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.

My CD/DVD drive does not work or is not recognized after upgrading to Windows 8.

Uninstall the Toshiba applications listed below and restart your computer using the Power --> Restart option in Windows 8

• TOSHIBA Recovery Media Creator
• TOSHIBA Disc Creator

For help with uninstalling these application programs and additional information regardin gthis issue click the following link: http://kb.toshiba.com/98084086

What happens with my recovery partition after upgrading to Windows 8?

If you do an upgrade to Windows 8, the recovery partition should not change. In that case, if you use that recovery partition to reinstall the original software configuration, your system will go back to the original Windows 7 installation. In that case, Windows 8 will no longer be installed.

If you do a Custom Install ("clean install"), the recovery partition will no longer be bootable so you will not be able to boot to or run the recovery program.

Before you upgrade your system to Window 8, it is highly recommended that you create recovery media using the Toshiba Recovery Disc Creator, if you have not already done so or do not know the location of your recovery media.

Why does Toshiba offer a Windows 8 upgrade assistant program? 

Toshiba laptops have features and functionality that require drivers and utilities that are available only from Toshiba. To maximize functionality of your laptop under Windows 8, it is important to install Toshiba-provided software after your Windows 8 installation.

The Toshiba Upgrade Assistant for Windows 8 is designed to ease the Windows 8 upgrade and Custom Install ("clean install") process for those who are upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 on Toshiba laptop models made in the year 2011-2012.

• For Toshiba laptops manufactured after June 2, 2012: When doing a Windows 8 upgrade, the upgrade assistant will ease the process of preparing the laptop prior to the Windows 8 upgrade by automatically removing or updating software, drivers or firmware.

• For all Toshiba supported laptops for Windows 8:  After an upgrade to Windows 8 the upgrade assistant saves you the trouble of finding, downloading, and installing various individual software drivers and utilities by installing them automatically.

Toshiba highly recommends using the Toshiba Upgrade Assistant program when installing Windows 8 on a supported Toshiba laptop. 

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. 

Will my computer and devices work with Windows 8?
We have a free tool that can scan your PC to determine what’s compatible with Windows 8. Download and run the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant without purchasing or installing Windows 8, just make sure all of your devices are turned on before you start.   Learn how to Set up your devices.

Sound, printing, getting connected.
Windows 8 automatically supports a wide range of devices including printers, and audio devices. It’s designed so when you plug in your device, it works. Windows 8 has a number of new features that make it easy to connect your PC to available networks and helps keep you connected as you change locations Fix problems with  Playing Audio or Printing by using a troubleshooter.

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 and 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.