Microsoft backpedals: Windows 8.1 update hides tile interface by default

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Microsoft is once again planning to alter the way its Start Screen works in Windows 8.1 Update 1. While the software giant originally released Windows 8.1 last year with an option to bypass the "Metro" interface at boot, sources familiar with Microsoft’s plans have revealed to The Verge that the upcoming update for Windows 8.1 will enable this by default. Like many other changes in Update 1, we’re told the reason for the reversal is to improve the OS for keyboard and mouse users.

We understand the latest internal builds of Windows 8.1 Update 1 have the boot-to-desktop option enabled by default, a change that Wzor noted earlier today. The update is still in development, and Microsoft could alter this further before it ships, but it's currently being changed to appease desktop users. It may seem like a minor change, but the move reverses parts of Microsoft’s original vision for Windows 8.
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Rest - http://www.theverge.com/2014/1/30/5362156/windows-8-1-update-1-boot-to-desktop-by-default
 
Now make sure all default apps and configuration areas are opening up desktop Windows and not bumping people to Metro shit it'll be almost there.
 
If Windows 8.1 booted a lot faster it would of been fine to leave it but I find it takes a lot longer to log in if you don't go directly to the desktop.
 
Single kernel and usermode with all options, but defaulting contextually whether you're in desktop, ultrabook, 2-in-1, or tablet is the way to go. If I'm on a desktop, give me an organized, modern UI start menu by default. If I'm on tablet, give me the start screen but allow me to look at the menu if I want to.

And please stop defaulting office to skydrive. Seriously. I'm not going to use it at work.
 
1. Bring back Start button
2. Enable boot to Desktop
3. Set Desktop as default
4. ?????
5. Profit


Hmm.. I don't think I'm using the meme right.
 
Black-Box said:
If Windows 8.1 booted a lot faster it would of been fine to leave it but I find it takes a lot longer to log in if you don't go directly to the desktop.
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I can't imagine W8.1 booting any faster than it already does. I'm at the Start screen in around 8-10s after hitting the power button.
 
eh, this would be about right for usage I'd have thought. Most people who are actually using the start screen would be pinning their most used applications onto the taskbar and less commonly used ones on the start screen. Hopefully they don't go back to the older startmenu altogether though, just work on improving the start screen.
 
The OS needs to be smart enough to detect what hardware it's on.

If you're not a tablet or a hybrid that turns into a tablet, then the OS should revert to metro.

However, once "docked" or on a native desktop/laptop, it needs to default the start button (which needs to be fully functional).

This isn't hard MS.
 
RukusProvider said:
The OS needs to be smart enough to detect what hardware it's on.

If you're not a tablet or a hybrid that turns into a tablet, then the OS should revert to metro.

However, once "docked" or on a native desktop/laptop, it needs to default the start button (which needs to be fully functional).

This isn't hard MS.
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Yup. There was some kind of fancy Ubuntu OS that was being worked on that perfectly worked between phone, tablet, and desktop/laptop interfaces.
 
kick51 said:
8.1...

180....

there's a joke in there somewhere
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i0J2K075nIJzf.gif
 
RukusProvider said:
The OS needs to be smart enough to detect what hardware it's on.

If you're not a tablet or a hybrid that turns into a tablet, then the OS should revert to metro.

However, once "docked" or on a native desktop/laptop, it needs to default the start button (which needs to be fully functional).

This isn't hard MS.
Click to expand...

This isn't up to Microsoft. Computer manufacturers are notoriously bad about sticking to a standard with the WMI variables.

The list of Chassis Types can be found here and those would work for the sort of detection you're talking about if they were employed consistently and logically.
 
Well I know what option I'll be turning off 1st, I love my Metro interface.

I think it would have made more sense to just do a browser choice style popup at 1st boot after the update, with it asking which you wanted as the default.
 
Another thing that annoys me is how skydrive is on by default. Whos bright idea was that.
You know how annoying it is to google 'how do I turn off skydrive' before being able to actually download something from your email.
 
RukusProvider said:
The OS needs to be smart enough to detect what hardware it's on.

If you're not a tablet or a hybrid that turns into a tablet, then the OS should revert to metro.

However, once "docked" or on a native desktop/laptop, it needs to default the start button (which needs to be fully functional).

