How Do I Switch To Desktop Mode In Windows 8

Windows 8 introduced a new user interface called the Start screen, which was a significant departure from previous versions of Windows. But what if you prefer the familiarity of the desktop mode? How do you switch back? The answer lies in a simple, yet powerful feature that allows you to seamlessly transition between the Start screen and the desktop mode.

Navigating to Desktop Mode in Windows 8

In Windows 8, the operating system introduced a new interface called the Start screen, which incorporates a tile-based design. While the Start screen offers a modern and touch-friendly experience, some users may prefer to work in the traditional Desktop mode. Fortunately, Windows 8 allows users to easily switch between the Start screen and Desktop mode, providing flexibility to suit individual preferences. This article will guide you on how to switch to Desktop mode and make the most out of it in Windows 8.

Using the Start Button

The Start button is a familiar feature for Windows users, and it can be used to switch to Desktop mode in Windows 8. Here's how:

• Click on the Start button located at the bottom-left corner of the screen or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
• The Start screen will appear with a grid of colorful tiles representing apps and programs.
• Locate the Desktop tile on the Start screen and click on it to switch to Desktop mode.
• Alternatively, you can also press the Windows key + D on your keyboard to directly go to the Desktop mode without accessing the Start screen.

Customizing the Desktop Mode

In Desktop mode, you have the freedom to customize your experience and make it tailored to your preferences. Here are some ways to personalize the Desktop mode:

• Right-click on the desktop and select "Personalize" to access the customization options for your desktop background, color scheme, and more.
• Pin frequently used programs and files to the taskbar for quick access. Simply right-click on a program or file and choose "Pin to Taskbar."
• Organize your files and folders on the desktop by creating shortcuts or grouping them into folders.

Accessing the Charms Bar

The Charms bar is another way to switch to Desktop mode in Windows 8. The Charms bar is a toolbar that appears when you swipe from the right edge of the screen or move your mouse cursor to the top or bottom-right corner of the screen. Follow these steps to access Desktop mode using the Charms bar:

• Move your mouse cursor to the top or bottom-right corner of the screen or swipe from the right edge of the screen to bring up the Charms bar.
• Click on the "Settings" option in the Charms bar.
• From the Settings pane, click on the "PC Settings" option.
• In the PC Settings menu, select "Personalize" and then choose "Start" from the left-hand menu.
• Toggle the "Use the Start menu instead of the Start screen" option to enable Desktop mode.

Using Third-Party Software

If you prefer a more comprehensive way to switch to Desktop mode in Windows 8, you can consider using third-party software. There are several applications available that can provide a more traditional desktop experience. These software options can bypass the Start screen entirely and boot directly to the Desktop mode upon startup. Some popular third-party software solutions for Windows 8 include StartIsBack, Classic Shell, and Stardock's Start8.

Advantages of Third-Party Software

Using third-party software to switch to Desktop mode in Windows 8 comes with a few advantages:

• Seamless transition: The software allows for a seamless transition from the Start screen to the Desktop mode, making it feel like a natural part of the operating system.
• Familiar interface: By using third-party software, you can enjoy the familiar interface of previous Windows versions, which can be beneficial for users who prefer the classic desktop experience.
• Additional customization options: Many third-party software options offer extended customization features beyond what is available in the native Windows 8 environment.

Alternate Methods of Switching to Desktop Mode

Aside from using the Start button and third-party software, there are a few other methods you can use to switch to Desktop mode in Windows 8:

Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Windows 8 provides several keyboard shortcuts to quickly access the Desktop mode. These shortcuts can be particularly useful if you prefer using the keyboard over the mouse. Here are some useful keyboard shortcuts:

Windows key + D	Switch to Desktop mode from anywhere in Windows 8.
Windows key + X	Open the power user menu, which provides quick access to commonly used system tools.
Windows key + M	Minimize all active windows and show the desktop.
Windows key + E	Open File Explorer directly to access files and folders.

Modifying Taskbar Settings

You can modify the taskbar settings to make it easier to switch to Desktop mode:

• Right-click on the taskbar and select "Properties" from the context menu.
• In the Taskbar and Navigation Properties window, navigate to the "Navigation" tab.
• Under the "Start screen" section, check the box that says "When I sign in or close all applications on a screen, go to the desktop instead of Start."
• Click "Apply" to save the changes.

