The simplest way to boot Windows 8 directly to Desktop

By veternan
in The Fast Ring (Insider Previews)

 Share

Recommended Posts

Community Regular

veternan

Posted
Posted

As much as people may like Windows 8, most just cannot get used to the idea of NOT seeing the desktop, once Windows 8 boots. We have been regularly sharing details and tips about Microsoft?s upcoming operating system, viz. Windows 8. We had developed an app which could allow you to boot directly to the Windows 8 desktop.

Our said Metro UI Tweaker allowed you to tweak Windows 8 DP to boot directly on to the Desktop, disabling the Start Screen ? but this tweak was disabled by Microsoft in its further releases. Maybe Microsoft does not want users to bypass the start screen ? maybe they want users to get used to the Windows 8 Metro Start Screen.

We have earlier posted about how you can boot directly into the desktop mode of Windows 8 using explorer script. But not many may want to try it really! There is always the option of using the latest version of Classic Shell that allows you to do so.

Today, in this article, I?m going to share you a simple but working, reliable and awesome tip, that will let you boot directly into Windows 8 RP Desktop directly, without using 3rd party tool or using any script.

21oq3h2.png

Actually I found out this way accidentally. I then searched on the Internet and found that no one had really come across it or written about it!

Boot Windows 8 directly to desktop

Well to do so, follow these simple instructions!

1. The core part of this trick lies on the position of Desktop tile.

Move the Desktop Tile and place it in the top left corner of the Metro Start Screen, just below the Start text.

5b2xpu.jpg

2. Reboot your Windows 8 and you will see the login screen. As usual, type in your local accountor Windows Live account password. Just enter the password, don?t press the Next arrow or Enterkey here.

15nu34w.png

3. Now press AND hold down the Enter key. In a few seconds, you will see your Windows 8 desktop appear Thus will have skipped Metro Start Screen smartly!

Alternatively, as soon as you are logged in and the Start Screen appears, simply hit Enter and you will see your desktop. You no longer need to search for the Desktop tile and click on it.

What is happening is simple, the Desktop being the first tile on the Start Screen, the click of Enter keyboard key, affects it and the Desktop opens fluidly.

Well, till such a time that another way is found, I think this might be the best way to boot Windows 8 directly into the desktop mode.

http://www.thewindowsclub.com

:happy: Thank You Kapil

Grand Master

metallithrax

Posted
Posted

I don't have to search for my desktop tile, I know where it is. And what's the problem with clicking 1 tile once to get to the desktop.

I get the feeling that a lot of people are just up each others arses in the hate of metro/start screen.

Grand Master

Max Norris

Posted
Posted

Never really had the need myself, typically the first thing I'd do at the desktop is bring the start screen back up and launch something anyway.. but if I insisted on this behavior I'd probably just go with Classic Shell or create a login script.

Community Regular

veternan

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Don't upgrade to Windows 8 if you hate Metro so much and only want to use the desktop. Life can be so simple sometimes.

Yep, I stick to my Windows 7; Found this method so shared it here for you my friends. That's all.

Grand Master

xendrome

Posted
Posted

OKAY :pinch:

What is your "OKAY" about.. if someone wants to skip the start screen, then what good is it if you can't access your start screen apps. So using Start8 RTM version will allow you to boot to the desktop instead, and have a functional start button. I don't see the problem, if someone wants to use it, let them. No one is telling you how to setup your system..

Grand Master

+pmrd Subscriber²

Posted
  • Subscriber²
Posted

Wow is it really so hard to click on the Desktop tile.. You guys are getting so lazy, it's pathetic. Soon you people will be complaining you have to press the power button to start the computer.

Grand Master

theyarecomingforyou

Posted
Posted

For some reason my Windows 8 RP system automatically boots to the desktop and I haven't modified any system files or settings. I think it's a desktop app that launches at startup. It doesn't really bother me one way or the other.

Grand Master

.Neo

Posted
Posted

Wow is it really so hard to click on the Desktop tile.. You guys are getting so lazy, it's pathetic. Soon you people will be complaining you have to press the power button to start the computer.

Why do you care? Does this affect you in any way on a personal level?

Contributor

NitramX9X

Posted
Posted

Right click desktop, new Shortcut, put %windir%\explorer.exe shell:::{3080F90D-D7AD-11D9-BD98-0000947B0257} in location, name it whatever you want and put it in \AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup , everytime windows start it will automatically go to the desktop, no need to press anything.

Grand Master

Knife Party

Posted
Posted
Wow is it really so hard to click on the Desktop tile.. You guys are getting so lazy, it's pathetic. Soon you people will be complaining you have to press the power button to start the computer.

that's not the point. The point is some want to have the option to choose preferable to boot either into desktop or metro screen mode. It is that hard for MS to acknowledge is little bit of consumer choice....especially considering the price tag they want to justify? Do yourself a favour, go somewhere else and post pointless sarcasm....

Grand Master

+pmrd Subscriber²

Posted
  • Subscriber²
Posted

that's not the point. The point is some want to have the option to choose preferable to boot either into desktop or metro screen mode. It is that hard for MS to acknowledge is little bit of consumer choice....especially considering the price tag they want to justify? Do yourself a favour, go somewhere else and post pointless sarcasm....

I think you don't understand the meaning of sarcasm. And what's the point of going directly to the desktop? You're going to launch an app eventually why not just pin it to the start menu and click it, problem solved.

Grand Master

farmeunit

Posted
Posted

Here's a crazy idea: Don't upgrade to Windows 8 if you hate Metro so much and only want to use the desktop. Life can be so simple at times.

Yeah, because Win8 doesn't bring anything else at all to the table . . .

