Is it possible that Microsoft might be getting tired of the bitching related to the lack of start menu in Win 8?
An examination of the twinui.dll file in Windows 8.1 (build 9364) by Microsoft Portal discovered a line of code that indicates users may be able to immediately launch into the desktop when starting Microsoft’s upcoming operating system. The ability isn’t yet available in leaked copies of Windows 8.1, though the code implies it’s something Microsoft is at least considering.