How Windows 8 Really Works (The Desktop is Not an App)

Question

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Through using Windows 8, I have determined that the desktop in Windows 8 is not an app, nor does it resemble a Metro-style app once it is used. The Start Screen is part of the Explorer shell, and Metro-style applications running in WinRT can run even when Windows Explorer is closed. Based on this, it makes sense that WinRT Metro-style apps might be able to run in a window on the desktop (since the desktop still seems to provide the base for the Windows 8 experience).

Answer 1

That is quite an interesting view of things. I agree with you that the Metro Start Screen makes a lot of sense. I also see that right now Metro does not provide good tools for easily switching between Windows (as the task bar does in Windows 7).

Having the Start Screen being placed on top of the Desktop (for Desktop PCs and Laptops only, as you said) might indeed be one working solution. However, in that case I would very much like to see the appearance of the Desktop to be more Metro-ish to create a cohesive user experience...