Windows 8 is considered as a breakthrough in design, if only because it really is unlike anything you've seen. Whether you love it or hate it, tiled Start Screens seem to be the direction that Windows is headed.

Since then, developers have wanted to create tweaking tools in order to make the user experience even more dynamic and personalized.

Here are 5 of those tools, which you can tweak Windows 8, so you can add a more personal touch to your Start Screen.

Decor8

Decor8 is a product from customization company Stardock, and while it is not a Modern app (Modern being the interface of Windows 8), it has similar main features.

According to PC World, for only $5, you can easily customize the backgrounds for what will appear behind the tiles on the Start Screen, adjust the colors screen, and select the options screen where you can change the number of tiles on the Start Screen.

You can also explore the lock screen to configure the background for that screen. Decor8 is a simple fix for those who want to personalize Windows 8 using a relatively cheap tool.

EnhanceMy8

LifeHacker reports that EnhanceMy8 is a great app for those who want a wider array of choices for customization.

There are also the built-in options that you can easily access with just one click. For instance, Security tools and other options, which are normally buried in layers of menus can easily be accessed.

You can choose to go for the free version, which sets a limit on the available features, and the $30 Pro version to access all of its offers.

Start Screen Customizer v1.3

This Windows 8 customization tool has already been around for a while, but it has just received an update that fixed bugs and allowed for support for high DPI settings.

With the Start Screen Customizer v1.3, you can select pictures from your folders so they can appear as background pictures, have a blurred effect function, adjust the opacity of the tiles, set a transparent Start Screen, and decide on the rows of tiles.

You can check out creator Vhanla's DeviantArt page, where he features the installer link for easy use.

OblyTile

According to Digital Trends, OblyTile gives users a range of functions, from having more complex tiles that include folders or Internet shortcuts to customizing the icon on the tile so that it won't just be a simple icon and background color combo.

And so you would not make a mistake before launching your fully customized Screen, you can preview it before saving any changes, so you can immediately adjust anything that does not suit your needs.

What's more, OblyTile is free, created by DeviantArtist dAKirby309.

Metro UI Tweaker for Windows 8

Considered as one of the favorites by many Windows 8 users, Metro UI Tweaker for Windows 8 has a fairly long list of features, which you can use to tweak your Windows 8 to suit your needs.

ZDNet reports that the Disable Metro Start Menu feature even allows you to have a Start Screen that would let you see a similar screen that features the Windows 7 Start Screen.

Other features include adding applications or files to the start screen, even those that are not normally allowed; adding power options such as logoff, switch, sleep, and shutdown; and even enabling all Metro UI options, in case you want to revert to the original settings.