5 Tips and Tricks to Get More Out of Windows 8

Are you someone who've just started running Windows 8 on a shiny new PC and have been beating around the bushes trying to figure out how to use it to the fullest? Or are you someone who just updated their laptop or desktop? If so, you probably have worked your way through the basic tutorials of Windows, as well the basics of Windows 8.

Managing and customizing Windows is a different story with Windows 8. There are plenty of new commands and features in Windows 8 are hidden or quite hard to find, so it won't take too long before you figure out where and how to perform a specific task. Tablet users can swipe their way around the Start screen and Windows 8 apps with their touch-sensitive displays, but PC users are up for a challenge with the new Windows version. However, here are some power-user tips that are guaranteed to make it a smooth ride for you with your Windows 8 desktop or laptop.

Customize Your Start Screen

Even though you can use your own personal background image to Windows 8's Start screen, you can still liven it up with a splash of different colors and styles. If you'd like to customize your Start screen, simply open the Charms bar, and then click on the Settings charm, and then click on the Change PC settings link.  On the PC Settings screen, click on the Personalize tab. On the right pane of the Personalize section, click on the link for Start screen. From these, you can choose a style from one of the two rows of icons under the Start Screen's preview window, and then choose your desired color from the palette below.

If you would like to have a sneak peek of the color combinations you've chosen, press the Windows key on your keyboard to get a preview of the new Start screen before saving it. Press the Windows key again to go back to the Personalize tab if ever you changed your made about the colors or style.

Locate an App, a Setting, or a File

You can perform this action right from the Start screen, just by typing the name of the application, setting, or file in order to locate it. For example, if you type the word "Windows" on the Start screen, you'll see all programs, apps, or files that have Windows on it from the search result such as Windows Defender, Windows Media Player, Windows Firewall, etc.

From there, you can even filter the search results by clicking the Settings option on the right panel, and you'll see specific settings related to Windows. If you click the Files option, you will receive a filtered search of all files or documents that contain the word "Windows" in their name or description. Once you have found what file or app you're looking for, simply click on it from the search results to access or open it from there.

Connect to a Wi-Fi Network

Compared to previous Windows versions, connecting to a wireless network is considered to be much easier in Windows 8 -- as long as you know where to find the option to do it.

To connect to a Wi-Fi network, open the Charms bar, then click on the Settings icon. This is where you will see the icon for the wireless network availability. If you haven't connected to a Wi-Fi network yet and there's one or more networks available, the icon will display the word "Available" and that's where you need to go to. On the next screen, you'll see a list of nearby wireless networks. Click the network you wish to connect to, select the option to remember the connection, in case you would want your computer to automatically re-connect to it the next time you're back on the same location.

After that, you may be prompted to enter the network security key, if the network requires one. Tell Windows if you want to turn on sharing between your PC and other devices on the network. If you right-click on a particular network, you will find additional information and options to help you manage that network.

Sync Settings Across Several Windows 8 Computers

By having a Microsoft account, you have the ability to synchronize a variety of settings across multiple Windows 8 PCs such as your account picture, Lock screen background, browser favorites, and passwords. By enabling this option, you also get to pick and choose which settings you would like to sync.

To do this, open the Charms bar, then go to Settings, and then click on the Change PC settings link. On the next screen, go to the Sync your settings section. On the top of the right pane, you will find the option where you can toggle the sync option to either On or Off. If you enable it, you will have the option to choose different categories of settings that you wish to include in the synchronization process.