7 Hidden Windows 8.1 Desktop Settings
Windows 8.1 Settings for Desktop Users
For those utilizing Windows 8.1 on a traditional desktop computer, complete avoidance of the "Windows 8-style" interface isn't possible. Certain crucial settings are exclusively accessible through the PC Settings app, and are not found within the familiar desktop Control Panel.
This guide will concentrate on settings relevant to desktop users, deliberately omitting those primarily designed for touch-based devices. It’s important to note that this discussion pertains specifically to Microsoft’s Windows 8.1 Update.
Accessing PC Settings
The PC Settings app serves as the central hub for many configuration options in Windows 8.1. It can be launched from the Charms bar, which appears when you move your mouse to the upper-right corner of the screen.
Alternatively, you can search for "PC Settings" directly from the Start screen. Understanding how to navigate this app is key to customizing your Windows 8.1 experience.
Key Settings for Desktop Users
- Change PC Settings: This section provides access to fundamental system configurations.
- Update and Recovery: Manage Windows updates and create system recovery options.
- Privacy: Control privacy settings related to your data and location.
- Personalize: Customize the appearance of your desktop and Start screen.
These settings allow for significant control over your desktop environment, despite the presence of the touch-focused interface. Proper configuration can optimize performance and enhance usability.
While the Control Panel remains available, increasingly, Microsoft is directing users towards the PC Settings app for managing their Windows 8.1 systems. Familiarizing yourself with both interfaces is recommended.
Lock Screen Configuration
Related: Methods for Disabling the Lock Screen in Windows 10 or Windows 11.
As expected, the vast majority of lock screen customizations are accessible through the PC Settings app, specifically under PC and devices > Lock screen. The Lock screen is an integral component of the modern interface.
Windows 8.1 users will encounter it regardless of whether "boot to desktop" is activated. Adjusting the lock screen background and managing the applications that display information on this screen requires navigating to PC Settings.
However, a particular option – complete lock screen deactivation – is not found within these settings. This functionality is available directly on the desktop.
Users with Professional or Enterprise editions of Windows 8.1 can disable the lock screen using the Group Policy Editor. Those with standard Windows 8 versions must employ a registry modification to achieve the same result.
Microsoft Account Settings
A Microsoft account is increasingly encouraged for Windows logins, offering advantages like OneDrive cloud storage integration within File Explorer and synchronization of desktop settings across Windows 8.1 devices.
However, modifications to Microsoft account settings aren't directly accessible through the traditional desktop Control Panel.
Attempting to alter account details via the Control Panel redirects users to the PC settings interface with a message prompting changes to be made there.
Accessing Account Settings
To manage your account picture or switch between a Microsoft account and a local user account, navigation to Accounts > Your account is necessary.
This ensures all account-related adjustments are performed within the designated settings environment.
The shift towards PC settings for account management reflects Microsoft’s evolving approach to user interface and settings accessibility.
This centralization aims to streamline the user experience, though it requires adaptation for those accustomed to the older Control Panel paradigm.
PIN, Picture Password, and Assigned Access
This topic is also connected to simplifying Windows PC usage through Assigned Access. Instructions on easily configuring a Windows PC into kiosk mode using Assigned Access are readily available.
Additional account configurations are exclusively managed within these settings. Specifically, establishing a PIN or Picture Password for faster Windows login is accomplished via Accounts > Sign-in options.
Configuring Limited User Accounts
The creation of restricted user accounts for Assigned Access, effectively enabling a "kiosk mode," is also handled here. This allows for the limitation of an account’s functionality to a single web browser or even a Chrome OS-like desktop environment.
These configurations are all accessed through the PC Settings interface.
The ability to define these parameters is crucial for managing user access and securing Windows installations.
- PIN: Offers a quick numerical login method.
- Picture Password: Provides a visual login option.
- Assigned Access: Restricts a user account to a single application.
Proper utilization of these features enhances both convenience and security.
OneDrive Configuration
OneDrive is now seamlessly incorporated into the desktop’s File Explorer and features a system tray icon for monitoring synchronization activity.
However, the majority of its configuration options are not directly accessible from the desktop environment.
The previous "SkyDrive" desktop settings interface has been superseded by the OneDrive section within PC Settings.
