When you upgrade to Windows 8 or Windows 8.1, you will notice some big differences. One of these differences is the introduction of apps. Apps allow you to do more with a computer and they almost have a mobile feel to them, like things you are used to on your smart phone or tablet. To get to those apps, you use a Start Screen, which is where your computer will automatically boot to. For some people, though, they would prefer to boot to the desktop as they are used to with older versions of Windows. If you are one of those people, then there is good news. If you upgrade to Windows 8.1 (free if you have Windows 8), then you can change where your computer boots, and you can do so all on your own without computer support.
You must have the Windows 8.1 upgrade, though, so the first thing you need to check is whether or not you already have it. If you only have Windows 8, then you can get the upgrade to 8.1 for free at the Windows store. This shouldn’t be too difficult, but if it is, then you can contact a computer help service. Otherwise, once you have Windows 8.1, here are the steps you need to take in order to change where your computer boots.
Computer Support: How to Bypass Windows 8 Start Screen
First, you need to go to your control panel. Open the charm bar on the right side of the screen by swiping in from the right toward the middle of the computer screen. When you get the charm bar open, click on settings and then choose control panel.
In the control panel, look for either appearance and personalization or taskbar and navigation. If you get the second of those first, then you can skip the next step. If you see appearance and personalization, then click on taskbar and navigation next.
You will see some tabs at the top of the window that opens. Choose the tab labeled navigation. Then, look for the check box that says “When I sign in or close all the apps on a screen, go to the desktop instead of start.” Make sure you check that checkbox. If you cannot get to this screen, then you may need to contact a computer repair service.
Once you check the checkbox, then click ok at the bottom of the window. From now on, your computer should automatically go to the desktop every time you log in. You can always change this and you can still access your start screen with the Windows icon on your keyboard. If you need to reverse this choice and you cannot figure out how, then contact a computer support service for advice.
If you need help going through this process or you need any type of computer support, then DavesComputers.com is here for you. Contact us with any of your computer support problems in person or remotely.
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