Windows 8/8.1 tips and tricks - post them here

[Shane Nokes]

Im at 1920x1080 and all I have is the option to show administrative tools.

I just did some digging and it looks like it's set to trigger at 1920x1200 and higher resolutions. I'll see if I can find more info about a manual workaround (but no guarantees on how well it will work or what it can do).

[Unrealistic]

It still is:

What the hell. It's not on mine. I'm running Win 8 Enterprise activated with my VL key. I only have that option if I open the desktop through Explorer, which deems it pointless.

::Edit - Okay apparently Stardock Fences disables it, I guess in an attempt to push you into buying the Pro version. It's kind of annoying since I still have files outside of my fences.

http://www.<< spam >>/general-discussion/65580-sort-doesnt-show-up-desktop-context-menu.html

[BeerFan]

That option is no longer in Windows 8, hence the question.

Um, yes it is. Look again. Unless of course you're talking about the Start Screen and not the desktop.

What the hell. It's not on mine. I'm running Win 8 Enterprise activated with my VL key. I only have that option if I open the desktop through Explorer, which deems it pointless.

::Edit - Okay apparently Stardock Fences disables it, I guess in an attempt to push you into buying the Pro version. It's kind of annoying since I still have files outside of my fences.

http://www.<< spam >>/general-discussion/65580-sort-doesnt-show-up-desktop-context-menu.html

Oh, I see. NVM.

[prz]

I just did some digging and it looks like it's set to trigger at 1920x1200 and higher resolutions. I'll see if I can find more info about a manual workaround (but no guarantees on how well it will work or what it can do).

120 vertical pixels? What a gaffe. 1080p is the standard.

[Shane Nokes]

120 vertical pixels? What a gaffe. 1080p is the standard.

Exactly, and they designed the interface to scale, and at 1080p it has a standard number of rows that fits just fine. For anything above that the option allows you to add more rows.

[Guth]

Haven't read the thread so sorry if this has already been posted. I saw in the first page that someone mentioned if you go to the top left corner, then move your mouse down the side, you get all the open metro apps. They said you can right click and press close to close them.

However, I have noticed that a middle click (clicking mouse wheel) also closes the app you are hovering over. Much easier than right clicking and clicking close IMO.

If you have a few apps you want closed you can just keep middle clicking the top-most one until they are all closed.

[jbfoster]

stardock has a nice start menu but it costs $4.99. It does have a 30 day trial. It has an option to take you to your desktop after you enter your password. For the most part it feels like I am running Windows 7.

http://www.stardock....roducts/start8/

[Kenneth Micallef]

To close Metro apps easily from both the desktop and start screen:

Put your mouse on the top left corner of the screen.

The most recently opened Metro app will appear. Move the mouse down to see all running apps.

Move it over the app you want to close, and right-click on the app, then select close.

you can do the same by just middle clicking the mouse button

[Neowon]

Winkey + E to open your computer. Winkey+W to search.

[Guth]

you can do the same by just middle clicking the mouse button

Already posted that 2 posts up

[snip]

However, I have noticed that a middle click (clicking mouse wheel) also closes the app you are hovering over. Much easier than right clicking and clicking close IMO.

If you have a few apps you want closed you can just keep middle clicking the top-most one until they are all closed.

-

Winkey + E to open your computer. Winkey+W to search.

Win+W searches settings. Win + Q searches apps. (or just press win and start typing to search)

[TCA]

I know that if you place your desktop at the top left corner, all you have to do is hit Enter opens the desktop. Alternately, you can use the Win key to switch between the Start screen and desktop modes.

[DerkPY]

I just did some digging and it looks like it's set to trigger at 1920x1200 and higher resolutions. I'll see if I can find more info about a manual workaround (but no guarantees on how well it will work or what it can do).

I'd love to be able to make the tiles a little smaller. My resolution isn't brilliant at 1366x768, but as most of my tiles are shortcuts and not live tiles there's no need for them to be so big. A 25% reduction would be more comfortable for my use.

Being able to have single column groups would be a nice addition too.

[cacoe]

I'd actually like less tiles at 1680x1050. There's an app that allows this but they seem oddly smaller, I want less, yet bigger tiles. It's information overload when there's loads of them.

[Dashel]

I'd love to be able to make the tiles a little smaller.

You'll have to wait for Win9 for that WP8 feature. ;)

[BajiRav]

I'd love to be able to make the tiles a little smaller. My resolution isn't brilliant at 1366x768, but as most of my tiles are shortcuts and not live tiles there's no need for them to be so big. A 25% reduction would be more comfortable for my use.

Being able to have single column groups would be a nice addition too.

They should've added a 3rd smaller size similar to WP8 IMO :/

[Dashel]

The scaling of all three sizes even on WP8 is still off to me. Additonally, I really loath their auto-sort and would prefer a simple grid system like WP has as well.

[*RedBull*]

http://www.wentutu.com/successful.html

Don't know if it's been posted but thought I'd share. For those who want a start button/menu this is a great app. It allows you to have both and works well. FREE

[PoohGQ]

Below is the feedback I submitted to Skype/MS regarding Skype version 6.0.0.126. Has anyone else experienced this issue?

"So, I'm running Skype Desktop on Windows 8 but I also have the Skype app install for Windows Design Language (or the new Start Screen or Metro - phew! Confusing!). My issue is that incoming calls ring in both programs and if I answer the Skype app the desktop keeps on ringing. Please straighten this is or a lot of customers will be very mad."

[Dashel]

I'm not enthused with the self-management of the apps either PoohGQ. You really have to only have one side or the other active at any time (same issues with Messenger too - they don't talk)

[Dot Matrix]

Below is the feedback I submitted to Skype/MS regarding Skype version 6.0.0.126. Has anyone else experienced this issue?

"So, I'm running Skype Desktop on Windows 8 but I also have the Skype app install for Windows Design Language (or the new Start Screen or Metro - phew! Confusing!). My issue is that incoming calls ring in both programs and if I answer the Skype app the desktop keeps on ringing. Please straighten this is or a lot of customers will be very mad."

Why are you running both at the same time?

[Zlain]

BTW guys, Skype has a new version, 6.1.0.129 for the desktop app.

[Jips]

Windows 8 People App

You may notice that in the new people app in windows 8, some of your friends updates are missing. The reason for this is your friend is not being very social, and have set one of their settings up so other apps that aggregate social feeds cannot read them.

It is dead easy to fix, but they have to do it. What they need to do is open up facebook, and click the cog icon in the top right, and then choose privacy settings.

Then choose apps on the left, and then click edit to the right of ?Apps others use?

The following screen shows what you send to other apps, including the new people app in Windows 8. Obvious ones that should be ticked are ?If I?m Online?,? My Status Updates?,?My Photos?,?My Videos?. These are the basic ones, but others can be ticked too.

I have a doc with pictures here if you need further help : http://sdrv.ms/X2OhMw

[techbeck]

I cam upon this site. I found it usefull...

http://www.techradar.com/us/news/software/operating-systems/50-windows-8-tips-tricks-and-secrets-1028220#null

[Valeteck Doon]

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[LittleNeutrino Veteran]

Play around with Windows Key + I (eye) in different modern apps as it bring up different settings for each app. I have found this to be rather useful as several apps i could not find the settings or options for and then when I figured out that key combo it helped me out a lot.