Hidden settings of Windows 8.1. Who is a Sysadmin? Reset and update
Windows 8.1 is an operating system developed by Microsoft. The company introduced many new changes to it and many people found the operating system difficult to use. Windows 8.1 is very similar to Windows 8.
The company has released many versions of Windows OS over the years. The most popular of them are Windows 7 (released in 2009), Windows Vista (2006) and Windows XP (2001). Read about the types of operating systems. The Windows versions listed are for desktop and laptop computers only. And Windows 8 is also designed for tablets. Therefore, the interface of the eighth version is simplified and can work with touch screens.
The operating system controls all of the computer's hardware and software. To understand more about operating systems, study the lessons: and in the section
How is Windows 8 different from previous versions?
There are many new features and changes in Windows 8. Mainly these are a redesigned interface, networking capabilities and improved security.
Interface changes
The first thing you'll notice about Windows 8 is that it's completely different from its predecessors. The all-new interface includes new features such as start Start screen(Start Screen) live tiles(Live Tiles) active angles(Hot Corners).
Other features of Windows 8
How to work in Windows 8?
It may take time to get used to Windows 8. And remember that Microsoft is the undisputed leader among OS manufacturers. And the new version in the Windows line is designed to make your work on the computer more convenient and easier.
For example, in previous versions of Windows we are used to working through the Start button. Used in Windows 8 start screen, instead of the Start button. But you can still use your usual desktop to work with files and folders, and open programs. You can also use the Internet without leaving the start screen.
Most people will use both the Start screen and the desktop, depending on their tasks. However, if you use your computer primarily for web browsing, you may spend almost all of your time on the Start screen.
Is it worth upgrading to WIndows 8?
As you understand, Windows 8 is very different from previous versions. This is not just a new version with new features, in many ways it is completely different operating system. Is it worth upgrading? The choice is always yours. The next lesson will have a lot more useful information that you should know before upgrading or installing Windows 8.
Differences between Windows 8 and Windows 8.1
In 2012, when Windows 8 was released, many users complained that Windows 8 was confusing and difficult to use, especially compared to older versions of Windows. Then, some time later, the Windows 8.1 update came out which included a number of improvements and features that solved many problems with Windows 8. Below are some of the changes in WIndows 8.1:
in Windows 8, after loading the operating system, the start screen was launched. Windows 8.1 has the ability to boot directly to your desktop, just like previous versions of Windows. This is especially useful if you are not interested in using the Start screen, or use it very rarely.Start button: Windows 8 has removed the Start button on the desktop. Many users complained about the missing Start button and Windows 8.1 brought it back to the desktop. Clicking the button will launch the start screen, which can be used for many tasks.
Programs and applications: On the Windows 8 Start screen, there is no way to open and view more than two applications at the same time. Windows 8.1 fixes this issue and allows you to open and view multiple applications at the same time. Desktop programs work the same as in previous versions.
If you have Windows 8 installed, then you definitely need to switch to . Your system can update automatically, but you can also update manually. To update manually, open the app Windows Store from the start screen, then select Windows Update.
At the Build 2013 developer conference, which is taking place these days in San Francisco, Microsoft presented the long-awaited Windows 8.1 update, which users will soon be able to install on their devices.
At the Build 2013 developer conference, which is taking place these days in San Francisco, Microsoft presented the long-awaited Windows 8.1 update, which users will soon be able to install on their devices.
According to the software giant, the update file weighs about 2.44 GB, and after the final version of the release is released, some applications may need to be reinstalled, therefore, no one canceled the system backup. Already now, in the preliminary version, some improvements are noticeable - the option to display the desktop after loading has been added (Boot to Desktop), the Start screen page has been reorganized so that applications are located even faster, and a Start button has appeared on the desktop, although it serves more partly for decorative purposes (at first glance). Other new features include direct control of 3D printers, use of your PC as a Wi-Fi hotspot, and 1080p video streaming on Xbox One. But first things first.
