The Start screen is the most important novelty in Windows 8. Even though accessing it is easy, figuring out all the ways to launch it can take some work and experimentation. That’s why I decided to create this guide and show all the ways to access it.

1. Use the Keyboard

In Windows 7, the Windows key on your keyboard opens the Start Menu. In Windows 8 it will open the Start screen. Therefore, don’t hesitate to use it often. It is the fastest way to access the new Start screen.

2. Use the Bottom-Left Corner

The corners of the screen in Windows 8 are very important as they reveal important shortcuts and features. The shortcut to the Start screen reveals itself if you hover the mouse or finger on the bottom-left corner.

A Start thumbnail shows up, as shown in the screenshot below.

A click or tap on it takes you to the Start screen.

3. Use the Application Switcher on the Left

This method is the least convenient but it does work. If you hover the mouse (or finger) on the top-left corner for the screen and then move it downwards, the app Switcher is displayed. At the bottom of the Switcher you can find the shortcut for the Start screen.

Click or tap on it to go to the Start screen.

4. Use the Start Charm

If you move the mouse (or finger) to the top or bottom right corner of the screen, the charms are displayed.

Then, move the cursor (or finger) downwards (if you used the top corner) or upwards (if you used the bottom corner) and a black background is displayed for the charms.

Then click or tap the Start charm.

5. Use the Show Start Shortcut File

You can download our special shortcut and place it on the Desktop.

You can download it from here: Download the Desktop Shortcut to the Windows 8 Start Screen.

6. Pin Show Start to the Taskbar

You can use the same shortcut to right click (or press and hold) and select Pin to Taskbar.

Now you have the Show Start shortcut directly on the taskbar.

Conclusion

Don’t hesitate to take some time to experiment and then stick to the methods that work best for you. Below you can find other useful tips and tricks about Windows 8 so don’t hesitate to read them.

Related articles:

Introducing Windows 8: Group Shortcuts on the Start Screen and Name Them
5 Ways to Shut Down or Restart a Windows 8 Computer or Device
Introducing Windows 8: What are the Tiles?