Note:
The following FAQs are specific to Toshiba laptops and to
Windows 8 related software available from
Toshiba. Click here to review general Windows 8 FAQs from Microsoft.
I can’t do things the way I used to, now what?
Windows 8 has a new look to the Start screen but still incorporates the
desktop that you’re familiar with. Think of the desktop as
one of the many apps you can run in Windows 8. In the desktop
you’ll see that the settings and features you used in Windows
7 are still there. The tiles on your Start screen update in real time
and are a quick way to see all the information you need in one place.
The article Get to know Windows has more information about how to do common tasks in Windows 8.
How do I use the store to get apps?
You can search for or browse thousands of apps in the Windows Store and
they are grouped in easy to find categories. Frequently downloaded apps
will be highlighted for you so you’ll always know
what’s interesting, new, and popular. Learn more about Apps in the Windows Store.
How do I navigate?
With Windows 8 you can use touch, mouse, search,
and the keyboard together seamlessly. You can still use your
traditional mouse and keyboard to type, point, and click. Or on a
touch-enabled PC you can click, swipe, tap, or do a combination of
both, whatever works for you. Get to know Windows and learn useful keyboard shortcuts.
How do I use tiles?
Tiles are a quick way to see everything you need right there on the
Start screen without digging for the information. Tiles will change and
update in real time so you can see what’s going on and stay
on top of things. You can run tiles from the Start screen or pin them
to the taskbar to run them from the desktop. Personalize your PC by creating tiles for your favorite people and places.
What is Microsoft account and why should I use it?
Microsoft account is an email address and password that you use to sign
in to Windows. When you sign in to your Microsoft account,
you’re immediately connected to the people, files, and
settings you care about. You can connect your favorite services like
Hotmail, Facebook, and Twitter to your Microsoft account too. Your
Microsoft account is cloud connected so you can switch from one Windows
8 device to another and pick up right where you left off just by
signing in. Your life, connected, read more about Microsoft account, and how to sync favorites and settings on all your PCs.
Will my software work with Windows 8?
Windows 8 should work with the same programs that work with Windows 7.
In some cases, the program might require an update or you might need to
uninstall and then reinstall some programs after installing Windows 8.
If you want to check the compatibility of a specific program, visit the
Windows Compatibility Center. Before you upgrade to Windows 8, you can run the Upgrade Assistant which will tell you if your current programs will work with Windows 8.
How do all of my devices work together?
Windows 8 is designed to be shared between devices. Windows 8 senses
compatible wireless printers, speakers, and Xboxes on your home network
and makes them ready to use automatically. You can use Tap and Do
to share information with the person next to you. Make your photos,
music, and videos an extension of your PC by streaming them directly to
your TV with Play to.
How do I disable Metro start screen? Or, where is the Start Button or Start Menu?
In Windows 8 the Start screen replaces the Start menu. To get to the
Start screen from anywhere just use the Windows key or CTRL + ESC on
your keyboard. On a touch device you can also swipe in from the right
edge of the screen and use the Start charm.
How do I close an app?
In Windows 8, apps that you install from the Windows Store
won’t take up resources when they are not in use.
If you’d like to close the app there are several
choices. Using the keyboard just use the ALT+F4
keys. Using a mouse you can click at the top of the app and
drag it to the bottom of the screen. If you are
using a touch device you can also swipe in from the top and drag to the
bottom in one complete motion.