The Windows 8 FAQ
In order to declutter the windows 8 general thread with unnecessary questions,I decided to create this FAQ.I have answered most of the common questions here and will be adding more and more answers as time goes by.If you want me to cover a question,just post it in this thread and ill answer them as soon as possible....
Q1.What Is A Clean Install? What's the difference between a clean install and an upgrade?
A1.A clean install means deleting the previous operating system completely,then replacing it with windows 8.You do this by booting from the cd and then installing windows 8.This is almost always the best way to install windows 8.
Q2.I copied the Iso file to my cd and burnt it,but its not booting from the cd.Why?
A2.This is because burning an ISO is not as simple as just copying the iso to the cd.You need software like IMGBurn or Free ISO Burner.After you download that,when you right click the ISO,you should get and option to burn to disk.Insert a BLANK dvd AND Burn away!
Q3.My Windows 8 Installation failed/froze/crashed!What do I do?
A3.The First thing to do if windows 8 doesn't install is to try again.Yes,try again.If it still doesn't work then try the following troubleshooting:
1)If you are trying an upgrade,forget it,take a backup of your data and do a clean install.
2)Unplug all unnecessary hardware like microphones,speakers,headphones etc
3)Check if all the setup files are proper and not corrupted
4)Check the serial key.
Q4.What is a Microsoft account?Is it necessary to create one?
A4.You do not need to create a Microsoft account to use your computer,as Microsoft allows you to use your computer with a local account.However you will not be able to sync your settings across devices,use the windows store and use Microsoft services like xbox live.
Q5.What Is Windows activation? Is it necessary?
A5.Windows activation is a way by which Microsoft prevent windows piracy.It checks whether your copy of windows is genuine or not.Windows activation is necessary within 30 days.
Q6.The Personalize option is greyed out.Why?
A6.The Personalization option is greyed out when your copy of windows 8 is activated illegally or not activated at all.
Q7.There are only 100 apps in the windows store.Why?
A7.There are only 100 apps available to the users of the preview versions of windows.
Q8.Metro apps are force closing or not opening at all.Why?
A8.This is most likely due to a low screen resolution.Metro apps need a minimum screen res of 1024 to work.
Q9.My C Drive is filling up.How do I free up the c drive to install more metro apps?
A9.You can use software like easeus partition master to remove space from your d and e drive and add it to your c drive.Post below for a complete guide.
Q10.Where are Metro apps installed?
A10.Metro apps are installed in a folder called windowsapps in the c program fies folder.It is a hidden folder.
Q11.How do I access the windowsapps folder?
A11.You will need to enable show hidden folders in folder options.Then navigate to the folder and change permissions from trustedinstaller to urself.Now u will be able to access windowsapps folder
Q12.How do I Rename Non metro tiles?
A12.Right click on the tile and click on open file location.Rename the original file and the tile should follow suit.
Q13.How Do I Delete Preinstalled Metro Apps?
A13.You will need to gain access to the windowsapps folder and then delete the app folder from there.
Q14.Im getting an error continuously when I try to get a developer license.Why?
A14.This is due to your copy of windows being activated illegally.
Q15.How do I sideload Metro apps?
A15.For this you need a developer license.To get one,Open the windows powershell as administrator and type:-Show-WindowsDeveloperLicenseRegistration.Then follow the wizard to get a license.
Q16.How Do I Get Back The Start Menu?
A16.This can be done in several ways.There are lots of software available solely for this purpose like stardock start8,Vistart,Startisback and pokki.Ill list the pokki method here since its free..Download the software Pokki.It is free and it gives back the start menu in all its goodness.Once you download click the acorn icon in the desktop and enable the show start menu option.
Q17.Is there a way to boot directly to desktop?
A17.This too can be done with pokki.Enable the boot to desktop option and youre done!
Q18.What are the minimum hardware requirements to run windows 8?
A18.Microsoft has confirmed that windows 8 will run on the same hardware that runs windows 7.In other words,if windows 7 works,windows 8 will too!
To be more specific,here are the minimum hardware requirements:
•1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
•1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
•16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
•DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver
Q19.How do I close a metro app?
A19.You do this by either pressing alt+f4 or dragging the app from the top to the bottom of the screen.You can also close an app by going to another app,hovering your mouse on the left side of the screen and then selecting the application and clicking close.
Q20.Do I need To close a metro app?
A20.Microsoft employs a system which automatically suspends applications when you click on the windows key and resumes them when you restart the app.In theory,this should allow you to open a lot of modern apps without closing any of them.
Q21.What is the Charms bar? How do I access it?
A21.The Charms bar is an attempt by Microsoft to put the most frequently used functions of the pc in one place.You can access the charms bar by hovering your mouse at the top right or bottom right corner of the screen.
Q22.How do I turn off my pc?
A22.You do this by going to the charms bar,clicking on power>shut down.
Q23.How do I switch between apps?
A23.Hover your mouse on the top left or bottom left of the screen to bring up the quick switch panel.Click on the app you want to switch to and youre done! You can also switch between an app and the start screen by clicking the windows key.
Q24.What is snap/crop view?
Windows 8 allows you to enjoy your applications in three ways.Snap,cropped and fullscreen.Fullscreen is when an app occupies the entire screen.Snap is when an app occupies about 1/4th of the screen and cropped is when an app occupies 3/4th of the screen.
Q25.How do I access snap/cropped view?
Pull down your mouse from the top of the screen.You will see a small bar dividing the screen.Put the app in the small space for snap and in the large space for crop.
Q26.How do I change pc settings?
A26.There are three ways to change settings.One,by using the control panel,two,by using pc settings in the charms bar,three,by using search.
Q27.Im not able to find the option I need in the control panel? What do I do?
A27.You will need to enable small icons view in the control panel to view all the options.
Q28.How do I Take A Screenshot?
A28.You do not need any external software to take a screenshot. Just press the win key +printscreen key to take a screenshot of your screen.
Q29.How do I Change My Homepage in the metro internet explorer?
A29.Change the homepage in the desktop internet explorer and the changes apply to the metro version too
Q30.The Modern version of IE10 suddenly disappeared from my start screen! How to get it back?
