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What is Windows 8?

Windows 8 is the most recent operating system designed byMicrosoft. It introduces a lot of new changes, so if you're thinking of upgrading from a previous version of Windows, you should carefully look at these changes to decide whether upgrading is a good idea.

There have been many different versions of Windows over the years, including Windows 7 (released in 2009) Windows Vista (2006) and Windows XP (2001). While previous versions of Windows mainly ran on desktop and laptop computers, Windows 8 is also designed to run on tablets. Because of this, the interface has been simplified so that it will work with touchscreens.

An operating system manages all of the hardware and software on a computer. Without it, the computer would be useless. To learn more about how operating systems work, check out Understanding Operating Systems andGetting to Know the OS in our Computer Basics tutorial.

Upgrading to Windows 8

Windows 8

Now that you've seen some of the new features that Windows 8 has to offer, you'll need to decide whether you should upgrade an existing computer, or buy a new computer or tablet that has Windows 8 pre-installed.

In this lesson, we'll talk about the different Windows 8 editions that you can buy, the hardware requirements, and how to buy Windows 8.

Windows 8 Editions and Pricing

 There are three main editions of Windows 8:

• Windows 8: This is the standard edition, and it will run on desktops, laptops, and some tablets.
• Windows 8 Pro: This gives you all of the features of Windows 8, as well as some extra features intended for advanced users and businesses. For example, people who need more security can use BitLocker to encrypt their files.
• Windows RT: This is the edition that most tablets will have. It may also be used by some budget laptops and netbooks. Windows RT comes pre-installed with a version of Microsoft Office that is optimized for touchscreens.

If you

Windows 8 Tablets

If you want to use Windows 8 on a tablet, you'll need to buy a tablet that has Windows 8 pre-installed, such as theMicrosoft Surface. The Surface comes in two versions: A cheaper version that runs Windows RT, and a more powerful version that runs Windows 8 Pro. Other companies are expected to release Windows 8 tablets over the next few months.

Getting Started with Windows 8

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.

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.

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 a Microsoft account.

1. Click anywhere on the lock screen to unlock the computer.
   
   Clicking the lock screen
2. 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
3. The Start screen will appear.
   
   The Start screen
   

   Using SkyDrive with Windows 8

   

   One of the biggest changes in Windows 8 is that it is closely integrated with SkyDrive, Microsoft's online storage service. If you have files stored in your SkyDrive, you'll be able to access them easily with Windows 8. In this lesson, we'll show you how to manage your SkyDrive files, and also how to install the SkyDrive Desktop app.

   Why Use SkyDrive?

   If you've used previous versions of Windows, you're probably used to working with folders and files on your computer. But people are now more mobile than ever, and it's nice to have your files with you wherever you go.The cloud is generally the most convenient way to do this. If you store your files online, then all you need is an internet connection, and you'll be able to access your files — whether you're at work, at home, or at a friend's house.

   SkyDrive gives you 7 gigabytes of online storage space for free, and you can purchase more space if you need it. You can decide whether you want to store all of your files online, or just the most important ones. When you log in to Windows with your Microsoft account, it automatically connects to your SkyDrive, allowing you to access your files from the built-in SkyDrive app or the Photos app.

   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 on the left side of the screen, and search options will appear on the right.
     Searching for the Calculator app

   Using Different Search Options

   By default, the search results will show apps. However, you can select different search options on the right side of the screen to find files, settings, and more:

   • You can select Settings or Files to search for a setting or file.
     
     Searching for a file
   • You can also use a specific app to search. For example, you can search the People app to find a friend's contact info.
     
     Searching the People app

   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 key

   Searching 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.

   Personalizing 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 View Your Personalization Settings:

   1. Hover the mouse in the lower-right corner to open the Charms bar, and then select the Settings charm.
      
      Selecting the Settings charm
   2. Click Change PC settings.
      
      Clicking Change PC settings
   3. Make sure Personalize is selected on the left side of the screen. Your settings will appear on the right side of the screen.
      
