Rumor: Windows 8.1 Update 1 to boot to desktop by default.

Sauce: http://www.theverge.com/2014/1/30/5362156/windows-8-1-update-1-boot-to-desktop-by-default

Interesting to see MS continue to backpedal. At this rate I suspect Windows 9 might act a lot like OS X as far as having a app store goes: if apps will be openable on the desktop and able to be windowed, the Start screen becomes less relevant.

I have always liked the start screen and think the tiles are great, but even I find myself in the desktop 90% of the time. I only use a few Modern apps and almost always docked.

Having been in the telephone tech support game now for close to a year, I can confirm that it's frustrating for people to navigate Windows 8 and it can be trying for us on the other end to help out too.

I think that changing the Start screen to "all apps" by default would help out: navigating the start menu with apps hidden in folders can be tedious for people as well and I feel like having it all in the open like "all apps" makes it easier.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

 

Even more so, once you throw in a Start Menu, it becomes entirely irrelevant. Rumor so far has it that this change, however, will have to wait until Spring 2015, and Windows 9. But who knows, at the rate they're going backwards, we'll get a Windows 8.2 update in the summer that does this already. Which will end Microsoft's ill-fated experiment with their Metro/Modern/whatever UI. Good riddance.

Now that one is positively funny... " telemetry data that shows the majority of Windows 8 users still use a keyboard and mouse and desktop applications" Oh really? And that comes as a surprise to exactly whom? No, I take the above back, this is not even funny: They knew bloody well, that just about all of their users were "still using a keyboard and mouse and desktop applications". What the hell else should we be using? God almighty...

It may be easier if you have only a handful of "apps". I note in passing that I happen to not have any "apps" at all on my computer; what I have, lots of, are known as "applications", or "programs", but I digress... Anyway, not having a hierarchical structure for your program launcher becomes a nightmare if you have many applications on your computer.

 

Here's some tidbits

-= WZor.Net =- - MICROSOFT PRE-RELEASE BUILD WINDOWS 8.1 2014 UPDATE LEAK JANUARY 15th

http://forums.mydigitallife.info/th...DR)-Expected-in-March-Release-in-BUILD/page15

 

I doubt that is going to fix what debacle they created create a balance-your kidding right? How about this give the user either traditional W7 desktop UI or Metro how hard is that-it must be since they can't seem to listen at all they are all deaf in both brain and ears.

Here more evidence haven't learned their lessons yet......

And why would I want this where did the option to choose which interface I want not what M$ wants just so they can sell their apps store...lessons still not yet learned...this is all the same Metro nothing really learned from the pathetic W8 problems and not listening still.....

So long W8 hopefully W9 will make W8 the next ME debacle.....

 

Improve Metro I think it more like will kill Windows faster...no amount of improve Metro is going to fix it. I like my clean Desktop that doesn't require constant internet to do what I like to do or have all those social block tile on there when I don't need them. That's the problem with Metro it fails to allow the user to customize what they want and how it looks. I call Metro a Epic FAIL.

No they have no sense but their bottom line is taking the hit as well as their shareholders...why else would management get a boot. Loose money you can guess where your going even if you got a Golden Parachute you got baggage now. Keeping Metro specific is one sure fire way to kill Metro faster then a train wreck which is what Metro is right now a Slow train wreck happening in real time and for all to see.

 

It`s about time you can disable metro or modern or whatever it is called.

John.

 

you can change win8.1 to boot straight to desktop mode. i dont understand why people are too excited about this. i think the biggest change they need to make is the UAC. UAC needs to be enabled for 'modern' apps to work. disabling UAC will also prevent programs to run at startup if the program requires UAC permission.

 

For those default users it will want cloud connection to Microsoft live and most not power tweaker won't know all these features that whom I am referring to not those that knows how to tweak their O/S Metro fails at that - that's what they fail at. Unfortunately whether I choose to use Desktop or Metro isn't the question the question is I should be the master to choose what interface I choose not what M$ wants to sell. My Windows 7 Desktop is all clean only icon are those I need or those the software installs and they are far less in size compared to Metro Tiles. Those tiles have not productive about them and as you just ironically pointed to your own use requires internet to have weather forecast and RSS feeds something I do need as my Smart Phone already does this. Rather then concentrate what made their O/S good and better then took the low brow and made it worse in productive needs and left users in the cold.

Really from what I read it was a facade of Desktop not a true Desktop mode...UAC is nothing new that isn't the problem here...well then if UAC stops it then one should be in Admin mode to install it so if others are using their accounts can access the program. Not that hard to do I never had problems with UAC. If it gave one the choice of Windows 7 desktop start menu and or Metro UI options that would be the biggest change....not UAC.....