A30.The Modern version of IE10 will only appear if IE is set as your default browser. Set it as default and it should appear on your start screen!
Q31.What is Windows 8.1?
A31.Windows 8.1 is a major update to windows 8, part of the Windows Blue program of rapid updates.
Q32.Is Windows 8.1 A Free Update?
A32.Yes, Windows 8.1 will be available as a free update to all windows 8 users, through the Windows Store.
Q33.What's new in Windows 8.1?
A33.Windows 8.1 adds a start button, lock screen slideshows, 2 new tile sizes, lots of new apps, updates to existing system apps, live start screen backgrounds, ability to set desktop wallpaper as start screen wallpaper, boot to desktop, New universal search and much more!
........More To Be Added Soon!
If there is any other question you would like me to cover,Just post in this thread!
Nice thread. Maybe you can ad stardock start8 in the answer how to bring back the start button cause i think it's better then pokki.
Verstuurd van mijn GT-S5660
FlemishDroid said:
Nice thread. Maybe you can ad stardock start8 in the answer how to bring back the start button cause i think it's better then pokki.
Verstuurd van mijn GT-S5660
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thread Updated.Thanks for the suggestion.If you like the thread then please rate it
@Archangel. Thanks for sticky
Sent From My Muffin
mrappbrain said:
Thread Updated.Thanks for the suggestion.If you like the thread then please rate it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Edit: add a link to this thread on the question and answer thread
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Samsung galaxy s2
Rom: Jedi knight 6
kernel: Jedi kernel 2
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And you thought celebrities weren't smart! =P
mrappbrain said:
Thread Updated.Thanks for the suggestion.If you like the thread then please rate it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would highly recommend startisback.
Absolute a beauty and the best and even better then start8
Verstuurd van mijn PC906 met Tapatalk
cozy59 said:
I would highly recommend startisback.
Absolute a beauty and the best and even better then start8
Verstuurd van mijn PC906 met Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.Added!
Hi guys! I have an issue. I accidently uninstalled the store app and the settings app too so when I click on change PC settings it doesn't show anything.. I will upload a screenshot showing whats wrong. Any ideas for how to fix this?
manny18pr said:
Hi guys! I have an issue. I accidently uninstalled the store app and the settings app too so when I click on change PC settings it doesn't show anything.. I will upload a screenshot showing whats wrong. Any ideas for how to fix this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please post in the correct threads.Anyway,I answered your question in the question and answer thread
First of all, nice thread . One small request. For Q9, could you add this thread to the answer: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2249283
That would be great thanks :thumbup:
Sent from my YP-G1 using Tapatalk 2
after putting my recovery partition onto a usb drive can i just copy the files off elsewhere (server) and put back onto a usb drive if i need to recover it?
Thanks, great thread and learn some good tips for Windows 8 PC. How do these tips works on tablet where mouse pointer is not available?
pwanghk said:
Thanks, great thread and learn some good tips for Windows 8 PC. How do these tips works on tablet where mouse pointer is not available?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
on tablet tapping the screen in a location is simply a mouse left click (unless the software specifically supports touch) and then pressing and holding for a brief period of time is a right click. This is actually a step backwards as on windows 7 you could do a much faster right click by pressing 1 finger down and then immediately tapping next to it with another finger.
With a wacom stylus, they are actually detected slightly above the screen. This I think allows you to move the cursor around without having to click in that location as you would on a regular touchscreen. Tapping with the stylus is then left click. Some styluses have either a button you hold as you tap or the ability to tap with the back of the pen as a right click. Hovering the stylus over the screen to move the cursor around also allows you to trigger rollover textboxes on websites or tooltips I think. Not 100% sure having had only limited time with a stylus equipped tablet.
Alternately. There isnt a single windows tablet out there that doesn't have USB and bluetooth capabilities. So you could use a USB mouse or a bluetooth mouse.
Should I install Windows 8.1 RTM as daily driver? I found ISO and don't know what happen if I upgrade. Does it it;s just update like Win7 to Win8 like or I will use all my apps?
Kir3 said:
Should I install Windows 8.1 RTM as daily driver? I found ISO and don't know what happen if I upgrade. Does it it;s just update like Win7 to Win8 like or I will use all my apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
for daily usage wait for 8.1 to be available via windows update. The public versions right now are slightly buggy betas for developer usage, not public usage, its a fresh install not an upgrade. It will be available for free as a system update later this year
SixSixSevenSeven said:
for daily usage wait for 8.1 to be available via windows update. The public versions right now are slightly buggy betas for developer usage, not public usage, its a fresh install not an upgrade. It will be available for free as a system update later this year
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, thanks. The 8.1 update will be availabe on 18 Oct, but I can't wait until taht because soon, I will start college. I have Windows 8 since RTM. I will have a bit more research and will see.
offspin2040 said:
The Windows 8 FAQ
....If you want me to cover a question,just post it in this thread and ill answer them as soon as possible....
...
Q5.What Is Windows activation? Is it necessary?
A5.Windows activation is a way by which Microsoft prevent windows piracy.It checks whether your copy of windows is genuine or not.Windows activation is necessary within 30 days.
Q6.The Personalize option is greyed out.Why?
A6.The Personalization option is greyed out when your copy of windows 8 is activated illegally or not activated at all.
...
If there is any other question you would like me to cover,Just post in this thread!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK I am taking up the offer:
Qn. Is Windows activation done automatically or do I have to go to control panel or somewhere to do the activation?
Qn+1. My Personalize option is not greyed out, does that mean my Windows activation has been done automatically? I don't remember doing any kind of activation since I got the new PC.
Thank you for the great list of Q&A.
Running Win 8, will you be able to do an in-place upgrade to Win 8.1. keeping apps and personal files?
SharpnShiny said:
Running Win 8, will you be able to do an in-place upgrade to Win 8.1. keeping apps and personal files?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, after release on 18, you can upgrade without losing files and apps. If you have the Preview you can upgrade to 8.1 but only keep personal files.
Kir3 said:
Yes, after release on 18, you can upgrade without losing files and apps. If you have the Preview you can upgrade to 8.1 but only keep personal files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How about if you're running the preview?
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk
Related
How stupid is it to upgrade to Windows 8 on your main laptop? I use it for photoshop and microsoft office.