Interface for users – maximum individual settings
So, the main goal that the developers of Windows 8.1 set for themselves is the maximum implementation of individual settings. For example, from now on the “Personalization” option has settled on the start screen in Settings, which opens with a slight wave of the hand. Here you can choose a background image to suit your taste or change the color scheme. Also in Windows 8.1, the ability to “share” a background image on the desktop and start screen has been added. Thanks to this pleasant feature, a feeling of integrity of the visual shell of the Microsoft platform is created.
Another possibility for individual settings lies in the “Change PC settings” option. With its help, you can, for example, turn your computer into a frame for photos displayed on the lock screen, or disable the “hot corner” option, which was responsible for accessing recent applications. Additionally, in Windows 8.1, users can sync apps, Start screen tiles and layouts, web browser bookmarks, mouse and printer settings, and more.
Microsoft has not forgotten about innovations in the field of system management. If in Windows 8 you used the Windows + “X” key combination to access the command menu (Control Panel, Device Manager, etc.), in Windows 8.1 you just need to hold down the Windows flag (aka the Start button) for a while. This is where some useful features are now hidden, in particular the option to display the desktop after booting (Boot to Desktop). You can also open the platform management menu by right-clicking on the taskbar at the bottom of the desktop. Here, in the new Navigation tab, there is an option to synchronize the background image on the desktop and the start screen, and the ability to automatically view applications every time you open the start tap.
"Smart" search - a new interpretation of the command line for Windows?
One of the main problems of Windows 8 is the lack of convenient search. Instead of using the Start menu (similar to Windows 7), users have to either search with their eyes among the tiles or type the file they are looking for in the search bar on the Start screen. Windows 8.1 solves this problem by organizing software in the All Apps collection, which is accessed by swiping up on the Start screen. At the same time, the list of applications can be organized in any convenient way - frequently used, recently opened and, of course, in alphabetical order.
The search capabilities have also been improved. As in Windows 8, the search window opens automatically the first time you press a key on your keyboard. However, the update now allows you to search the web, PC and SkyDrive, among other places. For example, when searching for the word Madonna, a huge page of the singer opens with biographical information and discography. The number of search results can certainly be overwhelming, but Microsoft does a great job of processing each search query correctly. By the way, the developers of Windows 8.1 did not provide the ability to search by mail... Alas...
Applications in Windows 8.1 - a special charm
If you don't look at the details, the first thing that catches your eye is the flexibility of the applications. You can now squeeze up to four applications onto one standard widescreen monitor. However, owners of Surface tablets will have to be content with only two application windows due to scaling issues.
The most significant change to the Microsoft platform was the appearance Internet Explorer 11. The new version of the proprietary browser adds the ability to view in comparison mode (side-by-side), as well as synchronize favorites, tabs and settings between devices running Windows 8.1. Moreover, according to Microsoft, pages load faster in the new browser, and extensions do not launch until the code is scanned by an antivirus program.
Cooking lovers will definitely appreciate it Food & Drink– a built-in application for creating menus, shopping lists and searching through a catalog of recipes, which you can add your own. A distinctive feature of the application is the ability to scroll through pages “hands-free”, using gestures without touching the screen. Agree, it's convenient!
Well, for users leading an active lifestyle, Microsoft has provided a special application Food & Drink. Here you can follow a set of exercises, monitor your diet, calories, blood pressure, and rummage through the encyclopedia of medications and diseases. The application synchronizes with Microsoft HealthVault online storage.
Microsoft also took care of the new version Skype with notification of incoming calls via pop-up messages on the lock screen, as well as SkyDrive with the ability to edit photos using built-in filters and Mail, which allows you to sort messages by sender, check the boxes next to the messages you want, and place messages from Twitter and Facebook in different folders.
Windows Store - a new store for a new release
The first small change in the Windows Store was the reduction in the size of the number located under the store icon. This was made possible by moving the application update process to the background.