Grand Master

Knife Party

Posted
Posted
I think you don't understand the meaning of sarcasm. And what's the point of going directly to the desktop? You're going to launch an app eventually why not just pin it to the start menu and click it, problem solved.

ok, so let's go back a few steps then. You said " Soon you people will be complaining you have to press the power button to start the computer." because of the Metro complaint. That's called sarcasm, because you are taunting or 'having a go' at those who want choice. Let me wiki that for you to if you don't understand -> sarcasm . Pin it to the start menu? People want choice, yes choice. How about an option to boot to desktop first and then launching pinned apps? anyways, I just had a look at your 'Lovin the Metro' sig, so nuff said....

Veteran

rfirth

Posted
Posted

This is an interesting idea, actually. If you put the desktop tile as the first tile, you can go directly to the desktop from any metro app by pressing win-key + enter. Yes, ctrl+d works, but I like this way better.

Edit: If you do this from the desktop, you'll open Narrator... oops :p

This topic is now closed to further replies.
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Posts

    • Windows 11 is now five years old

      By Nick H. · Posted

      With Microsoft now listening to its core audience and acting upon received feedback, fans can finally expect a much better version of Windows 11 than what was available five years ago. Here is to five more years, Windows 11! I guess we all need a good laugh now and again...
    • Amazon Prime Day 2026 deal sees Samsung Odyssey 49" 240Hz QD-OLED monitor at lowest price

      By hellowalkman · Posted

      Amazon Prime Day 2026 deal sees Samsung Odyssey 49" 240Hz QD-OLED monitor at lowest price by Sayan Sen Earlier today we covered a very good deal on JBL's BAR 800 Dolby Atmos soundbar system as the unit is available for just $600 as part of Amazon Prime Day 2026 deals. That's not all though as there are many more discounts to choose from. If you are looking for a high-end monitor, Samsung's 49 inch G9 QD-OLED gaming monitor is a solid deal too as it's currently just $855 (purchase link under the specs table down below). It is a super-ultrawide (32:9) 1440p curved gaming monitor and as such should offer a very immersive experience. The G93SC is a 49-inch QD-OLED (Quantum Dot OLED) screen and that means it should have excellent contrast as well as color reproduction. Brightness is a bit lacking though so if you are looking to set it up in a relatively bright room, you may be better off with something else. Speaking of external light and brightness, the major difference on the G93SC vs the newer G93SD is that the latter comes with Samsung's "Glare Free" technology to reduce glare while the C model packs a glossy finish. The technical specifications of the Samsung G93SC are given in the table below: Specification Value Panel Type OLED Screen Shape Curved Screen Curvature 1800R Resolution DQHD (5120 × 1440) Aspect Ratio 32:9 Brightness (Typical) 250 cd/m² Brightness (Minimum) 200 cd/m² Contrast Ratio 1,000,000:1 HDR Support VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 HDR10+ HDR10+ Gaming Response Time 0.03 ms (GTG) Refresh Rate Up to 240 Hz Viewing Angle 178° Horizontal / 178° Vertical Color Support 1 Billion Colors Color Gamut 99% DCI-P3 (CIE1976) Adaptive Sync FreeSync Premium Pro / G-SYNC Compatible DisplayPort 1 × DisplayPort 1.4 HDMI 1 × HDMI 2.1 Micro HDMI 1 × Micro HDMI 2.1 USB Hub 3 × USB 3.0 Speakers Built-in Speaker Output 5W × 2 Channels Operating Temperature 10°C – 40°C Operating Humidity 10–80% (Non-condensing) Stand Type Height Adjustable Stand (HAS) Height Adjustment 120.0 ± 5.0 mm Tilt -2° (±2°) to 15° (±2°) Wall Mount 100 × 100 mm (VESA) Included HDMI Cable HDMI-to-Micro HDMI Cable Included DisplayPort Cable Yes Get it at the link below: Samsung 49" Odyssey G93SC Series Curved Gaming Monitor, QD-OLED: $854.99 (Sold and Shipped by Amazon US with Prime) Prime subscription can be cancelled within three business days at no cost. Good to know This Amazon deal is U.S. specific, and not available in other regions unless specified. We only use first-party seller links (at the time of article publishing); ensure that you purchase from a first-party seller link only. Check out Today's Deals on Amazon | or our recent tech deals. Become a Prime member (for Students or SNAP) via Neowin Get Prime Access - Prime for half price (for qualifying Medicaid, EBT, SNAP) Subscribe to Prime Video, Audible Plus, Music Unlimited or Kindle Unlimited via Neowin As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
    • Windows 11 is now five years old

      By Snake Doc · Posted

      Actually Windows 11 is the GUI from Windows 10 X slapped onto Windows 10. Hence the many performance issues and initial limitations of the UI, like all the restrictions on the task bar placement and features. You could not even right click on the Taskbar and bring up task manager when it first shipped. Windows 10X was truly a new OS from the ground up. Basically a lightweight OS that ran containers for various app types. Win32 got its own container. Performance was not good and OEM’s pushed back on it, but wanted a new OS to push Pc sales. Hence Windows 11. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_10X
    • Windows 11 is now five years old

      By Davin Peterson · Posted

      Windows 10 was 6 years old when Microsoft revealed Windows 11. Does this mean Windows 12 is due next year?
    • Windows 11 is now five years old

      By CHUNWEI · Posted

      Congratulations Windows.

  • Recent Achievements

    • Dedicated
      Scoobystu earned a badge
      Dedicated
    • First Post
      Tom Schmidt earned a badge
      First Post
    • One Month Later
      D0nn13 earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • Rookie
      +ChiefOfNeo went up a rank
      Rookie
    • One Year In
      Tom Schmidt earned a badge
      One Year In

  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      457
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      177
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      123
    4. 4
      Michael Scrip
      81
    5. 5
      Xenon
      76
    Show More

  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!