As Windows users, we all know there are speed bumps along the way in the OS that are annoying to no end. Before smashing your PC with a hammer or throwing your laptop against the wall, check out these tips on how to fix some of the biggest annoyances in Windows 7 and 8.
Bring Back the Start Button in Windows 8
No Start button or Start menu is the biggest complaints I hear from new users of Windows 8. While the 8.1 update includes a Start button, it still lacks the traditional Start Menu, which undoubtedly won’t satisfy all users. But it’s easy to get back.
Check out our article on using Classic Shell. Or if you’re willing to part with five bucks, Stardock’s Start8 is another awesome solution. Both of these programs offer a lot of additional features to make Windows 8 more like Windows 7 too.
Make User Account Control Less Intrusive
Microsoft introduced the security feature User Account Control (UAC) in Windows Vista and it went overboard in that version. Constantly popping up and asking if you wanted programs you’ve installed to do virtually anything. It’s been toned down a bit in Windows 7, but it can still be annoying when you’re trying to get things done quickly. For beginners, I don’t recommend completely disabling UAC, but you might want adjust its level and make less annoying.
Make Windows Boot Up Faster by Disabling Startup Programs
When you get a brand new computer or do a fresh install of Windows, your system runs fast. But after installing more and more programs and apps, things tend to slow down – especially the start up time. This is because most programs are set to run on startup by default. But disabling startup programs will help you shave several seconds off boot time.
Note: This tip will work with any version of Windows. And in Windows 8 Microsoft added a section to show you the type of Startup impact each program has, the higher the impact, the slower it makes it boot.
Make Windows 8 Files Open on the Desktop
After getting past the modern interface and actually figuring out how to start getting work done on the desktop, a big annoyance is having files open full screen in metro-style apps. You want to get things done and be productive, not fight between the two interfaces. Digital media files, PDFs, and a few others are set to open in modern apps by default.
To make your files open in the desktop programs you’re used to, check out our article on how to make files open on the desktop.
Get the Quick Launch Menu Back
One of the features a lot of users enjoyed in XP was the Quick Launch menu. It was the menu next to the Start button that allowed you to access your most frequently used programs easily. In Windows 7 the taskbar combines the functionality of Quick Launch and regular taskbar icons. But it’s easy to get back in Windows 7 and 8.
What irritates you the most when using Windows? Leave a comment and let us know – we probably have an article to point you to that will alleviate your pain!
7 Comments
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Ziggy
Patch Tuesday would have to be the most irritating – huge updates which, invariably, lead to minor or major headaches for the poor sod who has invested a fortune in a Microsoft O/S. I think they should rename their product to MacroPatch…
Brian Burgess
Good one. In fact yesterday there was a bunch. Usually they’re generally fine for home users, but if you’re running special proprietary software or have a special set up it usually screws something up.
Steve Krause
I see it as a mixed blessing Ziggy to be honest. Bad news, it’s not perfect code so it needs patches. Good news, Microsoft invests in finding and squashing the bugs.
Personally, I appreciate the updates. Everyone has exploits, there’s no doubt about that. Microsoft is just a bit more public about finding and fixing them.
politepatrick
One of the things I absolutely HATE about 8 is no easy way to close a pgm/app! And the full screen thing for Metro is moronic. Did they forget why it’s called Windows?
Ade
politepatrick: alt+f4 – it’s not intuitive but it’s worked in every version of windows since I don’t know when.
Brian Burgess
You can also make full screen apps open on the desktop with your favorite program by changing file associations:
https://www.groovypost.com/howto/windows-8-change-default-programs-metro/
Unless you are running RT, then you need to use touch gestures.
politepatrick
Ade…right you are! However, I said ‘easy way’. Using this method on a touch screen is still too much too ask, (methinks).