Articles tagged: Windows 8.1

A photorealistic image of a balance scale. On one side of the scale is the Microsoft logo, symbolizing a Microsoft account. On the other side is a local user icon, representing a local account. The scale is evenly balanced, depicting the equilibrium and choice between using both types of accounts in a Windows environment. The background is neutral to emphasize the scale and the symbols.

What Does Signing in to My Microsoft Account Really Mean in Windows?

Let’s sort out some of the differences between logging in using your Microsoft account and logging in using a local account.

Thumb Drive Inserted.

How Do I Boot From a USB Thumb Drive?

UEFI has made booting from something other than the hard drive more complex. I’ll review why, and what steps to take.

Risks Ahead

What Does “Unsupported Software” Really Mean?

“Unsupported software” can refer to different things. I’ll review variations on the theme and revisit the question of whether unsupported software can be used safely.

Unsupported hardware notification

Why is Windows Complaining About Unsupported Hardware?

Unsupported hardware because the CPU is too new? It’s a scenario some users of older Windows versions can experience. There are a couple of solutions.

Download Windows

Where Can I Download Windows 11? Or 10? Or 8?

You can download Windows versions 8.1, 10, and 11 from legitimate sources. If you have a legal retail product key, this could be your replacement media.

Should I Upgrade to Windows 8.1 Instead of Windows 10?

Should I Upgrade to Windows 8.1 Instead of Windows 10?

As Windows 8.1 is “between” Windows 7 and Windows 10, it’s tempting to think it’s a less jarring change. It’s not.

Moving the Windows Taskbar Back to the Bottom

How Do I Move the Taskbar Back to the Bottom?

Occasionally, the Windows taskbar can end up on either side (or even the top of) your screen. I’ll show you how to move the taskbar bar back to the bottom.

Saved! Backing Up with Windows 8 Backup

Windows 8 Backup: One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

Windows 8.1 changed its included backup program. A tiny bit for the better, and a lot for the worse. I wrote a book on Windows 8.1 backup, but I’d rather you did something else.

Windows Update - Downloading Windows 8.1 Update

How Do I Get the Required Windows 8.1 Update?

I received a question that pointed me to an article on a reputable mainstream press site discussing the Windows 8.1 Update that Microsoft recently rolled out. The update will become the new baseline for Windows 8 and within a month or so, it’ll be required in order to receive continued updates. Their article’s  headline compared getting the … Read more

Windows

Can I ignore Windows 8.1 and stick with Windows 8?

My belief is that you probably want 8.1. Not for any features per se – but I think you’re going to want 8.1 or 8.2 or whatever comes later… someday.