{"id":1872,"date":"2014-04-08T09:47:44","date_gmt":"2014-04-08T14:47:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.poweradmin.com\/blog\/?p=1872"},"modified":"2015-04-24T16:28:18","modified_gmt":"2015-04-24T21:28:18","slug":"making-windows-8-1-work-for-your-business","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.poweradmin.com\/blog\/making-windows-8-1-work-for-your-business\/","title":{"rendered":"Making Windows 8.1 Work for your Business"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Using<\/a>Many new users on the Windows 8 operating software<\/a> have complained about the new interface. It has simply irritated some users and made others feel that there\u2019s a decrease in productivity when the OS is used. For those wondering, there are a number of tips to make the OS more productive and some visual changes that can make the interface more familiar.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Boot to Desktop<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

In Windows 8.1<\/a> users have the option of booting directly to the desktop. This feature doesn\u2019t come pre-running on the OS and users will have to activate it manually. To do this, simply right-click the Taskbar > Properties > Navigation tab.<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Under the Start screen (bottom pane), tick the first option that reads, \u201c When I sign in or close all apps on a screen, go to the desktop instead of Start.\u201d<\/strong> Then click OK or Apply.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Windows<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

This will save time when turning devices on and let your employees get to work much more quickly. When you consider the time this can save across your entire network the option to boot directly to the desktop makes sense.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Reunite with the start button<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

As many users have felt that the Windows 8.1<\/a> OS isn\u2019t as familiar to them as they want, it may be a good idea to reintroduce the beloved Start Button. Windows 8.1 has a dumbed down Start Button but, for those who want a similar experience to Windows 7 there are a range of alternatives available.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

One of the most popular is free and it\u2019s called Classic Shell<\/a>. The app offers users three types of Start Button \u2013 Classic, Two Column, and Windows 7.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

For users on Windows 8.1 version 4 of Classic Shell offers improved compatibility. There are some new features as well, including a dedicated shutdown button, the ability to pin programs to the taskbar from an Explorer window and better Windows Search functionality.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Libraries<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The libraries feature<\/a> is disabled by default on Windows 8.1. However it can be re-activated manually and it\u2019s easy to do.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Libraries was a feature introduced in Windows 7 that made it easier to find, work with, and organize files scattered across your PC or network. This function allowed users and businesses to bring data into one easily accessible location. The result being that you get more done.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

To use the libraries function on Windows 8.1 simply go to Windows Explorer > View > Options.<\/strong> Once there, tick the box \u201c Show libraries\u201d<\/strong> in the navigation pane and re-activate the feature.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Uninstall unused apps all at once<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Apps take up a lot of space and can negatively affect performance. Time can be wasted simply deleting and uninstalling unused apps; however, in Windows 8.1<\/a> there\u2019s the option to select multiple apps and uninstall them all at the same time. If you need to do this right click on the Start screen > Customize > Tick apps<\/strong> and uninstall any undesired apps simply by ticking the tile and choosing uninstall.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Windows<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Open files in the desktop<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

A lot of the Windows 8.1 interface is designed for increased productivity. However, some of the add-ons get in the way and slow down the user experience. Any wasted time will negatively affect your business and the progress of your staff.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Music, videos, pictures, and PDF files are automatically opened using the Modern UI app on Windows 8.1. This feature can be changed so that files are opened from the desktop.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Any user wanting to do this should access the Windows Start screen and type, \u201cdefault programs\u201d<\/strong> then click on the Default Programs icon under results. Click \u201cSet your default programs\u201d<\/strong> and select the app you want to set as the default for your files.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Set<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Keyboard shortcuts<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Using your mouse is only one way to access and edit data and there are numerous keyboard shortcuts that can make using Windows 8.1 much quicker.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Here are a few useful shortcuts:<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n