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Will Windows 8.1 allow users to boot to desktop?

Ever since the consumer preview of Windows 8 was available, some users of the operating system have complained that there's no way to boot to the desktop instead of the Start screen. If recently discovered information is accurate, however, that may be changing in Windows 8.1.

An examination of the twinui.dll file in Windows 8.1 (build 9364) by Microsoft Portal discovered a line of code that indicates users may be able to immediately launch into the desktop when starting Microsoft's upcoming operating system. The ability isn't yet available in leaked copies of Windows 8.1, though the code implies it's something Microsoft is at least considering.

The ability to boot directly into the desktop has been one of the most requested features for Windows 8, with some users even using workarounds to obtain the ability. So far, however, Microsoft has made no statement that it's working on such a feature. Last month, a research firm said a boot-to-desktop feature and start menu are the two options users have requested the most for Windows 8.

Source: Microsoft Portal via WinBeta | Image via Microsoft Portal

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