Top 5 new features in Windows 8.1

Windows 8.1 is RTM

Windows 8.1 is out now for a couple of weeks.

So what has been changed in Windows 8.1 in regards to its predecessor Windows 8? Below you will find a top 5 listed!

On 1: The Start button has returned!

On of the big boos of the users that migrated to Windows 8 was the missing Star button. Now in Windows 8.1 it has returned. However, notice that it's only the button. The old-skool menu hasn't returned, it still opens the Metro UI Start menu.





Also when you rightclick the start button, it opens a new small start menu, which is similar to the Windows + X shortcut you could use in Windows 8.

On 2: Boot to desktop

Another option is to boot directly to the desktop after the computer has started, instead of showing the Metro UI Start menu. This was also a wish of the old skool users, which were used to the Desktop.






 

 

On 3: ImprovedSearch

 

The search possibilities have been improved greatly in Windows 8.1. When you search for certain things, the relevant links will be shown directly. Also the apps that can be used to open it will be showed directly. For instance, Media Player to open music or Internet Explorer to open the links.

 

On 4: More possibilities for showing windows

There are now more possibilities in showing content on your screen. It can be split in half, or with a sidebar (1/4 and 3/4 of your screen). If you own a multi-monitor display setup, it is now possible to show 8 apps at a time.

 

 On 5: More robust settings

There are more settings available in the PC settings menu then previously. Think about settings to change for your Display, mouse, keyboard, autoplay, account etcetera. Also, you can find CPU / Memory information, and much much more!

Windows 8 shortcuts

Windows 8 is on the market for some time now, but despite that fact, some users still find it hard to get used to the interface. For some, the absense of the Start menu is a reason not to upgrade. But no worries! Hopefully after reading this blog, a world of user friendliness will be opened.

To navigate quickly within Windows 8, it's useful to make use of shortcuts. Below you can find some shortcuts documented: 

When you press the Windows button, you can switch between the program that is currently running, and the application list:




Windows 8 Start screen

When you scroll your mouse in the start screen, you will navigate left or right. Once you start typing the name of an application, for instance "Oult", then Windows will search for programs with that phrase in their name. This way you can open programs really fast and easy.

Press Windows + C for the so called 'Charms bar'. This menu is what opens on the right side of your screen, it also opens when you move your mouse to the right bottom corner of your screen.

Press Windows + I to go quickly to the 'Settings' screen. Here you will find 'PC Settings', 'Personalization', and 'Control Panel'.

If you quickly want to see all your Apps, then press Windows + Q.

To search quickly for files, press Windows + F.

When you have connected an extra monitor, to extend or dulicate your monitor, or use a beamer, then this combination will show you your options: Windows + P.

If you want to lock your screen for security reasons? Then press Windows + L.

Quickly open Windows Explorer? --> Windows + E.

Quickly open the "Run" box?  --> Windows + R.

 

And possibly the most useful command (which comes closest to the traditional Start menu): The Windows Tools menu --> Windows + X.