      Personalization settings

   To Change Your Lock Screen Picture:

   1. From your personalization settings, select Lock screen at the top of the screen.
   2. 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 computer

   To Change Your Start Screen Background:

   1. From your personalization settings, select Start screen at the top of the screen.
   2. Select the desired background image and color scheme.
      
      • Changing the Start screen background

   Windows 8 does not allow you to use one of your own photos as your Start screen background.

   To Change Your Account Picture:

   1. From your personalization settings, select Account picture at the top of the screen.
   2. Click Browse.
      
      Changing the account picture
   3. To use a photo in your SkyDrive, click on the desired SkyDrive folder. To select a folder on your computer, click the drop-down arrow at the top of the screen and select a different location.
      
      Navigating to the desired folder
   4. 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 buttonThe Search charm
   

   Customizing Your Start Screen Apps

   If you don't like the way your apps are arranged on the Start screen, you can rearrange them by moving them wherever you want. You may also find that the animated live tiles are too distracting, and you can easily turn them off so that they will display a plain background with no animations.

   To Move an App:

   1. Click, hold and drag the app to the desired location.
      
      Moving an app
   2. Release the mouse. The app will move to the new location.
      
      The app in its new location

   To Turn a Live Tile Off:

   1. Right-click the app you want to change.
      
      Right-clicking a live tile
   2. A toolbar will appear at the bottom of the screen. Click Turn live tile off, and the tile will change to a plain background.
      
      Turning a live tile off
      

      Getting Started with the Desktop

      Watch the video (3:02). Need help?

      Although Windows 8 uses the Start screen for launching apps and other tasks, the Desktop view is still an important feature that you'll need to know how to use. In this lesson, we'll show you the basics of using the Desktop, including how to navigate with File Explorer,pin apps to the taskbar, and manage open windows with the built-in desktop effects.

      Watch the video to learn the basics of using the Desktop.

      To Switch to the Desktop:

      • Click the Desktop tile on the Start screen.
        Switching to the Desktop

      
      

      
      

Windows 8

What is Windows 8?

Windows 8 is the most recent operating system designed byMicrosoft. It introduces a lot of new changes, so if you're thinking of upgrading from a previous version of Windows, you should carefully look at these changes to decide whether upgrading is a good idea.

There have been many different versions of Windows over the years, including Windows 7 (released in 2009) Windows Vista (2006) and Windows XP (2001). While previous versions of Windows mainly ran on desktop and laptop computers, Windows 8 is also designed to run on tablets. Because of this, the interface has been simplified so that it will work with touchscreens.

An operating system manages all of the hardware and software on a computer. Without it, the computer would be useless. To learn more about how operating systems work, check out Understanding Operating Systems andGetting to Know the OS in our Computer Basics tutorial.

Upgrading to Windows 8

Windows 8

Now that you've seen some of the new features that Windows 8 has to offer, you'll need to decide whether you should upgrade an existing computer, or buy a new computer or tablet that has Windows 8 pre-installed.

In this lesson, we'll talk about the different Windows 8 editions that you can buy, the hardware requirements, and how to buy Windows 8.

Windows 8 Editions and Pricing

 There are three main editions of Windows 8:

• Windows 8: This is the standard edition, and it will run on desktops, laptops, and some tablets.
• Windows 8 Pro: This gives you all of the features of Windows 8, as well as some extra features intended for advanced users and businesses. For example, people who need more security can use BitLocker to encrypt their files.
• Windows RT: This is the edition that most tablets will have. It may also be used by some budget laptops and netbooks. Windows RT comes pre-installed with a version of Microsoft Office that is optimized for touchscreens.

If you

Windows 8 Tablets

If you want to use Windows 8 on a tablet, you'll need to buy a tablet that has Windows 8 pre-installed, such as theMicrosoft Surface. The Surface comes in two versions: A cheaper version that runs Windows RT, and a more powerful version that runs Windows 8 Pro. Other companies are expected to release Windows 8 tablets over the next few months.

Getting Started with Windows 8

Watch the video (3:31). Need help?

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.

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.

Watch the video to learn how to navigate Windows 8 and use the Charms bar.

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.

