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.

[Guest]

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]

A fully Fresh View via 'microsoft'

My partner and i started off using computers at a reasonably beginning era as well as my first system had been a House windows ninety five PERSONAL COMPUTER within the beginning 90s. Until finally time frame We have worked with virtually all House windows variants- ninety five, 98, 98 ZE, EVERYONE, 2000 Professional, XP, Landscape as well as House windows 7 (I know NT as well as Server are lacking from your number. Not in servers until date). Soon after working applications upon countless apparently with their distinct House windows devices, I could declare beyond doubt that the simple framework regarding House windows hadn't modified much over time, until finally House windows 8.

On the other hand, over time, artwork have got enhanced, fresh capabilities are already released, protection capabilities are already added in as well as enhanced, but the simple detailed pattern had remained nearly the same, until House windows 8. The new House windows is usually a brand spanking new method of a desktop because it is often absolutely intended remembering a tactile program as well as a lot of it is applications will also be manufactured to work upon this kind of program. The new OS IN THIS HANDSET works while using traditional computer mouse as well as key-board set up, however that is certainly less fun.

The nice Options that come with House windows 8

In case you have a touch display product say for example a product or perhaps a cell phone, it might become the very first time you want using House windows OS IN THIS HANDSET upon these devices. The new House windows enables you to down load applications from your House windows Keep and its fresh URINARY INCONTINENCE and commence display provide a awesome feel and look. To match your own product, you will get a sense rivaling which of the new iphone 4 as well as apple company ipad, however not really surpassing the idea. The beginning Button when you purchase these decades, may be entirely trashed, however, you are in possession of a full webpage Begin Food selection, that capabilities individual tiles presenting your own mounted programs.

There is also a fresh attribute known as this Necklaces Pub, which offers you shortcuts to help usually used capabilities such as research, share, configurations as well as products. The newest URINARY INCONTINENCE (User Interface) presented within this OS IN THIS HANDSET additionally enables you to make use of many glass windows as well as flip concerning programs when you would likely upon some other touch-enabled product. Similar operates are permitted when using the computer mouse scroll option and also the key-board Case option, that enables you to access a highly regarded to help underside listing of applications that are presently working. Accessing applications regarding House windows in addition has never already been simpler as well as any user can certainly immediately down load applications from your House windows Keep, and that is built on the collections from the Apple iTunes retailer. These Personally i think are definitely good reasons to experience House windows 8, particularly in case you have a touch-interface set up currently.

What to Recall Ahead of Upgrading

Similar to any fresh House windows OS IN THIS HANDSET, compatibility regarding existing applications is usually a key concern being deemed as well as We have included a number of factors you'll want to know prior to going ahead while using upgrade. House windows 8 upgrade can be acquired to help consumers regarding Or windows 7 SP3, House windows Landscape as well as House windows 7 with a number of constraints based on the OS IN THIS HANDSET staying improved. Consumers regarding Or windows 7 SP3 can certainly move the files, however nothing from the configurations as well as programs could be utilized in House windows 8. With regard to Landscape consumers can certainly move the two the files as well as configurations, whilst, House windows 7 entrepreneurs can certainly move the programs, files as well as configurations to help House windows 8 through the upgrade.

[_neutrino 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.