What new features does Windows 8.1 offer?

When Microsoft launched Windows 8 in October 2012, the operating system shared the reviewers. While the new touch interface is certainly interesting and intuitive, many felt that the company had forgotten the desktop users – that is, those who use a keyboard and an ordinary mouse. In Windows 8.1, Microsoft has listened by updating existing things and adding new features. Which are the best?

On the publication date of this article it is a few months since the release, but many in my social circle have not updated yet, so it seemed sensible to write on the subject. The update is free and one visits the online Windows Store application in Windows 8 to begin the installation. There is no need to mess with files, and depending on internet connection, it can of course take some time.

Return of the start button

One of the biggest criticisms with Windows 8 was the missing Start button. It has always been there, and for many people it may be exactly what they associate with Windows. That’s why Microsoft has now chosen to bring it back – though in a slightly different form with different functionality.

When you click on it, it immediately just takes you back to the start screen as the Windows key. However, by right-clicking on the button, you can access a number of additional things, for example, the ability to turn off the computer.

Launch directly to the desktop

Here’s another one of the improvements that some desktop users have been looking forward to – at least those who can’t stand the new interface to the touch. Instead of booting as usual in Windows 8, it is now possible to boot to the desktop, just as you remember it from previous versions. Smart!

To activate this function, right-click on the Start menu, select Properties and go under the navigation tab. Then activate the following option “ ” go to the desktop instead of Start when I log in or close all apps on a screen.”

Better search

Apple’s Macs have had a superior search feature named Spotlight for many years. In a short time and with a few presses of the keys, it can find virtually anything on the computer. Windows 8 also had a similar search function, but in the update with 8.1 the results are collected to a greater extent, as is known from OS X.

How does it work? If you are on the Home screen (and not the desktop), simply press the keys and the computer will search your applications, documents and other files.

New icon sizes and better background

Microsoft’s Windows Phone phones, which were first out with the touch design, have for a while had access to several different sizes of tiles, which Windows 8.1 is now updated with. That is, it is easier to personalize your computer.

In appearance terms, there is also the option to use the same background on both the Home screen and the desktop. This is by no means a revolutionary feature, but it makes Windows 8.1 feel more like two different operating systems.

While in this article we have focused on some of the essential features for desktop users, there are also many other things that you can read more about on the Microsoft website. Now the question is, what are they going to do with Windows 9 – will the company finally make an operating system that users of all platforms will be satisfied with?