In order to discard the Metro desktop and restore the classic option, thereby starting Windows 8 with the traditional desktop view, you will need to make an adjustment to the Windows registry. Warning: If you have no experience changing the registry, you should read this section very carefully and perhaps find a friend or colleague who can provide assistance. Begin in the Metro view by typing regedit, which should launch the app search box and find the utility. If you’re already in desktop view then pressing the Windows Key + R combination will open a Run box, so type regedit and click OK. The first thing you should do at this stage is open File > Export and create a backup of the system registry in advance of making any changes. Once this has completed, navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer Find the RPEnabled key and right-click, selecting Modify. Here, change the key from 1 to 0. Click OK to confirm, and you will find that Metro has been disabled. Should you wish to restore Metro at any time, simply reverse the above change, switching the key back from 0 to 1
This is for Windows Developer Preview Won't work on RTM, like the devs have put a RedPill on the RTM to unlock the hidden features
Yes, but... Server 2012 does start to desktop, having the same explorer as Win8, which means there should be some simple trick out there...
And Windows 8 also starts direct to desktop - when you start in "save mode". Perhaps a registry entry ?
Metro for a 30" desktop is a joke! M$ trying to make your desktop a store for buying things and getting more money off you. Sad day for business machines that may be the end of this OS if they do not smarten up (I will not be buying it for our office for sure). It reminds me of being a grade school kid with the big red pencil and icons 2"x4". I have been through the whole concept and have no need for a live account (which they need to know exactly who you are) or to buy low quality music etc. off M$ .............. just M$ giving you flac (not). Who is responsible for all that info they collect on people, a disgruntle employee. Completely unprofessional to say the lease. Oh and you need 3rd party software to make it useful again. Regards
Almost all "Start Menu" programs with versions launched after the RTM have in settings options to start in Desktop or to disable hot corners.. See ClasicShell Menu or Start8 as examples.