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5 big changes in the Windows 8.1 Update (pictures)

The Windows 8.1 update adds significant changes to the operating system's interface that will make it easier to use on desktops.

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.
Jason Parker
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1 of 6 CNET

Bringing back the basics

Windows 8.1 Update is coming on April 8, and Microsoft showed off some of the bigger tweaks during the kickoff to its annual Build conference.

What's immediately clear is that Microsoft has been listening to some of the bigger complaints from desktop Windows users and has made some changes that will make Windows much easier to use with a mouse and keyboard.

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2 of 6 James Martin/CNET

More intuitive search

Previously in Windows 8, when you hit the start button the Start Menu occupied the whole screen and -- though this wasn't clear -- you could simply begin typing to get a list of search results.

Now when you hit the Start button, it defaults to the search box in the upper right, and you can see the search term you are entering.

Another added feature is that it will display apps appropriate to your search term, and you can download them straightaway.

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3 of 6 James Martin/CNET

Mouse support for Full Screen apps

Previously, in Windows 8, if you wanted to close a Modern app, you had to mouse to the top, then pull down and brush an app to the bottom of the screen to close it.

Modern apps (also known as Full Screen apps) now come with a menu bar and the familiar X (close) button in the upper right so users can easily close them with a mouse.

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4 of 6 James Martin/CNET

Right-click in the Start Menu

With Windows 8.1 Update, the Start menu now lets you right-click on live tiles to reorganize them, change their size, and more.

While it's seemingly a minor change, this gives mouse and keyboard users more control over the Start screen, making it more useful when you're not on a tablet.

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5 of 6 James Martin/CNET

Easier shutdown for desktop users

With Windows 8.1 Update, it's now much easier to turn off, restart, or put your computer to sleep from the Start screen, thanks to a new area on the top right of the Start Menu.

Mouse and keyboard users also no longer need to look for hot corners or side menus -- interface elements that seemed geared more for touch-screen users.

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6 of 6 James Martin/CNET

Pin Modern apps to the desktop

Part of the problem with Windows 8 was that it felt like the new Start Screen and the desktop view were completely separate.

Windows 8.1 now allows you to pin Modern / Full Screen apps to your Taskbar in the desktop mode for a more unified experience across the desktop and modern interface.

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