Windows 8 Update May Permit Users To Skip Metro Start Screen

Is Microsoft finally giving in to the requests of Windows 8 users to allow them to boot straight to the traditional desktop? It seems that this is likely going to happen.

The Verge cited Microsoft sources familiar with the company’s plans saying that the upcoming refresh on Windows 8 (touted as Windows Blue or Windows 8.1) will enable users to skip the tile-based interface and boot their devices straight to the traditional desktop.

The claim was also backed by a leaked build of Windows Blue. It shows that the boot-to-desktop option was actually disabled by default and a toggle or switch that will enable it is not available in the OS’s settings panel.

However, as the code is present, many believe that Microsoft might be considering letting users skip the metro-style start menu, though it has not decided whether to implement it on Blue’s release or not.

Back to basics?

It could be remembered that Microsoft’s latest operating system, Windows 8 which has a tiled interface, has received lukewarm reception. In fact, since its release, it has been receiving the same complaint from users–the OS will not allow them to easily boot directly into the traditional desktop.

As such, many (specifically those who are using non-touchscreen devices) are forced to find ways to circumvent the metro-style menu to switch back to the old UI.

If the rumors were true, the ability to boot back to the traditional desktop will be a huge relief for people who still rely on keyboard-mouse configurations as they will not have to spend most of their time tinkering around to find ways to get a hold of the old UI.

Other reported updates

 Aside from the reported inclusion of the boot-to-desktop option, rumors are also swirling that Microsoft may also bring back the Start button on the update. Likewise, the leaked builds of Blue have also reportedly shown that it may allow users to resize the live tiles into smaller icons and split the screen between two different apps.

Of course, Microsoft will not confirm if such changes will be implemented. As ZDNet’s Mary Jo Foley pointed out, people will probably have a better indication of the refresh if more solid Blue previews are leaked or once the rumored public version of Blue’s preview goes live on June.

If Microsoft does end up doing the reported tweaks in its Windows 8 update, it will not be the first time that the tech giant has yielded to customer dissatisfaction and changed the Windows UI.

For those who remember the Windows Aero Visuals that was incorporated during the release of Windows Vista back in 2007, many users became particularly vocal about their dislike toward the said glass-like UI, believing that it is too gimmicky.

Such unwelcoming stance forced Microsoft to revise the Aero Visuals when they incorporated it in the 2009 release of Windows 7 and ultimately do away with it on the final release of Windows 8.

Do you think Microsoft will add the rumored changes in Windows 8’s upcoming update?

    Ericka

About the Guest Author:

This article was penned by Ericka, a freelance writer and a regular contributor for computer repair Edinburgh specialist, PC Doctor.