Windows 8.1 Preview provides a window into the future of Windows
-And what seems to be becoming kind of a trend these days, Microsoft has listened to user feedback and with its Windows 8.1 update is directly addressing some of the missteps it took with Windows 8. First up, the Start button makes its triumphant return.
Left clicking on it will switch between desktop and touch interfaces, but a right click gives you options you probably been missing for the past 8 months.
Another off requested change was the ability to boot directly to
the desktop and now you can.
Simply right click on the taskbar, select properties, choose the navigation tab and under start screen, check go to the desktop instead of start when I sign in.
And after that everything will be all old timey for you.
Search was already really powerful in Windows 8 but now gets a level of increase.
Search now delivers results from your PC, apps, and the web in one fell swoop.
Popular searches like known actors get a hero page.
Less popular
search queries like me get typical web stuff mostly completely unrelated to anything I actually do.
No, that's not my Wikipedia page.
I don't even have one.
Settings get a complete overhaul with Microsoft adding plenty of options like power and sleep and display options among plenty of others.
Previously these were only available through the desktop but now make an appearance in touch.
The built-in Camera app now does more than just crop, a lot more.
You can change the brightness and
contrast of a pic, rotate the image, and my favorite is the new color enhancement tool.
Just select the color you want to enhance by dropping the cursor on an asset that shares the same color and then enhance or de-enhance to your heart's content.
Snap view is now more flexible and can fit up to 4 apps on screen at once.
If your screen has at least a 2560x1440 resolution that is.
Otherwise you'll see a maximum of 3. Xbox Music gets a facelift and now you can create
radio stations based on the type of music you like, much like Pandora or Spotify.
And a new interface makes it easier to do things like make playlist.
Finally the Windows store gets a redesign with a cleaner and somewhat more sophisticated look and instead of having to always update your apps, they'll be updated automatically and only the system admin for the computer you're using can change that option.
App pages surfs more pertinent information about the apps like reviews, ratings, and app details.
There are plenty of other
changes but those are kind of the big picture ones that really stood out to me.
Windows 8.1 will be available later this year as a free update to Windows 8. Check out CNET.com for further coverage.
I'm Eric Franklin and this has been a First Look at Windows 8.1 preview.
Up Next
iPadOS 17 Revealed at WWDC 2023
Up Next
iPadOS 17 Revealed at WWDC 2023
Apple Puts an AI Twist on Accessibility
Apple Puts an AI Twist on Accessibility
Google Reveals New Magic Editor for Photos
Google Reveals New Magic Editor for Photos
Google Updates Maps With More Immersive Features
Google Updates Maps With More Immersive Features
iOS 16: Powerful Features You May Have Missed
iOS 16: Powerful Features You May Have Missed
Apple's iPhone Comes With SOS Satellite Service
Apple's iPhone Comes With SOS Satellite Service
How to Find Cheap Flights
How to Find Cheap Flights
WatchOS 9: The Best Apple Watch Features Coming This Fall
WatchOS 9: The Best Apple Watch Features Coming This Fall
Apple's Metal 3 Improves Gaming and Game Development
Apple's Metal 3 Improves Gaming and Game Development
Apple Introduces New MacOS Ventura
Apple Introduces New MacOS Ventura
Tech Shows
Latest News All latest news
Apple May Give FineWoven Accessories 1 More Season
Apple May Give FineWoven Accessories 1 More Season
US vs. TikTok: What Happens Next
US vs. TikTok: What Happens Next
Battle of the Humanoid Robots: MenteeBot Is Ready
Battle of the Humanoid Robots: MenteeBot Is Ready
What to Expect at Apple's May 7 iPad Event
What to Expect at Apple's May 7 iPad Event
Did a Week With the Apple Watch Make Me Use My iPhone Less?
Did a Week With the Apple Watch Make Me Use My iPhone Less?
How Google Tests the Cameras in Its Pixel Phones
How Google Tests the Cameras in Its Pixel Phones
Most Popular All most popular
First Look at TSA's Self-Screening Tech (in VR!)
First Look at TSA's Self-Screening Tech (in VR!)
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Review: More AI at a Higher Cost
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Review: More AI at a Higher Cost
'Circle to Search' Lets Users Google From Any Screen
'Circle to Search' Lets Users Google From Any Screen
Asus Put Two 14-inch OLEDs in a Laptop, Unleashes First OLED ROG Gaming Laptop
Asus Put Two 14-inch OLEDs in a Laptop, Unleashes First OLED ROG Gaming Laptop
Samsung Galaxy Ring: First Impressions
Samsung Galaxy Ring: First Impressions
Best of Show: The Coolest Gadgets of CES 2024
Best of Show: The Coolest Gadgets of CES 2024
Latest Products All latest products
Battle of the Humanoid Robots: MenteeBot Is Ready
Battle of the Humanoid Robots: MenteeBot Is Ready
2025 Audi Q6, SQ6 E-Tron: Audi's Newest EV Is Its Most Compelling
2025 Audi Q6, SQ6 E-Tron: Audi's Newest EV Is Its Most Compelling
Hands-On with Ford's Free Tesla Charging Adapter
Hands-On with Ford's Free Tesla Charging Adapter
Nuro R3 is an Adorable Self-Driving Snack Bar
Nuro R3 is an Adorable Self-Driving Snack Bar
First Look: The $349 Nothing Phone 2A Aims to Brighten Your Day
First Look: The $349 Nothing Phone 2A Aims to Brighten Your Day
Best of MWC 2024: Bendable Screens, AI Wearables and More
Best of MWC 2024: Bendable Screens, AI Wearables and More
Latest How To All how to videos
Tips and Tricks for the AirPods Pro 2
Tips and Tricks for the AirPods Pro 2
How to Watch the Solar Eclipse Safely From Your Phone
How to Watch the Solar Eclipse Safely From Your Phone
Windows 11 Tips and Hidden Features
Windows 11 Tips and Hidden Features
Vision Pro App Walkthrough -- VisionOS 1.0.3
Vision Pro App Walkthrough -- VisionOS 1.0.3
Tips and Tricks for the Galaxy S24 Ultra
Tips and Tricks for the Galaxy S24 Ultra
TikTok Is Now on the Apple Vision Pro