Can we disable the charms bar in Windows 8?

The "Charms" bar is the most ludicrous invention. 

When you want to use some of it's functions it doesn't want to be found and when you don't it pops up and annoys.

It is the most frustrating garbage software implementation - just make the options fixed in the Start Menu. We'll all be happier and actually able to use our desktops for productive work.

No one cares about the ghastly Metro interface either - should never have been added to a desktop PC

Drew, I say this with no malice, just want you to perhpas understand things from a different perspective.  You clearly have a pro Windows 8 agenda and good for you that you have had this kind of experience and all your cohorts feel the same.  I can tell you are passionate about it and I respect that.  However, I along with numerous others, are not having the same experience and your posts and responses can be rather condescending.  I will assume that is not your intention but perhaps be aware that you are not helping win fans, with the manner in which you dismiss genuine concerns and issues that people are experiencing.  

You mention that everyone you work with loves Windows.  I work in the technology field myself, and dealing with customers technical issues.  Several times a day when I am logging in to someone's computer to assist them with troubleshooting, I will ask them how they like Windows 8.  The response from the public is a resounding 'no'. So while you and your colleagues may be happy, the average person is struggling with Windows.  Instead of so defiantly defending Windows, accept that there are some things that just don't work for a lot people.  The overall consensus is that Microsoft tried to create something innovative, but ultimately, especially if you are using a non touch computer, there are things that just don't work.  I'm not mad at Microsoft, they have not necessarily acknowledged the issues per se, but I think the changes they have made in the updates make it clear that they have been listening to customers and are trying to od right by them.  That's good with me.  Even Microsoft knows there might have been a bungle here for the average user.  Maybe not even a bungle, perhaps just too much too soon.

Further, you mention all the joys of these fantastic windows 8 updates,  That would be awesome.... if I was able to get a Windows update.  I am among a group of people who are experiencing a known issue getting those updates.  They fail and then my computer has to revert.  This takes a long time and has been pretty annoying.  As of today, I have still not been able to update.  Microsoft has acknowledged the issue but has failed to find a fix as of the last time I had an opportunity to check a couple weeks ago.  My computer is only 6 months old so it's not the computer.  I am confident I will get an update eventually but keep in mind there are quite a few out there like me whose updates are non existent.

All the best!

 

I certainly do not mean to seem "condescending", not @ all.  From writing in several Tech Forums one must accept some are not having as good an experience as others.  I do, indeed, care about that and have a heartfelt desire to help in any way possible.  That is the only reason I give of my time both in forums & in person.

There is a solution, a FIX for people having trouble getting the Upgrade to 8.1 but, apparently, even that does not seem to do the trick for some Users.

I am using a non-Touch conventional (tower) PC.

I swear I speak better than I write.  I do feel some people could have a more pleasant time w/ W8 but, it throws them off stride, they are taken aback w/ it... it SEEMS vastly different to them, unfamiliar ground.  Ergo, I have tried for 2 or more years to instruct, guide & offer things that will make it less intimidating & strange.

Some don't realise there is a 'good ole Desktop', that the Start screen & Tiles can be used or not.  That, especially, in Win8 Right Click is your friend... an example, open a PDF and now what?  there's no obvious functions anywhere but, now RtClk and voila, there's the Print icon & more.  Using the Desktop Toolbar is a wonderful approach, once it has been suggested to someone.  Many people don't know about the Power Users menu & how easy it makes accessing certain things.  Many are not aware of (new) options in 8.1 and in 8.1.1.  Some don't know how or where to shut down or reboot or how easy it, actually, is.

So even though I have none of the issues I read about in these Tech Forums, other do.  For instance, my Charms Bar is never bothersome or showing when not wanted.  It used to pop out sometimes but, that was before I changed its settings; not anymore since then.

Why do my clients like W8 from the onset?  Because I have taken a very few minutes for a bit of 'show-n-tell' w/ them.

Some people love the W8 Start screen & its Tiles.  Some think they MUST use that.  Myself I could but, I don't.  I can access everything & anything from Desktop.  Part of that is due to having a folder on the Taskbar that opens to a traditional window w/ the (ALL) Applications content.  Heck, Microsoft didn't even know about that one... I had to tell them.  The people who have listen to how this can be accomplished from me, love it.

Win8 is, actually, easier (less time, fewer clicks) to navigate that prior Windows.  Things like this are not said to shove an opinion @ Folks but, rather because I would like to see other discovering all this same stuff for themselves but, they might not see it themselves, for themselves... all I want to do & why I was asked to come contribute here is assist them in getting there.

I will admit though, I'm probably the wrong person to talk w/ about old style start menus & buttons, LOL.  I had quit using that in Windows 7 long before I started Beta Testing Windows 8.  I, also, firmly believe 3rd Party stuff of that sort is completely unnecessary.

Anyway, I will try to word things better in the future so I'm not taken differently than intended.  And thanks... @ least what you said, you said nicely.

You are right, 8.1, 8.1.1 and coming soon, 8.2 & even Windows 9 are filled w/ things in an effort to respond & react to End User feedback.  There's a lot of good in 8 but, as you suggest, maybe it wasn't presented well or was too much at once.  But, I will say all the rubbish that was written in articles & spread about to people made them scared or scared off.  We are , still, struggling w/ the aftermath & negative effects from that... it discouraged & confused many people.  And when you think or are led to believe something is screwy then you tend to go at it w/ a less that conducive attitude and that is no surprise.

On a lighter note, I can't possibly be the only person on the planet where everything in 8 or used on it just plain works and the experience is fun & flawless.  But, that does not mean I lack sensitivity, acceptance or any willingness to help... I do most everything in my life, IT & otherwise, because it is rewarding to coach & advise or enlighten & educate.  My company's motto is "Working with People, Not Just Equipment".  Microsoft knows too that it's the People who are important, not the machines (devices).  And if the people using the computers and software are not happy, well, then, you know the rest.

Cheers,

Drew