10 Things You Need to Know About Windows 8.1
Navigating the Evolution from Windows 7 to 8.1
The transition from Windows 7 to Windows 8 represented a significant shift in the operating system's design. However, the pace of development has continued, with Windows 8.1 introducing further modifications and refinements.
Regardless of whether you are upgrading from Windows 7 or the initial release of Windows 8, a period of familiarization will be necessary to fully utilize the new features.
Key Changes and Setting Locations
While not a comprehensive guide to every alteration, the following information will assist users in adapting to Windows 8.1 and finding commonly used settings.
Many settings have been relocated compared to previous versions, potentially causing confusion for experienced Windows users.
- Understanding these changes will streamline your workflow.
- Locating settings quickly will enhance your overall experience.
Windows 8.1 builds upon the foundation laid by Windows 8, offering a more polished and user-friendly experience.
This guide aims to bridge the gap between older Windows versions and the latest iteration, ensuring a smooth transition for all users.
Desktop Functionality Requires Manual Activation
Related: Optimizing Windows 8.1 for Desktop PC Use
While Microsoft focused on improving the desktop experience in Windows 8.1, the initial setup doesn't automatically reflect these changes. The reintroduction of the Start button is the only immediately visible difference. Further customization is necessary to ensure the system boots directly to the desktop.
Specifically, you must disable the app switcher and the charms bar from appearing when the mouse cursor reaches the screen's upper corners. This is achieved through manual configuration of the taskbar properties.
To begin, right-click on the taskbar. Then, select "Properties" from the context menu. Navigate to the "Navigation" tab within the Properties window to adjust these settings.
Simplified Shutdown Procedure
A quick system shutdown is achievable with just two clicks. Initiating the power user menu can be done by pressing the Windows key combined with the 'X' key, or by right-clicking on the Start button.
This menu provides convenient shortcuts to frequently accessed tools and settings. These include utilities such as the Control Panel, Task Manager, and File Explorer.
Accessing Shutdown Options
With Windows 8.1, the shutdown function is readily available directly from this menu. The process requires the same number of clicks as it did in Windows 7, offering a familiar experience.
This streamlined approach offers a faster way to power down your computer. It eliminates the need to navigate through multiple layers of menus.
The Ongoing Issue of Default File Associations
A persistent frustration for users continues to be the handling of default file associations, particularly as it relates to Windows 8.1. Previously discussed in relation to opening files like images, music, videos, and PDFs directly from the desktop in Windows 8, the problem remains unresolved.
Despite improvements, Windows 8.1 still presents a disruptive experience for desktop users. Opening an image file located on the desktop can unexpectedly launch the full-screen Modern interface, concealing the taskbar and desktop environment.
Ideally, separate file association settings would be maintained for each environment. This would ensure that files opened from the desktop utilize desktop applications. However, Microsoft has not yet implemented this logical separation.
Adjusting File Associations for Desktop Use
For those who primarily utilize the desktop interface, manual configuration of default file associations is necessary. Users must navigate to the Default programs control panel within Windows settings.
Within this control panel, adjustments can be made to specify which applications should handle files of various types, including images, PDF documents, music files, and video files. This ensures a more consistent and predictable user experience.
Disabling Bing Integration
Windows 8.1 features integration with Microsoft’s Bing search engine. This allows users to initiate searches directly from the operating system’s search functionality, routing queries through Bing’s servers.
However, if you prefer to prevent your search terms from being transmitted to Bing, the integration can be deactivated. This is achieved through adjustments within the PC Settings app, specifically in the Search and apps section.
How Bing Integration Works
When enabled, any search query you begin typing on your computer is automatically sent to Bing for processing. This provides quick access to web results directly within the Windows environment.
Turning Off Bing Search
Users concerned about data privacy or preferring alternative search engines can easily disable this feature. The process involves navigating to the PC Settings and modifying the search integration settings.
By adjusting these settings, you can ensure that your searches are not processed by Bing, offering greater control over your online privacy.
Automatic Tile Creation is Now Disabled
In Windows 8, tiles were automatically generated on the Start screen following the installation of either a Windows 8 application or a traditional desktop program. This behavior has been altered in Windows 8.1, granting users complete customization over their Start screen’s arrangement.
To manually add tiles representing recently installed programs, navigate to the Start screen and either click the arrow icon or swipe upwards. Alternatively, you can right-click or perform a long-press on the application’s shortcut and then choose the "Pin to Start" option.
