How to Boot Directly to the Traditional Explorer Shell / Desktop in Windows 8 or Windows 2012

This is a simple registry modification. For registry modifications, we recommend installing our FREEWARE and BUNDLE-FREE RegMerge software. This will let you see exactly what is about to be changed, and selectively apply those changes - as well as other features making use of .REG files safer. Still, a TECHNICIAN OR ABOVE LEVEL SKILLSET IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED! USE INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE AT YOUR OWN RISK!

What is a .REG file?

A .REG file is a simple text file that RegEdit accepts to issue changes to registry settings. It can also export keys in this format. RegMerge is recommended for safer handling of them.

• Go get RegMerge
• REG file to TURN ON booting directly to the traditional desktop
• REG file to TURN OFF booting directly to the traditional desktop (default setting)

Who?

This applies to people running Windows 8 or Windows 2012 on a traditional PC. Windows 8/2012 we also refer to as 'NT 6.2', its official verison number.