I don't have enough space to partition the drive, but I really want windows 8. I just am worried about regretting it.
I have installed it on my main machine, no problems, runs everything I install, I have Photoshop Element 9 and it runs well. Download the Consumer Preview Setup Program, run it first to see if you'll run into problems, you can either continue to install from Setup Program, this will download and install in a accordance with how you wish to install, or you can download .iso, burn to DVD, just cancer Setup Program and install from DVD, I did it that way. Jim
its always best to install a beta OS on either a different partition or second drive. to make it so you can get another partition you have to shrink the space of the current one.
I can say that Photoshop works fine, i don't use MS Office so can't help you there. A second partition or a virtual machine would be your best bet if your unsure though.
I agree. I set up a partition to test all the programs I currently run. They all passed with flying colors (sorry, no PS or MSOffice ).
Once I was satisfied, I deleted the partition, installed 8 on my primary, and now I'm 100% windows 8 on my PC. Loving it!
guys, c'mon, its a beta! Betas expire!
There may be a way to upgrade to purchased W8 without losing everything, then again there may not, we'll have to wait and see. There's definitely not going to be a way to easily "step back down" to windows 7 or older.
Obviously you can backup files and reinstall some programs, but you have to think about this realistically
Im not sure but is the consumer preview out yet?
Bcoz ive been using the developer's pre on my laptop dual booting alongside win 7 ofc...Since its really buggy.....(I.E: While gaming or using a program accidentally clicking on the bottom left side of your screen(clicking the startup button)will bring u back to desktop.
Might aswell wait for the betas coz it feels like it more in an alpha mode right now!
Developer preview was alpha, consumer preview is the beta & much less buggy & out now.
As for upgrading later to full release, it doesn't take much to back up your documents if you have too.
The consumer preview comes in a couple of different flavours, iso & installer. The installer allows you to upgrade windows seven keeping your documents and programs that are known to be compatible. However, that option didn't work for me when I tried it. It would point to Microsoft making an effort to make migration to windows 8 in the future a lot less painful.
deamoniac7 said:
Im not sure but is the consumer preview out yet?
Bcoz ive been using the developer's pre on my laptop dual booting alongside win 7 ofc...Since its really buggy.....(I.E: While gaming or using a program accidentally clicking on the bottom left side of your screen(clicking the startup button)will bring u back to desktop.
Might aswell wait for the betas coz it feels like it more in an alpha mode right now!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that's not a bug, that's by design.
and that holds true for the consumer preview as well, which is out now, has been for a while.
How many of you installed it like This:
http://www.hyper-v.nu/archives/hvre...oot-from-vhd-with-windows-8-consumer-preview/
or http://www.hanselman.com/blog/Guide...s8DeveloperPreviewOffAVHDVirtualHardDisk.aspx
When you are done, Just delete the VHD drive I have it running on 2 machines and everything is working fine.
Pumpiron579 said:
How many of you installed it like This:
http://www.hyper-v.nu/archives/hvre...oot-from-vhd-with-windows-8-consumer-preview/
or http://www.hanselman.com/blog/Guide...s8DeveloperPreviewOffAVHDVirtualHardDisk.aspx
When you are done, Just delete the VHD drive I have it running on 2 machines and everything is working fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would have suggested this too. Safest way to test w8. Gives you access to your main harddrive too. Just make sure ur main partition is ntfs. To make following the tutorial easy.
Sent from my HTC Desire HD using Tapatalk 2 Beta-4
I have recently upgraded my windows 7 to windows 8 and have had lots of problems since that. Firstly I can't download/install lang packs. My laptop is from germany and I don't know how but when I upgraded to W8 it automatically changed to German and it doesn't give me an option to download/install any other language. [Solved]
Secondly, I can't open any apps. When I click on one, it loads a screen saying "App Preview" and then comes back to the Start metro interface. How do I at least fix that?
luizmeme said:
[...] I can't open any apps. When I click on one, it loads a screen saying "App Preview" and then comes back to the Start metro interface. How do I at least fix that? I've given up on the lang pack thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A friend of mine had exactly the same problem.
Finally, it ended up with a clean install of Windows 8.
It may sound crazy, but Metro apps need hardware acceleration. Install the latest Windows7 driver for you video card.
Most of the integrated drivers have hardware acceleration. I get this problem every so often, just keep opening it till it stays open.
Sent from my LG-LS670 using XDA
I have installed the latest Windows 8 CP AMD driver for the HD6000M series and still no-go. What else can I do that doesn't involve reinstalling the system. I can't lose my documents, photos etc...
I have solved the language pack thing at least.
luizmeme said:
I have installed the latest Windows 8 CP AMD driver for the HD6000M series and still no-go. What else can I do that doesn't involve reinstalling the system. I can't lose my documents, photos etc...
I have solved the language pack thing at least.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you install it from ATI's page ? The one in the windows repository doesn't work very well.
I had installed the Consumer Preview before and now I have installed this one:
http://support.amd.com/us/kbarticles/Pages/Windows8ConsumerPreviewDrivers.aspx
It's still not working.
I personally hate, hate windows 8!
But then again you can call me a apple fanboy
saintsoulja said:
I personally hate, hate windows 8!
But then again you can call me a apple fanboy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for that insightful post mate, moving along....
ive had issues with apps not opening, but as already mentioned trying a couple more times usually works. Im not convinced about sticking with the upgrade, if you have the space id suggest a fresh install WITHOUT deleting the partitions, the install wizard will copy all your old windows folders to a new folder called Windows.old.
You can then work through it coping all your files to the new OS and delete it when your happy.
everything you need will likely be in windows.old\users\username\
another good place to hunt about is windows.old\programData\
before you try all that, this is going to sound stupid but have you tried turning off your computer?,
yesterday Windows had updated some files in the background (WMC) my Mail App was refusing to sync with no errors at all, when I shut down the computer it came up that it was installing updates so I turned off the PC at the wall for a few min and when it rebooted it worked perfectly...
it's a common problem if you upgrade to win8.
Solutions:
1.) Do a clean install (no upgrade from win7 or other win8 beta)
2.) Fix it.
