Contents
Windows 10 is available now!
Making Windows 8 Run more like Windows 7
Boot straight to the desktop
Create a Shutdown Button
Create a Quick Launch Menu
Get to your Windows 8 Apps
Recap what you've done so far. (+ the Quick Link Menu)
The Windows 8 Lock Screen
Enable the Hibernate Option
THIRD PARTY START BUTTON MENU PROGRAMS
Watch the Installer
Where to find good programs for your PC
Back up your PC and your data!
Windows 8 Hot Keys
Watching DVD Movies with Windows 8
Boot your PC without a Windows Logon Password
Use a Four-digit PIN to logon to your PC
Upgrading (from Windows 8) to Windows 8.1
Windows 8.1 Update
Setting Program Defaults
Disable the Modern Apps
Run the Modern Apps
Compatability concerns with Windows 8
Reset your login password in Windows 8
Where are my Libraries?

Hate Windows 8?
    If you do not like Windows 8 this is your chance to get rid of it entirely and replace it with a new Windows operating system that includes a true Start Menu as well as the security features already included into Windows 8. Windows 10 starts up nearly twice as quickly as Windows 7 does, same as Windows 8. In addition Windows 10 includes other new features such as virtual desktops, a feature that Unix users have enjoyed for years.
    An added bonus is that all new apps, as well as all those from the Store now run in their own resizable windows on the Desktop rather than full screen. This includes PC Settings as well since the aggravating Charms Menu is gone!
    Even if you like Windows 8 you should probably allow the upgrade - sooner or later - since Windows 10 also includes the option to switch between the Desktop with the Start Menu and the Start Screen. Moreover, the operating system software will auto-detect whether a keyboard and a mouse is attached or not then load the user interface preferable for each configuration - The Start Screen for touch-based tablets and the Desktop, Start Menu when a keyboard and/or mouse is attached to the PC.

No need to get in a hurry
    For those of you who do not wish to upgrade I plan to leave this Windows 8 guide in place so it will be here if you need it.
    For those of you who plan to upgrade I'll leave you with one bit of advice. It's not necessary to get in a hurry to upgrade. Windows 10 will be free for the entire year after its introduction for those who qualify. (If your PC is running a valid copy of either Windows 8.1 or Windows 7 SP1 you should be good.)
    To avoid the nearly inevitable glitches that sometimes manifest themselves with such comprehensive upgrades it may be better to wait a bit to be sure as you can be that Windows 10 will run properly on your PC after the upgrade. I suggest that you follow the advice of PC experts who will, almost assuredly, post numerous articles about Windows 10 Upgrades on popular PC websites such as CNET, PC Magazine, and PC World Magazine. Perhaps doing so will save you some avoidable grief if and when there are upgrade problems.
    Not only get a new and free operating system for your PC but get it Right!

    Just don't wait too long. If you allow the entire year to pass without upgrading then Windows 10 will cost you $119. Take advantage of the completely free upgrade offer before July 29, 2016 to save some cash!

    And remember, if you don't particularly like the look of Microsoft's new Start Menu with tiles that comes with Windows 10 you will still be able to install a Third-Party Start Button Menu Program so that your Start Menu will be more recognizable and user-friendly for former Windows 7, Vista, and XP users.

Compatability concerns?
If you are concerned that a PC with Windows 8 may not run programs created for a previous version of Windows see this compatability note before you spend extra money to get a PC with Windows 7 instead of Windows 8.

    The new Windows 8 is faster, more secure - but also more radical than previous Windows operating systems. It also works well for tablet PCs and those that have touch screens.

    However many people, especially those who have laptop or desktop PCs with no touch screens don't like the Modern Windows 8 Start Screen.
    Many PC users have also been dismayed to learn that Microsoft has removed the familiar Windows Start Button Menu from the desktop forcing users to muddle through the new Start Screen instead. Also, not included is an easy way to boot directly to the desktop.

