Windows 8.1: the most annoying features
With this practical tip, we present the most annoying functions of Windows 8.1 and show you how you can use the operating system more easily with the right solutions.
1. Nerve slayer: Open tiles on the desktop
Even with Windows 8, many users were upset about the tiles, which are visible on a second surface regardless of the desktop. The constant change not only annoys, but is particularly time consuming. We will therefore show you what you can do differently under Windows 8.1.
- You can attach the tiles to the taskbar under Windows 8.1. So you can see important apps in desktop mode and do not have to switch back and forth all the time.
- In addition, the apps can then be started via the task bar. This enables you to open individual apps in desktop mode. In this way, you can avoid switching and have all the important apps at a glance.
2. Nerve slayer: Standard apps are used
Windows 8.1 seems to have its own program for almost everything. For example, PDFs and MP3s are opened with programs that deviate from many common programs such as Adobe Reader or Windows Media Player. This is pretty nerve-wracking, especially if you work with different operating systems. Then you have to familiarize yourself with each new program. We'll show you how to do it differently.
- You can change the programs manually at any time by clicking on "Open with", which is already familiar from Windows 7 and many predecessors, before opening. However, this is often quite cumbersome.
- For this reason, you can alternatively carry out an automatic adjustment. Under Windows 8.1 it is possible to change the standard apps.
3. Nerve killer: Bing search is activated in Windows 8.1
Everything that you want to search for on the web under Windows 8.1 is tracked down by default by Bing, the search engine from Microsoft. This is particularly annoying if you are otherwise on the net with another search engine. We will therefore show you what you can do about it.
- It is possible to deactivate the Bing search engine under Windows 8.1. This is particularly useful if you do not want additional search results from the Microsoft search engine.
4. Nerve killer: Windows 8.1 only with Microsoft account
If you want to use Windows 8.1, you need a Microsoft account to register. At least you will be asked for it at the beginning and asked to enter the data. With a little trick you can bypass registration via Microsoft account. We show you how it works.
- It's a little hidden, but actually the Microsoft registry is just a recommendation at the beginning. You don't have to do it. If you want to use Windows 8.1 in this way, you can also use the operating system without a Microsoft account.
5. Nerve killer: Apps always open in the background
As with Windows 8, it is also the case in Windows 8.1 that the apps remain open in the background if you do not close them properly. If you previously worked with Windows 8, the closing process now differs from the updated operating system. We will therefore show you how to do it correctly.
- The apps can also be closed under Windows 8.1 by dragging them towards the bottom of the screen.
- In addition, you can now close the apps using the white "X" in the top right corner.
- Remember to close the apps properly, otherwise they will stay open in the background all the time. Especially if you are working with a laptop that is not connected to the charging cable, this will cost you unnecessary energy.
Tip: If you are not yet familiar with the changes under Windows 8.1, you can first install both operating systems, i.e. Windows 8.1 and Windows 8, in parallel.