8 Awesome Improvements for Desktop Users in Windows 8.1

As we all know, Windows 8.1 has brought a new interface which is considerably different from the earlier versions of Microsoft Operating systems (OS). This new interface also known as Metro UI didn’t receive very good user response when Windows 8 was launched in 2013. The replacement of the Start button by a Start Screen was perhaps the most talked about loophole noticed in Windows 8. However, to fix this, Microsoft has already introduced the free upgrade Windows 8.1. Yet, whenever talk of Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 is held, it usually inclines towards a negative note on the ground that the new interface of operating system doesn’t offer a feel at home experience on traditional computers and laptops.

In reality, it is just one side of the coin, because Windows 8 or 8.1 have many awesome improvements, which not just apply to the touch-screen devices but also comply with the traditional computers and laptops. If you are a Windows user then it is recommended that instead of creeping about the drawbacks of the latest Microsoft OS, you must know about the improvements of the OS so that you can take advantage of it.

Taking the cue, listed below are eight amazing improvements for Windows 8.1 desktop users.

Increased Boot Speed

If you closely examine then you will realize that your Windows 8.1 desktop or laptop PC will take less time to boot up as compared to the earlier versions of the OS. The boot up time has almost reduced to half with the latest OS. This is because the new OS employs a clever trick where it saves the state of low-level software and hardware drivers to the disk. Owing to this during the next session of booting up, the software and hardware gets easily restored and thus improves the booting speed.

Better File Copying Features

With Windows 8.1, even the file copying feature has got dramatically improved. Using the new file copy dialogue, you can do many new things which were earlier not possible such as:

• View multiple file-copying operations in a single window
• Stop file-copying operations in between
• Easily manage the file conflicts
• View file transfer’s speed over time

These new features are very helpful and also the interface is quite simple.

Improved Multiple Monitor Support

Power users require using multiple monitors, and to have separate taskbars and wallpapers on each monitor, third-party software was required in the previous versions of Windows. But the updated 8.1 OS has got these features as inbuilt component of the OS. Hence, with Windows 8.1, power users can enjoy improved multiple monitor support.

Task Manager

Windows 8.1 brings to you a much improved Task Manager that proposes user-friendly user interface (UI) as compared to the older version. Some of its new features are listed below:

• It has a Startup software manager that controls the software that loads during the system startup
• The new task manager is easier to understand because of its color-coded usage columns for resources and easy program names
• Any mysterious process online can be understood by right-clicking on it, which will provide the detailed description.

File Explorer Improvements

With Windows 8.1 even the Windows Explorer has got improved. Now it is known as File Explorer and has the new ribbon interface. This new interface facilitates easier ways of accessing powerful options. For instance, you can view hidden files without going through the menus and dialog boxes. Also, you can easily choose to close down the ribbon if you don’t want to see it. Now, in the File Explorer you can mount ISO and VHD files just through double-clicking and there is no need of installing any additional software. Also, the "Up" button on the toolbar, which was removed in Windows 7, has been brought back with Windows 8.

Storage Spaces

Another power-user feature in the new Windows OS is the Storage Spaces. This feature allows the creation of a bigger storage pool by combining several physical hard disks. The bigger storage pool performs as a single hard disk.

Battery Life

Windows 8.1 is a more power-efficient operating software that avoids squeezing battery life out of computers and laptops because it has done certain low-level system changes.

Security

The latest Windows OS has put a lot of attention towards improving system and data security. For the first time Windows OS has got an integrated antivirus called Windows Defender. You can either continue using this antivirus or can disable it to use any other antivirus program. If your AV program gets expired and you are not able to update it, then you can enable Windows Defender.

Apart from this, other notable security improvements in 8.1 OS include, Secure Boot that provides protection from Rootkits, integration of Microsoft’s Smart Screen that prevents users from downloading and installing malware, and others.

So, do you still think that Windows 8.1 is not an improved OS? Aforementioned are just some of the improvements, while Microsoft has made many other changes towards betterment of the new OS. If you explore the improvements of 8.1 OS, then you will realize that even from your traditional computer or laptop, it is a great OS to work with.

About the Author: Brooke M. Perry is an ardent technician associated with Qresolve online pc support with wide experience of fixing issues with PCs, laptops, tablets and smartphone. With a strong track record of devising effective ways of online tech support and system security, she has so far helped thousands of users across the globe.

Brooke M. Perry is an ardent technician associated with Qresolve computer security, with wide experience of fixing issues with PCs, laptops, tablets and smartphones.