    Using the new Windows 8 (Modern) Start Screen with a mouse (or laptop touch pad) and a keyboard is, in my opinion, not very intuitive to say the least. This forces even veteran PC users to hunt around, wasting time to perform even the most basic tasks.
    For example, the power (shutdown) button is tucked away, hidden in the Settings Menu of the Charms Bar, instead of being plainly visible. And that's not the only thing Microsoft has hidden or obscured in Windows 8. More on that later.

    If you're one of those who feels this way here's how to configure your Windows 8 PC so you won't need to see the Start Screen quite so much (unless you want to).

    You may wish to read through this tutorial first - before making any changes - to be sure you will be comfortable with these new features. Any changes you make can easily be discarded or reversed if Microsoft comes to their senses and gives us (laptop and desktop users) the features we want (and need) in a future update.

    Even though I encourage you to read the first few sections before resorting to a third-party software solution you can, if you wish, simply skip ahead to the Third-Party Start Button Menu Programs section and choose a start button menu program to download and install and be done with it.

*Once the Task Scheduler is open, click Action in the menu at the top left and choose Create Task.

*In the Create Task window Name your task - Boot to desktop - or something similar. (Note: You will be listed as the author using your user account.)

*In the same window, at the very bottom where it says Configure for: Choose Windows 8 from the drop down menu. You'll notice the default is Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008. Don't click OK yet!

*In the same window - Open the Triggers tab, select New (at the bottom), and then choose At log on in the 'Begin the task' drop-down menu at top.

*Click OK in the New Trigger window, and then open the Actions tab. Click New again then enter explorer in the Program/script field of the New Action window.

*Save the action by clicking OK in the New Action window.

Only if you have a laptop PC - Before you close the Task Scheduler.
*Click on the Conditions tab in the Create Task window and you will see a check in a box before the line: Start the task only if the computer is on AC power. Uncheck this box.

If you have a desktop there is no need to worry about this last step.

If you wish, you can click the Action and Triggers tabs again to be sure your settings are correct. If everything is correct click the General tab.

*You can now save the entire task by clicking OK in the Create Task window and then close the Task Scheduler window.

You're done!

    From now on, every time you log in to Windows, you'll automatically jump to the desktop, where the first thing you will see is an open Libraries folder.
    If you decide at a later date that you no longer want your PC to boot directly to the Desktop you can return to the Task Scheduler and either disable this task or delete it.

Windows 8.1
After an update to Windows 8.1 it should not be necessary to create a Shutdown Button since the reintroduction of a (crippled) Start Button now includes an option to Shutdown.

Windows 8
     Many Windows users prefer to use the Start Menu to shutdown their PC and that's that. Even though they know they could just press the power button they prefer to use menus or dialogs whenever possible.
    They can't Log Off, Sleep, Hibernate, or Restart by pressing the power button anyway.

    Some users may know that the keyboard combination (hot keys) Alt+F4 will summon the Windows Shutdown Dialog Box, but only if there are no open windows or programs. Clicking the keys can become tedious if there are a few open windows and programs. (Alt+F4 will forcefully close open windows and active programs also without saving any data.)

    In Windows 8 the power button icon is inconveniently located in the settings menu of the Charms Bar. And for those who have PCs with no touch screens and wish to work exclusively in the desktop this seems a bit clunky as well as unintuitive.

    One solution is to create a power button icon that can be double-clicked on the desktop or or activated from a custom taskbar menu.
    If this is appealing read on.

