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I just installed Windows 8.1, but I can't locate the setting to disable the Metro start screen, and boot directly to the desktop instead.

So how do you configure Windows 8.1 to boot straight to the desktop?

Maestro
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    You should update the title of the question to better reflect you want to boot directly to the desktop because its not possible to "disable" the Modern UI/Start Screen/Metro interface. – Ramhound Oct 17 '13 at 17:30

2 Answers2

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  • Right-click on the Windows 8.1 taskbar, then choose Properties.

  • Click on the Navigation tab, then under the Start screen section, check the box next to "Go to the desktop instead of Start when I sign in."

Sathyajith Bhat
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Chris Bruscato
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    For completeness, if you literally have to boot to the desktop without user intervention you may also have to [skip the login screen](http://superuser.com/q/405941). – Alex Jasmin Oct 17 '13 at 23:14
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Just right-click on the taskbar and head to Properties → Navigation → When I sign in or close all apps on a screen, go to the desktop instead of Start. This will also bring you back to the desktop whenever you close a Modern app, which is handy if you use one every once in awhile.

Sathyajith Bhat
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Simon
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