How does Metro work?

By Atomic Wanderer Chicken
in Microsoft (Windows)

 Share

Recommended Posts

Grand Master

Atomic Wanderer Chicken

Posted
Posted

How does metro work? Does it work in the same way as when you press alt+ctrl+delete in Windows to bring up the security screen thing? In other words, how does it operate in technical terms?

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1141770-how-does-metro-work/
Share on other sites
Grand Master

Atomic Wanderer Chicken

Posted
  • Author
Posted

How does it work in Windows, does it work like the security screen when you press alt ctrl delete? I think my question was very clear and understandable

Grand Master

Atomic Wanderer Chicken

Posted
  • Author
Posted

So, it operates in the same technical manner as the security screen or the lock screen (Win key + L). For an example, when you press win key + lock, the screen appears immediately just like metro, it is always there?

Mentor

argonite

Posted
Posted

I think he's asking how Metro was written as a whole other interface on top of Windows, and how the Shell instantiates it on startup. I think his analogy is to the Secure Desktop for login, which is a separate user interface handled by a separate (non-Explorer) process that takes over the display when you press Ctrl+Alt+Delete.

Grand Master

TAZMINATOR

Posted
Posted

I think he's asking how Metro was written as a whole other interface on top of Windows, and how the Shell instantiates it on startup. I think his analogy is to the Secure Desktop for login, which is a separate user interface handled by a separate (non-Explorer) process that takes over the display when you press Ctrl+Alt+Delete.

Oh, I remember that, that was on Windows 2000 and/or Windows NT.

Grand Master

Atomic Wanderer Chicken

Posted
  • Author
Posted

When I was first introduced to windows 8, I wondered how Metro would not eat more memory. So metro is apart of the Windows system. So, does Metro work in the same way as when you hit al ctrl delete in vista and beyond?

Grand Master

TAZMINATOR

Posted
Posted

When I was first introduced to windows 8, I wondered how Metro would not eat more memory. So metro is apart of the Windows system.

The desktop is there but Metro is like Start Menu... And Metro apps allow you to view app in full screen... but you can not change to windowed version unless you have the desktop apps which can be viewed on your desktop.

Experienced

Matthew_Thepc

Posted
Posted

I think (don't quote me on this) when Win8 was being announced they made it very clear that Metro wasn't a layer on top of Windows - it is Windows now, basically like replacing the "classic shell," but still keeping the Desktop there, but the desktop code is only loaded when the Desktop app is launched. Again, not completely sure, but I think it's more analogous to like the Windows Desktop and the command prompt or DOSBox, where the "stock Windows" is the Start Screen and the desktop is more there for older applications and applications that take advantage of the specific desktop-based Windows features. not a perfect analogy, but that's the best I could come up with :\

Mentor

argonite

Posted
Posted

When I was first introduced to windows 8, I wondered how Metro would not eat more memory. So metro is apart of the Windows system. So, does Metro work in the same way as when you hit al ctrl delete in vista and beyond?

While I'm not sure how Metro apps are represented in the system, I can say for certain that Windows is not instantiating a 'new desktop' like the Ctrl+Alt+Del Secure Desktop. You'll notice it doesn't flicker when going in and out of the Start Menu like it does if a UAC prompt (on the Secure Desktop) comes up.

If I were to guess, everything is still tied to explorer.exe and the Desktop Window Manager. You'll notice that if you kill that process, all Charms Bars, start screen, taskbars disappear. So I'm guessing they just rewrote explorer.exe to show the Start 'menu' first and the desktop later, Metro apps are Windows apps that use WinRT (as opposed to Win32) that draws to fullscreen Direct2D surfaces represented inside the Desktop Window Manager, like every other window.

  • Matthew_Thepc
  • Like 1
Grand Master

Atomic Wanderer Chicken

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I see now, Metro and the desktop work almost the same way. Metro is like alternate desktop then. I still like and always will like the start menu though. Metro may be nice and everything, but it makes people a lot less productive. Microsoft really did not need to get rid of the start menu, it worked fantastically. Metro is designed primarily for the tablets!

Grand Master

FunkyMike

Posted
Posted

When was this thread ever a technical discussion, the OP question didn't even make any sense, it took most of the first page to work out what he was saying

It did make sense. You cannot expect someone that is trying to ask a technical question and hence obtain more knowledge to form it coherently if he is trying to learn more about this topic.

Metro is part of explorer.exe so it is not like hitting control alt delete. Try killing the explorer.exe process and see for yourself.

Metro Apps on the other hand run separately.

