Microsoft has officially unveiled Windows 8.1 Update 1, making it easier to use Windows 8 with a keyboard and mouse.
The Windows Task Bar has been improved significantly to work with Windows Store apps, offering a title bar and minimise options.
Both the top and bottom task bars are automatically revealed as you move your mouse closer to them, keeping the more streamlined with the new interface.
Thankfully, the touch controls that have been so focused on with Windows 8 are now not necessary if you are only using a mouse and keyboard.
The Start menu now offers access to the Control Panel and Settings, as well as a power and search button in the top right hand corner. These were previously hidden behind touch gestures.
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Microsoft is also making the Windows Store more mouse and keyboard friendly, but this will arrive in a separate update to the Store itself.
The Task Bar now offers quick access to the Windows Store, and finding an app within the store can be done by searching from the Start Menu.
New apps that have been installed will now be highlighted in the Start Screen’s All Apps list, which is something users have complained about in the past.
The update will be available for all Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 users from Tuesday April 8
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
