Windows 8.1 return to Start (Metro).

aliceb

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Hi everyone!

I've just bought a new Dell desktop computer which came with Windows 8.1 preinstalled. I like using the new Start menu (Metro) and want to avoid Desktop mode as much as possible now, to avoid confusion and flicking between the two modes repeatedly. My Windows boots into Start (Metro), as I want, and then I open an application, for example Firefox or Outlook. So far so good. However after closing any application, I'm returned to Desktop mode. I then have to click on the Windows logo in the bottom left to return to the new Start menu.

I've done some Google searches to find a resolution. I can find articles explaining how to boot directly into Desktop mode, however I cannot find any help on how to keep a desktop computer with a keyboard and mouse in Start (Metro) mode. Exiting an application should not return me to Desktop mode, it should return me to Start (Metro) mode.

Is there a solution please?

Thanks very much!

Alice.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
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Hello Aliceb. Welcome to 8 forums.

There is a solution!
You would have to complete windows updates to get to 8.1 update 1

http://www.eightforums.com/installa...you-know-if-you-have-updated-8-1-1-8-1-a.html

Then right click on the taskbar to Taskbar and Navigation Properties - to Navigation tab

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/7449-desktop-start-when-sign-close-apps-windows-8-a.html

nav2.jpg
 
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Thanks very much for your reply mdmd! I do have Windows 8.1 update 1 installed. I've checked by following the link you provided. I can also right click on the Taskbar to open Taskbar and Navigation Properties and see the option you have highlighted. In my case it is unchecked, and still this behavior is happening. Is there anything else I'm missing. I read something about programs like Firefox and Outlook not being 'Apps' as such, but don't know if this is relevant.

Thank you!

Alice.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
... In my case it is unchecked, and still this behavior is happening. Is there anything else I'm missing. I read something about programs like Firefox and Outlook not being 'Apps' as such, but don't know if this is relevant.

The return to the start screen (or apps screen) will only happen if closing a metro app like the "immersive browser" (metro IE) or metro weather / anything from the store. Desktop programs will always return to the desktop when closed.

I don't use Firefox or Outlook but I think they are both desktop programs.

Also, it's not really different than a hidden desktop menu.

The desktop menu must be clicked or Winkeyed to view,
the same with the Windows 8 modern / metro menu.

If one closes a desktop "app" / program, it is necessary to press the winkey or
use the Windows Switcher / edge UI thumb /
or charms start flag to view the Windows 8 modern / metro menu.
 

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Ah, that's what I feared. I don't think what I'm trying to do is possible. Windows 8.1 treats desktop programs differently. Perhaps a future update will rectify this problem.

One other question please? I have another computer with Windows 7. I don't use Internet Explorer on it either, I use Firefox. Yet I notice Windows Update regularly downloads updates for Internet Explorer. Are these updates necessary if I don't actually use Internet Explorer? Again, I've done a Google search before wasting anyone's time, but all I come up with is ways to uninstall Internet Explorer from Windows 7 or Windows 8. Not sure if uninstalling it will stop updates for it, but it does logically follow. But can Firefox or Chrome users be affected by vulnerabilities in Internet Explorer?

Thanks again for your time!

Alice.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
That's an area I would rather not get into. Perhaps a supporter / user of Firefox or Chrome would post.
I only use IE. How do Firefox and Chrome get their security updates?

As far as staying metro, not many would go that way. I stay metro most of the time while netting (metro IE),
but do so much paint shop, screenshot editing and desktop video streaming that it is not really possible.
 

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    logitech washable K310
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    logitech wired
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    ie / maxthon
    Other Info
    Totally silent. No fans at all.
Hello Aliceb.

Don't know ... just a thought ...
Sometimes when there is a point made about switching between modes,
often, many are not aware, just ...

An adjustment to the visual effects can be made.
Win + X - System - Advanced System Settings - Advanced - Performance - settings

The start screen flip jarring effect can be disabled.

visual effects.jpg
 

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    Asrock Extreme 4
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    16GB Crucial Ballistix
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    intel embedded gpu
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    AOC / Westinghouse
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    logitech washable K310
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    logitech wired
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    ie / maxthon
    Other Info
    Totally silent. No fans at all.
Are these updates necessary if I don't actually use Internet Explorer?
I would certainly install them. it possible something on the system will call functionality from IE from time to time, it would be best if it were there and patched. Also, if anybody else uses your computer they might use IE, so it's best to be patched.