Actually in the Windows Store, changes affected the interface. Instead of traditional “tiles,” the first page now displays the name and information about one application that, according to Microsoft, will be most appealing to a particular user. The choice is made based on the personal preferences of each individual user.
Moreover, from now on you can make in-app purchases, in particular, while playing, and install the applications themselves on an unlimited number of devices. True, Microsoft will monitor user activity to prevent applications from being copied.
Many users who are considering the advisability of upgrading their operating system are concerned about the issue of functionality. In this post, I'll list the new features of Windows 8 that make it stand out from the alternatives.
Metro interface and multi-touch
Windows 8 features
Perhaps the new interface is the most noticeable change in Windows functionality. Its essence is a set of live tiles (tiles), which are essentially applications. Touching them or clicking with the mouse opens the corresponding window. The toolbar now floats out from the bottom of the screen, and a “magic” panel floats out to the right.
The presence of a touch screen allows you to use multi-touch gestures to control the system, which significantly increases the efficiency of working with it.
Hyper-V support
Windows 8 Hyper-V
Windows 8 features include support for . Now users do not need to install a separate application for virtualization, which greatly simplifies the solution of many problems.
Built-in antivirus
The component provides reliable system protection against viruses. The developers of individual anti-virus programs have practically not spoken out publicly about this, but this is a clear blow to their business.
And the clouds...
Windows 8 is literally riddled with support for cloud technologies. To take advantage of this benefit, you must become a Microsoft Windows Live ID account holder.
Now, after reinstalling the operating system, the user does not have to start all over again. Using the Windows 8 reset button, the system can be returned to its “original state”, and all configuration and system files will be downloaded from the cloud.
Once you take a snapshot of your system in the cloud, you can access it from any other computer or mobile device. Your documents, music, photos are now available regardless of whether you have a flash drive with you or not. But the most important advantage of cloud data storage is protection against accidental file loss.
Control your computer using gestures
Among the features of Windows 8 is support for the innovative Kinect controller, developed for the Xbox 360 game console. With its help, you can perform a number of actions in the operating system using gestures.
Where does the tablet end and the desktop begin?
Windows 8 erases the differences between mobile and desktop systems, between processors of different architectures and displays of different diagonal sizes. Windows 8 features are supported on laptops, tablets and desktops.
Easy start
Windows 8 can be run in two modes - full and partial. With full mode, everything is clear - the operating system starts completely, and with partial loading, only the most critical kernel components and services are launched. But this is quite enough for listening to music, viewing email, browsing the Internet. Needless to say, loading in partial mode is almost instantaneous.
To get acquainted with the version of the Windows 8.1 operating system, we went to the Moscow office of Microsoft, where they showed us the “ecosystem,” or the interaction of all Windows-based devices. In addition, they talked about the main features that appeared in the new edition.
Let me remind you that Microsoft Windows 8 was introduced on October 26, 2012. The system is aimed at highly mobile devices that have touch control capabilities and are constantly connected (whether via Wi-Fi or 3G). Less than a year later, update 8.1 appeared - this “... confirms Microsoft’s commitment to new principles of rapid and adaptive development, which involves attentiveness to user feedback, studying various “telemetric” indicators in order to constantly adapt and improve the final product.”
Since October 18, 2013, every user of the licensed Windows 8 OS can download update 8.1 for free and evaluate the main features of the new system in conjunction with various devices, applications and services of Microsoft and its partners.
Naturally, the system was created in such a way that any Windows devices could interact with each other. “Windows is part of the lives of more than a billion people around the world in one way or another. Every day, more people use Windows than any other operating system, using it for a variety of things: listening to music or watching videos, playing games and entertainment, connecting with friends and family, communicating on social networks, working in the office and beyond.
Microsoft is committed to providing a universal experience and consistent user experience across all devices. The Windows operating system and its Windows 8.1 update combine the simplicity and entertainment value of tablets with the power of PCs.”
