By now, just about everyone knows that Windows 8 killed the Start Menu, and that Windows 10 will bring it back next year. But those who miss the Start Menu don’t need to wait for Windows 10. While there are several third party software options that can restore Start Menu functionality in Windows 8, you can also hack together your own Start Menu-like quick launcher using Taskbar toolbars.
How to Stay Up to Date and Get the Latest Windows 10 Technical Preview Builds
The Windows 10 Technical Preview gives consumers and businesses unprecedented access to Microsoft’s upcoming operating system and an opportunity to provide valuable feedback before it launches next year. But this access is only valuable if you’re running the latest Windows 10 builds. Here’s how to check for and install the latest Windows 10 Technical Preview builds so that you’ve always got the latest changes to play with.
Group Devices and Drives by File System in Windows 8.1 File Explorer
The File Explorer in Windows 8.1 groups all of a PC’s devices and drives together by default, which isn’t ideal for users with a large number of drives. Here’s how to make managing multiple devices and drives easier by grouping them according to file system.
How to Disable Drop Shadows in the Windows 10 Technical Preview
Windows 10 is bringing a number of new UI features, but one new feature that may be a bit too much is the overwhelming drop shadow effect. In a world of increasingly flat UI, the Windows 10 drop shadows are inconsistent and distracting. Here’s how to disable them.
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How to Track the Size of Metro Apps and Data in Windows 8
Longtime Windows users are accustomed to keeping track of the size of installed software via a utility like Windows Explorer. With Windows 8 ‘Metro’ Apps, however, there’s no clear way to see how much space your apps are occupying via traditional methods. Here’s the new Windows 8 method to track Metro app sizes.
How to Take a Screenshot on the Microsoft Surface Tablet
Some traditional Windows options for taking screenshots aren’t available to users running Windows RT on tablets like the Surface 2, but that doesn’t mean that the ability to take quick screen captures is out of reach. Here’s how to quickly take a screenshot on ARM-based Windows tablets.
Don’t Wait for Windows 10: How to Use Virtual Desktops in Windows XP and Up
Excited about virtual desktops in Windows 10? Don’t wait until next year! The core technology for virtual desktops has been in Windows for years, but Microsoft hid it from the default Windows installation. Here’s how to access true virtual desktops in any version of Windows since Windows XP.
How to Switch from the Start Menu to the Start Screen in Windows 10
One of the biggest changes coming in Windows 10 is the return of the Start Menu. But with Windows 8 on the market for the past two years, some users may prefer to stick with the now-familiar Start Screen. Here’s how to switch back to the Start Screen interface in the Windows 10 Technical Preview.
Quickly Hide Open Windows and Show Your Desktop With This Handy Shortcut
Although not as flashy as OS X’s Mission Control, Windows has long included some powerful window management tools, including one useful keyboard shortcut that lets you quickly hide all of your open windows and applications. Read on to find out how you can use this shortcut for enhanced productivity and privacy.
Quickly Launch Command Prompt as an Administrator with a Keyboard Shortcut
The Windows Command Prompt is a powerful tool that can do a lot on its own. But sometimes it needs elevated administrative privileges to get the job done. If you frequently need to launch Command Prompt as an administrator, save some time by launching the app with this handy keyboard shortcut.