The new settings are now available in Windows Server 2012 R2

Jun 25, 2013 06:24 GMT  ·  By
The new options allow users to skip the Start screen and boot directly to desktop
   The new options allow users to skip the Start screen and boot directly to desktop

Microsoft yesterday made Windows Server 2012 R2 available on its MSDN portal, thus providing us with an early glimpse into the feature lineup of the upcoming Windows 8.1 Preview.

In addition to a Start button and new live tile size options, Windows 8.1 Preview will also include dedicated settings to boot directly to desktop and thus skip the Start screen.

As you can see in this screenshot, the feature has indeed been included in the aforementioned Windows Server 2012 R2, so chances are that it will be offered in 8.1 Preview as well.

In addition, there are also dedicated settings to show Start on the main display when the Windows logo key is pressed, show the Apps view automatically when launching Start, and list desktop apps first in the Apps view when it’s sorted by category.

Of course, more details on Windows 8.1 Preview will be unveiled tomorrow during its official launch party.