

Live Tiles can clue you in to the latest e-mails, appointments, news, and other information. And I'll admit it, the Start screen does offers several benefits. Microsoft lopped off the Start menu in Windows 8 to force people to use the Start screen. Still miss the classic Start menu in Windows 8 and 8.1? Never fear, alternatives are here. It has been updated several times since then to include additional programs and other details, most recently with 8Startbutton, StartIsBack, and Start Menu 8 on May 27, 2014.

Editors' note: This story was originally published on August 20, 2012.