Your Firefox and Chrome should be safe without doing any IE updates. They update automatically on their own.
 

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Hello, aliceb. Welcome to Windows Eight Forums.

So far as I know mdmd is correct in that there is no tweak to return to Start Screen after closing desktop apps. While holding down the Windows key, press the period key, press the down arrow key, then release the Windows key. That hides the Desktop app, but doesn't close it. It never fully closes. It hides it. You can also drag it down like any Modern/Metro app, but it will remain in the switcher then reopen it using the mouse to slide out the Switcher Bar in the upper left hot corner or using the Windows key/D key combo. Using the key combination to hide it rids it in the switcher. The Windows key/D key combo is the only way to reopen using that hiding method.

You can also hide the Desktop app with open Win32 Desktop apps on it using either hiding method as well. To drag it down you'll have to size them or minimize to the Taskbar to reach the top of the Desktop app, though. The Win32 apps will remain open to use again if need be.

Please feel free to ask any questions if I haven't explained that well. It can be confusing.

I think pparks1 has given good advice with IE updates even if you don't use it. It is an intricate part of the OS.

Again, welcome.
 

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Instead of staying with Metro. You may want to try Start8 with Metromix. You can still run the Metro apps inside the desktop. But you can choose to have them in windowed mode, or full screen. Plus is that you can run multiple Metro apps along with Desktop apps inside the Desktop.

There are some unresolved security issues still with Metro, that Microsoft has not resolved. Also there is issues with apps like Browsers, that do not work correctly inside the Metro.
 

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    A/V UPS - Tripp-Lite Smart 1500LCD 1500 Va/900 W.
Thanks for your replies mdmd, pparks1, HippsieGypsie and broe23, appreciate all of your time. Will keep updating Internet Explorer even though I never use it!

At the moment I have my new Dell desktop connected to my 23" 1920 x 1080 high definition monitor using a VGA cable. Not ideal. The issue I have is that the desktop only has HDMI and VGA ports to it's integrated graphics. The monitor has VGA, DVI-D and DisplayPort ports. For some reason this expensive monitor does not have a HDMI port! So I've done some Googling and think that DisplayPort offers the best picture quality but that a HDMI source will not be received by DisplayPort because they are different technologies (the opposite however apparently works). Is this correct? If so, should a HDMI to DVI-D cable like this on Amazon be better for me?

Amazon.com: BlueRigger High Speed HDMI to DVI Adapter Cable (6.6 Feet/ 2 Meters): Computers & Accessories

Thanks again!

Alice.
 

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  • OS
    Windows 8.1

My Computer

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Just get the standard DVI to HDMI from Monoprice.com. No need to pay that much on an overpriced cable.
 

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Thanks again for the replies! Will order a standard cheap cable.

A very happy customer of your forums! :)

Alice.
 

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Well, this confused me as well. After some testing, I found out that there are conflicting settings in Taskbar and Navigation.

Basically, it's a small bug or at the very least a lousy way to control the movement between Desktop and Start Menu.

Win8.1 Update - Nav Settings Explained Part Duex - YouTube
 

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OldGuyGeek, if it's not a bug, it's a very poor design by Microsoft for Windows 8. I'm sure Windows 8 on tablets and phones operates differently, but for those with a laptop or desktop using a mouse and keyboard (the vast majority of Windows 8 users probably), all this switching back and forth from Desktop mode and Start mode is a waste of time and confusing. At least with just plain Desktop mode, you can create links on the desktop, keep files and folders on the desktop, programs are easily accessible with a menu tree. With the new Start, there's a lot of actively updating icons, but I can't imagine anyone sits and reads their news and weather on the Start screen. Most applications will be classic desktop applications and not Metro apps, so why Windows 8 keeps dumping users back into Desktop mode after the close of an application, bearing in mind it booted into Start mode, is beyond me. I don't know about others, but for me at least it's frustrating and will probably go back to plain Desktop mode permanently.