This isn't hard MS.
Click to expand...

This is how i envisioned it working when they first mooted the idea of metro on windows. It would make much more sense. They also need much better integration with their platforms for example digital games that can downloaded across multiple devices eg jetpack joyride should be tied to the live account not the device. It would neaten up achievements and where is the pause a game on windows and resume play on WP8 that they promised years ago? If done right I think MS has the capability to leverage their platforms in a way that no one else can match. Its just a shame they are so slow in achieving it.
 
Keep it coming Microsoft, just a few more changes back to 7 and you'll be releasing the "all new and improved optimized for the desktop interface" as the cornerstone of your Windows 9 release.

Watch it get adopted by the masses in the droves, and lauded by tech pundits to be the best OS ever released since Windows 7 thanks to the virtual excision of Metro/strict delineation of UIs based on context plus all the under the hood performance improvements that 8/8.1 brings to the table that desktop users wanted. Best of both worlds.

All be will be well again for MS.

I can dream, can't I?
 
I wonder if they set the Start screen to the all apps view as well. Probably a good idea. I will set it back to the Start Screen myself as I like the apps and quick look information.
 
Installed ClassicShell as soon as I got stuck with my current laptop (old one physically broke, and took my wife's and got her a new one), and haven't touched the "Metro" desktop since then.

I have to interact with Windows 8 all the time for work, so I know what it's like - and I want nothing to do with it on my personal laptop.
 
Good, I'm very glad to see that someone over at Microsoft decided to crack open a window and let whatever it is they were smoking during the Win 8 days dissipate.
 
The Cowboy said:
Well I know what option I'll be turning off 1st, I love my Metro interface.

I think it would have made more sense to just do a browser choice style popup at 1st boot after the update, with it asking which you wanted as the default.
Click to expand...

No shit.

Microsoft is driving droves of people to Apple with their boneheadedness.
 
Branduil said:
I think it's more like desktop users are just not updating from Windows 7.
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Granted, I work with older users, but they are upgrading from their XP machines to Macbooks (or trying to "upgrade" to an iPad lol) as their 6-8 year old machines die off as 7 isn't available outside of HP.
 
saelz8 said:
I don't give a damn if its a 180.

Good. Do it. More.

180 All Day.
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This. They are finally accepting it. They don't have to kill Metro if they love their little baby, just keep it the hell out of desktop users way unless we choose otherwise. I don't need or want your ugly tiles on a touch device TBH, let alone a freaking desktop that I'm navigating with a KB&M.

Road said:
1. Bring back Start button
2. Enable boot to Desktop
3. Set Desktop as default
4. ?????
5. Profit


Hmm.. I don't think I'm using the meme right.
Click to expand...


The ????'s should be "Bake all of this into Windows 9". Because thats what they are going to do, and we will come flocking back after skipping Windows 8. I have zero problem with an OS that boots faster, has alot of built in stuff thats long overdue and whatnot, but Metro is a dealbreaker for me, and apparently many others. Not sad to see it pushed into the background.

The Lamonster said:
That's cute, Windows 8.1. I'm just gonna keep hanging out with Windows 7.
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That's not really fair though. These changes are exactly what they should be doing. They finally seem to get it.
 
Now we just need the start menu (menu, not button) and the ability to tell it to open all programs in desktop mode by default.

The only time I should see Metro is if I'm using a touch screen or tablet.
 
Gooood...

Now bring back the start menu and make it to where Metro is only accessible via some obscure console command and I'll think about upgrading.
 
Windows can detect if you are using a touch enabled device, so for those it should default to the Start Screen. OR heaven forbid, maybe it should just ask you at set up?
 
Tuck said:
Thats sad - I don't want them to give up on it - just fix the issues it has.
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just continue to test and iterate. get it right and release 9 with all those changes so everyone can remember 8 being 'shit' even though the end of the iterations will almost exactly make it win 9.

same thing with vista/7
 
David H Wong said:
Now we just need the start menu (menu, not button) and the ability to tell it to open all programs in desktop mode by default.

The only time I should see Metro is if I'm using a touch screen or tablet.
Click to expand...

Agreed. I've only used Metro anything to download 8.1 in the store. In fact, get rid of Charms on desktop while we're at it. Or at least just rename them. I hate that my OS has something called 'charms'.
 
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