Windows 8.1 Archives - Page 19 of 25

Create a shortcut to open the HomeGroup settings in Windows 8.1

One of hidden options in Windows 8.1 is ability to create shortcuts to open most of Modern settings with a single click. Today, we will see how to create a shortcut to open the HomeGroup settings in Windows 8.1.

The HomeGroup feature is a simplified solution from Microsoft to provide the file sharing ability between all computers in your home network. With HomeGroup, you will be able to share photos, music and videos files, various office documents and even printers. Also, you can allow other family members to change files that you have shared.

How to create a shortcut to open the Network settings in Windows 8.1

Along with classic Control Panel options, Windows 8.1 shipped with Modern Network settings. They allow you to change various parameters of your network connections. These new Network settings is where you can set your connection as metered, enable or disable sharing, reset data usage counters and copy networks details.
Let's see how to create a shortcut to open these useful settings directly with one click.

How to open High contrast settings in Windows 8.1 with one click

There are several settings related to High contrast in Windows 8.1. They are located in PC Settings -> Easy of Access -> High contrast.

Using these settings, it is possible

to set the background color for windows and documents
the hyperlinks color
the disabled text color
the color of the text selection
... and some other settings.

If you would like to have a shortcut which will allow you to open those settings directly, here are simple instructions.

How to create a shortcut to open Corners and edges in Windows 8.1

Corners and edges is a set of settings in the PC Settings application, which allows you to change the behavior of the active corners in Windows 8. You will be able
to disable the top left corner
to disable the top right corner
to disable recent apps switching
to disable recent apps list

In Windows 8.1, it is possible to create a shortcut to these settings. Let's discover how it can be done.

How to add custom folders in This PC in Windows 8.1 or remove the defaults

With Windows 8.1, Microsoft has introduced a set of folders inside the This PC folder (Windows 8 had the Folders category hidden).
These folders are:

Desktop
Documents
Downloads
Music
Pictures
Videos

In other words, Microsoft just provided quick access to the main folders inside user profile. This is very convenient, because you have 1-click access to these folders when you open File Explorer using Win+E hotkey.

Besides, not every modern desktop app uses the newer Open File dialog with the navigation pane and Favorites. Many desktop apps still use the older Open dialog, which has Recent places and opens in the Computer/This PC location by default. Folders inside This PC are especially useful for that older dialog.

You may want to customize the folders shown in This PC, e.g. remove some built-in folders and add one or more custom folders. I would like to share an exclusive tutorial which will show how to add custom folders to This PC in Windows 8.1 and Windows 8, or remove any any of those folders.

How to change the boot logo in Windows 8.1 and Windows 8

I have been asked how to change the boot logo in Windows 8.1 and Windows 8 thousands of times by the users of my apps and by Winaero blog visitors. This is the most popular feature request for my Boot UI Tuner. Today, I am going to share with you a tutorial which will allow you to change the boot logo of Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 and replace it with some custom logo. Read the instructions below.

How to create a shortcut to open Search preferences in Windows 8.1

Search preferences is very handy settings page of Modern Control Panel in Windows 8.1. Using those preferences, you are able:

Clear the search history
Turn the Bing search on or off
Tweak Bing's settings
Turn the Safe search option on or off
Change the search behavior when your connection is metered.

Here is yet another useful tip to save your time and improve the usability of Windows 8.1. We will learn how to create a shortcut to open Search preferences in Windows 8.1 directly with one click.

Default apps by file type in Windows 8.1 – create a shortcut

In this post I would like to share how to create a shortcut to open the "Choose default apps by file type" settings page directly in Windows 8.1. One the benefits of Windows 8.1 is the fact that it allows you to create such shortcuts for almost every parameter of the PC Settings application. Let's use this amazing ability to improve the usability of Windows 8.1.

How to create a shortcut to open Choose default apps settings in Windows 8.1

Choose default apps settings in Windows 8.1 is a set of special options inside the PC Settings app which allows you to specify the applications which will handle several document types. You will be able to set

the default browser
the email application
the default music player
the default video player
the image viewer
the calendar applicaion
the maps application

Besides that, you can customize file types for every app and protocol. It is very handy to have a shortcut to open Choose default apps settings with the single click. Let's discover how it can be done.