Save the below to a .reg file, execute it and restart your machine.
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Ole]
"MachineLaunchRestriction"=hex:01,00,04,80,90,00,00,00,a0,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,\
14,00,00,00,02,00,7c,00,05,00,00,00,00,00,18,00,1f,00,00,00,01,02,00,00,00,\
00,00,05,20,00,00,00,20,02,00,00,00,00,14,00,0b,00,00,00,01,01,00,00,00,00,\
00,01,00,00,00,00,00,00,18,00,1f,00,00,00,01,02,00,00,00,00,00,05,20,00,00,\
00,32,02,00,00,00,00,18,00,1f,00,00,00,01,02,00,00,00,00,00,05,20,00,00,00,\
2f,02,00,00,00,00,18,00,0b,00,00,00,01,02,00,00,00,00,00,0f,02,00,00,00,01,\
00,00,00,01,02,00,00,00,00,00,05,20,00,00,00,20,02,00,00,01,02,00,00,00,00,\
00,05,20,00,00,00,20,02,00,00
"MachineAccessRestriction"=hex:01,00,04,80,8c,00,00,00,9c,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,\
14,00,00,00,02,00,78,00,05,00,00,00,00,00,14,00,07,00,00,00,01,01,00,00,00,\
00,00,01,00,00,00,00,00,00,14,00,03,00,00,00,01,01,00,00,00,00,00,05,07,00,\
00,00,00,00,18,00,07,00,00,00,01,02,00,00,00,00,00,05,20,00,00,00,32,02,00,\
00,00,00,18,00,07,00,00,00,01,02,00,00,00,00,00,05,20,00,00,00,2f,02,00,00,\
00,00,18,00,03,00,00,00,01,02,00,00,00,00,00,0f,02,00,00,00,01,00,00,00,01,\
02,00,00,00,00,00,05,20,00,00,00,20,02,00,00,01,02,00,00,00,00,00,05,20,00,\
00,00,20,02,00,00
I have tried the regedit fix but that didn't work either.
I think it's a problem with the videocard driver, as when I upgraded, I couldn't open CCC anymore.
I'm trying to uninstall the driver to reinstall but I am facing some problems right now, the driver won't remove completely it appears and it won't let me update to the recent one.
Hey guys,
I have tried multiple clean installs of win8 (RP) because repeatedly the metro apps stopped opening after working fine initially. I was able to nail the problem down to kasperky internet security. I tried webroot internet security and things are working great.
Try it and trust me, it will work.
I don't think that is my issue here as I don't use any anti virus software other than MS Security Essentials.
Same issue here... Cut the rope and Weather will not work. Rest of apps do work. They all worked on Consumer preview... i did the upgrade to RC from there. I'm going to fresh install it next, but i was hoping i could work it out 1st.
It seems I managed to get the graphics card driver to work, CCC is now opening but still I can't get the apps to load. What now?
It's a common problem. I have trouble opening my apps too on multiple tries. It's not your display driver. Just keep opening the same app and eventually it will open.
Sent from my LG-LS670 using XDA
download latest windows 8 developer preview it will work
No, it won't. The fix is the change to the Registry.
Microsoft themselves have no clue about the issue - they'll tell you it's a graphics driver problem, but that's wrong.
If the first Registry fix doesn't work, try this one in addition to the first:
(it might break your installation!)
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Ole]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try this
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1695265
-Open Charms Bar (Windows key + C)
-Select Settings ---> Change PC settings
-Open Ease of Accsess
-Turn off ----> Tab through webpages and app using care browsing
Now you can add gmail and much else that did not work.
None of the suggestions above seemed to work
I think I'll give up.
Hello everyone,
I hope with your knowledge of the system you will be able to help me with some of my questions.
I would like to make sure that I know what I am doing before swapping to a new system.
Here we go than...
1. I am currently using Netflix and Hulu services via VPN (and Windows 7 + Chrome), will I be able to use them with Windows 8 without any problems?
2. I understand that there is no option to side load apps for the Modern Interface other than from MS Store... is there any way to go round it? Reason for this question is connected to Q1. If I would want to use Netflix/Hulu app instead of browser will I be able to get it? (I suspect that there will be a market geolocalization thing... as it is with WP. In iOS or Android it is not a big problem though...
3. I got my original Windows Vista HP (32b) in my desk, purchased as an OEM... should I install it on my PC before buying an upgrade to WIn 8 Pro? What other options than "upgrade W8Pro" will there be for ppl. to purchase new system...
4. If I get a tablet/hybrid to replace iPad with more versatile device (x86 architecture) will I have to get 2 browsers...2 mail clients, etc... in order to be able to work in both modes desktop/modern? Considering that such a device will have limited disk space it seems like a problem. As far as I know modern interface is not really an interface but it is more like a second separate and quite independent system. This means that if I open Word/browser/mail in one mode and move on to continue to work in second I will have to start those app again and data between them will not be synchronised? Yes?
Like... all those program started in Modern Interface will no be visible and accessible on my task bar in desktop mode...
5. Along with changing system on my desktop and getting replacement for my iPAd I am thinking about swapping my phone. I use Lumia 710 and as much as I like the general feel of WP I hate that it is even more "closed" than iOS. Will I loose or gain functionality if I'll get Android device instead of WP8?
1, yes not a prob at all its the same as windows 7
2, I am 99% sure this will be hacked soon but you could also go for Enterprise edition or get a dev license (if you can get an edu email then you don't even need to pay)
3, not to sure myself sorry I have software assurance and so didn't look this up.
4, Windows 8 has a built in mail app (can be removed), you shouldn't think of it as 2 interfaces but more that you have some metro apps some x86 apps the desktop and the modern interface are as one. This whole hula balu about 2 diff interfaces is rubbish. Also the main browser is the one used in metro so you don't download a second one you just set it as your main one and you have both interfaces.
5, depends on what you mean by functionality, both os's have there strong and weak points it really Is down to how you use it and whatyou want from the phone.
lumpaywk said:
2, I am 99% sure this will be hacked soon but you could also go for Enterprise edition or get a dev license (if you can get an edu email then you don't even need to pay)
4, Windows 8 has a built in mail app (can be removed), you shouldn't think of it as 2 interfaces but more that you have some metro apps some x86 apps the desktop and the modern interface are as one. This whole hula balu about 2 diff interfaces is rubbish. Also the main browser is the one used in metro so you don't download a second one you just set it as your main one and you have both interfaces.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
thanks for your answer.
