Top 5 PC Settings in Windows 8.1

Microsoft’s Windows 8.1 is offered for upgrade with a few new features and an attempt to make it more user-friendly for customers. The upgraded version of the OS is carrying both the modern tiled UI and the traditional desktop to impress the users who had already headed towards Windows 8. The Windows upgrade carries numerous performance enhancements and customization features that can make this OS a wider choice of users globally.

The ‘Control Panel’ of the traditional desktop is replaced with the Metro-themed PC settings and has resolved many issues related to navigating the new interface. The ‘PC Settings’ are equipped with some of the new features that are extensions to the old school desktop Control Panel. Several features are self-explanatory for offering excellent user-interface, however, the others will require a little bit of explanation.

In this article, you will read about the top 5 PC settings in Windows 8.1 and their comparison to the equivalent desktop Control Panel, wherever possible.

 1. Sync

Many of you are using SkyDrive for storing your important files, photos, videos and other things in the virtual world. Microsoft’s Windows 8.1 has made some changes in SkyDrive settings to offer you a great control over the SkyDrive’s activities. With these settings, you can even gain an access over the parameter that how many settings and files SkyDrive sync with each device, on which you log on.

With wide range of synchronization options in the Metro as well as Desktop environments, the sync settings allow you to change themes, colors, app history, layouts, and many other things. To view all the activities that take place inside sync settings, you need to sign-in your Microsoft’s user account.

Syncing allows you to view various files, already stored on SkyDrive, on each device that you connect to Skydrive and also offers you the option of downloading it. Its customized syncing option allows you to turn off all the programs or characteristics of programs that will not appear on other devices. Be very curious while syncing browsers and mail accounts as they will store your password and other sensitive information on all the synced devices.

 2. Network and Connections

The PC settings in Windows 8.1 have also introduced improved Network and Connection settings. Although, these settings are not hard core ‘Network’ settings, but can be called as the similar ones that you might have done in the ‘Network and Sharing Center’ of the Control Panel.

The ‘Connections’ settings allow you to view and configure settings of various existing network connections irrespective of their variety and construction i.e. wired, wireless, or virtual private network (VPN). Additionally, you can also set your connection’s discoverability highly usable while connecting through a public or private network, meaning that your device will either appear or stay hidden on a particular network.

If you use your devices on public networks at large, then it’s recommended to disable the ‘find devices and content’ features, but don’t forget to enable it when you come back on a private network. By making appropriate use of this setting, you can easily copy properties of connection to the clipboard and view its data usage details.

 3. Shut down, sleep, or hibernate

PC settings in Windows 8.1 allow you to shut down your PC in three ways i.e. make it sleep, turn it off completely, or hibernate it.

If you’re running short on battery and you want your PC to start up faster after a short time span, then choose ‘Sleep.’ It allows you to get it instantly back to the exact location from where you left off. Don’t panic if your battery is draining, as Windows automatically saves all your work, before your PC turns off. Use sleep if you’re going to be away from your PC for just a little while. You can easily do this in Microsoft’s Windows 8.1 by closing the lid of your laptops or by pressing the Power button.

Going on vacation or planning a road trip with friends? Turn off your PCs completely before going out for a few days. Don't leave this practice for the last moment hassle, rather do it immediately once you’re done with all the PC related work. You can easily shut down your laptop, desktop and tablet by clicking on the Shutdown button.

This option was specifically designed for laptops and is highly focused on using less power than that of a sleep mode. The idea behind this feature is same as sleep but it is comparatively slower than sleep. It is recommended not to opt for this option, if you already know that you won't use your laptop or tablet for an extended period.

 4.  Devices

The settings under this section are related to various devices and peripherals that are connected to a PC. Comprising of two major categories such as ‘Printers’ and ‘Devices,’ this setting in Windows 8.1 is more streamlined and doesn’t view all multimedia devices that were shown in the earlier Control Panel version. Windows will segment all the devices and printers attached to a particular device under separate headers and then you can easily view, change or modify their properties with ease.

 5.       Sign-in options

The ‘Sign-in options’ settings under PC settings in Windows 8.1 can be easily represented as ‘Password options,’ as it deals with changing and modifying password settings at large. This category is responsible for handling all your device security settings as you can easily change your password and add other log- in options by using this.

This category has no Control Panel equivalent and can be easily used for modifying passwords of all user accounts and other applications by using the master password. These settings can be easily operated by using a ‘PIN’ option, which offers quick access through a 4-digit number, or a ‘Picture password,’ which allows you unlock device with gestures you draw on a picture.

Apart from these default settings, Corners and edges, App sizes, Notifications, Search and Display are some of the other categories that feature major PC settings changes. PC settings are an effort taken by the company to make it easy for the tablet or touchscreen users to manipulate and configure their devices with ease. To open PC settings click on the ‘Settings’ charm, and click ‘PC settings’ at the bottom, however, you can also do this by using touch technology. Activate the ‘Charms’ by swiping left from the right screen edge and then tap on ‘PC settings.’ So, change these settings quickly and enjoy Windows 8.1 in a new way!