    The following will show how to create a custom power button that calls the standard Windows shutdown dialog.
*First, open the Notepad program.
How to open the Notepad program: In the desktop, hit the Windows+R keys and the Run box will appear. Type Notepad into the Run box - Click OK.
*Select the following jscript string, right-click on it, then choose Copy. Click in the open Notepad window then right-click again and choose Paste. -

(new ActiveXObject("Shell.Application")).ShutdownWindows();

Note: Select the entire string - including parentheses and semicolon. If somehow the pasted text has curly quotes enclosing Shell.Application your script will do nothing. There should be straight quotes. (or Plain Text)
*In the Notepad program click on the File menu and choose Save As.
* In the Save window name the new Notepad file Shutdown.js (The file name must have a .js extension.)
*Also in the Save window choose All Files instead of Text Files.
*Choose to save the file on your desktop.
Your new file's icon should look like this:

    Try it!
    Double-click the newly created file to be sure it calls the Windows Shutdown Dialog Box. This dialog is already a part of Windows and this is the easiest way to call it up. You will notice that the dialog has options to restart, sleep, switch user and log off as well as Shutdown. (Click Cancel or elsewhere on the desktop and the Shutdown menu will go away.)

    Not quite finished…
    Your file does not quite look like a Shutdown button does it? If you wish you can make it look a bit more finished.
    First of all you need to put the file somewhere out-of-the-way. You don't want to leave it hanging around on your desktop.
*Place your newly created Shutdown.js file somewhere in your file system. The Documents folder is a good place. You can even put in its own folder, it doesn't matter, to reduce desktop clutter you should put it in an out-of-the-way place.
*After you have moved the file to its final resting place right-click on it and create a shortcut and then drag that shortcut to the Desktop. You can close any open folders now.
*Right-click the shortcut and choose Properties. Click Change Icon.
*Choose an icon that suits you for a Shutdown button.
The red power button is always a good choice.

*Click OK and then Apply and OK again.
This is your new Shutdown Button that calls the Windows Shutdown Dialog box. Double-click it to make sure it works then leave it on your desktop for now.

    Do you miss the Quick Launch Menu from Windows XP that seemed to disappear after Windows Vista? If so, here's how to get it back. You may need it more than ever with Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 also!

*In the desktop, right-click on the Task Bar. Choose Toolbars, then New Toolbar.
*Copy the following location text in the Folder text entry box in the New Toolbar window.

%UserProfile%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch

It should look like this after you paste the location text.

*Click the Select Folder Button and you now have a Quick Launch Menu in your Taskbar.

Place your Shutdown Button in the Quick Launch Menu
    Simply drag your earlier-created Shutdown Button to the Quick Launch area on the Taskbar. When your cursor is atop the Quick Launch area you will see the text Move to Quick Launch. Drop it there and your Shutdown button is now in the Quick Launch menu.
    Try it! Click again on Quick Launch and you will see Shutdown as a menu option.
    When you install any new programs you can add their shortcuts to the Quick Launch Menu in the same way!
    You can now drag the Shutdown shortcut that's on your desktop to the Recycle Bin if you wish - to get it out of the way.

Note: If you decide, at a later date, that you no longer wish to have a Quick Launch menu in your Taskbar just right-click on the Taskbar choose Toolbars and remove the check from the Quick Launch option.

    What about all of the new apps that came with Windows 8? You just might find that some of them are useful after all. But you need a simple and easy way to get to them from the Desktop. Just create a new Shortcut and paste the location of the All Apps Screen into it!

*Start by creating a new Shortcut on your Desktop. Right-click on the Desktop and chose New and then Shortcut.
*Copy one of the following location texts and then paste it into the location box in the Create Shortcut window.

%windir%\explorer.exe shell:::{2559a1f8-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}

When pasted into the location of a shortcut the above location text will enable the shortcut to bring up the All Apps Screen in the Windows 8 New (Modern) interface. (Includes the Search Window)

OR

%windir%\explorer.exe shell:::{4234d49b-0245-4df3-b780-3893943456e1}

When pasted into the location of a shortcut the above location text will enable the shortcut to open a desktop window containing New (Modern) Windows 8 Apps. In addition this window will contain Shortcut Icons for all of the other programs you have installed to this point.

Note: Use one location or the other - but not both in the same shortcut.