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

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Posts

    • Can't access the forum on mobile

      By _neutrino · Posted

      Im in Ohio, and my VPN endpoint is in Boston. If that helps, it does happen both on and off the VPN. and again only in Edge.
    • Visual Studio finally gets long-awaited feature that developers will love

      By Elliot B. · Posted

      It is such a shame. I used to really respect Neowin's articles.
    • Politically funny images of the World

      By +primortal · Posted

    • Microsoft about to radically change how often your Edge browser updates

      By +mram · Posted

      So.... slower fixes and slower security updates are preferred? I mean, there is no goldilocks zone here until it can literally update without ever needing a restart, and even then I'm sure someone would complain.
    • [New Deal] Save 73% on a lifetime EbookMagic Starter Plan

      By News Staff · Posted

      [New Deal] Save 73% on a lifetime EbookMagic Starter Plan by Steven Parker Today's highlighted Neowin Deal comes via our Apps + Software section, where you can get a lifetime subscription and save 73% on a lifetime EbookMagic Starter Plan. EbookMagic helps turn your ideas into complete, professionally formatted ebooks without spending weeks writing, editing or designing. Simply enter your title, genre and key details, and EbookMagic creates structured content, polished layouts and a custom cover in just minutes. Instead of juggling separate writing tools, formatting software and cover generators, EbookMagic handles the entire ebook creation process in one place. Generate content, customize your book and export ready-to-use files designed for publishing, sharing or personal projects. EbookMagic Lifetime gives aspiring authors, creators and entrepreneurs the flexibility to build, publish and scale projects over time without ongoing subscription fees. Whether you're building lead magnets, creating educational resources or starting your self-publishing journey, EbookMagic simplifies the process and helps bring ideas to life faster. AI-Powered Ebook Creation AI Writing Assistant: Transform prompts & ideas into complete ebook content. 12 Professional Writing Styles: Write using multiple styles and tones. Author Style Mimicking: Adapt content to preferred writing styles. Personalized Cover Generator: Produce custom ebook covers automatically. AI Audiobook Creator: Convert your books into professional-sounding audiobooks using a variety of realistic AI voices (1 audio book included). Built to Help You Create Faster Lightning Fast Creation: Build complete ebooks in minutes. Target Audience Optimization: Tailor content to specific demographics and reader preferences. Intelligent Chapter Structure: Automatically organize chapters and generate a table of contents. 15+ Genres Supported: Create fiction, non-fiction, business, romance, self-help and more. Quality Assurance: Improve readability and engagement with built-in content optimization. Convert to Interactive Books: Transform standard content into interactive experiences. 57 Major Languages Support: Produce ebooks across supported languages. Ready for Download & Publishing Ready for Sale: Create professional books that can be published and sold on Amazon KDP and other major publishing platforms Kindle & Print-Ready Formats: Export files prepared for publishing. No Watermarks: Create cleaner deliverables for publishing. Commercial Usage Rights: Sell or publish your ebooks. Built-In Editing Tools: Make edits before export. What You'll Get 5 Ebooks per month Each generated ebook can support up to 500,000 words per book. Up to 50 cover generations 12 professional writing styles Author style mimicking Personalized Cover Generator Convert to Interactive Books Multiple languages support Kindle & Print-ready formats Commercial usage rights No watermarks Good to know Length of access: Lifetime Redemption deadline: Redeem your code within 30 days of purchase Access options: Desktop and mobile Max number of devices: Up to 3 devices can be used per license. Available for both new and existing users that are not on lifetime plan. Updates included A lifetime subscription to EbookMagic Starter Plan normally costs $149, but this deal can be yours for just $39.99, that's a saving of $109. For full terms, specifications, and license info please click the link below. Get this EbookMagic Starter Plan lifetime deal for just $39.99 (was $149) Although priced in U.S. dollars, this deal is available for digital purchase worldwide. Support queries If you have queries or need support for any of the Neowin Deals, please use the contact form here. Neowin Deals are managed and sold by StackCommerce who represent Neowin on an affiliate basis. Why we post these deals We post these because we earn commission on each sale so as not to rely solely on advertising, which many of our readers block. It all helps toward paying staff reporters, servers and hosting costs. So for those that keep moaning and complaining, be thankful we're still online for you to even do that. Other ways to support Neowin Whitelist Neowin by not blocking our ads Create a free member account to see fewer ads Make a donation to support our day to day running costs Subscribe to Neowin - for $14 a year, or $28 a year for an ad-free experience Disclosure: Neowin benefits from revenue of each sale made through our branded deals site powered by StackCommerce.

  • Recent Achievements

    • One Month Later
      Clizby earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • One Month Later
      Timaximus earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • Week One Done
      Timaximus earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • Rookie
      FBSPL went up a rank
      Rookie
    • First Post
      davidbazooked earned a badge
      First Post

  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      492
    2. 2
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      169
    3. 3
      +Edouard
      164
    4. 4
      Steven P.
      85
    5. 5
      ATLien_0
      76
    Show More

  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!