 

Got the Win8.1 9600.16596.WINBLUES14_GDR_LEAN.140114-0237 iso from a MEGA link

Unpacked the ISO onto a USB flash drive using the MS USB/DVD Tool

Has a huge watermark on the desktop that disappears when activated.

Changelog from the leaked build:
- Pinning metro apps to desktop taskbar.
- Classic taskbar in ModernApp (Bugged).
- Link to classic Control Panel in PC Settings.
- Shutdown button on the start screen.
- Search button on the start screen.
- Context Menu appears when you right-click on the ModernApp (Tiles).
- Tittle on the ModernApp and close button.
- Sorted App list in Apps screen (all programs) by default.
- Update Internet Explorer to 11.0.3.
- Hidden "Enterprise Mode" in Internet Explorer (in develop).

 

There is nothing in W8 that makes it a true Desktop like W7 Desktop so let's stop trying to compare something that isn't even a true Windows Desktop to start with.

Actually W8 requires more internet then W7 does my fallacious is rooted in real time. I like to be off the net and on when I choose not when M$ wants me on the net. Actually you proved my point correct I get to choose on W7 and on W8 you get M$ to choose so there some fallacious on your side there already. Really W8 doesn't require internet? How about this 30days usage on W8 and what does it do go to black screen cause you don't activate online because the COA is in the UEFI but in W7 I get a key and can phone in the COA there something you forget as well and no internet required to activate my W7. And least you forget what did M$ say they want their O/S W8 users to be connected to the internet to access their features how did you forget that line from M$.

 

No true Desktop UI with a start menu and functions....it give a start screen no true Desktop functionality...

No then why advertise taking about how you use the cloud and windows Apps store? That surely didn't come for the testers or preview users making such move. I like how people try to paint a rosy picture and use words "Functional" as Windows 7 there is no functional W8 as W7 - I can boot right to my Windows 7 desktop and get working without tiles that have no relations to what I installed or want to have taking up screen or in Windows 7 Desktop space for apps I want and shortcuts I create to use.

Oh really then why even advertise the Cloud and M$ live accounts and Windows store Apps as a selling point? No but when M$ makes claim of better cloud computing with Windows 8 that tells one where they are heading. I like how one tries to deny what M$ always stated Windows 8 isn't a cloud based O/S and that they are trying to sell their Apps store which is a flop to start with.

You already answered your one posting question more integration with ONLINE services that itself never sells a O/S. What I don't even get you? Windows 7 does require a internet to update Windows as any Windows does or get latest updates. Also if you want internet you will need a internet connections-they M$ already in their own words talk about how WONDERFUL Windows 8 will make live internet connections with their Apps store and sell their products through the Apps store. Yeah I like how rather then a O/S experience debate one goes to the lost common denominator and in their own words go attacking the straw man as you mentioned very hypocritical to make such statements to me but then attack as well. Rather ironic..........

 

This thread is driving me crazy. Behold, the Win 8.1 desktop, and guess what, I boot right to it with no 3rd party involvement.

 

If something isn't a "true" desktop UI without a menu-based launcher, then the last desktop UI from Apple was OS9, and OSX does not have a "true" desktop UI. Are all the MacBook, iMac, and Mac Pro users out there aware that their desktop OS is not a "true" desktop OS?

 

You are missing the point entirely: The point is that [ rumor has it that], Windows 8.1 Update 1 will boot to the desktop by default. As it is right now, you need to actively find and set this option after installation.

 

For crying out loud, who cares? Even if it doesn't it only takes 2 or 3 clicks to set it up.
I'm 64 years old and figured it out in 5 minutes.

 

That's not the point, at all. This is one of the most striking reversals of Microsoft's approach of cramming that useless "Modern UI" down people's throats, and represents a massive de-emphasis of that ill-fated environment. Most significantly, on certain (non-touch) computers, people may never be aware of the existence of the tile UI.

If you can't see that, then I can't help you.

Here is some more information on this:

(Emphasis mine)

 

I think the OEM should have the choice to set the device to boot to desktop or boot to start on the first start up, depending on the model (and the user can change the default setting after that). An Alienware desktop running Windows should boot to desktop by default and an eight-inch slate running Windows should boot to start by default. Neither solution is "better" for every single device on the market.

 

I posted the desktop pic because StormJumper has never seen a Win 8/8.1 computer. I'm just some retired guy that needed a cheap little lappy for traveling.
It's a weak Ideapad S210 Touch. It came with 8 installed, I updated it to 8.1 via the MS Store. I killed off all the Live Tile crap and just use it as a regular laptop.
I don't touch the touchscreen because I can't stand prints and smudges on the display.
With that said, you guys can go back to debating your rumor.
Thanks BTW, I've been lurking here for years and most of what I do know about PCs I learned from you active forum guys.:thumbsup:

 

That's a discussion between you and StormJumper, that I am not getting involved in. But, for what it's worth, I think StormJumper is wrong on this one.