The Windows 8.1 operating system brings together all the manipulations that you do with gadgets: applications and services work together, providing a flexible environment for working on all devices, as well as entertainment. Well, as the company emphasizes: “The Windows platform is an operating system that meets all the needs of modern business.”
Since we have a fairly detailed video on our website, or rather on our YouTube channel, about the main points in version 8.1 and the “ecosystem”, in this text I will briefly summarize what I saw and heard, and also tell you what else is new in Microsoft Windows 8.1 update.
Device interaction in Windows 8.1 environment
Windows now has the ability to automatically synchronize data. For example, when you add any information to the calendar, it almost immediately appears on another Windows-based device, naturally, with the same connected account. All changes will affect not only individual applications, but also settings: interface language, wallpaper, desktop and much more. This is especially true for business. If you lose your Windows device, you can use any other gadget with this operating system, log in with your account, and all important data will be retrieved from the cloud.
Using the SkyDrive service (which is a file hosting service based on a cloud-based Internet file storage service with file sharing functions, created in August 2007 and managed by Microsoft), all devices have access to information storage. Another example: you took a certain number of photos or videos on your phone or tablet, the gadgets transferred them to cloud storage, and each device with one account will have access to the photos and videos almost instantly.
If you imagine that you have an Xbox 360 game console at home, then using a tablet you can interact with the console: control, input of information, and more. You can also control your Xbox 360 from a phone running the Windows Phone 8 operating system.
I canceled the interesting PhotoBeamer service for myself. If a program of the same name is installed on a WP smartphone, and the website www.photobeamer.com is open on any other device (TV, tablet, smartphone, game console) connected to the network, then you can transfer photos to the TV/tablet screen and so on: to A QR code appears on the display, which you need to point your WP smartphone at.
Windows 8.1 supports image transmission via the Miracast interface (a standard for wireless multimedia signal transmission). Therefore, from almost every Windows device you can transfer images to a TV with a built-in function or a special adapter. It will be useful for business users if they need to demonstrate presentations. By the way, during a presentation you point your finger at certain places on the tablet, and something similar to a dot from a laser pointer appears on the TV screen. There are selection functions. Comfortable!
For those who do not trust cloud storage, Microsoft has come up with an interesting service called SkyDrive Pro (corporate storage, which is provided through an organization’s subscription to SharePoint Online in Office 365 or through the local SharePoint 2013 system). In this case, the information is stored on the company's servers. You can find out more details.
Online presentation of documents allows you to transfer information in real time to any device with a web browser and the Internet. We were shown an example of a Word document. The bottom line is that the system generates a link to the “Doc”, which is either copied to the clipboard or sent by mail. Next, we “follow” the link and see the text on the screen. Interestingly, if this text is moved on the main gadget, it will also move on the device to which the link was sent.
At an impromptu presentation of Windows 8.1 in the office, we were also told about some business applications. The first program comes with Microsoft Office - Lync. The communication client program allows users to communicate with each other in real time, using various types of communications: instant messages, video and voice communications, desktop sharing, conferences, file transfers. You can find out more details.
Key new features in Windows 8.1
Oddly enough, in the new release the “Start” button on the desktop has been returned. It opens the Start screen or is configured to launch All Apps. Right click of the mouse opens an additional menu. Additionally, users can now boot Windows (for example, on non-touchscreen devices) in Desktop mode.
List of applications. In order to get to the list of all applications on the device, you need to pull up the bottom of the screen. And if you pull down from top to bottom on the lock screen, the camera will launch.
In the new version of Windows, your desktop wallpaper does not change when you switch to Modern UI. It seems like a small thing, but the transition becomes smoother and more natural.
Several icon size options. Select the tile sizes on the Start screen. Let me remind you that in Windows 8 only two options were offered: square and rectangular. In 8.1, two more types were added: one is smaller than the previous square (almost like labels), the other is in the form of two rectangles, i.e. big square.
