Windows 8.1: The Start button can do that

In Windows 8.1, a start button is displayed in the task bar again, but this differs from its predecessors in older versions of the operating system. But what can the new start button do?

No classic start menu even under Win 8.1

In Windows 8, Microsoft had removed the start button from the taskbar and thus caused the annoyance of many users. That is why the button was reintroduced in Windows 8.1 - the classic start menu, which previously opened when the button was clicked, is still missing.

• Rather, a click with the left mouse button now leads directly to the tile surface of Windows 8.1.
• In "old" Windows 8 this could be opened by clicking the mouse in the lower left corner.

More functions by right clicking on the start button

The start button becomes more practical when you right-click: Under Win 8.1, some useful functions become visible that Microsoft had hidden under Windows 8 rather than made it accessible intuitively (see screenshot):

• This includes the command prompt, the task manager or the run dialog.
• Windows Explorer can also be called up quickly.
• Particularly practical: the entries for restarting or shutting down the computer.

Tip: You get significantly more functions with alternative start menus such as Classic Shell or ViStart.