I was assuming that the OEMs will also be free to configure the computer to show the Start Screen in the "All Apps" view, in which case there will be no tiles. That's why I said "on certain computers". But, no, I am not entirely certain of this.

I agree.

Heh, I know exactly what you mean...

You are most welcome!

 

In terms of the live tile screen versus the all apps screen, even beyond the OEM having the ability to choose which is the default setting on first boot, I think two changes would be critical for making it both easier to use and more intuitive to a first-time Win8 user:

(1) Add a label to each: on the live tile screen, have a down arrow that says "all apps" (there's currently an arrow but no label), and on the all apps screen, have an up-arrow labeled "pinned favorite apps" (it currently has an up-arrow but no label). Or label them "app drawer" and "home screen" to borrow Android terminology.

(2) Allow an option for the background of Start (either the home screen or the app drawer) to be your actual desktop, not just your desktop wallpaper. So the icons or tiles are just an overlay that you temporarily bring up over what you're working on on the desktop. Allow OEMs to choose this as a default option; I suspect on traditional laptops and traditional desktops, they will. Whereas on tablets, most people will stick with a dedicated Start wallpaper, or just the desktop wallpaper instead of the actual desktop view.

Both of these tweaks would be incredibly quick and easy to implement, they wouldn't in any way impair Windows usability on slates or convertibles, and they'd make the OS far more intuitive on traditional keyboard-and-mouse machines.

 

Those are excellent suggestions both. I would still want a real Start Menu, however.
Now, if you throw in a hierarchical structure for that Start Screen, so that we can have folders containing shortcuts (and subfolders thereof), then we're getting pretty darn close to Start Menu functionality. At that point, you may start winning me over.

 

In a January 2014 update, Nokia introduced folders into Windows Phone 8 Black; I wouldn't be surprised if they're on the way for Win8's start screen as well.

One more thought: have an option to enable an X button in the top right of Start (a close-window button) that, when hit, will drop you onto the desktop. Same function as the desktop tile, but more familiar and instinctive to old-school Windows users. It's the same number of clicks whether you use a desktop tile or a top-right "X" button, so neither is more efficient in an objective sense, but the top-right X button will be more familiar to someone coming from WinXP or Win7. Should cure the "what is this and how do I get back to the desktop?" moments among first-time users.

After using Win8.x for a couple months, most people will probably say "meh, doesn't matter either way," but I think it's a better way of introducing the interaction between Start and Desktop to first-time Win8.x users.

 

Wow, that would be sacrilege! Now all of a sudden people will realize that the desktop is not an "app"! Why, this now even looks like this whole "Metro thing" is a desktop application! Can't have that...

Seriously, though, that's a great idea, too.

 

Just download iobit win 8 start menu and boot to desktop now,, why wait ?


Cheers
3Fees

 

Even better yet to beat a horse dead just find Windows 7 format and get a complete desktop with no unsecured 3rd party to do something Windows 7 already does well at.

 

Re-read posting #21 again would ya.

Trying to grab for straws two different OS for different purpose to but nothing related software or Kernal based so comparing Apples to Oranges again does nothing.

W8 doesn't come to boot Desktop no matter how you like to sugar coat it set a WYSIWYG for W7 and W8 OEM side by side and you tell me which one is a representative of the Desktop that all users recognize and you will find W8 isn't one of them.

I don't have to I use the keyboard/mouse and touchscreen is worthless on Desktop computer and the keyboard/mouse are the most used technology currently to date. Reality how about a real desktop set a W7 and W8 OEM no extra 3rd party software menu and no touch screen and which one do you think will get recognized as a Desktop. And most users nowdays are use Keyboard/Mouse - tablets are a dead technology along with Surface that got torpedoed but Ipad..

I been lurking on PC since the '80 and learned a lot from usage and reading. And for one like you to say I never seen a W8 machine is really telling of ones lack of knowledge to start and to assume one knows of others' experience couldn't be farther from the truth of knowledge.

Let me get this straight your own posting on #21 already makes my report true and to now your try to say you don't want to get involved but then make a comment on it? It's very hypocritical in itself right now.

 

Win8.1 comes with a boot-to-desktop option. It isn't checked when you boot up for the first time, but it's there. I really don't see the point of a big angry fight if an operating system gives you the option you want, simply because your preferred setting is not the default setting. I like the taskbar on the right instead of the bottom. I change that setting on every new Windows PC I get. It's okay with me that my preferred setting isn't the default-from-factory setting, because the option is nevertheless there.