The Create Shortcut window should look like the one below after pasting the location text.

*After pasting the location text hit the Next button then type a name for your new shortcut. Something like All Apps or New Apps would do. Click the Finish button.
*Place your new All Apps shortcut in the Quick Launch menu the same way you did for your shutdown button.
You're done!

*You have your new Windows 8 PC booting directly into the desktop rather than the Start Screen.
*You have a new Quick Launch Menu from which you can start programs and open locations on your PC.
*You created a new Shutdown button from which you can easily and safely Restart or Shutdown your PC.
*You placed a shortcut to your New Apps into the Quick Launch menu.

    Now you need an easier way to get to the Control Panel and some of the other Administrative tools on your PC.
    Press the Windows+X keys: The Windows 8 Quick Link Menu will appear in the lower left of your screen. Perhaps you used it earlier to get to the Control Panel.

    You can get to this menu by clicking the Windows+X keys even if you are in the Start Screen.
    In Windows 7 the Windows+X keys brought up the Windows Mobility Center. However in Windows 8 these same keys summon what Microsoft calls the Quick Link Menu. The Mobility Center is also included (but only on a laptop PC).
    The Quick Link Menu is referred to by other names on different websites. Some call it the Admin Menu, others call it the Power Users Menu. But Microsoft refers to it as the Quick Link Menu on their support site.

If you have not yet used a third-party Start Button Menu program to disable the hot corners:
    If you move your cursor to the bottom left corner of the screen you will see a tiny window of the Start Screen. A regular left-click here opens the Start Screen. However if you Right-click in this corner the Quick Link Menu will appear.

    When you start (and restart) your new Windows 8 PC you will notice that there is a Lock Screen that may display information such as new mail, calendar entries, the weather, and other information while the computer is locked.
    To get to the login screen from the lock screen is simple - click on it with your mouse or hit the Enter button.
    However since this lock screen is better suited for a tablet PC than it is for a laptop or a desktop PC with no touch screen you may wish to do away with it so you will boot directly to the login screen.
Note: Eliminating the lock screen involves using the Group Policy Editor if your PC is running the Professional version of Windows 8.

    However if you are in the majority - one of those who has a PC running Windows 8 Home edition (Or simply Windows 8) - you can only make this change in the Windows Registry since Windows 8 (regular or Home Version) has no Group Policy Editor.

    If you are not sure which edition of Windows 8 your PC is running you can go to the Control Panel and choose System and Security then System. At the top of the window you can see which edition of Windows your PC is running. You will note that the System window also displays other information about your PC that may interest you.

If your PC is running Windows 8 Professional
*Start the Group Policy Editor by pressing the Windows+R hot keys and typing gpedit.msc OR by typing Group Policy in the Start Screen and then click on the Settings category.
The option for Edit Group Policy should now appear.
*Click on the Edit Group Policy option and the Group Policy editor will open.
*Under the Local Computer Policy, expand the tree to the following path: Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Control Panel\Personalization
*When you see Personalization, left-click on it to select it as shown in the image below.

*Double-click on the Do not display the lock screen setting in the right pane and its properties screen will open.
In that screen (Not shown for brevity) you will see three radio buttons on the left. They are labeled Not Configured, Enable, and Disable. (You will see that Not Configured is chosen by default.)
*Choose the Enable radio button on the Do no display the lock screen setting then click Apply then OK to dismiss that screen.
*Close the Group Policy Editor and you will not see the Lock Screen any longer when you login to Windows.
Note: if you wish to change this back at some time in the future simply go back to the Group Policy editor and change the setting back to Not Configured.