Adding Tiles Manually
This process will then create a tile for the selected application, allowing for personalized organization of the Start screen. The change provides greater flexibility in managing the user interface.
Pin to Start functionality remains a key method for customizing the Start screen experience in Windows 8.1.
Limitations of SkyDrive Synchronization in Windows 8.1
It's important to understand that Windows 8.1’s SkyDrive integration primarily focuses on synchronizing content located within a specific directory.
Specifically, files and folders residing in the SkyDrive folder – typically found at C:\Users\NAME\SkyDrive – are the only ones automatically synchronized.
Folder Synchronization Restrictions
Attempting to synchronize folders outside of the designated SkyDrive folder is not supported by the default settings.
Previous methods, such as utilizing symbolic links, are no longer effective for extending synchronization to other locations.
Image Synchronization Behavior
SkyDrive will automatically synchronize photographs stored within the Camera Roll folder.
However, other image files located in the broader Pictures folder will not be included in the synchronization process.
Workarounds for Additional Folders
If you require synchronization of a different folder, a potential solution involves relocating it into the SkyDrive directory.
Following this, a symbolic link can be created in the original location, pointing to the folder’s new position within SkyDrive.
Library Visibility in WindowsBy default, user libraries are currently concealed, despite their continued extensive utilization by contemporary applications.
Applications, such as those designed for image viewing, retain access to your Pictures library, and video playback software can still access your Videos library.
Restoring Library Display
Should you wish to re-enable the visibility of these libraries, a simple action is required.
Within the File Browser, right-click in the left-hand navigation pane and then choose the "Show libraries" option from the context menu.
This will restore the display of your libraries, allowing for direct access.
Dual Interfaces in Internet ExplorerInternet Explorer historically provided users with a choice of two distinct interfaces: a full-screen mode designed for Windows 8, and a traditional desktop application.
Launching Internet Explorer via its tile on the Start screen typically initiates the Windows 8-style interface.
However, users preferring the desktop version can easily configure Internet Explorer to consistently open in that mode.
To achieve this, open Internet Explorer on the desktop, access the settings menu (represented by a gear icon), and navigate to Internet options.
Within the Internet options window, select the Programs tab and modify the setting to ensure Internet Explorer "Always opens in Internet Explorer on the desktop."
It's important to note that if Internet Explorer is not designated as the default web browser, it will invariably launch in the desktop environment, and this setting cannot be altered.
Understanding Browser Defaults
The behavior of Internet Explorer is directly influenced by its status as the default browser on the system.
When configured as the default, the choice between interfaces becomes available through the aforementioned settings.
Conversely, lacking default browser status restricts Internet Explorer to the desktop application, bypassing the Windows 8-style option.
Enhancements to the Snap Functionality
Related: Improvements to the Contemporary Interface in Windows 8.1
The Snap feature is a crucial element of the Windows 8 app experience, enabling users to work with multiple applications simultaneously. While its utility may seem constrained on traditional laptops or desktops, it offers a notably streamlined and effective workflow on tablet devices.
To utilize Snap, a swipe from the screen's left edge allows you to position an app tile against either the left or right side. This action will automatically align the app alongside the currently active application. Alternatively, using a mouse, simply drag an app tile from the top-left corner of the screen to the desired location.
Users can then adjust the size of these snapped applications to customize their screen real estate. Depending on the screen's resolution, it’s even possible to view three or more apps concurrently. The Modern interface in Windows 8.1 represents a significant advancement over its predecessor, Windows 8.
Accessing Concealed Administrative Utilities
Further Reading: A Guide to Displaying Administrative Tools on the Windows 8 Modern User Interface
The essential system utilities located within the Windows Administrative Tools directory – including applications such as Task Scheduler, Event Viewer, Services, and Computer Management – are, by default, not visible. These tools are not included in your standard All apps listing and cannot be located through conventional application searches.
Should you require access to these utilities, navigate to the Start screen. Then, simultaneously press the Windows key and the 'C' key, select 'Settings', and subsequently choose 'Tiles'. Finally, activate the 'Show administrative tools' option within the Tiles pane.
Upon enabling this setting, the Administrative Tools will become visible within the All apps list and will be discoverable when searched for by their respective names.
While this guidance primarily addresses desktop users, those utilizing Windows 8.1 on tablet devices are also catered for. A dedicated compilation of new features specifically designed for tablet users within Windows 8.1 is available for review.
Image Source: Rodrigo Ghedin via Flickr
