Can't get classic start menu to appear in Windows 8.1

Hi I can see a Windows icon in the button left and if I click on it it toggles between the desktop and the Windows 8.1 tiles. If I right-click on it it shows mainly control panel type items as well as shut down and sign out and “desktop”.
I’ve done some internet searches and I can’t find the settings they refer to. I see there are also downloads that are supposed to bring back the classic menu but I’d preferably do it without having to install a third-party program. BTW my computer just downloaded 9 new updates and I’ve restarted the computer.

There is no start menu tab…

There isn’t a classic start menu built into Windows 8.1. Your instructions only apply to Vista.

You can add software which will do this: one popular one is Classic Shell:
http://www.classicshell.net/