The first will be of interest to those who want to organize the design as compactly as possible, the second - to those who want to receive more information. For example, a large icon displays detailed weather information.
Improved search. In the new version of the system, search will display results in an elegant window that combines searches on your computer, SkyDrive and the Internet. Top results may contain information, images, links to other searches, documents containing a search bar, a list of Store apps installed on your device, and even actions you can take directly from the page. Internet search results are displayed exactly as they appear when you navigate to the corresponding web pages.
Receive calls from the lock screen. Allows you to answer incoming Skype calls directly from the lock screen.
Setting the window size. In Windows 8.1, you can display multiple applications on the screen at the same time. You can resize application windows with virtually no restrictions. This allows you to work with multiple applications and the desktop at the same time. When using a tablet computer, you have the option to open a new Internet Explorer window in addition to the already open Internet Explorer window. In addition, if the screen resolution is high, then there may be several active windows.
Modern UI interface customization options. In the "Personalization" menu of the Charm panel, you can customize the background color scheme of the interface.
A rather important update is support for tablet computers with a screen diagonal of 7 inches and a resolution of 1366x768 pixels.
Personal hot spot. Necessary if you interact with employees outside the office, Windows 8.1 provides the ability to use the device as a personal hotspot through which you can connect to the Internet and communicate with colleagues.
There are many more innovations, but I think they are worth talking about in a separate full review of the Microsoft Windows 8.1 update.
Conclusion
In this text, I did not evaluate the new version of the operating system and talk in detail about other features of Windows 8.1. The main task was to give brief information about the interaction of devices on Windows and lightly touch on the main features of the update, so I will summarize in the most general terms: the OS looks very good, but to me, as an active user of Windows 7, many things seemed not very convenient to work with (probably requires some operating experience). I think that for gadgets with touch screens, Win8 is undoubtedly one of the best solutions, but for desktop PCs it is a somewhat unusual system.
Roman Belykh (
It's usually the little things that make the biggest difference, and that's no different with Windows 8.1. Even after you've been able to take advantage of most of its new features and use it for a few months, there's still a lot that you might not have noticed.
As it turns out, the OS itself does not intend to show you all its new features in any way. That's why we've prepared a review of what's so new hidden in the depths of Windows 8.1.
The author of this Windows 8.1 "study" is Brad Chacos, a self-described gamer, writer, and sushi lover. He wrote his observations for PCWorld.
Hands-free (this is not about the headset!)
One of the most impressive features in Windows 8.1 was buried deep within the Food & Drink app. The application contains many recipes for a large number of different delicacies, but using the touch screen in the kitchen little good will come of it. For such cases, there is a hands-free mode.
In order to enter it, just open any recipe and press the appropriate key. You can then wave your hand back and forth in front of the camera to navigate between recipes and ingredients.
OneDrive as a Modern version of Explorer
OneDrive (formerly SkyDrive) runs deep throughout Windows 8.1, from its prompt during installation to save all your personal files to the cloud to its icon in File Explorer itself.
In addition, now this application can be used as a Modern version of Explorer, allowing you to work with files in a sensor-oriented interface. To do this, you just need to open OneDrive, click on the service name at the top of the screen and select “This PC”.
One application, many windows
The ability to dynamically manage the size of windows using the Snap feature while multiple Modern apps are open is a fairly small but very useful improvement in Windows 8.1, but there is one additional feature that many people are not aware of. Windows 8 only allowed one copy of an application to be opened, making it impossible, for example, to open Internet Explorer 2 times.
Now, at least with IE11, you can open multiple copies of applications in Windows 8.1. However, to use it, you will have to perform some simple sequence of actions: first open the application, and then click on the link in it using the right button or simply hold down the left button (long touch the screen) and select “Open in a new window”. Unfortunately, many other applications do not yet offer this feature.
Reading mode in Internet Explorer 11
IE11 is one of the most pleasant touch browsers to use, and it comes with a feature that makes reading web pages even friendlier: Reader Mode. This mode removes all unnecessary clutter, including advertising, from the web page on which it is enabled, and presents content in a friendlier, horizontally scrolling format.
