How to Use Windows 8 - Part 5: Changing Programs, Settings, and Appearance

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   Add programs. You can install programs using disks, as before, or you can install programs using the Store, as discussed above. Programs can also be downloaded and installed from the internet, as in previous versions of Windows. There are varieties of programs available, but it is important to remember that not all programs will work (or work correctly) in Windows 8.
   • Check new software you buy or download to ensure that it runs with Windows 8. You can also use the Upgrade Assistant if you have not switched over yet^[4] or you can use Microsoft’s compatibility checker to find out how your programs will run.^[5]
   • You can also run programs in compatibility mode or try downloading the latest drivers, to help them run better.
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   Uninstall programs. You can uninstall some programs by right-clicking their tile or program icon in the search menu. You can also use the familiar add or remove program tool. The easiest way to access this, is to open the search charm and type Add or Remove Programs into the search bar. The program will be under the Settings, which will need to be selected on the right.
   • Understand that uninstalling a program is different that simply making the tile go away. If you would rather remove the tile, read the step below.
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   Remove tiles. Remove tiles by right-clicking on them and selecting “Unpin from start”. This is different from uninstalling, as the program will still be installed and accessible, it just won’t be on the start menu.
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   Adjust the basic six settings. There are six basic settings accessible from the charms menu. These are Network options, System Volume, Screen Brightness, Notifications, Power, and Keyboard settings. These are largely self explanatory and will allow you basic control of your system.
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   Access the more advanced settings. Change some of the more advanced settings by selecting “Change PC Settings” just below the main six settings. Here you can personalize your screen, change user settings, privacy and sync settings, as well as various other settings.
   • The desktop view can be used in the familiar way to change some settings.
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   Access the Control Panel. The control panel can still be accessed, most easily by searching using the search charm or by clicking Control Panel under the Settings charm. You can also access the Control Panel and several other settings by placing your mouse in the lower left corner and right-clicking.
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   Personalize the appearance of your device. There are several different ways you can change the appearance of your device. This is a great way to give your device a personal feel. These settings can also be synced across devices, if you wish, which will make sure you always see the same screen, no matter what device you use.
   • Personalize the start screen. Personalize the start screen background and color scheme by selecting "Settings" from the charms menu and then Personalize. This is only available from the start screen. The option exists, in this menu, to make the start screen an overlay of the desktop, instead of of a vastly different looking screen. This also means that you can, in a way, set a custom image as your start screen background.
   • Personalize the desktop. Right-click the background of the desktop view and select “Personalize”. Set the background image to whatever picture file you have access to or chosen from a preset image.
   • Personalize the lock screen. Personalize the lock screen background by selecting “Change PC Settings” from just below the main six settings. From there, click on “Personalize” and “Lock Screen”. It is possible to get custom background images by clicking “Browse”.
   • Change your account pictures. Personalize your account picture by selecting “Change PC Settings” from just below the main six settings. From there, click on “Personalize” and “Account Picture”. You can upload an existing picture or take a new one if you have a webcam.
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   Use extended mode. You can enable the use of a second screen (if you have one) easily by selecting “Devices” from the charms menu. Click Second Screen and follow the prompts to decide the settings.^[6]
   • To change how the taskbar works with two screens, you will need to right click the taskbar in desktop view and choose “Properties”.