How to Boot to the desktop in Windows 8 : A Solution

[+Warwagon MVC]

So I was really thinking hard about a solution that would would faster than the one posted before, I think I finally cracked it. I made a Youtube video showing you how well it works. Then Below the video are instructions on how to do it. It took me about 30 seconds to set it up on the test machine. So while the list of instructions looks long, it's not really. Enjoy!

1) Save the VB script somewhere on your computer ( I recommend documents)

2) Press Windows key + R type Notepad and press enter

3) In Notepad type out the path of the vb file. Example (c:\users\owner\documents\test.vbs

4) Click File / Save As

5) Drop down save as type and choose all files. Now choose a location for your file.

6) For the file name call it desktop (or whatever you want).bat

7) Now go to the home screen and search for schedule, you will find it under settings under "Schedule Tasks"

8) Left click "Task Scheduler library" on the left hand side"

9) On the Right side, right click and choose "New Scheduled Task"

10) For name call it whatever you want.

11) click on the Trigger tab then click "New"

12) drop down "Begin tasks" and select "at log on"

13) click ok

14) Click the actions tab

15) Click "new" and then click "Browse"

16) Locate your new Bat file and double click it

17 ) then click ok

18) Click the conditions tab

19) If you are on a laptop you may want to uncheck "Start only if the computer is on AC power" (if you are on a laptop)

20) Click Ok and then close the Task Scheduler

21) All that is left to do is go to the home screen and move the desktop icon to the top left corner.

Now reboot and see if it works.

Show Desktop.zipFetching info...

test.zipFetching info...

[DemonicHawk]

Neat solution, I just tried it but it's kind of slow (so probably isn't significantly faster than you experienced in a VM). Would be faster to just click desktop after booting up.

[x-byte]

Smart solution. Should be a bit faster running it native (like always :) )

[Shane Nokes]

Making desktop the top entry and hitting enter when you get to the Start Screen would probably still be faster than waiting for the startup tasks to execute.

Just sayin ;)

[+Warwagon MVC]

I wonder if it's possible to piggy back that file on the registry shell key, so it loads explorer then loads that file. Not having any luck doing it, but i'm not sure how to type it. I just know malware use to do it all the time.

[HawkMan]

  On 18/08/2012 at 22:39, warwagon said:

I wonder if it's possible to piggy back that file on the registry shell key, so it loads explorer then loads that file. Not having any luck doing it, but i'm not sure how to type it. I just know malware use to do it all the time.

One, it's pointless as whatever way you do it, it'll be faster to just click the desktop tile or hit enter.

Second, explorer is the main shell. The desktop and metro are both sub shells under explorer and run in paralell.

[Obi-Wan Kenobi]

thought I had read this somewhere: http://www.windows7h...p-in-windows-8/

Originality? Nope. Easily found via google search. (Everyone in this thread got warwagoned. Funny thing is, I don't even run windows 8)

I found it earlier today via http://www.dailyrotation.com, which lead to the above site. Hmm.

So, from the first link I posted, there are simpler ways. Sorry warwagon, but these things just don't seem like they are for you. It's okay. Relax, and put some ice on your feet...they must be tired from all of that run around stuff.....

[Detection]

If you right click the bottom left corner to open the context menu, the last option is Desktop

Win+X Menu Editor allows you to add shortcuts to that context menu, so if anyone could be bothered, find out where those shortcuts are stored and copy the desktop one to the startup folder

Personally I don't mind it booting to Metro, shows me email and news and fun is only 1 click away

[BajiRav]

  On 18/08/2012 at 23:47, Detection said:

If you right click the bottom left corner to open the context menu, the last option is Desktop

Win+X Menu Editor allows you to add shortcuts to that context menu, so if anyone could be bothered, find out where those shortcuts are stored and copy the desktop one to the startup folder

Personally I don't mind it booting to Metro, shows me email and news and fun is only 1 click away

The Win+X desktop shortcut points to this %windir%\explorer.exe shell:::{3080F90D-D7AD-11D9-BD98-0000947B0257}

Desktop.zipFetching info...

[Fred 69]

Hey all,

Just thought I'd chime in; I hear everyone complaining about this all the time, even though it's no big deal as whatever program you're starting is likely going to be on the start screen anyway. . .but people want to start Windows 8 on the desktop rather than on the start screen.

I noticed since the CP (perhaps even DP) if you leave a Windows Explorer window open and change your settings to Restore previous folder windows at log-on you will start at the desktop (with your open Windows Explorer window) I haven't bothered trying but maybe this works for items in the automatic startup with interactive windows *shrug*

[Sulphy]

I found that installing Classic Shell, sends me straight to the desktop! :)

[Fred 69]

I guess I should've prefaced this does so without installing third party applications and/or butchering the intended experience :p

[Guest]

Does this load straight to desktop even if you left no explorer windows open at startup? If so, brilliant! Much better than having to install a 3rd party addon.

[EmbraceNext]

  On 20/08/2012 at 12:10, Sulphy said:

I found that installing Classic Shell, sends me straight to the desktop! :)

Where is the classic shell?

[Lee G. Veteran]

  On 20/08/2012 at 12:48, EmbraceNext said:

Where is the classic shell?

http://classicshell.sourceforge.net/

[EmbraceNext]

Thank you!

[Sulphy]

  On 20/08/2012 at 12:43, Fred 69 said:

I guess I should've prefaced this does so without installing third party applications and/or butchering the intended experience :p

:D, granted, and i should have taken into consideration you were makin the statement regarding native Win8 functionality... and not having a 3rd party! Havent tried it on RTM, will have a poke around this evening when i get home n see if it works... Cheers all the same.. :)

[Fred 69]

  On 20/08/2012 at 12:45, Mark said:

Does this load straight to desktop even if you left no explorer windows open at startup? If so, brilliant! Much better than having to install a 3rd party addon.

I don't think so - I'll try right now and check.

[Eric Veteran]

[Threads merged]

[Fred 69]

  On 20/08/2012 at 13:10, Fred 69 said:

I don't think so - I'll try right now and check.

Nope, needs an open window.

[Guest]

I guess you could maybe use a scheduled item on logoff to open an explorer window maybe?

[ls_dragons]

  On 20/08/2012 at 12:04, Fred 69 said:

Hey all,

Just thought I'd chime in; I hear everyone complaining about this all the time, even though it's no big deal as whatever program you're starting is likely going to be on the start screen anyway. . .but people want to start Windows 8 on the desktop rather than on the start screen.

I noticed since the CP (perhaps even DP) if you leave a Windows Explorer window open and change your settings to Restore previous folder windows at log-on you will start at the desktop (with your open Windows Explorer window) I haven't bothered trying but maybe this works for items in the automatic startup with interactive windows *shrug*

Tried this on my RTM installation of Pro -- does not work. Note -- I do not care where my system boots - just tried this for educational purposes.

[+Warwagon MVC]

I think I finally cracked it!

[Fred 69]

  On 20/08/2012 at 19:18, ls_dragons said:

Tried this on my RTM installation of Pro -- does not work. Note -- I do not care where my system boots - just tried this for educational purposes.

You sure you left an explorer window open? I don't really mind where it opens either but it's a byproduct of me wanting my folder of currently-watching TV series open on boot.

Mine's also a clean install of RTM (en-GB) Pro. Literally installed it yesterday on the desktop.

[Raa]

I used the registry hack posted in another thread - worked quite well.