How to boot directly to the desktop in Windows 8.1

Step 1: Right-click on the Windows 8.1 taskbar, then choose Properties.

Step 2: Click on the Navigation tab, then under the Start screen section, check the box next to "When I sign in or close all apps on a screen, go to the desktop instead of Start."

The next time you boot Windows 8.1, you'll go straight to the desktop without ever seeing the Start screen.