So, we've all heard the big stink when Microsoft did away with the Start button and menu and the Metro interface. I know that Windows 10 is moving back towards the tried-and-true way that we expect.
I have been leaving my 2012 R2 servers default. I don't find the interface too bad. I just take a moment to pin a few key items to my Taskbar or my Start Menu and it works for me.
Most of these are pretty easy to do. I hit the Start button, then use the magnifying glass to search for what I want. I can then right click it and Pin to Start or Pin to Taskbar. I do this for things like Run, Command Prompt, and Computer Management. Also any applications on the server that I would access regularly.
One that stumped me, however, is Windows Update. When I search on it, I can't right click and get a menu. Now what?
I found an article on using PowerShell to pin items to the Start menu in Windows 8. https://gallery.technet.microsoft.com/scriptcenter/Script-to-pin-items-to-51be533c I thought I was onto something. But Windows Update is a subset of Control Panel. So I couldn't figure out how to make the script work.
My approach is painfully simple, but I stumbled across it myself and my GoogleFu didn't lead me to it. So I blog it here in the hopes that it will help someone else.
Click the Start button
Search for Windows Update
Click Windows Update. It will open.
In your box's navigation, it says Control Panel | System and Security | Windows Update. Click System and Security to move up a level.
Find Windows Update as the 4th main heading. Click and drag it to your desktop. When you release, you now have a "Windows Update - Shortcut" shortcut.
Take a moment to rename it to Windows Update.
Right click your shortcut. Voila, the Pin to Start option is there.
Pin and enjoy your day.
