Windows 8 Start Screen

The Windows Start button has been replaced with a new Start screen - colored tiles that are shortcuts to programs and live widgets that report data from those programs. For example, on the Weather app, you can see the current temperature and forecast. On the Mail app, you can see how many unread email messages you have and view reminders for upcoming events.

Figure 1: Windows 8 Start screen

The new Start screen gives you a larger desktop by expanding the borders left and right. This allows you to organize your apps into groups so you can see all of them. To navigate through the Start screen, either click and drag on the scroll bar at the bottom of the screen and then move the screen left or right, or swipe your finger left or right across the screen.

Figure 2: Scrolling through the Start screen

You can customize your Start screen by changing the name or appearance of a group of tiles, and then organize your Start Screen by creating new groups for frequently used or similar apps.

1. To create a new group, select a tile, drag it to an open space, and drop it. You can have many groups on the Start screen. Scroll right or left to see your groups by clicking and dragging the scroll bar at the bottom of the screen.
   
   Figure 1: Select and drag a tile
   

2. To change the order of your groups, first reduce the size of your groups. Click or tap the zoom button in the lower right corner of the screen, or hold down the Ctrl key and turn the mouse wheel. Then drag your groups into the new order.
   
   Figure 2: The zoom button
   

3. To name a group, while in the zoomed view, right-click the group you want to name. Then in the lower left corner, click or tap Name group.
   
   Figure 3: Tap Name Group and then type name
   

4. In the Name box, type a name for the group, and then click or tap Name.

5. Click or tap anywhere on the screen to return to the normal view. The new name for the group displays.
   
   Figure 4: Start screen with new group name
   

To close the lock screen and sign in to the computer, use one of the following methods:

• tap the space bar

• spin the mouse wheel

• swipe upwards on a touch screen
  
  NOTE: If you are leaving your computer, press the Windows ()+ L key to bring up the lock screen and protect your data.
  

Figure 1: Windows 8 Lock screen

On the sign-in screen, type in your password. Then click the arrow to start Windows.

1. Press the Windows () + C key. The charms menu opens to the right of the screen.

2. Click or tap Settings.
   
   Figure 1: Charms Bar
   

3. Click or tap Change PC settings, and then click or tap Personalize.
   
   Figure 2: Change the Lock screen
   

4. You can change the picture by choosing one of the pictures available, or you can browse your computer for a picture. Click or tap Change PC Settings, and click or tap Personalize.