Hands-on with the Windows 8.1 Update (pictures)

We installed the Windows 8.1 Update and went through the various new features of Microsoft's latest OS.

Jason Parker

Jason Parker has been at CNET for nearly 15 years. He is the senior editor in charge of iOS software and has become an expert reviewer of the software that runs on each new Apple device. He now spends most of his time covering Apple iOS releases and third-party apps.

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Jason Parker

April 8, 2014 2:17 p.m. PT

1 of 6 Screenshot by Jason Parker/CNET

Easier shutdown

The Windows 8.1 Update adds a clickable button in the upper right of the Start Menu for shutting down, restarting, or putting your computer to sleep.

Read our review of the Windows 8.1 Update.

2 of 6 Screenshot by Jason Parker/CNET

Pin Modern apps to task bar

In a move to unify the experiences of the desktop and the Modern start screen, the Windows 8.1 Update now lets you pin Modern apps to the taskbar alongside classic desktop apps.

Read our review of the Windows 8.1 Update.

3 of 6 Screenshot by Jason Parker/CNET

Right-click on tiles for more options

Right-clicking on a tile in the Windows 8.1 Update gives you more options for organizing and resizing your tiles. As I mentioned in the last slide, here you can pin Modern apps to your taskbar.

Read our review of the Windows 8.1 Update.

4 of 6 Screenshot by Jason Parker/CNET

New close button on Modern apps

To make it easier on keyboard and mouse users, Modern apps now have a menu bar and a close button.

Read our review of the Windows 8.1 Update.

5 of 6 Screenshot by Jason Parker/CNET

Set it the way you want it

If you're a desktop user who doesn't mind the Modern start menu at startup, you also have the option to switch it back in the Taskbar and Navigation properties.

Read our review of the Windows 8.1 Update.