2. Can you give me more details about it? What is Enterprise edition and about this edu e-mail address...How does it all work...
4. Can I start desktop apps in Metro (can they be pinned?) or vice versa? IE10 is default in Metro - if I use default Metro mail app... can I change default browser to Chrome (btw: how does it work in Win8...as in Win7? Or are there any differences).
IE10... does it sync between devices like Chrome?
I install enterprise edition but I get no sound it may be the drivers but I am not sure realtek has drivers for windows 8 yet
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galtom said:
Hi,
thanks for your answer.
2. Can you give me more details about it? What is Enterprise edition and about this edu e-mail address...How does it all work...
4. Can I start desktop apps in Metro (can they be pinned?) or vice versa? IE10 is default in Metro - if I use default Metro mail app... can I change default browser to Chrome (btw: how does it work in Win8...as in Win7? Or are there any differences).
IE10... does it sync between devices like Chrome?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2. As with other versions of Windows you get multiple versions depending on your needs budget etc. Windows 8 come in Windows RT (ARM version (does not support old style x86 software, this is for cheap tablets etc and will only be sold preinstalled)), Windows 8 (basic version), Windows 8 Pro and then Windows 8 Enterprise. Enterprise has a few extra features for big business and own of them is the ability to side load metro apps meaning a company can write custom metro software.
The thing with the edu email is that .edu is for educational institutions schools university's etc. So that MS can get students using its products they let you have a dev license free for the time your in study. All you need to do is find someone who has an email from a school college etc and sign up with there email. I used my dads he is a lecturer. With a dev license you can unlock a couple of devices.
4. There is no 2 separate things here metro and desktop are NOT 2 diff working spaces. Try to think of the start screen as the same thing as the start menu from the old windows except instead of just a list it fills the screen. You can put any app software etc on this screen the same as you could before with the start menu. Older software does have ugly icon squares but there is a thread here with software to make your own metro style icons. The one thing to note though is that you can only open metro apps on 1 monitor ie you cant pin your mail app to one screen and then open cut the rope on another. This is not true for the desktop. Metro apps also open in there own sandbox environment, this means they can not interact with anything outside of themselves, they can share info etc but they cant change anything and so on.
lumpaywk said:
2. As with other versions of Windows you get multiple versions depending on your needs budget etc. [...]
4. There is no 2 separate things here metro and desktop are NOT 2 diff working spaces. [...].
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Click to collapse
2. Ok.. I guess I'll have to wait and see what is out there and for how much.
Are you sure that with dev licence I will be able to use US Store/UK Store/etc... as I please?
4. Do I read you correctly (I do work with 2 screens) that I will not be able to have Chrome (I believe it does not support Metro yet) on both screens (to get data and to write in the second). One would thought that I should be able to have any combination of software/apps I want on both screens - Metro x Metro; Desktop x Metro; Metro x Desktop; Desktop x Desktop.
Truly strange and quite disturbing...
New questions :
Are there apps for Metro from Hulu, Netflix, BBC (iPlayer)?
Will they be OK to use with VPN tunnelling or I will have to use browser any way...
Will Hulu work on tablet/hybrid with x86 Windows 8 or will it say I am using mobile device (as it is with iOS/Android) and will not work in its Free version.
galtom said:
2. Ok.. I guess I'll have to wait and see what is out there and for how much.
Are you sure that with dev licence I will be able to use US Store/UK Store/etc... as I please?
4. Do I read you correctly (I do work with 2 screens) that I will not be able to have Chrome (I believe it does not support Metro yet) on both screens (to get data and to write in the second). One would thought that I should be able to have any combination of software/apps I want on both screens - Metro x Metro; Desktop x Metro; Metro x Desktop; Desktop x Desktop.
Truly strange and quite disturbing...
New questions :
Are there apps for Metro from Hulu, Netflix, BBC (iPlayer)?
Will they be OK to use with VPN tunnelling or I will have to use browser any way...
Will Hulu work on tablet/hybrid with x86 Windows 8 or will it say I am using mobile device (as it is with iOS/Android) and will not work in its Free version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Chrome does now support Metro you just have to have it set as your default browser. The 2 screens is only Metro style apps so yes you cant have 2 metro style chromes but you can still open as many desktop/old style chromes as you want just as you did in windows 7. With dual screen one screen will always display its half of the desktop the metro start screen only goes onto 1 monitor. It is that one monitor that metro apps will run. It is a huge blunder in my opinion but what can you do.
If you are running a desktop pc esp with multi monitors then you wont notice to much diff in looks and feel. You will notice a huge jump in speed though but a loss of transparent windows . It is also worth putting a start link on the taskbar as sometimes getting the corner between screens is tricky (well not tricky but faster if you have a bigger target), just google "show start.exe".
As for the marketplace from diff country that I don't think would be possible I thought you where talking about side loading apps. You may be able to with the use of vpn but I cant confirm this.
Ok, thanks for the info.
I guess the best would be to simply try Win8 before I buy it.
3 (new) questions than:
What is the latest ver. of Win 8 I should download?
I do not own any VM software - is there (an easy) way to test Win* under Win7 (I dont mind that system will not be as fast, etc... but I would be able to see how it works...)
If I would have to make a proper install of Win8 on my PC... how hard will it be to go back to my current Win7?
As I keep 90% of ma data either in the cloud or on a on a different partitions on my drives formatting C: is not a problem... but I have read that once Win 8 is installed Win7 does not want to format this drive and install itself on it.... true?
galtom said:
Ok, thanks for the info.
I guess the best would be to simply try Win8 before I buy it.
3 (new) questions than:
What is the latest ver. of Win 8 I should download?
I do not own any VM software - is there (an easy) way to test Win* under Win7 (I dont mind that system will not be as fast, etc... but I would be able to see how it works...)
If I would have to make a proper install of Win8 on my PC... how hard will it be to go back to my current Win7?