If your PC is running Windows 8 (Home)
You can change this setting only by using the Windows Registry Editor or by using a registry file.
    Before you make any changes in the Registry you should know that this particular change (as far as I am able to determine) has not been sanctioned by Microsoft. Unsuccessful (or unauthorized) changes in the Windows Registry have the potential of making your PC unstable (or even unusable).
    So, if you do not feel comfortable editing the Registry perhaps you should just leave the Lock Screen alone.
    But if you wish to proceed (even knowing the risk) you can go to this web page at the How-to-Geek site. They provide a registry file and/or instructions to do it yourself.

Classic Shell http://www.classicshell.net/ (This is the one I use.)
    This excellent, free program provides you with a reproduction of the Windows Start button menu. The layout is nearly the same as Windows 7 - Cascading menus included.
    After installation right-click the start button to bring up a menu which includes a Settings window where you can customize Classic Shell to your heart's content.
    Classic Shell's settings includes an option to to boot directly to the desktop. It's easy to turn off the irritating hot corners that activate the Charms Bar.
    If you wish, you can even replace the bland Windows Start Button with another one that looks much better!

• *To do this right-click the Start Button then choose Settings (The settings window will open.)
• *Next choose All Settings at the bottom of the window (Top of the window in the latest version).
• *Now choose Windows 8 Settings tab and put a check in the Skip Metro Screen box. Then choose the All radio button further below.

Start 8 (US $4.99, Free trial available) http://www.stardock.com/products/start8/
    Start 8 from Stardock may be the most faithful reproduction of the Windows 7 Start Menu. This Start Menu program from Stardock has a good customizable interface and may very well be worth the $5 they charge for it. Try it for free for 30 days.

    To sum up: If you like the way the Start Button worked in Windows XP then Classic Shell is for you. However if you want a more faithful rendition of the Windows 7 Start Menu, Start 8 may be more to your liking.

    All of the Start Menu programs I've tested seem to be stable as well as customizable and, in addition, they all include an option to boot to directly to the desktop - bypassing the Start Screen without creating a Task, as well as disabling those occassionally irritating hot corners.

After download and installation be sure to configure the settings of your new Start Button Menu program. Settings are normally accessed by right-clicking the Start Button. In the settings menu you should see where you can set your computer to boot directly to the desktop bypassing the Start Screen and also turn off those annoying Windows 8 hot corners. Then restart your computer to be sure everything works as advertised.

    If you think the shelf is nearly bare with only two choices for Start Menu programs here's a few more to look at before (or after) you make your choice:
ViStart (Free), StartIsBack ($3.00 US), Start Menu Reviver (Free), Start Menu 8 (Free).

Use a free installer/updater program that requires no installation to use. Download and run!
    If you grow weary of the need for this constant vigilance you can get a small program that will either install or update your important software for you without installing bloatware or any unwanted programs along with it.
    Download the Ninite installer app from http://www.ninite.com after choosing the programs you want it to install or update.

    If you decide to use Ninite be sure to use it to install or update Adobe Shockwave (which includes the Flash Player) and Adobe Reader.
    And if you have Oracle's Java installed be sure to include it also since the Java installer is one of the worst bloatware/PUP offenders of all.
    If your software is already up-to-date the Ninite installer will let you know and do nothing.

    There are a number of sites on the internet that have Freeware, Shareware, and Paid Software for download. But one of the best is Filehippo.Com.
The site promises virus and malware free downloads.

    Filehippo has older versions of most programs available for download as well as the latest versions. This is a good option since many users swear, when it comes to some programs, that one earlier version or the other has killer features that were dropped in a later version.
    In any case this site can provide you with either free or low-cost software that will enable you to do just about anything you wish to do on your PC.

A note concerning security software:
    If your new PC does not come equipped with a third-party antivirus program I recommend that you get one.
    I can recommend three good antivirus programs - two of them are completely free and the other is a paid program.
    The two free antivirus programs are Avast Free Antivirus and AVG Free Antivirus. Both programs feature automatic downloads of virus and malware definitions and both do a great job of keeping your PC free of threats.
    Be aware that both of these free antivirus programs will offer paid versions and features - decline them - take the free stuff and run!

