Skip to main content

Microsoft releases a Windows 8.1 how to PDF manual

google discloses another windows security bug fix out soon 8 1 review
Image used with permission by copyright holder

In its efforts to help Windows 8.1 and owners of the newest version of Microsoft’s desktop OS get more acquainted, Redmond published a PDF manual entitled “Windows 8.1 Power User Guide.” Though the first page of the PDF frames this guide as a document geared towards business users, as CNET notes, there are plenty of notes and tips in here that the average Windows 8.1 can take advantage of.

For instance, one page of the PDF details how a Windows 8.1 user can get to certain areas of the OS in no time by right-clicking on the Start menu while in the classic desktop side of the Windows 8.1 UI. By right-clicking on the Start menu button, you’ll pull up another menu that features several cool buttons that’ll zip you over to other areas you might want to access on a regular or even semi-regular basis, like the Task Manager, Control Panel, Programs and Features, Power Options and much more.

Recommended Videos

Flip around the rest of the guide and you’ll find tips on how to get the most out of other Windows 8.1 features including the Taskbar, File Explorer, Mobility Center, Task Manager, linking a Miracast-enabled display with your Windows 8.1 PC, and much more.

To download Microsoft’s new Windows 8.1 guide, just click here.

What do you think of this Windows 8.1 guide? Do you think there are any crucial tips missing from this guide? Sound off in the comments below.

Konrad Krawczyk
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Konrad covers desktops, laptops, tablets, sports tech and subjects in between for Digital Trends. Prior to joining DT, he…
How to password-protect an Excel file on Windows and Mac
A person using a laptop while lounging on a couch.

If you use a computer, you probably have some Microsoft Excel documents on your Mac or PC that you wouldn’t want other people to find and read.

After all, Excel serves not only the average person, but also businesses, government institutions, and millions of other folks worldwide. Whatever you’re using Microsoft Excel for, the best way to keep that information safe is to learn how to password-protect an Excel file.

Read more
How to convert a PDF to a Word document
Young Adult Laptop Lifestyle

PDFs are a great way to share documents because the format can be read by mostly anyone. It's generally used with digital manuals, sales receipts, manuscripts, and so on — documents that aren't meant for editing. Think of PDFs as digital printouts with pretty designs.

However, there may be times when you need that document in another format other than a PDF. For instance, you might use Microsoft Word and wish to edit the PDF. Or a potential employer may want to read your resume. Originally saved as a PDF, they may prefer to view it in Word rather than Adobe's software. Here, we'll walk you through a few of the ways you can convert PDFs to Word documents.

Read more
Microsoft cracks down on Windows 11 upgrade requirements
A photo of the Sensel Click Composer Software running on Windows 11

With just a little more than a year left before Windows 10 hits its end-of-life, Microsoft has been busy encouraging people to upgrade to Windows 11. One of the hurdles with getting PCs upgraded to Windows 11, though, are the hardware requirements -- and now they're cracked down on harder.

A recent beta build of Windows 11 has patched the well-used "setup.exe /product server" workaround that allowed you to completely bypass the system requirements check and run Windows 11 on a non-compliant machine -- in other words, a machine without TPM 2.0.

Read more