Microsoft brought back the boot to desktop ability in the latest update to their Windows 8 Operating System, 8.1. The preview for this update is available now in the Microsoft Store.
Screen shoot of Taskbar and Navigation properties. The latter being why these options are presented here.
To enable boot to desktop once you’ve installed the update:
1. After booting Windows 8.1 click the Desktop tile to enter Desktop mode.
2. Right-click any open area in the taskbar (bottom bar on screen), then click Properties.
3. Click the Navigation tab, then check the box next to Go to the desktop instead of Start when I sign in.
4. Click OK, then reboot. Windows should now boot to your Desktop.
Another feature we like is the ability to show the desktop as the background to the new Start Screen. This makes switching between the two much less jarring. This option is right below the boot to desktop option.
