![]() ![]() Like the new boot-to-desktop option, you have to dig for it. It would be nice if this option was a bit more obvious.īut good news! Unlike Windows 8, Windows 8.1 indeed has a desktop shutdown option. You still have to swipe open the modern UI charms bar, then select Settings > Power > Shutdown-at least at first glance. There’s just one niggling problem: The desktop doesn’t have any obvious way to shut down your PC, unless you’ve installed a Start menu replacement program with the option. It’s not the same as banishing the modern UI completely, but hey, Microsoft’s modern apps actually handle pretty well with a keyboard and mouse, if you don’t mind all their wasted space. If you don’t like the idea of replacing all of Windows 8.1 native apps with desktop alternatives-only modern-style apps receive system notifications, for one thing-you can compromise by installing Stardock’s simply sublime $5 ModernMix program, which lets you run Metro apps in desktop windows. Don’t forget about Windows Media Player if you’ve skipped VLC!Ī modern-styled block in a desktop-shaped hole Metro apps running on the desktop courtesy of ModernMix’s might. From there, select Programs > Default programs > Set your default programs and go through the list, giving your desktop software the default reins. Right-click the returned Start button and select Control Panel if you’ve opted to stick with the Windows 8.1 version, or open the Start menu and select Control Panel if you’ve installed a Start button replacement like Classic Shell. Once that’s done, you’ll need to set all those desktop programs as the defaults for the file types they support. You’ll also want to snag a desktop PDF reader like Sumatra PDF.ĭon’t forget Windows Media Player while you’re setting desktop-friendly defaults! (You just have to give WizMouse a whirl.) Remember: Windows 8.1 can’t play DVDs out of the box, so consider picking up the free, yet excellent VLC media player if that’s important to you. Rather than rattle off a giant list of suggestions, consider checking out PCWorld’s guide to essential free software, our tutorial on building the ultimate free security suite, and-for the more adventurous- 20 obscure, yet supremely useful PC programs. You’ll need to install some desktop programs to replace those apps if you want to cut the modern UI cord completely. Windows 8.1 includes software to meet virtually all of the average user’s everyday needs… but all of those baked-in goodies are modern-style apps, not proper desktop software. Fortunately, there’s always the trusty F3 button for that. It works well enough, but unlike Start button replacements, the All Apps view doesn’t let you search for individual files or folders. Even better, enabling the “List desktop apps first in the Apps view when it’s sorted by category” option will do just that. If you check the “Show the apps view automatically when I go to Start” option in the Taskbar Properties’ new (and awesome) Navigation tab, clicking Windows 8.1’s Start button will bring up a full-screen list of all the apps installed on your PC, rather than the modern Start screen. You can have the All Apps view list desktop programs first.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |