This move really shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone out there who has even a passing knowledge of Windows RT and the place Microsoft wants it to hold in the Windows ecosystem. But, Microsoft has confirmed that the Windows RT 8.1 update does indeed remove the default Desktop tile from the Start screen on devices, although the tile can be put back if the user wants...
Source: http://www.phonearena.com/news/Windows-RT-8.1-removes-default-Desktop-tile-on-Start-screen_id48653
Source: http://www.phonearena.com/news/Windows-RT-8.1-removes-default-Desktop-tile-on-Start-screen_id48653