When we originally posted this guide (November 2012), a lot of the articles were written using Windows 8, but since then, there are three big updates — Windows 8.1 and 8.1 Update 1. We’ve updated some of the articles to reflect the changes in Windows 8.1 and the concept of a lot of these articles is the same, the UI just looks a bit different. If you find an article that could use an update, definitely let us know and we’ll fix it asap.

Installing Windows 8

Create a Bootable Windows 8 Flash DriveDual Boot Windows 8 and Windows 7Upgrade Install XP to Windows 8Install Windows 8 on VirtualBoxMake Your System a Trusted PCHow To Reset Windows 8How to Refresh Windows 8

Using the New Modern “metro” Interface

The biggest new feature to get used to is its new touch-based Start screen with Live Tiles and metro-style apps. Here’s how to get around and start customizing the new interface.

Four Ways to Open the Charms BarRun Metro-Style Apps on the DesktopHow To Close Metro Style AppsUse the Official Twitter AppChange Account PictureShare Windows 8 Apps with Other UsersPersonalize the Start Screen BackgroundCustomize Start Screen with TattoosCreate Tile Groups on the Start ScreenCustomize the Windows 8 Lock ScreenDisable the Windows 8 Lock ScreenMake Bing Daily Images Lock Screen BackgroundDisable Lock Screen when Waking Computer UpTurn Off Live Tile NotificationsMake System Notifications Less AnnoyingMake Live Tiles Smaller or LargerTurn Off Live Tile NotificationsPin Desktop Items to Start ScreenPin Favorite Websites to Start ScreenDisplay Administrative Tools on Start ScreenPin Start Screen Items to DesktopGet Lost Start Screen Tiles BackUltimate Windows 8 Keyboard Shortcut GuideCreate a Picture Password to Sign inCreate a Four Digit PIN to Sign InHow to Add New UsersAccess Windows 8 Help and SupportConfigure App NotificationsStop Metro-Style Apps from Running in BackgroundHow To Move Folders in SkyDrive

Using Metro Style Apps

With the new Start screen comes the new metro-style apps. These are touch-friendly apps that are perfect for a tablet or other touch-enabled monitor but can be used on a regular desktop PC too.

Managing the Metro UI

The lack of a Start button has a lot of people upset, but there are third-party alternatives and ways to work around the familiar Start menu.

Star8 from StardockClassic Shell Brings Start BackDisable Windows App StoreViStart for Windows 8Create a Makeshift Start Menu with a ToolbarBoot Directly to Desktop the Easy WayDon’t Use the Start menu

Shutdown Windows 8

Another confusing thing about the new Windows 8 interface is finding how to shut it down. These articles will show you the different ways you can do it.

How To Shutdown, Restart or Sleep Windows 8Shutdown Windows 8 from the DesktopCreate a Shutdown Tile on Windows 8 Start ScreenCreate a Shutdown Shortcut on Windows 8 DesktopCreate a Shutdown Shortcut that Can be AbortedEnable Hibernate to Power Button

Music, Video, and Photos

Windows 8 handles media files differently than previous versions. It comes with new apps called Xbox Music and Xbox Video. It also has new Camera and Photos apps. Another thing to remember is it doesn’t have built-in support for DVD or Blu-ray playback. Here are some great articles on learning how to use the new features, and using the programs you’re already familiar with like Windows Media Player, Media Center, and awesome third-party apps like VLC.

Stream Xbox Music from Windows 8 to Xbox 360Create Xbox Music PlaylistsHow To Use Smart DJ in Xbox MusicManage Windows 8 Media File AssociationsSix Free Programs to Play DVDs in Windows 8Make Xbox Music and Video Show Your Collection by DefaultSet Up Windows Media PlayerInstall Windows Media Center Pack to Windows 8 Pro

Using the Desktop and Advanced Features

Here’s a list of tips, tricks, and how-to articles for advanced power users who like to go deeper than the tiled touch UI and really get things done. These articles also include several new features available out of the box from the traditional desktop.

How To Mount an ISO Disc ImageMaster Windows 8 File History FeatureMake Windows 8 Laptop a WiFi HotspotHow To Take a ScreenshotHow To Reset Screenshot CountHow To Show Hidden Files and FoldersHow To Get the Quick Launch Bar BackMake the Recycle Bin Display Confirmation MessageCreate Startup Message on BootHow To Create a HomeGroupCustomize Logon, Logoff and Shutdown SoundsMake PDF, Photos, Videos and Music files open in Desktop AppsChange the Default Email ClientHow To Access the Power User MenuUsing the New Task Manager to Manage Startup ProgramsPin Control Panel to Desktop TaskbarEnable or Disable Startup ProgramsUsing the New File Copy FeatureHow to Turn On Remote DesktopHow To Set up a PrinterInstall Windows 8 Essentials 2012 ApplicationsSet Up Parental ControlsMake Windows 8 Defender Scan Removable DrivesAdd More Clocks and Time ZonesManage Windows 8 Sync FeatureConfigure a Dual Monitor SetupHow To Display File ExtensionsAutomatically Log On to Windows 8Boot Straight to DesktopCustomize Windows Update ScheduleFind the Windows 8 Startup FolderConfigure Automatic System MaintenanceEncrypt a USB Flash Drive with BitLocker to GoEnable .NET Framework 2.0 and 3.5Test if Your Computer can Run Hyper-VEnable Hyper-V to Create Virtual MachinesCreate a Virtual Machine with Hyper-VInstall Integration Services for Hyper-V VMsEnable Windows 8 File HistoryGetting Started with Storage SpacesTurn Off AutoPlayTurn Off SmartScreenWindows 8 To Go in Enterprise EditionEnable Microsoft Store on Windows 8 To GoHow To Restart Windows 8 ExplorerCreate a Recovery Flash DriveCreate a Desktop Shortcut to the Favorites FolderEnable BitLocker on Computers Without TPMBoot Windows 8 into Safe ModeDisable Unnecessary UI Animations

Windows RT (for the few of you who have an RT device)

Prevent Surface RT from Going to Sleep ModeInstall a MicroSD Card on Surface RTMake a MicroSD Card Work with LibrariesMake Flash Work on Windows RTDisable Surface Screen RotationPlay Captured Video to Xbox 360Use a Scanner with Surface RTUpgrade to Final Version of Office 2013Pin Facebook Web app to Surface Start ScreenMake Surface RT Desktop More Touch FriendlyProtect Microsoft Surface with a Lock ScreenCopy and Paste in Windows RTSearch Words on a Page in IE 10Flipboard Alternative for Surface RT: LatermarksMicrosoft Xbox Wireless AdapterWindows 10 ForumCable

Will have to compare the two and see if we missed any. Great portal to your windows 8 stuff. Thnx You know, you can use the Everything app on Win8 still: https://www.groovypost.com/reviews/freeware-everything-voidtools/ Then again, Microsoft is turning back the clock, In the end, we just need to start embracing the new UI I guess. On the other hand, it is a complete desktop OS, and a person should be able to customize it to their liking so it’s most efficient to get work done. All this is A LOT like Unity – http://unity.ubuntu.com/ Of course, that’s the rumor and I have no first hand knowledge of what’s coming next. Be sure to tweet about it and give us a hand! :) Is there anything not in this guide that you’d like us to write up? One question though? How does Windows 8 work with old SSD drivers? Do Win8 contains legacy drivers for old SSD drives? Thanks. I have to say it does far better than Vista ever did that’s for sure. Here’s a MS article about the driver architecture for hardware if you’re curious: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-US/library/windows/hardware/hh439748(v=VS.85).aspx Comment

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