As I keep 90% of ma data either in the cloud or on a on a different partitions on my drives formatting C: is not a problem... but I have read that once Win 8 is installed Win7 does not want to format this drive and install itself on it.... true?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your best bet is to use a diff hard drive that way you can dual boot into windows 7 and windows 8 then when your done unplug the hard drive test you can boot into 7 still then format. This is the best way though I have heard of issues going back I have never had any, you boot to a disk then format the drive when you install 7 so I don't see how it could be, maybe they are trying to keep there files etc ie downgrade instead of a new install.
you can get a 90 day trial of rtm (the final build as it will be sold) here http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/jj554510.aspx But note you will need to uninstall it and reinstall if you want to keep using windows 8 after the 90 days.
Last thing,
I plan to install Win8 (today) on my external 160GB disk.
It will be connected to my PC via e-Sata... any advice before I proceed?
I dont want to put it on disk where is my current Win7 as I need it daily to work... so this should work... right? (motherboard is old; Abit Ab9Pro)
If this hasn't already been answered, I use tor for Netflix and it doesn't work will on windows 8. I can load the home but then it goes back to the UK version. It works fine on 7.
X10man
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x10man said:
If this hasn't already been answered, I use tor for Netflix and it doesn't work will on windows 8. I can load the home but then it goes back to the UK version. It works fine on 7.
X10man
Sent from my U20i using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry I got bit confused...
Where do you use it (UK or USA)?
You try to access Netflix via VPN and Metro app or browser?
I'm in the UK and I use tor to access the US version with desktop chrome and proxy switchy to act as a Tor button.
X10man
Sent from my U20i using xda premium
Perhaps it is a TOR (and selected exit node) problem...
Try this 3h trial of VPN (free) and see if it is working - http://www.hideipvpn.com/freetrial/
Do you use Chrome under desktop or Modern UI mode?
Can you recommend a good (free) set of video codecs? I cant play mkv at the moment
My biggest fear is that troubleshooting, and the hell hole of creating network drives, sharing permissions and all kinds of other thigns I had to do to stream my Media to my android and PS3 will just repeat itself or get worst if I upgrade.
What are the general experiences with media and directory sharing on Windows 8 vs Windows 7? Can you drop all of Microsoft's security mechanisms as a whole?
hm
write a simple script for your network file sharing, are you doing an upgrade or going from scratch?
buffalosolja42 said:
write a simple script for your network file sharing, are you doing an upgrade or going from scratch?
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Click to collapse
Unsure about that. I would like to from scratch since if I do make the move to Windows 8 I will probably load it onto an SSD and have two HDDs for storage
Wrong forum, mate. This is Windows Phone 8. The Windows 8 forum is over there. Please ask a moderator to move this thread.
I was shocked with how stable Windows 7 is, it very rarely freezes or reboots etc.
I can't believe how often Windows 8 freezes, reboots, fails to start, can't diagnose startup problems or if it does, I do it 3 times and somehow it finds a problem on the third time, why is that?
I use exactly the same programs on each OS. I have used 8 preview, 8 and now 8.1 each one is unstable and creates problems. For a desktop user, it's a nightmare.
SharpnShiny said:
I was shocked with how stable Windows 7 is, it very rarely freezes or reboots etc.
I can't believe how often Windows 8 freezes, reboots, fails to start, can't diagnose startup problems or if it does, I do it 3 times and somehow it finds a problem on the third time, why is that?
I use exactly the same programs on each OS. I have used 8 preview, 8 and now 8.1 each one is unstable and creates problems. For a desktop user, it's a nightmare.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been running windows 8 on my daily use machine since the week it launched, not once has it frozen, rebooted or failed to boot. Nor have I heard of such prolific issues from anyone else
Honestly I threw 8.1 preview on one of two new boxes at home, 7 Ultimate on the other.
Both with SSD caching and boot times are similar. Performance also seems similar.
I got one copy of 8 for one system and one for the other.
Metro was made for touch screens (and is great with one) - but the box with 8 will never have it.
So I have it boot straight to desktop and I'll live on the desktop except for occasionally finding an app.
(Think I might look at that Pokki or other start menu alternatives..)
If you have a touch screen go 8. If you don't stick with 7...
According to me it is not up to the mark...... 7 is better may be future updates may change my attitude...
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I cannot find *one* thing superior in windows 7 to windows 8 bar the fact that driver signature enforcement is enabled (but can be disabled for a single boot if you need to install some drivers anyway, once installed an unsigned driver will work fine after a reboot).
Start button being absent like everyone complains about. Who seriously uses the start button? All it does is let you launch programs or shut the PC down. Well I can launch programs just fine from desktop (albeit I like a clean desktop so don't), task bar, start screen or via search. Search is easy to get to, hit the windows key to go to the start screen, start typing and it immediately searches for that program. Shutdown, I never shut down from the start bar anyway and haven't in years, Control-Alt-Delete, or charms bar > settings > Power > Shutdown. Or windows key + D to go to desktop (or the button on the task bar, or some other way that I don't care to mention) and hit alt-F4 and windows will prompt for shutdown. Admin functions like control panel etc, hold the windows key and press X, a menu appears where the start button used to reside and lists most useful functions immediately, or you can move the mouse into the bottom left so the button to go to the start screen appears and then right click it.
Metro/Start as they prefer to call it that (seriously, they dropped the metro name way before full release) you look at for all of 2 seconds. I have a tile on it to go to desktop, but prefer to use windows key + D. Other than that, I actually use it with tiles for my favourite programs neatly pinned to it.
The start button is archaic. I saw someone saying that its impossible to throw away years of using a start button, I honestly wondered who was still using it, it was hideous. I got my first PC when I was 8, 2002 if you must know. At the age of 8 you learn to do things 1 way and usually stick to that. Yet I got windows 8 shortly after release (it was still during the discounted price period) and adapted to the lack of start bar within an hour, prior to that I was a heavy computer user. There we go, 11/12 years of heavy computer usage with the start bar being present and I throw it out within an hour. That was so hard.
Things change. Deal with it. The start button has been with us for how long and it is finally old enough that it needs putting to rest. Once upon a time we only used "primitive" command line entry systems (many still do), many of those users were angry when the modern desktop appeared, now its commonplace.