    However if you feel that paying for an antivirus program will be best then choose Norton Antivirus - it is a perennial top-rated antivirus choice that will do an excellent job of protecting your PC.
    Also be aware that you can opt for the more expensive Norton Security Suite or the even the more pricey Norton 360. However the regular Norton Antivirus should be all you need.

    Note: If you chose to opt for one of the above antivirus programs (free or paid) but you have one installed already you should uninstall it first. Running two active antivirus programs is not recommended.

    If you experience any problems with any programs that do not open when you double-click a file you expect that program to open go to Setting Default Programs to learn how to set program defaults.

    For much more specific information concerning free software read my file Freeware.
    Also, if you suspect you may have malware on your PC but are not sure, read my file How you know you have malware on your PC.

Recovery media does not save your data!
    Recovery media merely returns your PC to its factory defaults. It does not save the files (music, pictures, text files, etc.) that you may have accumulated after days, weeks, or months of use.
    To recover your data you must have it backed up on an external hard drive, a USB flash drive or to the Cloud.

    Most PC Makers do not include recovery media with a new Windows 8 PC, but all PC makers include a one-time option to create recovery media. Recovery media can be created on multiple DVDs (as many as 8 DVD disks or more) or a single USB flash drive (Either 16GB or 32GB size). Note: You can also contact your PC's manufacturer to order Recovery media for a fee.

    For more information about backups see How to backup your files, which also contains information about how to create your recovery disk(s).

A full list of Windows 8 hot key shortcuts is available on the Microsoft Support Website.

Windows shell (Start screen)
The following Windows key shortcuts work in the new Windows shell/Start screen.

WINDOWS KEY - Toggles between the Start screen and the foremost running app (Modern-style) or the Windows Desktop. (You can hit this key to get to the Windows (Explorer) desktop from the Windows 8 (Modern) start screen.)

WINDOWS + 1, WINDOWS + 2, etc. - Switch to the (classic) Windows desktop and launch the nth shortcut in the Windows taskbar. So WINDOWS + 1 would launch whichever application is first in the list, from left to right.

WINDOWS + B - Switch to the (classic) Windows desktop and select the tray notification area.

WINDOWS + C - Display Charms and time/date/notification overlay. (Note that this shortcut displays the charms in the lower left of the screen and not on the right as would be the case using touch.)

WINDOWS + D - Switch to the (classic) Windows desktop and toggle Show Desktop (hides/shows any applications and other windows).

WINDOWS + E. Switch to the (classic) Windows desktop and launch Windows Explorer with Computer view displayed.

WINDOWS + F - Search Files using the new Windows Search pane.

WINDOWS + I - Display Settings pane for the Start screen (also provides access to Networks, Volume, Screen Brightness, Notifications, Power, and Language).

WINDOWS + L - Lock PC and return to Lock screen.

WINDOWS + M - Minimize the selected Explorer window.

WINDOWS + O - Toggle orientation switching on slate and tablet PCs.

WINDOWS + P - Display the new Project (for "projection") pane for choosing between available displays.

WINDOWS + Q - Search (within) Apps using the new Windows Search pane.

WINDOWS + R - Switch to the (classic) Windows desktop and display the Run box.

WINDOWS + U - Switch to the (classic) Windows desktop and launch the Ease of Access Center.

WINDOWS + X - displays the Windows 8 Quick Link Menu.

WINDOWS + Z - Display the App Bar in a Modern-style app.

Note that tapping WINDOWS + [any unsupported letter] will trigger a Search Apps (and classic applications) task using the new Windows Search pane, with the letter pre-typed in the search box. So WINDOWS + A would start searching for apps (and applications) that include the letter 'a'. This is no different from simply tapping the letter 'a' at the Start screen, since any such typing starts the Search Apps task.

