Windows 8.1 Update 1 leaks: Boots to the Desktop by default, allows Metro apps to be minimized

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A build of Windows 8.1 Update 1 has leaked onto various file sharing websites. The build is a couple of weeks older than the one we covered in the story below, but most of the major changes are there (booting straight to the desktop, the menu bar on Metro apps to make them more mouse-and-keyboard friendly).
The latest build of Windows 8.1 Update 1 has leaked, revealing many of the changes that Microsoft hopes will make Metro less painful for desktop users. The biggest change appears to be that Windows 8.1 Update 1 will boot straight to the Desktop interface by default, reducing Metro to its rightful role as a full-screen Start menu. This, of course, would be a complete 180 from the original release of Windows 8, which defaulted to the Metro interface and lacked an easy way to see the Desktop after logging in.
Other notable changes in the leaked build of Windows 8.1 Update 1 are the addition of a power button to the Metro interface (no longer must you swipe in from the right-hand side!), and the option to “minimize” Metro apps, strongly hinting that Metro apps will be usable on the Desktop. (One of the screenshots shows the Windows Store icon on the taskbar, too.) Apparently, if you have a Windows tablet that’s smaller than 8.5 inches, the power button won’t be present, preventing you from accidentally turning your tablet off.

Windows 8.1 Update 1, showing a Metro app with a new title bar at the top, probably for use on the Desktop.

New UI scaling options in Windows 8.1 Update 1

It appears Microsoft might finally be tackling Windows 8′s issues with high-resolution displays, too. Windows 8 and 8.1 are rather limited in their support for high-resolution (150+ PPI) displays, offering a slider with just three UI scaling options. Update 1 will now include three new scaling options: 200%, 250%, and Custom (up to 500%). This should mean that your Lenovo, Dell, and Samsung laptops with 3200×1800 displays will now actually be usable. This change should also help if you have a 24- or 28-inch 4K display (32-inch displays are generally okay due to their lower PPI).
But let’s get back to the main point at hand: If Windows 8.1 Update 1 really does boot to the Desktop by default, we’re talking about a huge change of direction for Microsoft. Despite massive pushback from consumers over the Metro interface, Microsoft has remained steadfast. If we’re brutally honest, we actually agree that popularizing the Metro interface is vital for Microsoft’s future, and that he Desktop’s days are numbered — but forcing mouse and keyboard users to use the Metro interface was just plain stupid. It would have required almost no effort on Microsoft’s behalf to make the Desktop UI the default for non-touchscreen devices.

Windows 8.1 Update 1 Desktop, showing the build string, and a Metro app on the toolbar

For what it’s worth, it seems the boot-to-Desktop-by-default feature is only present for some people who have installed the leaked version of Update 1. We wouldn’t be surprised if this change doesn’t make it into the final build — it really would be Microsoft’s ultimate admission of defeat. We should also note that, despite early rumors, there’s still no evidence that the old Start menu will make a reappearance.

This leak, like many other Windows leaks, come from the Russian website WZor. The full build string, in case you’re wondering, is 9600.16606.WINBLUES14_GDR_LEAN.140126-2042, and it was compiled on January 26. Windows 8.1 Update 1 is a service and feature pack combo that’s scheduled to arrive in March, ahead of Microsoft’s Build conference in April (where we might hear about the next update, Windows 9).