To enable reading mode, you just need to click on the book icon on the right side of the address bar.
Automatic application updates
Windows 8 required manual installation of updates for each application from the Windows Store. Windows 8.1 took on all the work, doing it in the background, provided that the user activates the appropriate option. To do this, you need to launch the Windows Store, go to the settings screen, select "App Update" and enable the "Automatically update my apps" option.
In Windows 8, when you drag an application from top to bottom, it closes. In Windows 8.1, this gesture will only hide it, and the application will continue to run in the background. To perform a full reboot, you need to do the following: grab the application with your mouse or finger and move it down until the top half begins to peek out at the bottom of the screen. After this, you just need to leave the tile in this position and after a few seconds a loading animation will appear, which will mean the application will restart.
Changes to the Mail app
Microsoft has made significant improvements to the Mail app in Windows 8.1, more so than any other standard app it turns out. Many changes may not be immediately visible. Now, when you click on a hyperlink in letters, a window of the Modern version of Internet Explorer 11 opens in parallel. Naturally, this will work if IE11 is set as the default Modern browser.
Another change is the ability to transfer letters from one folder to another by simply dragging and dropping.
Group application management
In Windows 8, working with tiles on the Start screen was made very tedious: removing or resizing each of them had to be done separately. After updating to version 8.1, these steps can be performed for a group of tiles: right-click on an empty part of the screen, Start, and then click the Customize button at the top of the screen. This mode will allow you to select several tiles at the same time and then you can perform various actions on them, including resizing, moving or batch deleting.
In order to view all additional control options, you need to open the Search and Apps section in the PC Settings applet and see how much space each of the tiles takes up on the screen.
New tile sizes
Support for libraries for external media
So, Windows 8.1 does not use libraries by default, although they can be reverted very easily. However, despite moving away from using them by default, Windows 8.1 brought some improvements, such as support for external media, which was missing in Windows 8.
This step is important because Windows 8.1 ships with a lot of laptops, hybrids, and tablets, many of which have fairly limited internal memory. If you are going to watch movies that are on a flash drive on your tablet, this opportunity will come in handy more than ever. In addition, now files added to the library from external media will appear in it immediately after the disk is connected.
In order to add media to the library, you need to select the library, right-click on it, select Properties > Add and select the desired folders.
Camera and Skype apps on the lock screen
Some of the improvements in Windows 8.1 can be seen right from the moment you start using Windows 8.1. Users can now access the Camera app directly from the lock screen to take a photo as quickly as possible. This isn't a particularly useful change for PC users, but it's a nice gesture for Windows 8 and Windows RT users on tablets.
In addition, Windows 8.1 and Skype take advantage of the lock screen: you can now answer calls and messages directly from it.
Improvements to the Camera app
Changes have also been made to the Camera app, which can now take panoramic photos in the style of Microsoft Photosynth, although this function is not supported by all equipment, even if there is a webcam. The application also has the ability to take many pictures in a row, and then select the best one from them. The feature is called Photo Loop and, in fact, is an analogue of what was introduced in BlackBerry 10.
Quiet hours
With Windows 8, Microsoft tried to combine two completely different worlds: mobile and desktop. One of the mobile elements is application notifications that appear on the desktop with a corresponding sound. For normal use, notifications come in handy, although a separate center to manage them is a good idea. However, if you use a tablet or PC turned on 24/7, these quiet sounds can simply be annoying.
For such cases, Windows 8.1 added the ability to configure quiet hours (Quiet Hours), which allows you to put the device into silent mode, turning off the sounds of various notifications, during a certain period of the day. To configure you need to go to the interface Settings, go to Change PC settings > Search and applications > Notifications, and then scroll down a little.
