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

    • I have a Motorola, one of the lower end ones, it works fine. It is possible to get rid of the Gemini app and also to disable googles assistant , but A.i is still apps. I try to avoid all LLM A.I, is i can, I use no Ai duck duck go.
    • Free Software Foundation Europe pushes EU to force Google to allow AI uninstalls on Android by Paul Hill Credit: Pexels Users should be able to fully uninstall AI-based features from Android devices and be able to access interoperability functions, free from Google’s verification requirements, the European Commission has heard as part of an Android interoperability consultation under the Digital Markets Act. These measures were proposed by the Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) last week when it submitted its documentation. The FSFE noted that Google had started silently installing AI models without telling users. It noted that the EU’s DMA requires companies like Google to allow users to uninstall pre-loaded software from their devices, but in the case of the AI models Google is installing, they reinstall if you delete them, contravening the DMA. To get Google back under control, the FSFE has told the European Commission that there needs to be improvements within the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). First, it said that users should be able to fully remove pre-loaded AI components from their devices, with companies being prohibited from silently reinstalling or reactivating them. Second, access to Android interoperability features should not be contingent on registration, authorization, or contractual relationships with Google. This pertains to Google’s attempt to force developers to register with Google, even to publish apps to alternative app stores like F-Droid. Discussing its submission, Lucas Lasota, FSFE Legal Programme Manager, said: Google is planning to roll out its Android Developer Certification in September 2026. This will force every Android app developer to register with Google before their software can be installed on certified Android devices, but it should affect those who have removed Google Apps from their device. The program is controversial because it entails the signing of contracts and payment of account fees to Google, as well as the handing over of the identities of developers. It said: The FSFE said that if the Commission’s draft measures remain unchanged, then Google will be allowed to make developers verify their identity. The FSFE believes that asking developers to register is contrary to the text and spirit of the law. In summary, the FSFE has told the Commission that no developer should need a Google account, a Play Store presence, or any agreement with Google to access Android’s interoperability features.
    • You could disable this "functionality/feature/whatever" with 2 registry keys, ages ago.
  • Recent Achievements

    • Conversation Starter
      sumytbe earned a badge
      Conversation Starter
    • One Year In
      B4dM1k3 earned a badge
      One Year In
    • One Year In
      DarkWun earned a badge
      One Year In
    • Dedicated
      Almohandis earned a badge
      Dedicated
    • Dedicated
      JuvenileDelinquent earned a badge
      Dedicated
  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      519
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      188
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      87
    4. 4
      Michael Scrip
      81
    5. 5
      Steven P.
      72
  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!