Windows 8.1: A List of New Features and Updates

Microsoft has released Windows 8.1 on 26 June 2013 at Microsoft’s Build conference in San Francisco. Now you can download Windows 8.1 Preview from the official site of Microsoft. But before you download it, you should know about the new features of Windows 8.1. Here is a list of new features available in Windows 8.1. Let’s have a look.

Start Menu is back:
The most familiar Start button which is missing in Windows 8 is returned to the desktop. But the start button is a bit different than the previous start button. By right clicking on the Start button you can get the power user menu with options like shutdown and restart. So, you can shutdown and restart the computer directly from the Start button, as you do in previous Windows versions.
Start screen wallpaper and lock screen:
Windows 8.1 also includes options to make your PC more personalize like you can set your own wallpaper on the Start screen, control the appearance of the Start menu backgrounds and colors, and the accent color of the Start charm. It comes with new motion accents, animated wallpapers that move as you scroll through the Start screen. You can also use the lock screen can now as a digital photo frame which will display the slideshow of images stored on the user’s PC or in cloud.

Tiles:
Windows 8.1 includes an option to bypass the tile-based Start Screen. It also features variety of tile sizes including a new large and new small tile alike Windows Phone. You can even decrease the app tiles to thumbnail size.

Improved Windows Store:
Windows 8.1 comes with an improved Windows Store, which makes it easier to discover and download new apps. Now it displays more information than before. It shows detailed lists of top free apps, new releases and picks for you on the homepage. The updates now installed automatically in the background.
Sync All Your Data to the Cloud:
SkyDrive is now the default location for saving documents. So, now you can always access your files wherever you go, even when you’re offline. SkyDrive will let you access all your files that are on your PC or in the cloud. Windows 8.1 also lets you to connect to Wi-Fi Direct printers without adding additional drivers or software.

Internet Explorer 11 for faster browsing:
Windows 8.1 also includes Internet Explorer 11 Preview, which is built for touch with quicker load times. You can experience full-screen browsing with IE 11 preview, and even get real-time info delivered on your Start screen through live tiles for your favorite sites.

It also features improved search option, new apps, kiosk mode, improved background and more. You can download Windows8.1 preview to enjoy the benefits.