15 Windows 8 tips and tricks
Update to Windows 8.1
On April 8, 2014, Microsoft released Windows 8.1, which was a free upgrade for anyone running Windows 8.
This update addressed many of the problems users had with Windows 8. By popular demand, it also brings back the Start button.
Note: The Windows 8.1 update is no longer provided by Microsoft, who encourages you to upgrade to Windows 10.
Visit Microsoft's Windows 10 page for the Windows 10 update.
The remainder of this page contains instructions and tips for legacy systems which already have the Windows 8.1 update installed.
Customize your tiles
Windows 8 tilesMake the most of your Windows Start screen tiles by adjusting the sizes, where they are located, and what is listed.
Move any tile by clicking and dragging the tile.
While moving a tile, if you need a larger view of the Start screen move the tile towards the top or bottom of the screen to zoom out.
Use your mouse wheel to scroll left-to-right through your tiles.
Resize any User tile or Live tile by right-clicking the tile and choosing resize.
Windows 8 keyboard shortcuts
Knowing at least some of the Windows 8 keyboard shortcuts helps make your Windows 8 experience much more enjoyable.
Try to memorize these top Windows 8 shortcut keys.
Know your hot corners
The corners on your screen are hot corners and give you access to different Windows features. Below, is a brief explanation of each of these corners.
Bottom-left corner
The bottom-left hot corner of the screen allows you to access the Start screen. If you're in the Start screen and have the desktop open, this corner opens the desktop from the Start screen.
Tip: Right-clicking in the left corner opens the power user menu.
Top-left corner of the screen
Moving the mouse to the top-left corner and then down displays all the apps running on the computer.
Clicking and dragging any of these apps to the left or right side of the screen will snap that app to that side of the screen.
Each of these open app icons can also be right-clicked to close or snap.
Right side of the screen
On the full right the screen will be given access to the Windows Charms.
Taking advantage of search
The Search in Windows 8 has been significantly improved when compared to all previous versions of Windows.
To search for a file or run a program in Windows 8 from the Start screen, start typing what you're trying to find or want to run.
As you begin typing, the results will start appearing on the left side.
The Search also supports limiting the search to apps such as Finance, People, Maps, Photos, Mail, Music, Videos, Weather, and much more.
If what you are searching for is not a file or program, click on the app you want to use as the search.
For example, if you were searching for "New York" and selected the Weather app you would be shown the weather in New York, NY.
By default, Search organizes the available Apps by how frequently they
If you want to keep your favorite app at the top of the Search list, right-click the app and choose Pin.
Pinning the app will lock it in place regardless of how often it is used.
If there is an app you don't want (e.g., Finance) you can turn on and off any of the search apps through the PC settings, which is found under the Settings in the Charms.
Bonus tip: The Search is also found through Charms and can also be opened by pressing Windows key+F.
Running two apps side by side
Any app can be pinned to the left or right side of the screen. For example, open the People app and press the Windows key+ period (.) key to move that app to the right side of the screen.
Pressing the same keys a second time will move it to the left side. Pressing the same keys a third time makes it full screen.
While an app is pinned, any other app or program can be opened and loaded into the available space on the screen.
For example, in the picture below, we've opened a browser window and have the People app running to monitor our social networks.
Any open app can also be pinned using your mouse by clicking at the top of the tile and dragging it to the left or right side of the screen.
Bonus tip: The desktop can also be pinned to the left or right side of the screen.
Note: For snap to work properly your resolution must be at least 1,366 x 768.
Windows 8 Task Manager
The Windows 8 Task Manager has been significantly improved over previous versions of Windows.
Changes include a total percent usage of your Processes, improved Performance graphs, and a Startup tab to see startup processes.
It also includes the App history tab (as shown below) to see the total resources an app has used.
Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to start exploring the new Task Manager.
Use a picture password to log into your computer
Windows 8 includes a new feature called Picture password, which allows you to authenticate with the computer using a series of gestures that include circles, straight lines, and taps. Enable this feature if you want a new way to access your computer or have a hard time with passwords.
Open the Windows Charms.
Click Settings and then More PC settings
In the PC settings window, click Users and then select Create a picture password
Bonus tip: A four digit pin password can also be created and used to access your computer.
Take advantage of Windows 8 apps
Windows 8 comes included with several apps to help you get the most from your computer. Below are just a few of the included apps.
People
Microsoft touts the People feature in Windows 8 because they understand how many people are using social networks today.
In the People feature, you'll be able to connect your Windows computer to all the major social networks including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
Once connected, you can pin the people app and monitor your social network (as shown below). You may then use "People" in the Search interface to find people.
You may also choose to see an overview of what is happening in all your social networks.
Reader
The Reader app gives you PDF support right out of the box.
SkyDrive
The SkyDrive app gives you access to the Microsoft cloud service for storing photos, documents, and other files in a cloud and access or share those files easier.
Store
Take advantage of the Windows Store and install one or more of the thousands of available apps designed for Windows 8.
The Store is found in the Start screen, or use Search to search the Store app for any apps that you are trying to find.
Know the answers to common questions
Windows 8 is the biggest change to Microsoft Windows since the introduction of Windows 95, which was released all the way back in 1995.
Since so many people have grown up with Windows, it can be difficult to transition to a new way of doing things. Below, is a short list of the most common questions previous Windows users have.
Below, are just a few links to the most commonly used Windows 8 terms.
What is an Operating System? » Computer Shortcut Keys and their Functions » Keyboard Function Keys » Computer Basics - Hardware - Software - Parts
Army Jobs - Navy Jobs - Military Jobs
Scholarship 2024/25
Current Scholarships 2024/2025 - Fully Funded
Full Undergraduate Scholarships 2024/2025
Fully Funded Masters Scholarships 2024/25
PhD Scholarships for International Students - Fully Funded!
Funding Opportunities for Journalists 2024/2025
Funding for Entrepreneurs 2024/2025
Scholarship 2024/25
Current Scholarships 2024/2025 - Fully Funded
Full Undergraduate Scholarships 2024 - 2025
Fully Funded Masters Scholarships 2024 - 25
PhD Scholarships for International Students - Fully Funded!
Funding Opportunities for Journalists 2024/2025
Funding for Entrepreneurs 2024/2025
***