Learn everything about Using Windows 8
Windows 8
Windows 8 is the 3rd latest version of Microsoft's operating system for PCs and tablets. Many users may be confused by this completely re-designed version of Windows, but our tutorial will help guide learners through the many changes Microsoft has made.
Microsoft released Windows 8.1 in October 2013. It is a free update for anyone who already has Windows 8. Check out our frequently asked questions about Windows 8.1 to learn more.
Getting Started with Windows 8
In this lesson, we'll show you how to navigate Windows 8, use the Charms bar, and work with apps. We'll also show you where to find features that were previously found in the Start menu.Windows 8 can be confusing at first, since the interface has changed so much. You'll need to know how to navigate the Start screen as well as the Desktop. Although the Desktop looks very similar to previous versions of Windows, it has one major change: The Start menu has been removed.
To Sign In to Windows 8:
When you're setting up Windows 8, it will require you to create an account name and password that you will use to sign in. You can also create additional accounts, and you'll have the option of associating each one with aMicrosoft account.
Click anywhere on the lock screen to unlock the computer.
Clicking the lock screen
- Your user account name and picture will appear. Type your password and then press Enter to sign in. Alternatively, you can press the back arrow to select a different user.
The sign-in screen
- The Start screen will appear.
The Start screen
Using the Search Feature
Once you've used Windows 8 for a while, you'll start to have more and more files, such as music, photos, and documents. It may sometimes be difficult to find the exact file that you want. You may even have trouble finding a specific app, since Windows 8 has moved everything around. Luckily, there is a built-in search feature, which can help you find files, apps, or almost anything else on your computer.
To Search From the Start Screen:
- From the Start screen, type what you're looking for. Your search results will instantly appear below the search bar. A list of suggested web searches will appear below the results.
Searching for a file
Using Different Search Options
You can select different search options to help find specific files, settings, and more. Just click the drop-down arrow above the search box and then select the desired option:
- Select Settings or Files to search for a setting or file.
- Select Web images or Web videos to search the web.
Setting search options
Searching From the Desktop
If you're on the Desktop, you will first need to press the Windows key to switch to the Start screen, and then type what you're looking for.
Windows keySearching on a Tablet
If you're using a tablet without an attached keyboard, you can search by swiping in from the right, and then selecting the Search charm. You can then type what you're looking for.
The Search charmPersonalizing Your Start Screen
Personalizing the Start screen
You'll probably spend a lot of time on your Start screen, so you may want to personalize it so that it suits your taste. In this lesson, we'll show you several different ways to personalize it, including changing the background image and color,rearranging apps, pinning apps, and creating app groups.
To Change Your Start Screen Background:
- Hover the mouse in the lower-right corner to open the Charms bar, and then select the Settings charm.
Selecting the Settings charm
- Click Personalize.
Clicking Personalize
- Select the desired background image and color scheme.
Changing the Start screen background
To Change Your Lock Screen Picture:
Hover the mouse in the lower-right corner to open the Charms bar, and then select the Settings charm.
Click Change PC settings.
Clicking Change PC settings
- Select Lock screen near the top of the screen.
Clicking Lock Screen
- Select the desired picture from the list of thumbnails. Alternatively, you can click Browse to select one of your own pictures.
Selecting a lock screen picture
The lock screen will appear whenever your computer is locked, which happens automatically after a few minutes of inactivity. You can also lock your computer by clicking your account name and selecting Lock.
Locking the computerTo Change Your Account Picture:
- Hover the mouse in the lower-right corner to open the Charms bar, and then select the Settings charm.
- Click Change PC settings and then select Account picture.
- Click Browse.
Changing the account picture
- A list of folders will appear. Select the desired photo on your computer, or click the drop-down arrow at the top of the screen to select a different location. In our example, we'll add a photo from our SkyDrive.
Navigating to the desired folder
- When you have selected a photo, click Choose image.
Selecting an image
If your computer or tablet has a built-in camera, you can click Camera to take a picture of yourself.
Clicking the Camera button
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