Microsoft's just-launched Windows 8.1 upgrade is way more than a service pack, even though it's a free update for Windows 8 users through the Windows Store. And, let's be frank, even the operating system's most vocal supporters will probably agree that Microsoft needs an update bigger than a service pack to change Windows 8's somewhat rocky narrative. Yes, a lot of the changes are tweaks and tightenings, but there are also plenty of new capabilities like built-in support for 3D printing, Miracast display sharing, and a new Web radio feature in the included Xbox Music app.
Windows 8.1 brings literally hundreds of updates, fixes, and tweaks for both home and business users, as well as for form factors from small tablets to large-screen workstations—more than is possible to cover in even in a long-format review, let alone in a quick cheat sheet of top new features. That said, below are what we consider the handful of new features that we think will affect the largest number of Windows 8 users.
1. Start Button
This was a popular war-cry among those who lamented the interface changes in Windows 8. And yes, the desktop does now have a Start button, sporting the new Windows logo, but it doesn't do what the veteran power users probably wished for: It launches the new-style Start page. But really, that's okay, since you can think of that as simply a full-screen start button panel—just start typing a program's name to launch it or look for a file or setting.
2. Boot to Desktop
Another vehement request of the long-time Windows users was that you should be able to bypass the modern-style Start screen entirely, and with Windows 8.1 this becomes possible. So if you've got desktop icons for all the programs you ever use or have them pinned to the Taskbar, you'll never have to see that tiled screen again. Unless you mistakenly press the new Start button! To turn on boot-to-desktop, right-click the Taskbar and choose Properties, and then Navigation. Finally, under Start screen, check the "Go to the desktop instead of Start when I sign in."
3. Search Heroes
Microsoft has done a lot of work on Windows' built-in search in 8.1. A highlight of search's new capabilities is what the company calls "Search Heroes," highly designed result pages that offer more than just app, file, or web results, but instead offer actions. A couple of good examples of Search Heroes show up when you search for a popular musician or for a city. Searching "Rihanna" lets you immediately play the artist's top tracks and videos via Xbox Music, as well as see biographical and Web info. Searching for "Chicago" results in a page showing a map, the current weather, and top attractions for the Midwestern city.
4. More Windowing Options for New-Style Apps
While the ability to show more than one app on the screen at a time was already unique among popular tablet OSes, Windows 8.1 increases new-style app windowing options. In Windows 8, you could only run a second app in a narrow sidebar window, but with 8.1 you can horizontally size the windows however you want, as long as the developer has allowed it for the app. You can also display more than two apps—up to four, as long as your display resolution is adequate. You can also have multiple apps showing on multiple monitors, so if you have a two-monitor setup, you can view up to eight apps!
5. New Store
Not only has the Windows Store undergone a radical redesign that's a distinct improvement over its Windows 8 predecessor, but it benefits from some operational improvements as well. Apps are now automatically updated, so you'll never see the little number in the Store tile indicating how many of your apps need attention. You can also now install bought apps on as many PCs as you like, though remote monitoring by Microsoft will quash abuse.
But the Store's improved interface is the real new here. Instead of a lot of scrolling through categories, you now see one large highlighted app that alternates between a few choices, Picks for you, Popular Now, and then the usual Top paid and free. And individual app pages let you see the description, large screenshots, and reviews and comments without having to look behind tabs. We're still waiting for a web-based presence for the store, but Microsoft insiders assure me that that's coming.
But the Store's improved interface is the real new here. Instead of a lot of scrolling through categories, you now see one large highlighted app that alternates between a few choices, Picks for you, Popular Now, and then the usual Top paid and free. And individual app pages let you see the description, large screenshots, and reviews and comments without having to look behind tabs. We're still waiting for a web-based presence for the store, but Microsoft insiders assure me that that's coming.
6. More Robust Settings in Modern Interface
In Windows 8, you could do a few things on the modern Settings page accessible from the Charms, but too often you had to head to the desktop mode's traditional Control Panel to make the adjustment you wanted With Windows 8.1, the number of options in the new-style Settings page has blossomed to nearly quadruple the number in Windows 8. Basic things like Display settings, Devices, mouse and keyboard, AutoPlay, and more are now readily accessible there. You can also see your PC info such as processor and memory without a trip to the desktop's Control Panel. For a bonus feature, click the Next arrow!
Help & Tips
This one can do a lot to allay all the Windows 8 fears you've heard about. Once you’ve got a few frequently needed gestures under your belt, as this app demonstrates, you'll be using all the new operating system's added capabilities with aplomb. Short animations show the gestures and concepts you need to master, and offers an all-around tour of the operating system's setup.