Windows 8 Articles: Usage & Customization
Windows 8 Resources: Enterprise Evaluation and TechNet Access
With the release of a 90-day evaluation version of Windows 8 Enterprise and availability for Microsoft TechNet subscribers of Windows 8 Pro, a compilation of our published Windows 8 articles is now presented.
Comprehensive Article Collection
Since the initial launch of the Developer Preview, we have been consistently providing coverage of the Windows 8 operating system.
This collection serves as a central resource for those exploring the features and functionalities of Windows 8.
Accessing Windows 8 Editions
The Windows 8 Enterprise edition is offered as a fully functional 90-day evaluation, allowing for thorough testing and assessment.
Windows 8 Pro is readily accessible to individuals with active Microsoft TechNet subscriptions, providing convenient access for IT professionals and developers.
Available Resources
- Windows 8 Enterprise: A 90-day evaluation is now publicly available.
- Windows 8 Pro: Accessible to Microsoft TechNet subscribers.
- Related Articles: A curated list of our publications since the Developer Preview release.
These resources are designed to assist users in understanding and implementing Windows 8 within their environments.
Further details and in-depth analyses can be found within the linked articles.
The Windows 8 User Interface and Traditional Desktop Environment
Microsoft introduced a new user interface with Windows 8, initially known as the Metro Start Screen, as a successor to the traditional Start menu. This change sparked considerable debate amongst the Windows user base.
Regardless of individual preferences, a collection of resources is available to assist with navigating and customizing this interface, or alternatively, circumventing it for those who prefer the classic desktop experience.
Helpful Guides and Tutorials
- Adding the Classic Control Panel: Instructions on integrating the familiar Control Panel into the Windows 8 Metro Start Screen.
- Bypassing the Metro Interface: A guide detailing how to configure Windows 8 to boot directly to the desktop, skipping the Metro Start Screen.
- Customizing App Groups: Learn how to assign names to groups of applications on the Windows 8 Metro Start Screen for improved organization.
- Pinning Applications: Discover the process of pinning applications and folders to the Metro Start Screen in Windows 8.
- Tile Organization: Methods for arranging tiles into logical groups on the Metro Start Screen within Windows 8.
- Website Integration: Instructions on pinning frequently visited websites to the Metro Start Screen in Windows 8.
- Browser Configuration: A tutorial explaining how to configure Windows 8 Metro web tiles to open within the desktop web browser.
- Disabling Live Tiles: A beginner-friendly guide to disabling the live functionality of tiles in Windows 8.
- Potential Improvements: An exploration of five ways Microsoft could enhance the Windows 8 Start Screen experience.
These resources provide comprehensive support for both utilizing and tailoring the Windows 8 user interface to individual needs.
Windows 8 Applications (Previously Known as Metro Apps)
Access to Windows 8 Applications is facilitated through the Metro screen, which were initially referred to as Metro Apps. These applications can be obtained either through free downloads or purchases from the Microsoft Windows 8 Store.
They are presented as tiles within the Windows 8 user interface and operate in a full-screen mode. The methods for minimizing or closing these apps aren't immediately apparent.
Furthermore, executing an application with administrative privileges differs somewhat from earlier Windows iterations.
Available Resources
The following guides detail procedures such as minimizing and shutting down Windows 8 Apps, running them with elevated permissions, and clearing your application history, alongside other helpful functionalities.
- How to Execute Windows 8 Apps Under a Different User Account from the Start Screen
- A Beginner’s Guide: Running an Application as Administrator in Windows 8
- Obtain the Official How-To Geek Trivia App for Windows 8
- Accessing Metro Apps via Windows Explorer in Windows 8
- Deleting Your Application History within Windows 8
- Determining Which Metro Apps are Installed on Each Windows 8 Computer
- Closing or Minimizing Full-Screen Metro Apps in Windows 8
- Preventing Users From Removing Metro Applications in Windows 8
- 10 Apps Demonstrating the Capabilities of Metro from the Windows Store
These resources provide comprehensive instructions for managing and utilizing Windows 8 Apps effectively.
Internet Explorer 10
Internet Explorer 10 is integrated within Windows 8, being offered in both a Windows 8 UI iteration and a traditional Desktop application.
