How to Eliminate the Time-Wasting Lock Screen in Windows 8

If you have Windows 8, the start up times have drastically improved compared to older systems. Still, if you're like me, you want to speed up things ever faster, so why not disable the lock screen to speed things up a bit?
The lock screen is a nice little addition, but not necessary for PC users. It's just a cover for the login screen that tells you the time, weather, and date. To get to the login screen, you can drag it up and away, hit escape, or click on it. To get rid of it completely, follow these quick steps.

1. Window Key + R. A run dialog box appears.
2. Type gpedit.msc into the box and Ok. The Local Group Policy Editor appears.
    
3. Navigate to Computer Configuration -> Administrative Tools -> Control Panel -> Personalization in the left pane of the window.
    
4. Double click (or tap) on Do not display the lock screen. Another dialog box appears.
5. Select Enabled and click Ok.

Now, your Lock Screen should no longer come up.

Double Check

To ensure you have done everything correctly, go back to the Local Group Policy Editor -> Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Control Panel -> Personalization, and make sure that it shows Do not display lock screen is Enable.

Now, keep in mind that disabling the lock screen does not disable the login prompt. You still have to log in with a password, just as before, bu this should save you some time by getting straight to the login screen.