Why You Should Upgrade to the Windows 8.1 OS?

Launched on October 26, 2012 Microsoft’s touch-centric operating system (OS)

Launched on October 26, 2012 Microsoft’s touch-centric operating system (OS), Windows 8 was not received well by the desktop users. Windows that had remained the best OS for desktops for years was looked down for its Windows 8 version on grounds that it is too much touch centric, difficult in its interface and gives the feeling of two operating systems in one.

It was reported from various corners of the world of technology that users are not delighted about the replacement of Start menu by start screen and other changes that lead to clashes in user interfaces (UI). Users were missing the classic desktop and got explicitly upset that there is no way to make the Classic desktop as the default. To redress these grievances, Microsoft took no time to launch the updated version labeled as Windows 8.1 on October 17, 2013.

Windows 8.1 literally has carried many updates, tweaks and fixes that are aimed at rectifying the flaws of Windows 8. The 8.1 version is an attempt to make the operating system compatible for small tablets to large-screen workstations. If you are using Windows 8 and finding it difficult to work upon it then read below to learn why you should upgrade to the Windows 8.1 OS?

1. Start Button

When Windows 8 was launched, there was a popular war-cry on the loss of Start button and Start menu that have been replaced by the Start screen. Windows 8 features the new Start button with Windows logo but it doesn't have the veteran power of a Start button. It’s just the gateway to the new-style Start screen. Many users got uncomfortable with that start screen, thankfully Windows 8.1 has brought back start button.

2. Boot to Desktop

Since the launch of Windows 8, users made a long time request to get back the classical desktop. The 8.1 version has bought back that classical desktop by facilitating the feature of bypassing the modern-style Start screen, where the system directly boots to the desktop. Windows 8 tend to get all the programs (you have ever used) featured as a tile on the desktop or pin it to the Taskbar. But if you don’t want this to happen and prefer having only the selected program icons on your desktop, then you should upgrade to Windows 8.1 to get the direct boot to desktop.

3. Search Heroes

Microsoft has noticeably enhanced the Windows' built-in search features in the 8.1 version. Its new search capabilities have been termed by the company as "Search Heroes." Search heroes bring to you highly designed result pages where you will get not just the apps, files, or web results, but you will also be offered with actions. For example, if you search for a popular musician like “Rihanna,” you will also get the option to automatically play the artist's top tracks via Xbox Music. Similarly, if you search for some city, along with the web results, you will also get to see biographical and Web info. For instance, searching for "Chicago" will show up a map, the city’s current weather, top attractions, etc.

4. More Windowing Options for New-Style Apps

The 8.1 version brings to you the advance New-style apps feature. Using this feature you can use more than one app on your screen. Windows 8 allows only the projection of two apps on the screen, that too the second app gets adjusted only on a narrow side-bar window. But in the 8.1 version of Microsoft OS, you can simultaneously place the windows of up to four apps a time, provided the developer has included this feature in that app and the display resolution of your PC is adequate. That means you can view up to four apps at a time and if you have two-monitor set up then you can view eight apps.

5. New Store

The Windows Store for 8.1 version is a radically improved version of its predecessor not just in terms of design but also in terms of operational features. Apps get automatically updated, so you will never get to see in the web store the numbers showing how many of your apps need to be updated. Also, it supports the users in installing the bought apps on multiple PCs.

The best feature about the new store is its improved user interface. Now there is no need of doing lots of scrolling through different categories because the apps get highlighted in an enlarged form and this highlighted app keeps on changing; it’s like changing banners. Besides, there are links like ‘Picks for you,’ ‘Popular Now,’ and ‘Top paid’ and ‘free’ to ease down your search for apps.

The aforementioned improvements are just a few of the many improvements that Microsoft has included in its new OS update. If you are using a desktop and like many others not very satisfied with interface of Windows 8, then now you know why you should upgrade to the 8.1 version. You can get back your start menu, directly boot to the desktop, enjoy better interface in app store and do lot more with the updated version of Microsoft OS.

Brooke M. Perry is an ardent technician associated with Qresolve online computer support with wide experience of fixing issues with PCs, laptops, tablets and smartphone.

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