Creating a Desktop Shortcut

Creating a desktop shortcut can provide you with a quick way to access the Desktop mode. Here's how:

• Right-click on an empty area on the desktop and select "New" then "Shortcut" from the context menu.
• In the "Create Shortcut" window, enter "explorer.exe shell:::{3080F90D-D7AD-11D9-BD98-0000947B0257}" as the location of the item.
• Click "Next" and enter a name for the shortcut, such as "Desktop Mode."
• Click "Finish" to create the shortcut on your desktop.
• Double-click the shortcut whenever you want to switch to Desktop mode.

By following these methods, you can seamlessly switch to Desktop mode in Windows 8 and adjust your operating system to suit your preferences. Whether using the Start button, leveraging third-party software, or utilizing keyboard shortcuts, you can easily navigate between the Start screen and Desktop mode, providing a flexible and user-friendly Windows 8 experience.

Switching to Desktop Mode in Windows 8

If you are using Windows 8 and would like to switch to desktop mode, here are a few simple steps to follow:

Step 1: Access the Start Screen

To access the start screen, press the Windows key on your keyboard or move your cursor to the bottom-left corner of the screen and click the Windows icon.

Step 2: Open the Desktop App

Once you are on the start screen, locate the "Desktop" tile and click on it. This will open the desktop app.

Step 3: Stay in Desktop Mode

Once the desktop app is open, you will be in desktop mode. Here, you can access all your files, folders, and applications, just like you would in previous versions of Windows.

To switch back to the start screen, simply press the Windows key or click the Windows icon on the taskbar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about switching to desktop mode in Windows 8:

1. Can I switch to desktop mode in Windows 8?

Yes, you can switch to desktop mode in Windows 8. The desktop mode is designed to provide a more familiar interface for users who are used to working with previous versions of Windows. It resembles the traditional Windows desktop and allows you to use desktop applications and features.

To switch to desktop mode, simply click on the Desktop tile on the Start screen or press the Windows key + D on your keyboard. This will take you directly to the desktop mode where you can access your files, folders, and applications.

2. How do I navigate in desktop mode?

Navigating in desktop mode is similar to previous versions of Windows. You can use the taskbar at the bottom of the screen to launch and switch between applications, access the Start menu, and view notifications. You can also use the File Explorer to browse your files and folders.

To access the Start menu in desktop mode, simply move your mouse to the bottom-left corner of the screen or press the Windows key on your keyboard. You can then click on the Start button to open the Start menu.

3. Can I customize the desktop in Windows 8?

Yes, you can customize the desktop in Windows 8 to suit your preferences. You can change the desktop wallpaper, add and remove desktop icons, and change the taskbar settings. To customize the desktop, right-click on the desktop and select "Personalize". From there, you can make changes to the desktop appearance and settings.

You can also pin frequently used applications to the taskbar for easy access. Simply right-click on an application's icon and select "Pin to taskbar". The pinned application will then appear on the taskbar for quick access.

4. Can I switch back to the Start screen from desktop mode?

Yes, you can switch back to the Start screen from desktop mode. To do this, simply move your mouse to the top-right corner of the screen or press the Windows key + C on your keyboard to open the Charms bar. Then, click on the Start button to return to the Start screen.

You can also use the Windows key on your keyboard to toggle between the desktop and the Start screen. Pressing the Windows key once will take you to the Start screen, and pressing it again will bring you back to the desktop.

5. Can I switch to tablet mode in Windows 8?

Yes, you can switch to tablet mode in Windows 8. Tablet mode is designed to provide a touch-friendly interface for users who are using Windows 8 on a tablet or a touchscreen device. When in tablet mode, the Start screen occupies the full screen and the desktop mode is hidden.

To switch to tablet mode, you can either open the Action Center by swiping in from the right edge of the screen and selecting "Tablet mode", or click on the Tablet mode button in the Action Center if it's already open. Once in tablet mode, you can use touch gestures to navigate and interact with apps.

To switch to desktop mode in Windows 8, you can follow a few simple steps. First, go to the Start screen by pressing the Windows key on your keyboard or by clicking the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner of the screen. From there, locate the Desktop tile and click on it. This will take you to the traditional desktop interface.

If you prefer to always start in desktop mode, you can customize your settings. Right-click on the taskbar at the bottom of the screen and select Properties. In the Properties window, navigate to the Navigation tab and under the Start screen section, check the box that says "When I sign in or close all apps on a screen, go to the desktop instead of Start". Click Apply and then OK to save the changes. This will ensure that every time you log in to Windows 8, you will be taken directly to desktop mode.