Interface

Make the Start Screen yours

Hover over image to enlarge

Most of the changes in Windows 8.1 are visible straight from the Start Screen. New sizes of Live Tiles that offer more information or reduce clutter on screen, additional motion backgrounds, and the ability to set any image as the Start Screen wallpaper make for an improved and refined interface. The transition between desktop mode and "Metro" is a lot less jarring now, and there are even options to boot to desktop or set a new All Apps view as the default home page for the Start Screen.

Microsoft appears to be listening to its Windows 8 critics here, making 8.1 a more customizable experience that suits all needs. Altering the new Start Screen takes some getting used to if you're used to the old method, as you have to hold down on Tiles to move and change their size or position. It feels less intuitive than before, but it also prevents accidental swipes and movements so there's a tradeoff involved. The lock screen has also been tweaked to include quick access to the camera, the ability to quickly accept Skype calls, and a slideshow feature that pulls pictures from SkyDrive or the local PC. These features are minor, but good additions for upcoming 7- and 8-inch devices.

The Start button returns

The controversial Start button returns to Windows 8, and if you want you can almost combine it with the All Apps view to create a Start Menu of sorts. The button is simply a visual element that takes you back to the Start Screen, but you can also right click on it and access power user commands and the shutdown or restart options. Its return should help ease one of the usability complaints around Windows 8, but it does very little to change the way you have to interact with the Charms or the recently used apps with a mouse and keyboard. Fortunately the hot corners can be disabled so if you want to totally avoid the "Metro" world then it's possible to do so without third-party software now.

Side by side, multi-monitor, Miracast

One of the biggest changes in Windows 8.1 is the ability to have greater control over snapped applications. In Windows 8 apps could run side-by-side, but it was rather limited with a roughly 30 / 70 percent split. Microsoft is altering this dramatically in Windows 8.1, allowing apps to snap in a new 50 / 50 mode. You can also change that percentage to better control how much of an app you see on screen. This means it’s possible to snap three, four, or more apps alongside each other. There’s a limit, but it’s based on the number of 500 pixel increments you can fit on a display. On 7- and 8-inch tablets, Windows 8.1 will support the 50 / 50 view in landscape mode, with the majority of improvements aimed at portrait mode and reading scenarios.

Multiple monitor support is greatly improved

Multiple monitor support for Windows 8-style applications has been greatly improved in Windows 8.1. In our testing you can snap multiple apps across multiple displays and even extend a machine wirelessly to a Miracast-compatible display. Microsoft is supporting Miracast natively and it has surfaced as part of the Devices Charm with the project option. Snapping apps on multiple monitors is a little confusing, and dragging apps between monitors doesn’t always have the desired effect. I found that the Start Screen would often jump to the active monitor, making it tricky to arrange apps. Still, the support is welcome and it certainly makes Metro a lot more appealing on desktop and laptop computers without a touchscreen.

Access PC settings from Metro

With Windows 8, you had to use the traditional Windows desktop Control Panel to adjust practically any important setting on the computer, and if you're a power user or find yourself troubleshooting computers often, that might still be the case. But for most tablet users, the new touch-based PC settings will probably be enough for most anything. It's still a bit of a mess of nested options as of the Windows 8.1 preview build, and you might be better off just searching for what you want, but if you're looking to change the screen resolution or how long the computer will sit idle before it goes to sleep, these new menus have you covered.