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.

 

windows-81-desktop

 

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’.

 

windows-81-desktop-1

 

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!