How To Enhance Your Windows 8 Experience

The Windows 8 was launched a mid big fanfare last year. Many of you would have been upgraded to Windows 8 right now. As with any program or application, there are merits and demerits. The same goes for Windows 8. It has been developed keeping in sight the touch-interface and Internet-cloud interface for today's need. Yet the age-old charm of Windows 8 has been there in bits and place but not quite completely. If you are considering to move back to Windows 7 experience once again, or waiting for the Windows 8.1 launch, then you should take another chance at Windows 8, but with slight changes or modifications that can surely enhance your Windows 8 experience. Below are some of the best and unique ways to make you improve your Windows 8 with great features and functionality:

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1. Start Menu:

Microsoft has been criticized a lot, for its exclusion of the iconic Start Menu in the Windows 8. Yet, you do not have to fret a lot, there are various applications that you can try to make it happen again in OS 8. There are various third-party add-on applications that you can download and try like:

  • StartIsBack: It gives you the same Start button icon, with the Start menu search box,and the similar jump lists. You would also get the aero transparency through it.
  • Pokki: This application is even better. It will configure the Windows 8 to boot to the Desktop straight. You can also entirely disable the blistering corners too. You can also widgets like Facebook and Gmail to Pokki, that lets you get latest status updates and email alerts.
  • StartMenu8: It will also boot the system directly to the desktop. You can also disable the sidebar to get rid of Windows 8 display.
  • Classic Shell: It is also a great add-on feature that will give the start menu and other co-related features and tools to your Windows 8 display.
  • Adding Star Menu without any add-on:
You can add the Start menu as a toolbar, which gives you access to all the programs of your Program Folder. You can do this by following these simple steps:
  • Enable -Show Hidden Files option.
  • Right-click on Taskbar and then click on Toolbars and then click on the - New toolbar.
  • Move to - C:\Program Data\Microsoft\Windows.
  • Click on Start Menu and then choose- Select Folder.
  • After completing these steps you will have a new Start Menu folder in the
  • Program Folder with all your installed and in-built programs being displayed there.

2. Ease of Access:

You would probably not know this but the new and updated File Explorer, Task Manager and Control Panel are way better than ever in controlling and monitoring the system in Wndows 8.You should be able to fully capitalize on these updated features. The Group Policy Editor is also a credible feature. It can let you tweak Windows 8 without adding any third party apps for a better customization.

3. Third party apps:

Some third party mail client apps like Thunderbird and eM Client provides a greater mail experience. There are other apps and widgets for almost all purposes which you can get for your windows 8 that will enhance your Windows experience to a great deal, since this OS is literally designed to function better with web programs and applications.

4. Windows 8 Keyboard shortcuts:

  • “Windows” key to - Open the Start screen or you can also switch to the already opened Desktop.
  • Windows key + D – To open Windows Desktop.
  • Windows key + . - To pin or unpin Windows apps screen side.
  • Windows key + X - To open the power user menu. This menu gives access to many power use features like Device Manager and Command Prompt.
  • Windows key + C - To open Charms.
  • Windows key + I - To open Settings, same as the Charms settings.
  • Press and hold Windows key + Tab - To show open apps.
  • Windows key + Print screen key - To create a screen shot. This will be routinely saved into the My Pictures folder.
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5. Open two apps side by side:

You can pin any app to the side of the screen, i.e. left or right to your wish. When you open an app, and then press Windows Key + . , it will move the app to the right-hand side of the screen,and then again pressing the same keys will move the same app to the left side. And then doing it the third time in a row will make it open in full screen. Meanwhile, you can also open another app on the available screen display, with the first app already being pinned and not closed. You can also use the drag feature to pin an opened app to right or left hand side of the screen by clicking the mouse cursor at the top of the tile. Even the Desktop can be pinned to left or right hand screen display.

6. Pin your web page:

The Internet Explorer 10, which comes by default in Windows 10 lets you pin any no. of web page to the start screen.

7. Enhance battery life:

  • Open Control Panel, and then look for the feature “Troubleshooting”.
  • You will see “Improve power usage” in the System and Security column.
  • Click on “Improve power usage” to open Power troubleshooter.
  • Click on - Next and you are done. It will automatically diagnose any battery problem with your system.

8. Start websites and apps right from Taskbar:

  • Right-click on the – taskbar.
  • Choose Toolbar's and then click Address.
  • Type short names of the apps (“calc” for calculator), or url of the website to launch the program you desire.
Still most of the people that have switched to Windows 8 are not fully aware of these enhancement tools, and contemplate other options like getting back to Windows 7, or waiting for Windows 8.1. I am sure, by covering and using these tips and techniques you can do more with your Windows 8 OS to make your PC life more fun and satisfying.

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