Windows 8.1: A Comprehensive Guide
Windows 8.1: A Comprehensive Update
Beginning October 18th, Windows 8.1 is now accessible to all users. This newest iteration of Windows represents enhancements across all facets of the operating system.
Whether your preference lies with the traditional desktop environment or the innovative touch-optimized interface, this is a substantial upgrade.
Addressing Previous Concerns
Some commentators have characterized the latest Windows version as a response to earlier feedback. It demonstrably provides a more comfortable experience for desktop PC users compared to its predecessor, Windows 8.
Alongside these improvements, a more refined and complete tablet experience is also offered.
Key Improvements and Features
- Enhanced Desktop Experience: Windows 8.1 focuses on restoring a more familiar desktop workflow.
- Improved Touch Functionality: The touch interface has been further developed and optimized for tablet devices.
- Greater Customization: Users now have increased control over the appearance and behavior of the operating system.
The update delivers a more balanced approach, catering to both traditional and modern computing preferences.
It represents a significant step forward in the evolution of the Windows platform, offering a more versatile and user-friendly experience.
Acquiring Windows 8.1
Users currently operating Windows 8 are eligible for a complimentary upgrade to Windows 8.1. This update will be accessible for download directly through the Windows Store, identifiable as the "Store" application within the Modern user interface featuring tiles.
Based on the anticipated similarity to the preview version upgrade process, users can expect a notification – a "Get Windows 8.1" prompt – which will direct them to the Windows Store and facilitate the download and installation.
Furthermore, ISO images of Windows 8.1 will be made available for download. This allows for a clean installation upgrade option.
For new computer setups, Windows 8.1 can be installed directly, bypassing the need for Windows 8. Manufacturers will begin shipping new PCs with Windows 8.1 pre-installed, and retail boxed copies of Windows 8 will be superseded by Windows 8.1 versions.
However, users of Windows 7 or earlier versions will need to purchase the upgrade. The cost of Windows 8.1 will be equivalent to the price of a full Windows 8 license – $120 for the standard edition.
For typical Windows 7 users, it may be more financially prudent to postpone the upgrade until a new PC with Windows 8.1 already installed is purchased, rather than incurring this expense.
Enhancements for Desktop Computer Users
Windows 8.1 has been characterized by some as a response to criticism of its predecessor, though Microsoft itself does not frame it in this manner. Interestingly, Steven Sinofsky, the lead developer of Windows 8, departed from the company following its release. Notably, Windows 8.1 incorporates numerous features that Sinofsky and Microsoft initially declined to include.
Several significant improvements are offered within Windows 8.1 for those utilizing desktop computers:
- Direct Boot to Desktop: Users are now able to bypass the tiled interface and proceed directly to the desktop upon login.
- Disable Hot Corners: The appearance of the app switcher and charms bar when the mouse cursor reaches the top-left or top-right screen corners can be prevented, eliminating unwanted interruptions on the desktop.
- Reintroduction of the Start Button: A persistent Start button is reinstated on the desktop taskbar in Windows 8.1, enhancing discoverability for new users and providing a larger target for mouse interaction on remote desktops and virtual machines. It’s important to note that clicking this button launches the full-screen Modern interface, rather than the traditional Start menu. Existing Start menu replacement applications will remain functional with Windows 8.1.
- Default Full App List: The Start screen and its tiles can be largely concealed. Windows 8.1 can be configured to display a comprehensive, full-screen list of all installed applications when the Start button is clicked, prioritizing desktop applications. The primary distinction is the Start menu’s transformation into a full-screen interface.
- Power Options via Start Button: Access to Shut down, Restart, and other power options is now available through a right-click on the Start button, requiring the same number of clicks as in Windows 7.
- Synchronized Backgrounds: Windows 8 previously restricted Start screen background images, but Windows 8.1 permits the use of the desktop background on the Start screen. This creates a smoother visual transition between the Start screen and the desktop, making the tiles appear integrated with the desktop environment.
