How To Make Windows 8.1 Boot To The Desktop

Many existing Windows users find the Metro Start screen in Windows 8 disorienting or inefficient. Windows 8.1 gives you the option to skip straight past it and boot to the desktop. Here’s how to enable that if you haven’t already.

It’s hard to make a compelling case for many Metro-style apps on a device with a keyboard attached, and under those circumstances getting away from the Start screen as fast possible makes sense. Here’s how to set that up in Windows 8.1:

  • Head to the desktop (Windows key+D is your fastest route).
  • Right-click on the Taskbar at the bottom of the screen and choose “Properties”.
  • Select the Navigation tab and make sure “When I sign in or close all applications on a screen, go to the desktop instead of Start” is ticked.
  • Click “OK”.

Done! Remember, if you want access to the Start screen, it’s still only a matter of hitting the Windows key. And if you want to access Search (the only function in Metro I ever use), you can simply type Windows+S to start searching. Simples!


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