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Rumor: Microsoft adding ‘boot to desktop’ and Start button in Windows 8.1

posted on Apr 16th 2013 at 11:29am by Joe Fedewa

win8startbutton

One thing a lot of Windows users have been asking for is the ability to boot directly to the desktop. They like the Start screen, but would prefer it to be a secondary option. It appears that Microsoft has heard these complaints and is planning to include the option in Windows 8.1.

According to sources familiar with the situation at The Verge Microsoft is currently testing builds of Windows 8.1 a.k.a. Windows Blue. The feature will be turned off by default, but can simply be turned on in settings. The charms bar and hot corners will all still work when booting directly to the desktop. We’re not sure if the option would also make the desktop be the default screen so pressing the Windows-key would take you there.

Microsoft is also considering bringing back the Start button in Windows 8.1. This comes after many users requests and attempts by 3rd party devs to bring it back. The Start button could be the single most requested feature in Windows 8. The Start button wouldn’t include the Start Menu, but it would make it easier for new users to find the Start screen.

What do you think about these changes? It sounds like Microsoft is listening to user requests. Personally I’m a little surprised they would back track and give people these options after making such a commitment to move away from them. In the end the users are always right.

[via The Verge, Neowin]


  • Joe_HTH

    “What do you think about these changes?”

    They suck. All Microsoft is doing is relegating themselves to certain irrelevance. Nobody will use Metro if they do this. Because of that, app developers will ignore the Windows Store, which means the Windows Store is dead. That in turn means Windows tablets are dead, because of no ecosystem. That basically means Microsoft is stuck with an old, antiquated, non-touch Windows 7 style OS that does absolutely nothing to address or compete in the changing world dominated by touch, tablets, and smartphones. A desktop market that is essentially withering on the vine and dying, slowly but surely.

    If Microsoft does this, they might as well start digging their own grave. It might take a long time for them to get there, but it will happen.

  • Edgar Cervantes

    I am glad things will go back to normal, to a certain degree. I dont think it’s ok for Microsoft to introduce something and force us into it. If Metro UI is the future, and is so awesome, people will opt to use it on their own.

    I also disagree that this move will kill Metro UI. People will still want to use it, especially people with touch screens.