SixSixSevenSeven;45816830 ...
Start button being absent like everyone complains about. Who seriously uses the start button?[/QUOTE said:
Are you serious?
Given that Windows 8 has been dubbed the new Vista by many major publications, computer experts and power PC users, and that one of the biggest complaints among these users and businesses in surveys and that feedback from multiple major global PC manufacturers from consumers that the Start Menu was one of their key issues, given that the largest computer manufactuer by sales - Lenovo has intervened and preinstalled the free Start Menu replacement Pokki on all new Windows 8 machines, given the sheer amount of questions on this site about the Start Menu, give the huge number of sales of 3rd party software that replace the missing Start Menu (such as Start8) I would say many, many, many of us use the Start Button and the Start Menu.
Logical error #1 'If I have no use for this, then no one else does' ...
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Click to collapse
Vista came out six years ago. Huge numbers of people *still* actually go into a menu structure to find their programs instead of just typing a few letters of the program name or description or executable file name, then hitting Enter.
The only conclusion I've been able to draw from this is that the majority of computer users are, in effect, idiots. This seems somewhat unlikely, but I'm pretty sure that recognizing the advantages in speed and convenience do not require above-average intelligence, yet people still fail to take advantage of it.
The Start screen is irrelevant to me, aside from its segregation of search results (fixed in 8.1 anyhow). The demand for Start Menu replacements says an awful lot about the intelligence of the Windows userbase, more than about the quality of the OS in general. With that said, I will grant that the Windows devs may have screwed up by failing to take into consideration just how dumb their target market is (at least with regard to computers).
Educating them - on a grand scale, the way MS did for the Start button in Win95 - might work. It would be interesting to see. The MS of today seems completely incapable of effective marketing and communication compared to the Microsoft of yesteryear, though.
In my opinion, Windows 8 is a great system for what is under the hood. The system and startup is dramatically feature and has much more safety features built in. The fact that Microsoft built in Microsoft Security Essentials means that you no longer have to deal with anti-virus and firewall stuff and since it is built in, it doesnt slow down your system anymore is a bonus. Also, the new backup features, performance tools and task manager are greatly improves and much better then recent versions.
As for the metro (or "modern") garbage, If you are using your PC as umm.. a PC it is really un-needed and unnecesary but is easy to get rid of using third party apps to get you back to the Windows 7 style desktop. I currently use Startisback which also makes other desktop changes to get rid of metro completely. If you want apps, installed Google Chrome and use Google's new desktop apps. This would also make it much easier for Android users as everything pretty much syncs with the phone.
One small other "rant" make sure you use a uxtheme patcher and a visual style... whose idea at Microsoft was it to use black text in the window border but white text on the taskbar?
In my opinion that gives me the best of all worlds.
SharpnShiny said:
Are you serious?
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Click to collapse
Actually I am. I find the idea of the start button to just be obsolete and the new system to be FASTER for power users who can be bothered to get their heads out of their asses and adapt to change.
SixSixSevenSeven said:
Actually I am. I find the idea of the start button to just be obsolete and the new system to be FASTER for power users who can be bothered to get their heads out of their asses and adapt to change.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes because clicking then moving your hands to the keyboard then typing is so much better than click click and click.
Saves movement, saves time but I guess it's just obsolete
hakcenter said:
Yes because clicking then moving your hands to the keyboard then typing is so much better than click click and click.
Saves movement, saves time but I guess it's just obsolete
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
don't need the mouse to navigate windows 8 itself. See that lovely windows logo key, press it, takes you straight to the start screen where you can start typing. Want to get to the settings charm to shut down the pc, windows key + I, if you want you can even navigate that menu with the arrow keys but alternatively the icons are large so easy to hit with a nice imprecise high speed mouse movement. Windows key + X, opens a menu with things like control panel and device manager etc, in this list each item has a single character somewhere within the item name underscored, press thus character and it selects that menu option, Win + X and then C opens the command prompt for example. Very little mouse use is required, can do most things for windows 8 itself (except apps and desktop programs) with just a keyboard.
tp2215 said:
...
One small other "rant" make sure you use a uxtheme patcher and a visual style... whose idea at Microsoft was it to use black text in the window border but white text on the taskbar?
In my opinion that gives me the best of all worlds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you recommend a uxtheme? You use it to restore some Windows 7 font/UI right? Do you restore glass/Aero? I've been using Start8 which I like a lot, but for the other features they really want you to pay at several gates...in the end, making Win8 look a bit more like Win 7 costs a small fortune with them.
edit - I just spotted the popular early mod of aero in 8 has come out of beta and is still free: http://glass8.berlios.de/
This update is really interesting...it's Aero Glass within a Win 8 framework...it's a curious UI mix.
SharpnShiny said:
Could you recommend a uxtheme? You use it to restore some Windows 7 font/UI right? Do you restore glass/Aero? I've been using Start8 which I like a lot, but for the other features they really want you to pay at several gates...in the end, making Win8 look a bit more like Win 7 costs a small fortune with them.
edit - I just spotted the popular early mod of aero in 8 has come out of beta and is still free: http://glass8.berlios.de/
This update is really interesting...it's Aero Glass within a Win 8 framework...it's a curious UI mix. *pets cat and ponders*
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For some great uxtheme just search around deviantart here is a good place to start http://www.deviantart.com/customization/skins/. There are lots of them scattered around that, if anything, will restore the look back to Windows 7. Most of them have versions that will also tie right into the aero mod that you mentioned. One word of advice though from expereince, if the pc wants to update, switch back to default style before restarting. Microsoft released several updates that seem to "softbrick' your pc if the patch is installed. It will just boot with a black screen and the only way to repair would be to refresh or system restore.
hakcenter said:
Yes because clicking then moving your hands to the keyboard then typing is so much better than click click and click.
Saves movement, saves time but I guess it's just obsolete
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just for the record, the keyboard is always faster than the mouse.
mcosmin222 said:
Just for the record, the keyboard is always faster than the mouse.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not when you count time from shifting your hands from the mouse to the keyboard.
Like browsing the web, then you wanted to open up Photoshop well now your up crap Creek cause you can't just have a simple shortcut on the ready.
