Buzz
The interface of Windows 8.1 features a touchscreen-friendly layout, indicating Microsoft's intention to develop this operating system for its devices in the future, including desktops, laptops, ultrabooks, tablets, and possibly smartphones.
Guide to Customizing the Standout Start Screen on Windows 8.1
The interface of Windows 8.1, as shown below, requires users to interact with the system through actions such as mouse clicks, drag-and-drop, and screen arrangement to familiarize themselves with the icons (tiles) on the Start screen.
The Start screen interface includes pre-installed applications like Skype, Mail, Photos, various news websites, and notably, the Desktop for accessing the desktop interface, accessing the hard drive, and clicking the downward arrow icon to access the Apps section.
The Apps section in Windows 8.1 is similar to the StartPrograms section in Windows 7, serving as a repository for installed applications on the computer.
On the Start screen, clicking the Desktop icon provides a user interface for managing Computer, Recycle Bin, Network, and other functions.
To customize the Start screen according to our preferences, let's explore some of the following features.
When installing programs for use, if there's a shortcut on the Desktop, right-click on the icon and select Pin to Start to add that shortcut to the Start screen. These shortcuts for applications are referred to as tiles. To pin a website to the Start screen, open Internet Explorer, visit the desired website, then click on the gear icon and select Add site Start Screen.
On this screen, three additional applications have been installed: Play Typer Shark Deluxe, TypingMaster, FastStoneCapture, all pinned to Start. We can name a group of tiles using Name group.
Right-clicking on a tile, such as Play Typer Shark Deluxe, will display functions to execute for the tile (below the Start screen).
- Remove from Start: Take the tile off the Start screen.
- Pin to taskbar: Add an app shortcut to the taskbar.
- Uninstall: Remove the application from the computer.
- Open New Windows: Launch the application.
- Execute as administrator: Run the application with administrator privileges.
- Open file location: Access the directory containing the application.
- Resize: Adjust the tile size, with options for small, medium, and large sizes.
Depending on the function of each tile, for instance, when right-clicking on tiles like reading online news, stock information, online games, etc., the toolbar will only have options for Remove from Start, Uninstall, Resize, and Turn off live tile to disable automatic internet connection of the program (shown below).
Furthermore, to organize tile groups, we can use the drag-and-drop action by pressing and holding the left mouse button on a tile, dragging it to the desired area, and releasing the mouse button.
To change the background color of the Start screen, move the mouse cursor down to the bottom right of the screen, or press the Window + C combination.
Select SettingPersonalize. In the Personalize section, there are three selection areas.
Area 1: Wallpaper for the Start screen.
Area 2: Background color for the Start screen.
Area 3: Accent color for the wallpaper.
After completing the steps to customize the Start Screen interface on Windows 8.1, return to the screen to see the difference. You'll surely have a unique Start Screen interface unlike anyone else's.