Windows desktop (classic)
The following Windows key shortcuts work in the classic Windows desktop. Note that while many of these shortcuts also work in Windows 7, some are new to Windows 8.

WINDOWS - Toggles between the Windows desktop environment and the new Start screen. (If no third-party Start button program is installed.)

WINDOWS + 1, WINDOWS + 2, etc. - Launch the nth shortcut in the Windows taskbar. So WINDOWS + 1 would launch whichever application is first in the list, from left to right.

WINDOWS + B - Select the tray notification area.

WINDOWS + C - Display Charms and time/date/notification overlay.

WINDOWS + D - Toggle Show Desktop (hides/shows any applications and other windows).

WINDOWS + F - Search Files using the new Windows Search pane.

WINDOWS + I - Display Settings pane for Windows Desktop (also provides access to Networks, Volume, Screen Brightness, Notifications, Power, and Language).

WINDOWS + L - Lock PC and return to Lock screen.

WINDOWS + M - Minimize the selected Explorer window.

WINDOWS + O - Toggle orientation switching on slate and tablet PCs.

WINDOWS + P - Display the new Project (for "projection") pane for choosing between available displays.

WINDOWS + Q - Search (within) Apps using the new Windows Search pane.

WINDOWS + R - Display Run box.

WINDOWS + U - Launch Ease of Access Center.

WINDOWS + W - Search Settings using the new Windows Search pane.

WINDOWS + X - Displays Windows Quick Link Menu.

WINDOWS + ARROW KEYS - Aero Snap.

Not sure which version of Windows your PC is running?
    *If you have installed a third-party Start Menu click the Start Button and then right-click This PC, then choose Properties from the context menu that appears.
    *If you have no Start Menu Program yet go to the desktop (by pressing the Windows + D keys). Then press the Windows + X keys (at the same time) and choose System from the menu that appears.
    Either way, the System window will open where you can see which version of Windows your PC is currently running.
    If your PC is running Windows 8 read on.
    However if your PC is already running Windows 8.1 See Windows 8.1 Update to find out if further update action is necessary.

Things to consider: (Before you upgrade to Windows 8.1)
    If your PC is currently running Windows 8 and you are experiencing no problems you have little to lose by waiting - or not installing the update at all!
    This is especially true if you have no touch screen, work primarily in the desktop, and use a third-party Start Button Menu program.
    There are no new "killer" features that are enabled or installed by the Windows 8.1 Update - unless you have chosen to work in the Start Sceen more than in the desktop.

Caution!
    If you decide you wish to install the upgrade from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1 be aware that you will need to also apply the Windows 8.1 Update afterwards to continue receiving any important or critical updates (especially security updates) from Microsoft through Windows Updates.
See Windows 8.1 Update
    If, however, you decide to stick with Windows 8 (rather than upgrading to Windows 8.1) don't worry. You will continue to receive all important and critical updates through Windows Update just as you always have until January 12, 2016, when you will be required to upgrade to Windows 8.1. So you have quite a while to think about it.

Before you upgrade to Windows 8.1:

• *Back up your personal data and files either by using a USB Flash Drive or by creating a System Image and a USB Recovery disk (If you have a large enough external drive.)
• *Be sure you have disks or installer programs to reinstall your desktop programs should any of them be lost.
• *Run a scan for Malware - Use Malwarebytes Free scanner to run a quick scan to be certain your system is clean - Be sure to update the virus definitions first! You certainly don't want to carry any spyware or virus files through to Windows 8.1!
• *Check Windows Update - be sure it's set to download and install all updates automatically. The update will sometimes quit with an error if all necessary Windows updates have not been applied successfully.
• *Microsoft recommends using a Windows Live account to log in to your PC when updating (Rather than using a separately-selected username and password to log in to your PC). If you do this, it is important to rememeber your Microsoft account email password.
      I have not personally updated any Windows 8 PCs without a Microsoft Account so far but I believe that using a Microsoft account to log in will enable things like Onedrive connectivity with the Start Screen modern app much easier. If you plan to use Onedrive with the separately downloaded desktop application it shouldn't matter.

