User Guide

The desktop is where you’ll go to run desktop apps, like Office, and use Control Panel or File Explorer (formerly

called Windows Explorer).

To open Control Panel and more: Right-click the Start button in the lower-left corner of the screen.

What moved or changed in Windows 8?

If you’re familiar with Windows 7, here’s the scoop on what’s moved or changed in Windows 8.

Task or item

How to do it in Windows 8.1

Searching

The Search charm is the new way to search. See How to search in this guide.

Start menu

The Start screen replaces the Start menu in Windows 8.1. You can start any app or

program from the Start screen. See Find and open apps for more info.

To access items that used to be on the Start button, right-click the Start button in the

lower-left corner.

Shut down or restart

Open the Settings charm, tap or click Power, and then choose Shut down or Restart.

Control Panel

(changing settings)

Control Panel is still available, however, many settings are available in PC Settings. For

more info, see the Change your settings section in this guide.

Printing from desktop apps hasn’t changed. To print from a Windows Store app, open

the Devices charm, and select your printer. For more info, see How do I print? in this

guide.

Close a program

Closing desktop apps hasn’t changed. To close a Windows Store app, drag the app off

the bottom of the screen. For more info, see Use apps and programs in this guide.

See all your apps and

programs

To see all of your apps, swipe up from the center of the Start screen.

Install apps and

programs

Windows 8 has a new app store called the Windows Store. For info about this, see

Install apps and programs in this guide.

Change date and time

Open the Settings charm, tap or click Change PC Settings > Time and language.