Windows key + r: Opens the Run dialog.

Alt+F4: Closes a Windows 8 app (instead of moving your cursor to the top of the screen and swiping down).

If you're already in the Desktop, it minimizes all your open windows (a second Windows key + d restores all the windows).

Windows key + d: If you're in the Start screen or a Windows 8 app, this sends you to the Desktop.

If, as I do, you regularly go back and forth between Desktop and Start, Windows is an easy way to move between them.

Windows key (that key near Ctrl and Alt on your keyboard with the Windows logo): Toggles between your last two locations.

You can, but there are easy keyboard shortcuts for most tasks. You don't need to point your cursor to the upper right corner to open the Charms bar, or move your mouse to the top of the screen and then swipe down to close a Windows 8 app. If you're in the Desktop, you can access search via the Charms bar (move your mouse to the upper right screen corner or hit Windows-C, then click the search icon) or, to specifically search your files, click Windows + f. Windows 8 answers with a live search that will show matching apps, system settings and files - not only files with names matching your search term, but all files containing the given phrase. No need to open the Charms bar or a search box simply begin typing (even though no text entry field is visible). For example, while there are several ways to search your computer with Windows 8, one of the easiest is to simply start typing when you're at the Start screen. The Start screen does have a lot of functionality of the old Start button, but some of it isn't screamingly obvious. Use the Start screen's speedy search: Just start typing. Many consider the Desktop to be a faster-running version of a largely Windows 7 experience. That's what most power users - and many intermediate-level users - I know who are reasonably satisfied with Windows 8 are doing. I'll glance at my live calendar and weather tiles after bootup to the Start screen, but otherwise I usually head to my Desktop. I'm not sure that's how Microsoft wants you to view it, but I don't need super-large icons when I've got a keyboard, a mouse and a 23-inch non-touch display. Think of the Start screen as a glorified Start button then move on. After a few weeks on a spanking new PC, here are my top tips for making Windows 8 less annoying. Many of the new mouse gestures are particularly irritating if you've got a large desktop display or are trying to use a trackpad.įortunately, there are ways to tame the OS for use with keyboard and mouse.

How to go full screen on windows 8