- Consolidated Search Functionality: Unified search returns, allowing users to initiate typing and simultaneously search programs, settings, and files. This eliminates the need to navigate through separate categories when seeking a Control Panel option or a specific file.
See Also: Optimizing Windows 8.1 for Desktop PCs
Collectively, these changes represent a substantial improvement for desktop users of Windows 8.1. Microsoft demonstrates increased flexibility; while the Start menu is full screen, numerous other aspects have been adjusted, allowing users to avoid the tiled interface entirely if desired. Further details can be found in our guide to optimizing Windows 8.1 for desktop PCs.
These enhancements are specifically targeted towards desktop users. Windows 8.1 also includes broader features beneficial to all users, such as enhanced SkyDrive integration, enabling cloud storage of files without requiring separate synchronization software.
Enhancements for Touchscreen Device Users
Users with Windows 8 or Windows RT tablets, or other touch-enabled devices utilizing the interface previously called Metro, will observe a multitude of significant enhancements. The initial release of Windows 8’s new interface was incomplete, however, it has evolved into a considerably more robust and refined experience.
- Application Updates: The pre-installed applications in Windows 8 were often quite limited in their functionality. For instance, Internet Explorer 10 initially restricted users to a maximum of ten tabs, and the Mail application lacked essential features. With Windows 8.1, several applications – notably Xbox Music – have undergone complete redesigns.
- Snap Feature Refinements: Windows 8’s Snap capability allowed for the placement of a single application in a narrow sidebar, dedicating the majority of the screen to another application. Windows 8.1 expands this functionality, enabling the simultaneous display of two applications side-by-side, each with its complete interface visible.
Larger displays can even accommodate three or four snapped applications concurrently. The ability to multitask with multiple applications on a tablet remains a unique strength of Windows 8, surpassing the capabilities of iPads and Android tablets. Furthermore, it’s now possible to snap two instances of the same application side-by-side – for example, to view two distinct webpages at once.
- Expanded PC Settings: Windows 8.1 introduces a more comprehensive PC settings application, providing access to the majority of system configurations through a touch-optimized interface. Reliance on the traditional desktop Control Panel on a tablet should be significantly reduced, or at least less frequent.
- Touch-Friendly File Management: Microsoft’s SkyDrive application now facilitates file browsing on your local PC, offering a native, touch-optimized method for file management without requiring the desktop environment.
- Guidance and Support: Windows 8.1 incorporates a Help+Tips application designed to assist new users in navigating the updated interface, a feature Microsoft initially hesitated to include.
The Modern interface has undergone substantial improvements in Windows 8.1, addressing many of the initial criticisms.
Despite these advancements, dedicated "Modern" versions of Microsoft Office applications remain unavailable (with the exception of OneNote), necessitating a transition to the desktop environment for Office tasks on tablets. While not flawless, the Modern interface no longer feels as underdeveloped as it once did. A detailed examination of the enhancements to Microsoft’s Modern interface, formerly known as Metro, in Windows 8.1 can be found in our comprehensive analysis.
In essence, Windows 8.1 represents the realization of Windows 8’s potential. These improvements complement the existing strengths of the desktop environment, alongside security enhancements and optimizations for battery life and overall performance that were introduced in Windows 8.
If you are currently satisfied with Windows 7, an immediate upgrade to Windows 8.1 may not be necessary, particularly considering its price point of $120. However, for users of Windows 8, this upgrade is highly recommended, regardless of their usage patterns.
Purchasing a new PC with Windows 8.1 pre-installed provides a significantly more versatile and comfortable user experience. If you have been delaying a computer purchase due to concerns about Windows 8, exploring Windows 8.1 is advisable – while different, Microsoft has made concessions regarding the desktop while simultaneously enhancing the new interface. You may discover that Windows 8.1 is now a worthwhile upgrade, even if your primary focus remains the desktop environment.
