Prevent Apps From Running in The Background

Previously on Windows 8, when you drag a Start Screen app down to the bottom of the screen, it will close the app. However, on Windows 8.1, this action will only make the app disappear – it is still running in the background. To close the app, drag the app down to the bottom of the screen but instead of letting it go, hold on to it. Wait until the app card flips over, and only now the app is closed.

Configure Automatic App Updates

Unlike Windows 8, app updates in Windows 8.1 will be automatically installed by default without the user’s consent. To stop this from happening, open Windows Store and access the Settings Charm menu – the charm must only be activated once in the Windows Store or else it will not display the required menus. In the Settings Charm menu, select Settings and navigate to App Updates. Enable or disable the option to automatically update apps.

Scale Each Screen Independently Windows 8

In the past, Windows allowed you to scale up icons and fonts to a maximum of 500%. However, what is best for your screen may not necessarily translate on a secondary display. Text and icons may not be in proportion to one another. To solve this problem, Windows 8.1 allows you to scale each screen independently. To customize these settings, right-click on the Windows Desktop, select Screen Resolution, and select Make text and other items larger or smaller.

In Windows 8 Customize Quiet Hours

Integrated notification pop-ups were first introduced on Windows 8. What’s new on Windows 8.1 is the option to turn the notifications off or set a period of time for which the notifications may appear. To do this, go to Change PC settings, click on Search and Apps, select Notifications, and configure the relevant options.

Smart Files in Windows 8

Smart Files is a new feature on Windows 8.1 that allows you to view your SkyDrive files without having to download everything onto your computer. When you browse through your SkyDrive folder in File Explorer, you’ll see a column called Availability. By default, all the files are listed as Online-only, which means that as long as you are connected to the Internet, you can view the files without actually having them on your computer’s hard drive. If you want a particular SkyDrive file or folder to be available offline, just right-click on it and select the Make available offline option.

Customize Privacy Options

Windows 8.1 offers you options to set what devices and data are used by apps found in the Windows Store. You can allow or block apps from accessing your personal information. You are also able to turn off your advertising ID so that advertisers do not use your personal data to display personalised ads. To customize these settings, go to Change PC settings and navigate to Privacy.

Use Internet Explorer 11 Reading View in Windows 8

When you load any webpage using Internet Explorer 11, a Reading View icon can be seen on the address bar. If you click on it, Internet Explorer will automatically reload the page and display a clean version – free of ads. This makes it very easy to read as there are no distractions. However, this feature is not available for the desktop version of Internet Explorer 11.

reate A Lock Screen Slideshow

your Windows lock screen could only be a static photo. On Windows 8.1, you are able to create a lock screen slideshow with your favorite photos. To do this, go to the Settings Charm menu, click on Change PC Settings, select PC and Devices then click on Lock Screen. Enable the option On to create a lock screen slideshow.

Customize Start Screen Background

Windows 8.1 also allows you to customize your start screen. Just swipe the Settings Charm menu and tap on Settings. Click on Personalize to change the colors of the background as well as the accent.

Customize Home Screen Tiles

Besides resizing icons, you can also customize your home screen tiles on Windows 8.1. To move and group tiles, just go to your Start Screen and right-click on any of the tiles. After grouping your tiles, you can also name them by filling in the Name Group field.