Anyone defending the missing power user feature of having a central location for common tasks is just sailing their boat to no where. Especially when you look at the fact the guy that pressed for 8 was fired... Yawn.
Watch the next windows brings it back then all you crazy dudes won't find a single utility to remove the menu cause it's just stupidity at it's finest.
Guys, is there any way to downgrade from win 8.1 to 8? Without losing my data? I want my windows 8 back so desperately, I feel very frustrated with windows 8.1 which doesn't supports many of my apps. Can someone help me?
Do you not have your recovery discs or usb drive? You may have a partition your hdd with it also. I had to go back to 8 because I needed to update some of my drivers and software pre 8.1. I just installed back to factory stock using my usb recovery. It was easy just insert and follow the prompts.
ROORnNUGZ said:
Do you not have your recovery discs or usb drive? You may have a partition your hdd with it also. I had to go back to 8 because I needed to update some of my drivers and software pre 8.1. I just installed back to factory stock using my usb recovery. It was easy just insert and follow the prompts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think I have any recovery discs or usb drive with me, I didn't expect this would happen so I didn't make any backup before I install 8.1, is it possible for me to create a usb recovery with windows 8 now?
You probably have one on HDD. Hit win key + x and go to disk management and you should have a recovery partition.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
nikctsh said:
Guys, is there any way to downgrade from win 8.1 to 8? Without losing my data? I want my windows 8 back so desperately, I feel very frustrated with windows 8.1 which doesn't supports many of my apps. Can someone help me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only possible way to restore is getting back to factory condition using the Windows 8 Refresh or Reset. Any app installed will also be gone but it will keep your documents and personal files safe. Refresh will also put an HTML link on your desktop showing what programs were lost and the links to downloading them again.
Tel864 said:
The only possible way to restore is getting back to factory condition using the Windows 8 Refresh or Reset. Any app installed will also be gone but it will keep your documents and personal files safe. Refresh will also put an HTML link on your desktop showing what programs were lost and the links to downloading them again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now I'm on window 8.1 and refreshing can bring my system back to windows 8? I'm okay with all the apps but does this include desktop apps?
ROORnNUGZ said:
You probably have one on HDD. Hit win key + x and go to disk management and you should have a recovery partition.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks I will try this. But by doing this will it remove all my personal files and apps?
If you restore to 8 you will lose everything
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
All those mourning about 8.1 and go back on 8.0 read instructions here
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/restore-refresh-reset-pc
I'm curious to know how bad the update was?
SysAdmNj said:
I'm curious to know how bad the update was?
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Click to collapse
I'm not sure what others think. It was really bad, at least for me. Firstly I hate the new start button. Basically it serves no purpose since it doesnt comes with the most-wanted start menu. On windows 8, I used to keep my taskbar clean (without pinned apps) because there is no start button. But now, the button is there and couldnt be remove, but it's function is disappointing. Anyway, the worst of all is still the compatibility issue. A lot of my apps previously on windows 8 couldn't run. It has been almost one year long of wait before my favorite apps on windows 7 become compatible with windows 8, but after a few weeks it couldn't run anymore because I upgraded my device to 8.1, I'm not sure how long I have to wait this time.
nikctsh said:
I'm not sure what others think. It was really bad, at least for me. Firstly I hate the new start button. Basically it serves no purpose since it doesnt comes with the most-wanted start menu. On windows 8, I used to keep my taskbar clean (without pinned apps) because there is no start button. But now, the button is there and couldnt be remove, but it's function is disappointing. Anyway, the worst of all is still the compatibility issue. A lot of my apps previously on windows 8 couldn't run. It has been almost one year long of wait before my favorite apps on windows 7 become compatible with windows 8, but after a few weeks it couldn't run anymore because I upgraded my device to 8.1, I'm not sure how long I have to wait this time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried about 2 laptops with windows 8 in the past 5 months or so, and I returned them because I just didnt like windows 8. Dont need a touchscreen on my laptop. I figured let me wait for the 8.1 update as it should improve UI, and I'll wait to see the laptops released in the 3rd/4th quarter but from what I'm hearing so far windows is going to push me towards a macbook and even if I have to dual boot a windows 7 on it so be it lol.
SysAdmNj said:
I've tried about 2 laptops with windows 8 in the past 5 months or so, and I returned them because I just didnt like windows 8. Dont need a touchscreen on my laptop. I figured let me wait for the 8.1 update as it should improve UI, and I'll wait to see the laptops released in the 3rd/4th quarter but from what I'm hearing so far windows is going to push me towards a macbook and even if I have to dual boot a windows 7 on it so be it lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using windows 8 without touchscreen too, oops, now 8.1. If you don't like touchscreen on laptop, then you should NEVER, NEVER get windows 8.1. Its just awful for non-touchscreen users like me. Previously you can access all apps menu by easily right click or swipe up on your touchpad, but on 8.1 the only way to access that menu is by swiping up from the middle of the start screen, which means there's no way for you to access that menu using touchpad, though you still can access by clicking on a superb small arrow on start screen. For me the menu comes in handy on windows 8 but its a trouble on 8.1
nikctsh said:
I'm using windows 8 without touchscreen too, oops, now 8.1. If you don't like touchscreen on laptop, then you should NEVER, NEVER get windows 8.1. Its just awful for non-touchscreen users like me. Previously you can access all apps menu by easily right click or swipe up on your touchpad, but on 8.1 the only way to access that menu is by swiping up from the middle of the start screen, which means there's no way for you to access that menu using touchpad, though you still can access by clicking on a superb small arrow on start screen. For me the menu comes in handy on windows 8 but its a trouble on 8.1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or total rocket science, the little key on the bottom left of your keyboard with a lovely windows icon on it.... takes you straight to start. Go into the windows 8.1 settings and you can change it to take you direct to the all apps screen instead but this is pointless in my opinion. If you go to start, then begin to type the name of the app you want and it will immediately search for it, try it out. I just type "je" and it already has jetpack joyride there, hit enter, launches, or you can navigate around the search results with the arrow keys or click. Really not that hard to use without a touchscreen, even my grandfather can do it and he's in his late 70's
Also, right click on start. All apps button appears bigger.