When it comes to customizing Windows, a number of quality tools available to choose from. Classic Shell is certainly one of the better tools available to tweak default settings, customize Windows, and also add new features to the operating system.
Not too long ago, we let you know about the preliminary support of Classic Shell for Windows 8. Today, the developers of Classic Shell have released a new version and it now fully supports Windows 8. In addition to various settings and tweaks that were available in previous version, the newest version lets you skip the Start screen after logging in and lets you disable the Charms Bar, App Switch List, Start screen preview thumbnail.
If you are new to Windows 8 and aren’t aware of these features, Charms Bar is the one which appears when you move the mouse cursor to the upper or lower-right of the screen (use can also use Win + C to see the Charms Bar). It lets you quickly switch to the Start screen and also open search, share, devices, and settings.
App Switch List (Win + Tab) is useful to quickly switch between running Modern UI (Windows 8-Style) apps. Start screen thumbnail preview appears when you move the mouse cursor to the lower-left corner of the screen and lets you switch to the Start screen.
Users who aren’t enjoying these features and want to disable these features can install the newest version of Classic Shell and then navigate to Settings to disable all these features.
Another cool is that Classic Shell can be used to get back the Windows 7-style or XP-style Start menu in Windows 8. This free also lets you use your own Start menu theme as well. Once installed, right-click on the Start orb, click Settings, and then switch to Windows 8 Settings tab to enable or disable features.
How to customize the Charms Bar and how to disable Windows 8 Explorer Ribbon guides may also interest you.
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