The Best New Features in Windows 8.1

Now that we have the Windows 8.1 Preview running on our test system, it’s time to identify the best consumer-facing changes and new features in Microsoft’s first major update to its controversial operating system. A reminder that, while we don’t anticipate that anything we discuss here will be changed, this is still beta software that is subject to modification before its final release.

The Start Button

Rumors persisted for months that the Start Button would make its return to Windows in the 8.1 update. While we knew that the Start Menu wouldn’t be coming back, we weren’t sure of the exact functionality that the Start Button would offer aside from returning the user to the Start Screen.

We’re happy to report that there is now some great new functionality built in to the Windows 8.1 Start Button. Right-clicking on the button will bring up a menu of key functions and areas that allow users to quickly perform certain tasks such as shutting down the system, accessing power options, and launching the Control Panel. This is a much faster way to access these areas than the previous use of charms and Start Menu searches.

Update: As pointed out in the comments, a right-click menu exists in the original version of Windows 8. Users must click the very bottom-right corner of the desktop to launch the menu in Windows 8, as opposed to clicking anywhere on the Start Button in Windows 8.1. While similar, the menu is improved in 8.1 by providing access to Shut Down/Restart functions and the Networking menus. A screenshot of the standard Windows 8 implementation is below for comparison.

The Power Menu in Windows 8

Start Menu Search

Speaking of searches, the Start Menu Search has been significantly improved. Instead of showing results on the left side of the screen, with each category of results on the right, the new search takes place entirely in the right sidebar.

Typing a search query into the box delivers unified results from all local categories directly below it. After reporting all results for local applications, settings, and documents, the Windows 8.1 search function helpfully delivers online results from the integrated Bing service.

Improved Start Screen

Instead of existing as one huge row of square tiles, the Start Screen is now practically split into two separate areas: Start Screen and All Apps. The new Start Screen only displays apps and tiles that the user wants, and there are new larger sizes that live tiles, such as Weather, can take great advantage of.

The new All Apps screen, accessible via a downward pointing arrow on the Start Screen, lists all applications for the user to browse. Modern UI apps are listed first, then desktop apps. Searching from this screen will return results only from the App list.

Both of these sections of the Modern UI can also now display the user’s desktop wallpaper, which will appear dimmed behind the interface. Microsoft also has some interesting new Start Wallpapers that are animated to move as the user scrolls through the lists and sections.

Boot to Desktop

A long-awaited feature, users who prefer the Desktop environment over the Modern UI experience can now configure the system to boot directly to the Desktop, unlike the previous functionality that required a stop at the Start Screen.

This option is disabled by default, but can be enabled by right clicking on the Desktop taskbar, selecting Properties > Navigation, and then checking the box for “Go to the desktop instead of Start when I sign in.”

Improved Windows Store

Let’s be honest: the Windows Store was awful. Browsing was confusing; users had to scroll endless lists of tiny icons; screenshots were hard to navigate. Terrible.

Thankfully, there are huge improvements to the Windows Store in 8.1. Apps are larger and featured more prominently. Each app’s page now features easy-to-navigate screenshots, user reviews, and clear ratings information.

A right-click will bring up access to traditional category browsing, searching, and a handy list of your already-purchased apps. Overall, it’s a great change that will hopefully bring even more developers to the Modern UI Windows 8 ecosystem.

Multi-Monitor Support

Like Apple’s efforts in OS X Mavericks, Microsoft, too, has worked to improve the user experience for users with multiple displays. Modern UI apps can now be dragged to additional displays and run alongside other full screen apps on the primary display. While power users will still likely spend most of their time on the Desktop, these changes make using Modern apps much more enjoyable and productive.

There are tons of additional new features in the Windows 8.1 Preview, and perhaps more to come before the final build is ready later this year. We’ll have more later on, but we wanted to give you our thoughts on these excellent consumer-focused changes.

Are you running the Windows 8.1 Preview? If so, what are your favorite features?

Sudhaker Jain

Really nice feature provide by MS windows 8 and i am very happy to this operating system. All over feature is great. Thanks for share a wonderful article to me.

Regards
Sudhaker Jain
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Windows-Data-Recovery/239926112792542
FanaticNInja

Overall I like 8.1, however, I am missing features from 8 that were better to begin with.
First off Microsoft removed the ability to quickly select a live tile app with a quick swipe downwards. Now we are forced to press and hold for a second, which is slower than the original.

Secondly, I am missing the ability to select where I want my search to be targeted. I liked being able to search from anywhere and select an app location for the search to go (ex: app store vs Netflix vs IMDB). Now I have 3 simple options of everywhere, settings, or files. No thanks, I want the old functionality back.

Also the windows store has both improved and lost get functionality at the same time. While this loom better now, I miss being able to quickly ping zoom out to select a category. The Piltdown menu is a nice touch though.

All in all I still prefer my surface tablet over any other device.
- Mathias Cronqvist
  
  They also made Search much more unresponsive. Before 8.1, I was able to get to a document or app/program in one second, tops. Now it slogs through, and it takes at least 5 seconds to do the same. And this is with Bing search disabled.
Gambol

That menu has been there all along in the bottom left corner when right clicking. The only problem is the average PC user, including this Windows 8.1 reviewer, are complete and utter morons if you don’t stick an icon or button directly in their faces. Just like all the crybabies whining about being faced with the metro screen instead of the desktop when it 1.) took all of 1 second to click on the “desktop” tile and 2.) Windows 8 automatically loads the desktop if you let your slow piece of junk HP or Dell actually load up.There has not been anything wrong with Windows 8’s user experience outside of its users themselves.
- http://www.tekrevue.com/ TekRevue
  
  Thanks, Gambol! I was not aware of the menu’s existence in the current version of Windows 8. Although I will point out that the menu is still improved with 8.1 thanks to the addition of Shut Down/Restart options and the some new menu choices such as Networking.
  
  I’ve updated the article to mention these items. I’m glad you enjoy Windows 8; so do we!