How to boot directly to the desktop in Windows 8.1

Unlike Windows 7, by default when you login to Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 you are taken to the start screen. This might be a good starting point for touch screen computers, I’m guessing that the majority of desktop users would prefer to bypass the start screen and boot directly to the desktop.

This tutorial will take you through how to boot directly to the desktop in Windows 8.1 without the help of any third party software.

Info: This tutorial will only work in Windows 8.1 and not Windows 8

Open the Windows 8.1 Taskbar Properties

Right hand click on the Windows 8.1 taskbar and choose “Properties”.

Select “Go to the desktop instead of Start”

Under the “Navigation” tab, check the box next to “When I sign in or close all apps on a screen, go to the desktop instead of Start” and click “Apply”.

That’s it, the next time you boot Windows 8.1 you’ll bypass the start screen and go straight to the desktop.

You’ll also notice an option to “Show my desktop background on Start” which is another nice hidden feature of Windows 8.1.