Several resources are available to assist with managing and customizing your IE10 experience.
Available Guides
Disabling Flash: Instructions on how to enhance security by disabling Flash Player within Internet Explorer 10 on Windows 8.
Desktop Version Access: Learn how to configure pinned website tiles on the Windows 8 UI to launch within the Desktop version of IE10.
Uninstalling IE10: A guide detailing the process of completely removing Internet Explorer 10 from your Windows 8 system, should you choose not to utilize it.
These articles provide comprehensive support for utilizing and tailoring Internet Explorer 10 to your specific needs.
PowerShell in Windows 8Windows 8 includes PowerShell version 3 as a standard component. Existing scripts designed for version 2, however, might encounter compatibility issues and generate errors when executed.
Fortunately, Windows 8 allows for the simultaneous operation of both PowerShell versions 2 and 3. Detailed instructions on achieving this functionality are available in the resources provided below.
Managing Windows Features with PowerShell
Beyond concurrent operation, PowerShell can also be utilized to effectively manage optional Windows features. While these features are traditionally configured through the Control Panel, a PowerShell-based approach offers an alternative for users familiar with scripting.
This method provides a streamlined and efficient way to control optional components, representing a useful technique for advanced Windows 8 users.
- How to Run PowerShell 2 and 3 Concurrently in Windows 8
- Stupid Geek Tricks: Manage Windows Optional Features From PowerShell in Windows 8
These articles offer guidance on leveraging PowerShell for both compatibility and advanced system administration within the Windows 8 environment.
The Windows 8 Win+X Menu
With the removal of the traditional Start menu in Windows 8, users may seek alternative methods for accessing essential tools like the Control Panel, Command Prompt, and the Run dialog. The Win+X menu provides a convenient access point for many of these functionalities.
Several resources detail how to personalize the Win+X menu, both utilizing third-party applications and through native Windows features. Furthermore, instructions are available on directly accessing the Control Panel via this menu, alongside other related techniques.
Available Resources
Adding Items to the Win+X Menu: Learn how to expand the Win+X menu's capabilities in Windows 8.
Editing the Win+X Menu with a Free Tool: Discover a method for customizing the Win+X menu using a freely available utility.
Accessing the Control Panel: Instructions are provided on how to quickly reach the Control Panel through the Win+X menu in Windows 8.
The Win+X menu serves as a valuable alternative for power users and those accustomed to the functionalities previously found within the Start menu.
Navigating Windows 8: Taskbar, Task Manager, Explorer, and the Start Menu
The removal of the Start menu in Windows 8 generated considerable debate among users. We have previously detailed numerous methods for restoring Start menu functionality through alternative solutions.
These included guides on implementing third-party Start menu replacements, crafting custom Start buttons, and utilizing both the Windows 8 interface alongside the traditional Start menu. Furthermore, we explored integrating the Windows 7-style Start menu, Explorer, and Task Manager into the Windows 8 environment.
Our coverage also extends to mastering the updated features of Windows 8. This includes the enhanced Task Manager, the capabilities of a multi-monitor Taskbar, and the redesigned Windows Explorer ribbon interface.
Resources for Windows 8 Customization and Usage
Below is a list of articles providing detailed instructions on various aspects of Windows 8 customization and operation:
- Achieving a Metro-Style Start Menu and Start Button in Windows 8
- Restoring the Classic Start Menu Experience in Windows 8
- Creating a Custom Windows 8 Start Button with Minimal System Resource Usage
- Simultaneous Use of the Metro UI and the Classic Start Menu in Windows 8
- Leveraging Classic Shell for a Classic Start Menu and Explorer Toolbar in Windows 8
- Integrating the Windows 7 Start Menu, Explorer, and Task Manager into Windows 8
- Adapting to Windows 8 Without a Start Button
- Adding a Fully Functional Recycle Bin to the Taskbar on Windows 8
- Optimizing the New Multi-Monitor Taskbar in Windows 8
- Understanding and Utilizing the New Task Manager in Windows 8
- Task Manager Pinning to the Taskbar and Metro Start Screen in Windows 8
- Restarting the Windows Explorer Process in Windows 8
- Effectively Using the New Windows Explorer Ribbon in Windows 8
These resources aim to provide comprehensive guidance for users seeking to optimize their Windows 8 experience.
