There is a lot new in the Windows 8 user environment. The biggest change is the missing Start button that existed in all older Windows Operating Systems. There are several new changes which are not so popular with many users. If you are unhappy with this new Windows user interface, then the tips and tweaks given below will give get you back to a somewhat more familiar environment.

Windows 8 Booting to Desktop

When you start your Windows 8 PC/laptop, it boots to the Start screen. If you want to bypass the Start screen and boot to the desktop then you need to make changes in the configuration by following the steps set out below.

1. Go to the Start Screen
2. Type taskbar
3. Select “Taskbar and Navigation”
4. Select “Navigation” tab
5. Check the following boxes – When I sign in or close all apps on a screen and go to the desktop instead of Start
6. Click Apply
7. Click OK

Make program access easier in Windows 8

Windows 8 allows you to pin your favourite programs to the taskbar so that you don’t have to minimize the application to access the Program shortcut on the Desktop. It also does away with the need to go to the Start screen to launch your favourite application. Follow the steps set out below to pin a Program to the Taskbar.

When you are using the application on the desktop, simply right-click the application icon on the Taskbar and choose “Pin this program to taskbar”

Useful keyboard shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts can minimise the amount of effort and time when finding important and commonly-used Functions and Menus in Windows 8.

• Windows Key + S – Open Charms search bar
• Windows Key + F – Search files
• Windows Key + down arrow– close the app
• Windows Key + X – open start button options
• Windows Key + Home – Minimize all apps except active desktop window

Login automatically

If you are a single user on your Windows 8 PC, it can be quite frustrating an unnecessary to enter your password every time your system starts. You can disable this security measure with the following tweak.

1. Hold down the Windows key
2. Press R
3. type ‘netplwiz’ and press Enter to launch User account dialog
4. Clear the checkmark for “Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer”
5. Click Ok
6. Enter your username and password of the account in which you login
7. Now the system will directly boot to Start Screen

Using Task Manager to tweak performance

Windows 8 Task Manager gives you an inside look that allows you to view application, processes, and startup entries that are negatively affecting the performance of your system. Different tabs in the Task Manager provide you with important information such as:

• Processes Tab – gives you graphical use of resources such as RAM, processing power and load on the system in real time
• App history tab – gives you information about resources used by every app. You can easily discover resource hungry apps through viewing the information in this Tab.
• Startup Tab – gives you information about apps that are launched automatically when the system boots. You can disable/delete unwanted startup entries through this Tab and reduce the startup time of your PC.