The start menu may be making a comeback in Windows 8.2: DailyTech - Report: Windows 8.2 Revives Start Menu, Runs Metro Apps in Desktop Mode
 

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I agree that it would be nice that when all desktop apps are closed that the Desktop app would close then return to the Start Screen, however, pressing the Windows key or mousing the lower left hot corner for the Start Flag is not all that "calorie burning". :p

One has to open a menu of some sort, whether it's the Start Screen, traditional Start Menu, or some sort of menu. The Taskbar holds so many shortcuts before it starts to take up more of the desktop screen or trying to remember where a shortcut is on it. The desktop only holds so many before one has to minimize or move a window to get to it or remember where a shortcut is. Believe me, I've tried them all. IMO the Start Screen along with All Apps is much more efficient.


Perhaps some people or businesses don't care how quickly they receive information. Most active members here are geeks or enthusiasts. I consider myself somewhere in between. Semi-retired now, so I have more time for digital tech. Building is my profession, in which I used computers to run a business. Communications, Office suite, estimating, drawing prints, research, bookkeeping, etc. Some of the elder might understand this > Been trying to sleep in more this past year, but since 1993 I'd get up between 4:00 or 5:00 a.m. and crank up the machine to start a day. This system would've saved me precious time > Time I could've been doing something else to make money. Construction is about installing materials in the least amount of time and rolling over projects (with quality). The more projects completed, the more money made.

I posted the thread below a while back. It needs to be updated for the release of 8.1, for it is a faster-booting and more efficient system than 8. I dare say that this system would've saved me at least 20 minutes in the morning and 20 minutes later in the day when returning from the field just with preliminary items. Most often worked 6 days a week, but for the benefit of doubt > 5 days X 54 weeks = 270 days > 270 X 20 years = 5,400 days > 5,400 days X 40 minutes/day = 216,000 minutes = 3,600 hours. That's 400 hours short of 2 years of work at 2,000 hours per year. A lot of building material can be installed in 3,600 hours. That's roughly the labor to frame 13 average-sized houses.

http://www.eightforums.com/general-support/16379-real-quality-boot-time-8-verses-7-a.html


Also, I'm wondering how much time could've been saved carrying my Lumia 1520 or a hybrid pad such as a Surface Pro 3 along with. Lappies are just too bulky and get destroyed in the field.

Bottom line > Sooner or later someone or some company will do a scientific study on system efficiency. I dare state that Windows 8.x is a much quicker system than 7 or previous at the speed of receiving AND sharing information today. It's about sitting less at a desk in front of a tower PC. Most of us active members don't mind, but the average Joe out there cares.


Although a short membership, I related to this member:

http://www.eightforums.com/windows-8-news/47382-no-microsoft-start-menu-windows-8-until-2015-sources-3.html#post390526

Alice, that article is quite old (Dec-2013) -- the start menu comeback is now slated for Windows 9 (H1-2015).


Highly doubt the Start Menu will ever return. In fact, the last desktop app that's included with 8.1 will live until it's end-of-service date of January 10, 2023. I think 9 will be a total Modern/Metro, walled-gardened, and cloud-centric OS. It will run across all devices. That's their main goal.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/lifecycle

http://www.eightforums.com/windows-8-news/2886-designing-start-screen.html
 

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  • OS
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    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
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    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
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    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
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    Acer AL1917W A LCD
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    1440 X 900
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    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
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    Cooling
    Dual case fans + CPU fan
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    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
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    54mbp/s
    Browser
    IE11
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    Defender
    Other Info
    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1
Thanks for the posts Rollerdog and HippsieGypsie. I'm a little disappointed that the classic start menu might not be making a return. I've run into a whole new issue today with Windows 8. When I boot up (I have set up automatic login, no password), Windows 8 begins in Start mode as normal but then it appears as if something is typing the letter * because the search bar from the right appears immediately after login and just types *************************** continuously into the search box. I have to press any key on the keyboard to stop it. I've tried booting into Desktop mode, which it does, but I can't click the Windows logo in the bottom left, nothing happens, so again I think something is causing the character * to be typed automatically. I ran a malware scan with Malwarebytes and ran a virus scan with Kaspersky, they found nothing. Not sure where this came from! I've tried a Google search looking for a solution but can't find anything that matches my problem. I've checked there's nothing new in the Startup items, which there's not.

Any ideas welcome please?

Alice.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
P.S. I don't think it's a keyboard issue because the keyboard is new, clean, not sticky, and this only happens after booting up. Once I press any key on the keyboard, it stop typing into the search box.

Thanks!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
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