – Software – Microsoft – Windows – CurrentVersion – Explorer.
In the right pane of the window, double click on RPEnabled and change its value to 0.
3. Close registry editor and restart your computer. Now you can see Windows 7 Start menu in Windows 8, there will not be Metro UI.
Note: To get back the Metro Start Screen, change RPEnabled value to its default 1.