To learn more about creating accounts, check out our Managing User Accounts and Parental Controlslesson.

1. Click anywhere on the lock screen to unlock the computer.
   
   Clicking the lock screen
2. 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
3. The Start screen will appear.
   
   The Start screen

   Using SkyDrive with Windows 8

   

   One of the biggest changes in Windows 8 is that it is closely integrated with SkyDrive, Microsoft's online storage service. If you have files stored in your SkyDrive, you'll be able to access them easily with Windows 8. In this lesson, we'll show you how to manage your SkyDrive files, and also how to install the SkyDrive Desktop app.

   Why Use SkyDrive?

   If you've used previous versions of Windows, you're probably used to working with folders and files on your computer. But people are now more mobile than ever, and it's nice to have your files with you wherever you go.The cloud is generally the most convenient way to do this. If you store your files online, then all you need is an internet connection, and you'll be able to access your files — whether you're at work, at home, or at a friend's house.

   SkyDrive gives you 7 gigabytes of online storage space for free, and you can purchase more space if you need it. You can decide whether you want to store all of your files online, or just the most important ones. When you log in to Windows with your Microsoft account, it automatically connects to your SkyDrive, allowing you to access your files from the built-in SkyDrive app or the Photos app.

   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 on the left side of the screen, and search options will appear on the right.
     Searching for the Calculator app

   Using Different Search Options

   By default, the search results will show apps. However, you can select different search options on the right side of the screen to find files, settings, and more:

   • You can select Settings or Files to search for a setting or file.
     
     Searching for a file
   • You can also use a specific app to search. For example, you can search the People app to find a friend's contact info.
     
     Searching the People app

   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 key

   Searching 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.

   Personalizing 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 View Your Personalization Settings:

   1. Hover the mouse in the lower-right corner to open the Charms bar, and then select the Settings charm.
      
      Selecting the Settings charm
   2. Click Change PC settings.
      
      Clicking Change PC settings
   3. Make sure Personalize is selected on the left side of the screen. Your settings will appear on the right side of the screen.
      
      Personalization settings

   To Change Your Lock Screen Picture:

   1. From your personalization settings, select Lock screen at the top of the screen.
   2. 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 computer

   To Change Your Start Screen Background:

   1. From your personalization settings, select Start screen at the top of the screen.
   2. Select the desired background image and color scheme.
      
      Changing the Start screen background

   Windows 8 does not allow you to use one of your own photos as your Start screen background.

   To Change Your Account Picture:

   1. From your personalization settings, select Account picture at the top of the screen.
   2. Click Browse.
      
      Changing the account picture
   3. To use a photo in your SkyDrive, click on the desired SkyDrive folder. To select a folder on your computer, click the drop-down arrow at the top of the screen and select a different location.
      
      Navigating to the desired folder
   4. 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 buttonThe Search charm

   Customizing Your Start Screen Apps

   If you don't like the way your apps are arranged on the Start screen, you can rearrange them by moving them wherever you want. You may also find that the animated live tiles are too distracting, and you can easily turn them off so that they will display a plain background with no animations.

   To Move an App:

   1. Click, hold and drag the app to the desired location.
      
      Moving an app
   2. Release the mouse. The app will move to the new location.
      
      The app in its new location

   To Turn a Live Tile Off:

   1. Right-click the app you want to change.
      
      Right-clicking a live tile
   2. A toolbar will appear at the bottom of the screen. Click Turn live tile off, and the tile will change to a plain background.
      
      Turning a live tile off

      Getting Started with the Desktop

      Watch the video (3:02). Need help?

      Although Windows 8 uses the Start screen for launching apps and other tasks, the Desktop view is still an important feature that you'll need to know how to use. In this lesson, we'll show you the basics of using the Desktop, including how to navigate with File Explorer,pin apps to the taskbar, and manage open windows with the built-in desktop effects.

      Watch the video to learn the basics of using the Desktop.

      To Switch to the Desktop:

      • Click the Desktop tile on the Start screen.
        Switching to the Desktop

      Click the buttons in the interactive below to learn more about the Desktop view in Windows 8.