Finding Hidden Hotspots in Windows 8
Part of the Windows 8 For Dummies Cheat Sheet
Every app you load in Windows 8 fills the entire screen. That lets you concentrate on the information in front of you. But that also means that you won't see any menus. When you need those menus — to switch between apps, close them, or change their settings — you need to find the hotspots in Windows 8. Each hotspot triggers a different reaction.
The following three tables explain three methods of finding hidden hotspots in Windows 8: using a mouse, using a keyboard, or using your fingers on a touchscreen tablet or monitor.
| To Perform This Action . . . | . . . Point the Mouse Here |
|---|---|
| Return to the Start screen. | Lower-left corner and then click the miniature Start screen that appears. |
| Choose from currently running apps. | Upper-left corner and then lower the mouse pointer. Click an app's thumbnail to return to it. |
| Open the Charms bar. | Lower- or upper-right corners. |
| See options for current app. | Right-click a blank part of the app's screen. |
| To Perform This Action . . . | . . . Press These Keys |
|---|---|
| Open the Start screen. | Windows key. |
| Choose from currently running apps. | Hold down Alt and press Tab repeatedly until you've highlighted the desired app. Then release both keys. |
| Open the Charms bar. | Windows key and C. |
| See the currently viewed app's menus. | Windows key and Z. |
| To Perform This Action . . . | . . . Do This |
|---|---|
| Open the Charms bar. | Swipe from the right. |
| Open the Start screen. | Open the Charms bar and then tap the Windows icon. |
| Cycle through last used apps. | Swipe from left and then tap the desired app. |
| See options for current program. | Swipe from bottom. |
For many people, the new Windows 8 Start screen is a distraction to be avoided. The sooner they move onto the desktop, the better. For moving quickly to the desktop, reposition the Desktop tile to the Start screen's top-left corner so it's the first app listed. Then, whenever you see the Start screen, just press Enter to head straight for the desktop.