Charms Bar
Introduced with Windows 8, the Charms Bar represents a novel approach to system functionality. Certain charms exhibit contextual behavior, adapting to the current application or task. Others maintain consistent operation regardless of the active environment.
Notably, the utility of some charms is restricted to Windows 8 Apps. Effective navigation and operation within Windows 8 necessitate a comprehensive understanding of these charms.
Understanding Charms in Windows 8
This article serves as an introductory guide, detailing the nature of Windows 8 charms and providing instructions on their utilization.
The following information will familiarize you with these tools and enhance your Windows 8 experience.
- An Introduction to Charms in Windows 8: What They Are & How to Use Them
The Charms Bar provides quick access to various system features. Its design aims to streamline common actions and improve user efficiency.
Mastering the Charms Bar is crucial for maximizing the potential of the Windows 8 operating system. It allows for seamless interaction with both traditional desktop applications and the modern Windows 8 App environment.
Customizing the Visual Experience in Windows 8
A series of guides are available to assist users in personalizing the appearance of Windows 8. These resources demonstrate methods for increasing the size of elements displayed on your screen.
Specifically, instructions are provided for adjusting the font size within window title bars, enhancing readability.
Available Resources
Furthermore, official Windows 8 visual assets have been compiled for user access.
- A guide detailing how to enlarge all screen elements within Windows 8.
- Instructions on modifying the font size specifically for window title bars in Windows 8.
- Downloadable Windows 8 logo and icon files for use on personal computers.
These resources empower users to tailor their Windows 8 environment to their individual preferences and visual needs.
The provided materials cover both functional adjustments and aesthetic customization options.
Exploring Windows 8 Capabilities
Assistance with various Windows 8 functionalities, including Secure Boot, File History, Storage Spaces, IIS 8, and the absence of classic games like Solitaire and Minesweeper, can be found in the resources detailed below.
Helpful Articles for Windows 8 Users
A collection of guides from How-To Geek provides comprehensive support for navigating and optimizing the Windows 8 operating system.
- Secure Boot: An explanation of how Windows 8’s Secure Boot feature operates and its implications for Linux distributions – HTG Explains: How Windows 8′s Secure Boot Feature Works & What It Means for Linux.
- File History: Instructions on utilizing the File History feature in Windows 8 to effectively recover lost or previous versions of files – How to Use the File History Feature in Windows 8 to Restore Files.
- Storage Spaces: A guide detailing how to leverage Windows 8’s Storage Spaces to mirror drives and create combined storage pools – How to Use Windows 8′s Storage Spaces to Mirror & Combine Drives.
- IIS 8 Installation: Steps for installing Internet Information Services (IIS) 8 on a Windows 8 system – How to Install IIS 8 on Windows 8.
- Missing Games: An explanation regarding the removal of Solitaire and Minesweeper from the standard Windows 8 installation – What Happened to Solitaire and Minesweeper in Windows 8?.
These resources offer valuable insights and practical guidance for both novice and experienced Windows 8 users.
Managing Windows 8 Features: Disabling and Enabling
Windows 8 includes a variety of features, and users may find some unnecessary or prefer to customize their experience. This article details how to disable specific functionalities within the operating system.
The following guides provide step-by-step instructions for managing features like adaptive brightness, application switching, and the lock screen. Further options include controlling the Windows Store, notifications, and the SmartScreen filter.
Feature Control Options
- Resolving Dark Screen Issues by Disabling Adaptive Brightness in Windows 8
- Deactivating Application Switching in Windows 8
- Removing the Lock Screen in Windows 8
- Disabling the Windows Store in Windows 8
- Turning Off Toaster Notifications in Windows 8
- Deactivating or Disabling the SmartScreen Filter in Windows 8
- Restoring the Mouse Pointer Drop Shadow in Windows 8
Initially, Windows 8 removed the drop shadow effect from the mouse pointer. Instructions are provided to restore this visual element if desired.
These articles offer solutions for tailoring Windows 8 to individual preferences and addressing potential usability concerns.
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