New way to turn off
Windows 8.1 allows you to avoid using the Metro interface, and now you can turn off the device not only using the corresponding item in the Metro interface, but also using the following actions: right-click on the Start button, hover the mouse over the “Shut down or log out” item, which will display a list of possible options: turn off, reboot, log out or put into sleep mode.
Getting rid of Metro
For desktop users, Microsoft has added several options that should help them use Windows 8.1. In order to use them, you need to right-click on the taskbar, select "Properties" and on the "Navigation" tab you can disable various settings.
Sorting the application list
One of the options that is hidden in the taskbar settings is to display a list of all applications instead of the Start screen. From the Start screen itself, the list can be accessed by clicking on the arrow icon in the lower left corner or swiping up (for touch device users).
In Windows 8.1, the list of all applications has been redesigned and can now be sorted by name, installation date, frequency of use, and category. In the taskbar settings, you can also enable an option that will allow desktop applications to appear first in this list.
Photo app
The Photos app has also been affected by the changes. Despite the fact that it lost the ability to work with Facebook and Flickr, the capabilities were replenished with various tools for simple editing. Of course, it is far from Photoshop, but now you can crop, change focus and color, add many different effects, all within the application.
Miracast wireless display support
The possibilities of the future are also in Windows 8.1. It is now possible to project an image onto an external display when working with Modern applications. However, it is worth taking into account that a device running Windows 8.1 must also have hardware support for the standard. Surface Pro, as it turns out, supports the standard.
Latest printing technologies
Adding to the possibilities of the future is support for 3D printers. The corporation continues to promote new technologies, even if the majority of users still use 2D printing. Windows 8.1 also includes support for printing via NFC and Wi-Fi Direct. Yes, who needs local networks now?
Synchronizing settings
SkyDrive was a significant step forward in bringing cloud technology to Windows 8, but now with Windows 8.1 the integration is even deeper. Microsoft continues to promote the motto "One system for all devices" and is introducing new features to synchronize the list of applications, the arrangement of tiles on the Start screen, and even tabs from Internet Explorer 11.
New synchronization features can be enabled in the Modern version of the control panel (PC Settings), in the section SkyDrive > Sync, where you can select all the options you need.
Wallpapers for the whole system
One of the most pressing problems with Windows 8 lies in its nature: the desktop and the Modern interface are like two separate worlds that compete for the user's attention. In their original implementation, they are more like two different operating systems than one single system. The core experience in Windows 8.1 isn't much different, but there are a lot of changes included that should improve the user experience for both environments. One of these changes was the ability to set the same wallpaper for both the start screen and the desktop.
If this does not happen automatically, then using the Personalization settings of the Modern interface, you can set the same wallpaper that is used on the desktop.
Slideshow on lock screen
If you're tired of the static image on your lock screen, you can now turn your display into a digital frame using the "Show slideshow on lock screen" setting, which is located in the Modern version of the control panel in the "Lock screen" section.
Device encryption
Just like Windows RT, Windows 8.1 can now encrypt the drive on which the system is located. While all Windows RT tablets support encryption, few PCs are yet compatible with that of Windows 8.1
To support encryption, you need to have a PC that supports secure boot, has a Trusted Platform Module 2.0 chip, and meets the Connected Standby specification, which has its own unclear set of requirements.
If your PC supports all this, then you can encrypt the partition using the application PC Settings, where in the section PC & Devices > Information you can find the settings you need. If your computer's hardware is suitable, an encryption option will be displayed there.
Wi-Fi router
Further implementation of mobile features continued in Windows 8.1, and, as it turned out, not only in terms of the touch interface. If your PC or tablet uses mobile Internet, then you can make it a kind of Wi-Fi router to which no more than 10 devices can connect.
Enabling the mode is simple: PC Settings > Network > Connections. After this, you need to select a mobile network and enable the “Make connection shared” option. If the network is not cellular, then this option will not be available.
The final
It is quite possible that you have your own observations about the innovations in Windows 8.1 that you liked and that help you with your work and routine tasks. Share your observations in the comments!