MSTechpages
  • Home
  • Knowledge Base
  • Reviews
  • Articles
  • About
News

Windows 8 Won’t Let You Boot to Desktop

Aug 6, 2012·Dustin

Arg. It’s like Windows 95 all over again. First, the new interface. Bleh. Then, the fact that you can’t boot to DOS. Bleh. Now, Windows 8 with it’s new interface (I kinda like it!) won’t allow you to boot to the Desktop. You have to start with the new Start Screen (can’t call it Metro anymore, either) and can’t work around it.

I am sure that a workaround will be released by someone. It’s just a matter of time. I’m not too surprised. It’s not really forcing it on you, as it’s not a required update. Don’t like it? Don’t buy it. Simple. Sure, Microsoft will lose a few customers to Mac (I’m sure 2 people will go to Linux!), but the majority will be happy with Windows 8 on a new PC.

One of those tweaks is the decision to block users from setting up their Windows 8 machines to boot straight to the Desktop, circumventing the tiled Start screen, formerly known as the Metro screen. (There’s still no external word as to how Microsoft is planning to rebrand "Metro." It seems the Softies are backing away from the Metro terminology due to pressure of some kind from Metro AG, one of its European retail partners.)

Related Products on Amazon
USB Flash DriveShop on Amazon
External SSDShop on Amazon
Wireless KeyboardShop on Amazon
PC Cleaning KitShop on Amazon

MSTechPages is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Dustin

Dustin is the founder and head editor of MSTechpages. He started the site to help other users of Windows. He has been very active with helping others throughout the years, from USENET to Microsoft Answers to the latest Microsoft Communities as well as other internet forums such as Reddit. He is a Sr. System Administrator, holds several industry certifications and degrees.

Related Articles

Insider_Hub_screenshot
News

Microsoft Commits To Windows Quality From New EVP of Windows

Mar 20, 2026·Dustin
News

Microsoft Releasing New Certifications for AI, Azure, Security

Mar 9, 2026·Dustin
News

Microsoft Bringing Back the Vertical Taskbar… Drama Ensues.

Feb 15, 2026·Dustin

Windows Insider Builds

Canary
29553.1
Dev
26300.8085
Beta
26220.8079
Release Preview
26100.8106
Recent Knowledge Base Articles
  • Add “End Task” To Right Click Application on Taskbar
  • Offline install of .Net Framework 3.5 using DISM
  • Disable Autohide Scrollbars
  • Install Active Directory RSAT in Windows 10 1809 or later
  • Disable File Grouping in File Explorer
  • Forget Wireless Networks
  • Show Hidden Files & Folders
  • Enable Night Light Mode
  • How to Fix a Network Printer Showing Offline
  • Open a Command Prompt/Powershell Prompt at Folder Location
MSTechpages

Your source for Windows news, tutorials, and Insider builds.

Windows

  • Windows 11
  • Windows Insider
  • Canary Channel
  • Cumulative Updates

Resources

  • Knowledge Base
  • Articles
  • Reviews

Company

  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise

© 2026 MSTechpages. All rights reserved.

Privacy