Is there a way to boot Windows 8 (RTM) to the desktop?


Recommended Posts

If you make a .scf file and place this into it:

[Shell]
Command=2
IconFile=explorer.exe,3
[Taskbar]
Command=ToggleDesktop

This will goto the Desktop. If this were inserted in the startup sequence somehow? I don't have RTM so I can't test it.

....

Stop feeding the trolls guys.

If you make a .scf file and place this into it:

[Shell]
Command=2
IconFile=explorer.exe,3
[Taskbar]
Command=ToggleDesktop

This will goto the Desktop. If this were inserted in the startup sequence somehow? I don't have RTM so I can't test it.

....

Stop feeding the trolls guys.

I tried to throw the file I made in C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Start Menu\Startup but no dice on reboot. Strange that from the Task Manager you can disable startup items but can't add them (unless I'm missing something...).

"Start8" from Stardock still works. Using it on Win8 RTM as we speak.

I just wish there was a way to get the "old" start menu back.

For the "best of both worlds" approach, Classic Shell is what you need. It restores the Start button and gives you back

your traditional, classic, and fully customisable Start Menu. The "Modern UI" Start Screen is still available and is not

disabled by Classic Shell, It gives you the option to autoload the Desktop, although you still see the Start screen.

Ok, well this worked on the Consumer Preview. I'm not sure about RTM.

Make a .scf file and add the following:

[Shell]
Command=2
IconFile=explorer.exe,3
[Taskbar]
Command=ToggleDesktop

Add the path to the .scf file to this registry key:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]

In the last spot.

The Modern-UI screen will still show up but the desktop will automatically pop up shortly after.

Ok, well this worked on the Consumer Preview. I'm not sure about RTM.

Make a .scf file and add the following:

[Shell]
Command=2
IconFile=explorer.exe,3
[Taskbar]
Command=ToggleDesktop

Add the path to the .scf file to this registry key:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]

In the last spot.

The Modern-UI screen will still show up but the desktop will automatically pop up shortly after.

Apparently they disabled that function for the RTM to make it as hard as possible for people to bypass the start screen.

I don't currently have RTM (on a hiatus between contracts so no access to software) so I can't test if that reg entry works or not. I was hoping it would though...

I believe Microsoft closed the RegEdit entry.

lol, already done mate, but not with start8 because it's crap (unless they fixed it since the last time I used it).

You should never dis another man's apps, that **** is getting personal lol.

Still, one man's junk is another man's treasure.

I'm not a fan of having startup apps. I'd rather open them up individually after boot, so they're not bogging down my system. I never understood why anyone needs that to happen, but to each their own.

It's pretty much been answered.

My method... install this http://classicshell.sourceforge.net/

For start up items, create shortcuts here... C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

Job done.

This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Posts

    • Leave Secure Boot off, the Optiplex 7010 isn't getting a firmware update to support the changes...
    • Microsoft confirms Windows 11 26H2 to finally get one of the most requested features by Sayan Sen This past week Microsoft officially confirmed Windows 11 version 26H2 with the latest build, 26300.8697, for testing in the experimental Insider channel. The company also published more details about it mainly directed towards IT admins and system admins. Essentially version 26H2 will be delivered via an enablement package (eKB) over Windows 11 25H2. If you are wondering about some of the upcoming features in the next Windows version, one of them is certainly very interesting as Microsoft has confirmed it is finally bringing one of the most overwhelmingly requested features ever. March Rogers, the Partner Director of Design at Microsoft, recently highlighted some of the Search improvements that the company is testing, and during the interaction with users on X where he posted it, Rogers also confirmed that the company is working on disabling web search results inside Search. This is something which many users find quite annoying as Windows would often serve them links to Bing which it feels could be more helpful rather than bringing up the actual object or app the user may be searching for on their PC. Finally though the company is prioritizing local file search over the web. However the feature could not be disabled for many users as not all new features are immediately rolled out to everyone. Image via phantomofearth (X) Windows enthusiast phantomofearth who likes to dig deep into new builds uncovered the IDs you will need to enable these features. Using the following feature IDs the new Search-related features landing in Windows 11 26H2 can be used. Follow the steps below to enable the new Search experience on Windows 11 build 26300.8697: Download ViveTool from GitHub and unpack the files in a convenient and easy-to-find folder. Press Win + X and select Terminal (Admin). Switch Windows Terminal to the Command Prompt profile with the Ctrl + Shift + 2 shortcut or by clicking the arrow-down button at the top of the window. Navigate to the folder containing the ViveTool files with the CD command. For example, if you have placed ViveTool in C:\Vive, type CD C:\Vive. Type vivetool /enable /id: and press Enter. Restart your computer. If you change your mind and want to restore, repeat the steps above and replace /enable with /disable in the commands on steps 5 and 6. Delightedly and perhaps also expectedly, once you disable web search and other such bloat, the Windows 11 Search is said to get snappier as remarked by another Windows enthusiast Xeno.
    • Makes me think of Family Guy - "Carl Sagan's Cosmos... edited for Rednecks" 🤣 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ljt5iESYA7k&t=2s
  • Recent Achievements

    • Dedicated
      Almohandis earned a badge
      Dedicated
    • Dedicated
      JuvenileDelinquent earned a badge
      Dedicated
    • First Post
      DrWankel earned a badge
      First Post
    • Reacting Well
      DrWankel earned a badge
      Reacting Well
    • Week One Done
      Supreme Spray LV earned a badge
      Week One Done
  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      505
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      178
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      84
    4. 4
      Steven P.
      76
    5. 5
      Michael Scrip
      76
  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!