The start menu in Windows 8 has undergone a complete overhaul from its previous versions. It was changed to the “Start screen” that featured live tiles, making navigation smoother and efficient. However, some users still prefer the traditional start menu folder to access their programs and files.
If you are one of them, you might wonder how to find the start menu folder in Windows 8. Unlike the earlier versions, the start menu folder in Windows 8 is not located in the same place. In this article, we will guide you on how to access your start menu folder in Windows 8 and how to customize it to your preferences.
Where is Start Menu folder in Windows 8?
In Windows 8, the Start menu folder refers to the location where the shortcuts and tiles for apps and programs are stored. It is different from previous versions of Windows where the Start menu was easily accessible from the taskbar.
To find the Start menu folder in Windows 8, you can follow these steps:
1. Open File Explorer by pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard.
2. Once File Explorer opens, click on the “View” tab located at the top of the window.
3. From the “View” tab, click on the “Options” icon located on the right-hand side of the window.
4. In the “Folder Options” window, click on the “View” tab.
5. Scroll down and look for the option that reads “Hidden files and folders,” and select “Show hidden files, folders, and drives.”
6. Click on “Apply” and “OK” to save the changes you’ve made to the folder options.
7. With the folder options configured, navigate to the following location: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu
In this location, you’ll find the “Start Menu” folder containing all the shortcuts and tiles for your apps and programs in Windows 8.
Alternatively, you can also access the Start menu folder by using the Run dialog box. Here’s how:
1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. In the Run dialog box, type in “shell:Start Menu” (without the quotes) and click on “OK.”
3. This will open the Start menu folder on your Windows 8 computer.
In summary, the Start menu folder in Windows 8 is where your apps and program shortcuts are stored, and you can access it through File Explorer or the Run dialog box.
FAQ
1. Where can I find the Start menu folder in Windows 8?
The Start menu folder is located at “C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu” in Windows 8.
2. Is it possible to customize the Start menu folder in Windows 8?
Yes, you can customize the Start menu folder in Windows 8 by adding or removing shortcuts to programs or folders.
3. Can I pin programs to the Start menu folder in Windows 8?
Yes, you can pin programs to the Start menu folder in Windows 8 by right-clicking on the program and selecting “Pin to Start”.
4. Can I access the Start menu folder in Windows 8 without using the File Explorer?
Yes, you can access the Start menu folder in Windows 8 by pressing the Windows key + R and typing in “shell:start menu”.
5. What happens if I delete items from the Start menu folder in Windows 8?
If you delete items from the Start menu folder in Windows 8, those shortcuts or programs will no longer appear in the Start menu. However, the actual programs or files will not be deleted from your computer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we have learned that finding the Start menu folder in Windows 8 can be a bit elusive. However, with the help of simple steps like navigating through the File Explorer and setting up a desktop shortcut, you can easily access and customize the Start menu folder to suit your needs. So, go ahead and experiment with the start menu folder, and make yourself comfortable with the new interface of Windows 8.
