Windows 8.1 - Something NOT to sync

As you become more familiar with Windows 8.1, you might review the new settings.  If you are coming from a Windows 7 environment, you may notice new settings to synchronize preferences between computers. Often, that is convenient, because it can simplify preferences for web browsing and even wallpaper.

Think twice before syncing "Start Tile" preferences across PCs. It is turned OFF by default for good reason. Since computers often include different manufacturer-specific apps, if you try to sync the tiles on every PC, you can wind up with the "lowest common denominator" where only apps common to all machines appear in the Start Screen.  All the other apps will be "unpinned from the Start screen".  (You might think this a good way to eliminate any "bloatware" pre-installed by the manufacturer, but it will also remove other apps you installed on only one computer.)

Also, different screen sizes can make Start Screen tile syncing a problem. For example, a 6-row-high layout with wide tiles may look great on a desktop screen, but not fit well on a laptop which can only handle 4 rows tall. (You cannot change the number of rows displayed, though you can select different tile sizes for most icons.)

Although you can fix these problems after-the-fact by turning off the Start Tile sync, you would still need to go to each machine and put back all the icons you removed from the Start Screen.


This setting is found on the SkyDrive Sync settings screen. To see it:

 Swipe-from-left to see the "Charms" bar,
  then Settings ("gear")
  -> Change PC Settings (at bottom-right corner, not an icon)

   The PC Settings screen appears:
    -> Skydrive
    -> Sync settings
    -> Personalization settings
         Start Screen
         My Start screen tiles and tile layout (Off).

Similarly, while you can the list of sync apps installed between computers, that would make it easier to accidentally install apps you might not want.  That setting is also left OFF by default.

On Sync Settings screen described above,
    -> App Settings
         Apps
         The list of apps I've Installed (Off).

Windows 8.1 - Audible confirmation of Caps Lock etc

Newer computers running Windows 8 have flatter keyboards, making typos a little easier for people accustomed to standard depth keys. Some keyboards do not even have a Caps Lock light to warn that you accidentally turned-on Caps Lock.

As a solution, there is an accessibility setting to sound a quick beep when you press any of the Lock keys:


 Swipe-from-left to see the "Charms" bar,
  then Settings ("gear")
  -> Change PC Settings (at bottom-right corner, not an icon)

   The PC Settings screen appears:
    -> Ease of Access
    -> Keyboard
    -> Toggle Keys (On).

The Windows 8.1 Upgrade went well. (But allow at least 2 hours for 3.7 GB of software!)

The Windows 8.1 upgrade(s) went well!
There is only 1 upgrade, but I performed it on several computers.

It's a free upgrade for everyone running Windows 8.0. If you login as an Administrator, just go to the Store app (from the Start Screen), and you will see it waiting to be installed.

It can take awhile to download about 3.7 GB of software (on each machine), so allow at least 2 hours, depending on download speed and the computer's CPU. After the upgrade has completed, each user will need a few minutes more the first time they login, as settings are configured for the first time.

Overall, it's not a major change, but its improvements are welcome. For example, you can create groups of Start tiles and name them, for better organization. You can also press the down-arrow icon below the tiles to see all apps installed. You can even boot directly into the desktop, or use its wallpaper on the Start Screen. The Start Menu appears on the Desktop, but it mainly toggles back to the Start Screen (instead of launching programs, as in previous Windows versions).

As with Windows 8, one of the best enhancements is the ability to sync settings across computers. When you configure preferences (such as wallpaper, or even accessiblity), they are linked to your Microsoft-based ID and take effect on any PC you use (assuming your ID on that PC is linked to Microsoft's system).