Windows 8 splits the user interface into two parts. The new tiles and the older "desktop" minus the start the 'old fashioned' desktop, and the new 'modern' interface, with the new start screen, and the new apps running in the foreground all the time.

Mostly you have already realized that you need to get used to those two separate interfaces which are somewhat locked from each other, especially when it comes to switching between them.

It requires a few mouse clicks, switches and turns to quickly access something on the desktop while on the modern interface, and get back to an app, although you simply wanted to check for a specific file, a system setting, or start a desktop program.

With StartBar8 a lot of your daily life is much easier in Windows 8!

Yes, StartBar8 is in the true sense of the word 'on top of everything'. To be on top means in this case that StartBar8 can be accessed both from the classic Windows desktop, as well as from the new modern user interface, like the start screen, or any modern app.

Whenever you need access to classic Windows features, but don't want to switch to the classic desktop, move your mouse to the left side of your screen and StartBar8 will be there for you, giving you access to customizable start tiles, a start menu, a file explorer, and a lot more. All from within StartBar8, without the need to switch between multiple windows, or leaving the modern user interface, or any app of Windows 8.


Features

Running on top of all Windows 8 screens, apps, the classic desktop, and classic Windows applications

Fully configurable start tiles

Side bar with configurable start buttons

A real, fully featured start menu

A real, fully featured file explorer

A personal libraries explorer

Access to recently used files

Access to recently used programs

Access to network resources and network configuration

Direct access to all control panel features

Context menu support for almost all features

Configurable to your personal preferences

Pre-set color schemes (dark, light, modern)

Pre-set start tile actions

More than 120 icons included

Online update with auto update installation (registered edition only)

Multi lingual user interface (English and German, more to come soon)