    *Then you should read the directions first! Go to Update FAQ from Microsoft! Read the Upgrade Assistant FAQ then download and run the Upgrade Assistant, especially if you have concerns about the compatibility of installed programs.

    *Finally, if your PC is currently running Windows 8 simply go to the Start Screen and click on the Windows Store Icon. Click the large button that says Update to Windows 8.1 for free!
    The update should be applied automatically with little user input - Other than entering your Windows password and choosing your default settings.
(If you have disabled the Charms Bar and the Start Screen with a Start Menu Program it is not necessary to change those settings. Simply Click the Windows + C keys and then Click Start on the Charms Bar to get to the Start Screen.)

After updating a few PCs to Windows 8.1 I have noticed a few things:
    After clicking the update button in the Windows Store the install will sometimes quit with an error. If this is the case for you, and you have followed all the steps above, simply keep trying.
    Be aware that the download is large (multiple gigabytes) - it will take quite a while to download before the install begins.
    While Windows 8.1 is being installed your PC will sometimes show no indication that anything is happening. Don't be tempted to interfere! Your PC will restart two or three times before the update completes.
    If your Windows Updates are current and you have no malware problems the update should sooner or later download and complete successfully. Persistence is the key!

After the update completes:
    If you have installed a third party Start Button Menu program before the upgrade you will most likely need to either reinstall it or choose repair with the installer program.
    Be sure your new Start Button has replaced the poor excuse for a start button that comes with Windows 8.1.
    Check all of your Start Button Menu program settings - take time to set it up exactly how you want it!

    Now Microsoft has released a further update for Windows 8.1 users. It may be easy to confuse this update with the Windows 8 to Windows 8.1 upgrade available through the Windows Store. However this update is available through Windows Update - no need for a separate download. Read about it in this statement from Microsoft.
    Among other things the update allows pinning Modern (Metro) apps to the desktop taskbar. This may be helpful if you actually use any of these apps. See ModernMix for more info on this.
    Microsoft has stated that this update will be applied without user action to any PC running Windows 8.1 that has its Windows Updates configured automatically. But I have noticed that this update is listed in Windows Updates Important updates but is sometimes not checked to be added automatically.

What to do:
    If you bought a PC that came with Windows 8.1 installed or have recently upgraded to Windows 8.1 from Windows 8 check to see if the Windows 8.1 Update is installed. To check if you have the Windows 8.1 Update already installed simply look at your Start screen.
    If you see a search button (a magnifiying glass icon) next to your account picture (and the power icon) in the upper-right corner, your PC is running Windows 8.1 Update and no further action is necessary.
    If no search button is present, read on.

It's all in the details
    It's not only important that you install this update - it's critical!
Read the details (below) for this update - especially the part in bold type (my addition).

Windows 8.1 Update for x64-based Systems (KB2919355)

Update type: Important

Windows 8.1 Update is a cumulative set of security updates, critical updates and updates. You must install Windows 8.1 Update to ensure that your computer can continue to receive future Windows Updates, including security updates. For a complete listing of the issues that are included in this update, see the associated Microsoft Knowledge Base article for more information. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer.

    If you do not install this update you will, after May 13, 2014, quit getting windows updates from Microsoft. So be sure that it's installed!

Check for and install the update
    Check Windows Update (in the Control Panel, Click Important or Critical updates) If the Windows 8.1 Update is not checked to be installed in the Select Updates to be Installed window simply check it then click Install (at the bottom of the window). If, for some reason you get an error just keep trying until the update begins to download.
    The update is quite large - possibly 600MB or larger - and will take some time to download and install. It may appear that nothing is happening. So be patient. Do nothing to interfere with either the download or the installation. Only shutdown or restart your PC after the update has been installed.
Good luck!