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Use the “Charms” bar:
The Charms bar is a quick access menu that can be accessed by moving your mouse to the top or bottom right corner of the screen. From here, you can access settings, search, and share options. For example, you can change the settings for your PC, search for files and apps, or share content with others.
Take advantage of live tiles:
Live tiles are interactive tiles on the Start screen that display real-time information from your apps. For example, the weather app will display the current weather, and the news app will show the latest headlines. You can customize live tiles by making them larger or smaller, or by turning them off altogether.
Use the “Snap” feature:
The Snap feature allows you to run two apps side-by-side, making it easy to multitask and compare information. To use Snap, simply click and hold the top of an app, and then drag it to the side of the screen. You can then select another app to snap alongside it.
Organize your Start screen:
You can group tiles into folders on the Start screen, making it easier to find and launch the apps you need. To create a folder, simply drag one tile on top of another. You can then give the folder a name and add more tiles to it.
Pin frequently used apps and settings:
You can pin frequently used apps and settings to the Start screen for easy access. Simply right-click an app or setting and select “Pin to Start.”
Use the Task Manager:
The Task Manager is a powerful tool that allows you to view and manage running apps and processes. You can use it to see which apps are using the most resources, end tasks that are not responding, and more. To access the Task Manager, right-click the taskbar and select “Task Manager.”
Use the “Refresh” feature:
The Refresh feature allows you to reset your PC to its original settings while keeping your personal files intact. This can be useful if your PC is running slowly or if you have installed software that is causing problems. To use the Refresh feature, go to the “PC Settings” app, and select “Update & security” > “Recovery.”
Make use of virtual desktops:
Virtual desktops allow you to separate your work and personal apps, making it easier to stay organized and focused. You can create multiple virtual desktops and switch between them quickly. To create a virtual desktop, click the task view button on the taskbar, and then click the “New desktop” button.
Use Windows Defender:
Windows Defender is a built-in antivirus software that helps keep your PC secure. It runs in the background and automatically scans your PC for viruses and other malicious software. To access Windows Defender, go to the “PC Settings” app, and select “Update & security” > “Windows Defender.”
Use the Control Panel:
The Control Panel is a central location where you can manage and customize settings on your PC. From here, you can change the appearance of your desktop, manage network connections, install or remove software, and more. To access the Control Panel, go to the Start screen and search for “Control Panel.”
Take advantage of the “Sync” feature:
The Sync feature allows you to keep your settings and files in sync across multiple devices. For example, if you have Windows 8 on both a tablet and a laptop, you can use the Sync feature to keep your settings and files in sync between the two devices. To enable the Sync feature, go to the “PC Settings” app, and select “Accounts” > “Sync your settings.” From here, you can turn on or off the settings you want to sync.
Use the built-in apps:
Windows 8 comes with a number of built-in apps, including Mail, Calendar, People, and Maps. These apps can help you stay organized and connected with others. To access these apps, go to the Start screen and click on the tiles.
Use the “File History” feature:
The File History feature allows you to automatically save copies of your important files to an external drive. This can be useful if you need to restore a file that was lost or deleted. To use the File History feature, go to the “PC Settings” app, and select “Update & security” > “Backup.”
Make use of the “Sync Center”:
The Sync Center is a tool that allows you to manage and resolve sync conflicts between your PC and other devices. For example, if you have files on your laptop that you want to sync with your desktop, you can use the Sync Center to resolve any conflicts that arise. To access the Sync Center, go to the Control Panel and search for “Sync Center.”
Use the “Ease of Access” features:
Windows 8 includes a number of Ease of Access features, including Narrator, Magnifier, and On-Screen Keyboard, that can make it easier to use your PC if you have a disability. To access these features, go to the “PC Settings” app, and select “Ease of Access.”
Make use of the “Action Center”:
The Action Center is a centralized location where you can view and manage notifications and alerts from your apps. For example, if you have a new email, the Action Center will display a notification. To access the Action Center, click the notification icon in the bottom right corner of the screen.
Use the “Storage Spaces” feature:
The Storage Spaces feature allows you to combine multiple hard drives into a single virtual drive, making it easier to manage your storage and protect your data. To use Storage Spaces, go to the “PC Settings” app, and select “System” > “Storage.”
Take advantage of the “Windows To Go” feature:
The Windows To Go feature allows you to run Windows 8 from a removable drive, such as a USB flash drive. This can be useful if you need to use Windows 8 on a different PC or if you want to create a portable version of Windows. To use Windows To Go, you will need a Windows To Go certified drive.
Use the “Hyper-V” feature:
The Hyper-V feature allows you to run virtual machines on your PC, making it easy to test and run different operating systems. To use Hyper-V, you will need a PC with hardware virtualization support. To enable Hyper-V, go to the “PC Settings” app, and select “Control Panel” > “Programs” > “Turn Windows features on or off.”
Make use of the “Remote Desktop” feature:
The Remote Desktop feature allows you to access another PC from your Windows 8 device. This can be useful if you need to work on a PC that is not with you, or if you need to provide remote support. To use the Remote Desktop feature, go to the “PC Settings” app, and select “Remote Desktop.”
Use the “Network and Sharing Center”:
The Network and Sharing Center allows you to manage and control the network connections on your PC. For example, you can view and manage network adapters, change network settings, and set up a homegroup to easily share files and printers with other PCs on your network. To access the Network and Sharing Center, go to the Control Panel and search for “Network and Sharing Center.”
Make use of the “Problem Steps Recorder”:
The Problem Steps Recorder is a tool that allows you to record and save a series of steps that you take on your PC, making it easier to diagnose and troubleshoot problems. To use the Problem Steps Recorder, go to the Start screen and search for “psr.”
Use the “System Restore” feature:
The System Restore feature allows you to revert your PC to a previous state, in case you encounter problems with your system or installed software. To use System Restore, go to the Control Panel and search for “System Restore.”
Make use of the “System Image Backup” feature:
The System Image Backup feature allows you to create a full backup of your PC, including the operating system, installed software, and personal files. This can be useful if you need to restore your PC to its original state. To use System Image Backup, go to the Control Panel and search for “Backup and Restore.”
Use the “Windows Defender” security software:
Windows Defender is a built-in security software that provides real-time protection against viruses, spyware, and other threats. To access Windows Defender, go to the Control Panel and search for “Windows Defender.”
Keep your PC updated:
Keeping your PC updated is important for security and performance. Windows 8 will automatically download and install updates, but you can also manually check for updates by going to the “PC Settings” app, and selecting “Update & security” > “Windows Update.”
Use the “Windows Store” to find and install apps:
The Windows Store is an online marketplace where you can find and install apps for your Windows 8 device. To access the Windows Store, go to the Start screen and click on the Windows Store tile.
Customize your Start screen:
The Start screen is the main interface in Windows 8, and you can customize it to suit your needs. For example, you can rearrange the tiles, add new tiles, and remove tiles that you don’t need. To customize the Start screen, right-click on a tile and select “Customize.”
Take advantage of “Snap” to organize your open apps:
The Snap feature in Windows 8 allows you to easily arrange and organize multiple open apps on your screen. For example, you can snap two apps side-by-side, so you can see both apps at the same time. To use Snap, simply drag a window to the left or right side of the screen.
Make use of the “Charms” bar:
The Charms bar is a menu that provides access to common tasks and settings in Windows 8. For example, you can use the Charms bar to search for files, access the Start screen, or share content with others. To access the Charms bar, swipe in from the right side of the screen, or move your mouse to the top-right or bottom-right corner of the screen.