Managing Synchronization Options
To manage desktop personalization settings and other elements that are synchronized, as well as to determine whether OneDrive utilizes "metered connections"—such as those provided by tethered smartphones—accessing PC Settings is necessary.
Control over the specific folder or hard drive where OneDrive downloads files is achieved through the desktop interface.
This is done by right-clicking the OneDrive folder within File Explorer, selecting "Properties," and then utilizing the options available on the "Location" tab.
Currently, no further OneDrive settings are configurable through this method.
Bing Search Integration
Related: Understanding how to disable Bing from the Windows 8.1 search engine.
Utilizing search functionality provides a rapid method for launching applications, accessing settings, and locating files. Simply pressing the Windows key will activate the Start screen, allowing you to begin typing the name of the desired program for immediate execution.
Customization of this search feature’s operation is possible. Within Windows 8.1, the system’s search capabilities are integrated with Bing results. Users who prefer to prevent their local search inquiries from being transmitted to Bing, or wish to exclude Bing content from their computer searches, can disable this integration.
This adjustment is made by navigating to Search and apps > Search within the PC Settings application.
Interestingly, certain other search settings are exclusively configurable from the desktop interface. For instance, the option to "Search everywhere instead of just my apps when I search from the Apps view" requires accessing the taskbar properties via a right-click, then selecting the Navigation tab.
Wi-Fi, Airplane Mode, and Network Management
With the release of Windows 8, the traditional pop-up window for managing Wi-Fi and network settings was eliminated. Clicking the Wi-Fi icon in the system tray now launches a modern sidebar interface, characteristic of the "Windows 8-style" design.
Consequently, many connectivity features previously accessible to desktop users are now exclusively found within the new settings interface. The "View Connection Settings" link within the Wi-Fi sidebar directs users to the Network > Connections section of PC Settings, rather than the classic desktop Control Panel.
Forgetting Wi-Fi Networks
To remove previously connected Wi-Fi networks from your computer’s memory, navigate to "Manage known networks" under Network > Connections. This will display a list of saved networks that can be deleted.
Microsoft reintroduced this functionality in the Windows 8.1 Update, having initially removed it in the original Windows 8.1 release.
Wireless Communication Toggles
Features like quickly disabling all wireless communication, or individually toggling Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, are solely available through this new interface.
These options are not present in the traditional desktop control panel.
- Wi-Fi: Enables or disables wireless network connectivity.
- Bluetooth: Enables or disables Bluetooth functionality.
- Airplane Mode: Disables all wireless communication.
These settings provide convenient control over your device’s wireless capabilities.
Refresh, Reset, and Advanced Startup Options
Related: A Comprehensive Guide to "Reset This PC" in Windows 10 and Windows 11
For Windows 8.1 users, the Refresh and Reset features are invaluable. They provide a streamlined method for reinstalling Windows without requiring installation media or a complex setup procedure. Essentially, these tools introduce a "factory reset" capability to Windows computers, simplifying and accelerating the process of Windows reinstallation.
Custom refresh images can be created, but this requires utilizing the Command Prompt interface. These options are located within the Update and recovery > Recovery section of PC Settings.
Accessing Advanced Startup
A dedicated button within the Recovery settings leads to the Advanced Startup menu. This menu provides access to Safe Mode and other crucial startup utilities.
Direct access from the desktop Control Panel is not available. However, holding the Shift key while selecting Restart from the Settings charm bar or the Start screen will directly initiate the advanced startup menu.
The organization of settings can be initially perplexing. Microsoft has, in certain instances, deliberately provided interfaces within both PC Settings and the Control Panel – examples include Windows Update and File History, which are accessible from both locations.
Conversely, some tools are exclusive to the Control Panel, while others are solely available on the desktop. While Microsoft continues to integrate more settings into PC Settings, significant additions to the desktop Control Panel are unlikely.
- Refresh: Reinstalls Windows while keeping personal files and settings.
- Reset: Completely removes everything and reinstalls Windows.
- Advanced Startup: Offers access to troubleshooting and recovery tools.
Safe Mode, accessible through the Advanced Startup menu, is a diagnostic mode that starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and services.
