When Windows 8 hit the market, many users didn’t like how visually different it was from what they were used to. Instead of having a traditional desktop, you were plopped into a tablet-like environment, complete with moveable tiles. It seems like Microsoft is aiming to calm the fears of anyone hesitant to make the switch to Windows 8, though. A new rumor says that Microsoft is going to change the way the Start Screen operates when Windows 8.1 releases later this year by letting you boot directly to a traditional desktop. The feature will supposedly be disabled by default, but one quick settings change will have you back to the Windows interface you’ve come to know – and maybe love – over the years. This option won’t disable Windows 8 features like Charms and Start Screen, so if you’ve gotten used to those but want to boot straight to the traditional desktop, you can now have your cake and eat it, too.
About Shelly Palmer
Shelly Palmer is the Professor of Advanced Media in Residence at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and CEO of The Palmer Group, a consulting practice that helps Fortune 500 companies with technology, media and marketing. Named LinkedIn’s “Top Voice in Technology,” he covers tech and business for Good Day New York, is a regular commentator on CNN and writes a popular daily business blog. He's a bestselling author, and the creator of the popular, free online course, Generative AI for Execs. Follow @shellypalmer or visit shellypalmer.com.