In the realm of nostalgia, few things evoke such strong memories as the iconic Windows 95 Start Menu. Its simple, intuitive design with its cascading menus and easy access to programs became synonymous with the dawn of the modern computing era. It’s no surprise then, that when Windows 10 brought its “Start” menu back to the forefront, many hailed it as a triumphant return to the past. However, digging deeper reveals a reality that’s far from a nostalgic homecoming.

While the new Start Menu may borrow elements from its predecessor, the core functionality and underlying design are vastly different. The familiar Start button now houses a hybrid interface, combining the traditional list of programs with the live tile system of Windows 8. This Frankensteinian amalgamation results in a start menu that’s neither as streamlined nor as efficient as its 95 counterpart.

Furthermore, the “Start” button, once a simple gateway to the system, has been burdened with the weight of search functionality, notifications, and even the dreaded “Cortana” voice assistant. This creates a cluttered and overbearing interface, far removed from the elegant simplicity of the original.

The nostalgic charm of the Windows 95 Start Menu is undeniable, but its port in Windows 10 feels more like a hollow tribute than a genuine revival. It serves as a reminder that while we may yearn for the past, technology marches on, leaving behind familiar comforts for new, and sometimes less intuitive, paradigms. The Windows 95 Start Menu, a cherished icon of the past, remains a mirage in the ever-evolving landscape of modern operating systems.