Starting with Windows 8.1 you can optionally set the Desktop to load rather than the new interface when your computer boots up. Furthermore, after you install the Windows 8.1 Update, your computer will automatically do that if it detects a keyboard and mouse.
The other big change Microsoft made starting with Windows 8 is removing the Start Menu, which you could previously access by clicking the Start button in the bottom-left corner. Microsoft wants you to use the new interface instead, which offers access to pretty much all the same programs and functions but in a much different fashion. However if you’re like me, you want the familiar menu back that you’ve used for nearly two decades. Fortunately, there is a way to do this!
In the future Microsoft may bring back the Start Menu with an update to Windows 8.1 or in the next Windows release. In the meantime, there are many third-party add-ons you can install to get a familiar Start Menu. My favorite is the free Classic Shell.
If you’re okay without a Start Menu you still may want to know how to easily access the power options, so you can more quickly shutdown, restart, log off, switch users, or put it to sleep. Instead of having to bring up the new Charms bar from the right corners of the screen, clicking Settings, and clicking Power, you can just press ALT and F4 on the keyboard at the same until you see the power options appear.
Keep in mind; hitting ALT + F4 will close any open program, app, or window before the power options appear. For instance, if you have three applications running, you have to hit ALT + F4 three times to close all the applications and then once more to bring up the power options.
You can still buy new PCs loaded with Windows 7, but the few tips I’ve shared here should help you feel more comfortable with using Windows 8. I think the improvements outweigh the annoyances. New features like Secure Boot and disk encryption make Windows 8 more secure. New recovery features like File History, Refresh, and Reset make it easier for you to backup files and recover your system from crashes.
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