Windows 8.1 still includes the colorful Start Screen that Microsoft introduced as the focal point of Windows 8.
And depending on who you ask, the Start Screen is either the best thing since the discovery of fire or a scourge on all humanity.
Many users – myself included – have discovered that the ‘All Apps’ screen is a lot more useful than the Start Screen since it lists every app that’s installed on your computer instead of just the ones that Microsoft thinks are important.
If you find yourself using the ‘All Apps’ screen instead of the Start Screen most of the time, you can easily instruct Windows to display the ‘All Apps’ screen whenever you press the Windows key or click the Start button. Here’s how to set it up:
1 – Make sure you’re on the Desktop, then right-click on the Taskbar.
2 – Click Properties.
3 – Select the Navigation tab.
4 – Check the box beside Show the Apps view automatically when I go to Start.
5 – Click Apply, then click Ok.
From now on you’ll be able to skip the Start Screen altogether and go directly to the ‘All Apps’ screen.