Can Windows 8.1 reach the parts that Windows 8 didn't?
Here we take a look at Microsoft's new, improved OS.
WHAT IS IT?
The software formerly known as Windows Blue is the first update to Windows 8, the Microsoft operating system launched to mixed reviews last October. Windows 8.1 is now in public preview, with the final version due in September.
IS IT LESS TERRIBLE THAN WINDOWS 8?
Windows 8 wasn't terrible, but it needed work. It was a bold move towards a more tablet-friendly operating system, with an emphasis on Windows Store 'Modern' (or 'Metro') eggs and a touchscreen-focused Start screen to replace the old Start menu. The changes were inevitably controversial, not least because Windows 7 was, and is, so well-regarded. But Microsoft has listened to its users, and Windows 8.1 is its response.
WHAT HAS MICROSOFT BACKTRACKED ON?
Its not really a backtrack. This is Windows 8.1, not Windows 7.5. The Start screen is still the main focus, with its distinctive pattern of 'tiles' representing apps. But you can now skip the Start screen and go straight to the Desktop, if you prefer.
THAT'S BACKTRACKING! IS THE START BUTTON BACK?
Sort of. There is a button that you click to bring up the Start screen, which looks like a smaller version of the old Start button. Right-clicking it opens an improved administrative menu, known as the VVinX menu, because of its keyboard shortcut. This menu includes old Start menu options such as Task Manager and Restart.
SO THE START MENU IS BACK, TOO?
No, but you can set up the new button to act almost like the old Start button by choosing 'Boot to desktop' in your settings. Now, when you click Start, you'll get a list of Desktop programs grouped in a similar way to the old Start menu.
WHAT ELSE CAN I CHANGE?
Windows 8.1 has plenty of customisable options that make the new Modern interface less jarring than in Windows 8. For example, you can set the Start screen to show only the apps you want, and the new Customize mode lets you move tiles around and rename tile groups, much as you would on an Android screen.
IS THE SEARCH ANY BETTER?
Yes. It doesn t take you automatically to the Start screen, as it did in Windows 8, and it lets you search 'Everywhere by default, rather than just apps. You can also get results in a new Bing app that combines web search with a search of your PC.
WHAT OTHER MICROSOFT PROGRAMS ARE BUILT INTO 8.1?
It comes with Internet Explorer 11, though confusingly there are different versions on the Start screen and on the Desktop. You also get built-in SkyDrive and a much-improved Windows Store, along with bundled Windows apps such as Reading List, which basically just lists shortcuts for future reference. There's also a hands-free recipe app that you can navigate by waving your hands in front of your computer's built-in camera. This is particularly useful when your hands are covered in cake dough.
IS IT WORTH DITCHING WINDOWS 7 FOR?
Windows 7 is an excellent operating system, but Windows 8.1 will make life much easier if you own both a PC and a tablet. Don't let Windows 8 put you off too much, because this is a real improvement, and it gives you a great deal more control over what you see on screen and how you interact with it.
WHERE CAN I GET THE PREVIEW?
You can get the Windows 8.1 preview at preview.windows.com, but it has no uninstall, so we'd recommend waiting for the final version in September. If you already have Windows 8, you'll get the update automatically, and it won't cost a penny.
The software formerly known as Windows Blue is the first update to Windows 8, the Microsoft operating system launched to mixed reviews last October. Windows 8.1 is now in public preview, with the final version due in September.
IS IT LESS TERRIBLE THAN WINDOWS 8?
Windows 8 wasn't terrible, but it needed work. It was a bold move towards a more tablet-friendly operating system, with an emphasis on Windows Store 'Modern' (or 'Metro') eggs and a touchscreen-focused Start screen to replace the old Start menu. The changes were inevitably controversial, not least because Windows 7 was, and is, so well-regarded. But Microsoft has listened to its users, and Windows 8.1 is its response.
WHAT HAS MICROSOFT BACKTRACKED ON?
Its not really a backtrack. This is Windows 8.1, not Windows 7.5. The Start screen is still the main focus, with its distinctive pattern of 'tiles' representing apps. But you can now skip the Start screen and go straight to the Desktop, if you prefer.
THAT'S BACKTRACKING! IS THE START BUTTON BACK?
Sort of. There is a button that you click to bring up the Start screen, which looks like a smaller version of the old Start button. Right-clicking it opens an improved administrative menu, known as the VVinX menu, because of its keyboard shortcut. This menu includes old Start menu options such as Task Manager and Restart.
SO THE START MENU IS BACK, TOO?
No, but you can set up the new button to act almost like the old Start button by choosing 'Boot to desktop' in your settings. Now, when you click Start, you'll get a list of Desktop programs grouped in a similar way to the old Start menu.
WHAT ELSE CAN I CHANGE?
Windows 8.1 has plenty of customisable options that make the new Modern interface less jarring than in Windows 8. For example, you can set the Start screen to show only the apps you want, and the new Customize mode lets you move tiles around and rename tile groups, much as you would on an Android screen.
IS THE SEARCH ANY BETTER?
Yes. It doesn t take you automatically to the Start screen, as it did in Windows 8, and it lets you search 'Everywhere by default, rather than just apps. You can also get results in a new Bing app that combines web search with a search of your PC.
WHAT OTHER MICROSOFT PROGRAMS ARE BUILT INTO 8.1?
It comes with Internet Explorer 11, though confusingly there are different versions on the Start screen and on the Desktop. You also get built-in SkyDrive and a much-improved Windows Store, along with bundled Windows apps such as Reading List, which basically just lists shortcuts for future reference. There's also a hands-free recipe app that you can navigate by waving your hands in front of your computer's built-in camera. This is particularly useful when your hands are covered in cake dough.
IS IT WORTH DITCHING WINDOWS 7 FOR?
Windows 7 is an excellent operating system, but Windows 8.1 will make life much easier if you own both a PC and a tablet. Don't let Windows 8 put you off too much, because this is a real improvement, and it gives you a great deal more control over what you see on screen and how you interact with it.
WHERE CAN I GET THE PREVIEW?
You can get the Windows 8.1 preview at preview.windows.com, but it has no uninstall, so we'd recommend waiting for the final version in September. If you already have Windows 8, you'll get the update automatically, and it won't cost a penny.
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