How to start Chrome in Desktop or Windows 8 mode based on where I start it from?

Question

Is there a way to choose to start Chrome web browser either in classic desktop or metro mode in Windows 8.1? I know how to change it while the app is running, also if I exit the app in metro and start it again it stays in metro, that's not a problem. I'm simply looking for a way to start in desktop mode when I open desktop icon and in metro mode when I open metro icon (tile), that is imho reasonable request.

Answer 1

Yes, this is possible with custom Windows shortcuts.

Create two shortcuts for Chrome named Chrome Desktop and Chrome Metro.

Enter the following flags for the shortcuts.

--force-desktop for Chrome Desktop and --force-immersive for Chrome Metro

In case you don't know how to add flags in shortcuts, refer to this image where the --incognito flag is added:

Now just keep the Chrome Desktop shortcut on your desktop and Chrome Metro shortcut in the folder: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\. The shortcut should appear in your Start Menu after a few seconds.

Keep in mind that you cannot have both modes open simultaneously at the same time.

Edit: I double checked this on my friend's system. It seems that after you close Chrome from metro mode, it doesn't exit. Instead, it stays in the background (application is suspended - it is by design of Windows 8.x). Refer to this article to find out how to close applications permanently.