Prior to Windows 8.1 update 1, every time a user signs on to Windows, he or she is shown the Start Screen by default. The Start screen is the new Metro style the was introduced in Windows 8. After Windows 8.1 update 1, all users now directly logs on to Windows desktop and bypassing the Start screen.
This move might be better for most people, but some still prefer Windows Start screen everytime they log on. Windows 8.1 Start Screen allows easy access to pinned applications right after signing onto Windows.
This brief tutorial is going to show those who want to turn that feature back on easily.
For those using Windows 8.1 without the first major update or service pack, they can can use this method to automatically sign on to Windows Desktop instead of the Start Screen.
Without wasting anymore of your time, let’s get going.
To get started, log onto Windows and it should automatically send you to your desktop. At your desktop, right-click on a blank area of the task bar (bottom bar) and select Properties as shown below.
When the Properties dialog box opens, make sure to uncheck the box that reads ‘When i sign in or close all apps on a screen, go to the desktop instead of Start’.
When you uncheck to box, click Apply or OK at the bottom of the screen and you’re done.
The next time you sign in, Windows will send you directly to the Start screen instead of your desktop. In that way, if you have pinned your favorite apps, you should be able to open them as quickly as possible.
Although it’s easy to access the Start screen from your desktop, it a two-steps process. Accessing your pinned from the Start screen is only a single step.
To access the Start screen from your desktop, just click the icon to the bottom left of on the Task bar. Right-clicking on it brings up more options like shutting and restarting your computer, Control Panel, Task Manager, Device Manager, Event Viewer, Power Options and others.
Hope this helps.
Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I automatically logon to Windows 8.1 Start Screen?
To automatically logon to Windows 8.1 Start Screen, right-click on a blank area of the taskbar, select Properties, uncheck the box that says 'When I sign in or close all apps on a screen, go to the desktop instead of Start', and click Apply or OK.
What was the default behavior before Windows 8.1 update 1?
Before Windows 8.1 update 1, every time a user signed on to Windows, they were shown the Start Screen by default.
How can I return to the Windows desktop after signing on?
To return to the Windows desktop after signing on, right-click on the taskbar, select Properties, and uncheck the box that sends you to the desktop instead of the Start screen.
What is the benefit of accessing the Start Screen directly?
Accessing the Start Screen directly in Windows 8.1 allows for quick access to pinned applications right after signing in, making it convenient for users.
How can I easily access my favorite apps in Windows 8.1?
You can easily access your favorite apps in Windows 8.1 by automatically logging on to the Start Screen, which allows quick opening of pinned applications.
What is the two-step process for accessing the Start screen from the desktop?
The two-step process for accessing the Start screen from the desktop involves first going to the desktop and then clicking on the Start screen icon to view pinned apps.
How do I bypass the Start screen in Windows 8.1?
To bypass the Start screen in Windows 8.1, right-click on the taskbar, select Properties, uncheck the box that sends you to the desktop, and click Apply or OK.
Can I customize my logon behavior in Windows 8.1?
Yes, you can customize your logon behavior in Windows 8.1 by adjusting the settings to either automatically go to the desktop or the Start screen when signing in.