Here are some of the best Windows 8 Tips and tricks. Windows 8 is here, and with it comes a drastic overhaul in desktop and tablet computing. These ten tips will help new Windows 8 adopters get over the learning curve and unleash their PCs.
1. The Lock Screen
With tablet users in mind, Microsoft has included a lock screen in Windows 8, but it’s not very intuitive. To unlock your Windows 8 PC, just press the space bar or scroll the mouse wheel. On a tablet, the gesture is a little more natural: Just swipe upward.
2. Closing Apps
Every previous version of Window has allowed users to close apps, but Windows 8 makes this simple feature a somewhat cryptic chore. It’s built to leave apps running, but if you want to close an app for whatever reason, then an old Windows standby still works. Just press Alt + F4 to close an app.
3. Traditional Desktop View
Whether users come from Windows 7 or another platform, they might sometimes desire to work from a traditional desktop. This view is still accessible in Windows 8 by pressing the Win key and D simultaneously.
4. Global Search
One of the most critical elements of any tablet or desktop operating system is the universal search. It may seem hidden in Windows 8, but simply typing from the Start screen will trigger such a search. Users can narrow the results down by file type and other criteria from here.
5. Taking Screenshots
Sometimes it’s necessary to capture a screenshot. Windows 8 users can do so by simultaneously pressing the Windows and Print Screen keys. The shot will be saved to the Pictures app.
6. Change File Associations
Multiple apps can work with most file types, but what if you don’t want to use the default app? Simply launch the Charms Bar, select the Programs tab and then click Default Programs. This lets you adjust file associations to your preferences.
7. View More Apps
The Live Tiles in Windows 8 are large by default, but what happens when you have dozens of apps? Hold down the control button and scroll your mouse, or use a pinch-to-zoom gesture on a tablet. Either of these will shrink your live tiles, letting you view more apps at once.
8. Quick Access Menu
Some utilities in Windows 8 are necessary, but don’t necessarily need to take up space as a Live tile. To access utilities such as Control Panel or Device Manager, just right-click in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
9. Side-by-Side Apps
Running two apps at once is one of the biggest benefits of desktop computing. In Windows 8, this is achieved by swiping in from the left. This displays the most recent app a user was running, and from there it can be brought up next to the current app.
10. Reinstall Windows
From time to time, the Windows platform can be sluggish. If a user needs to reinstall Windows, they can do so by accessing the Settings menu and choosing Refresh Your PC from the Change PC Settings tab.
