Windows 8 brought a significant change to the way users access their programs, and for some, it can be a bit confusing to navigate. In this blog post, we will explore the challenge of getting to programs on Windows 8 and provide you with multiple methods to easily access your desired applications. Whether you are a newbie to Windows 8 or a seasoned user looking for more efficient ways to find your programs, this article will help you overcome this challenge and improve your productivity.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Getting to Programs on Windows 8
With the introduction of the Start screen in Windows 8, finding your programs may not be as straightforward as it used to be. This new interface employs a grid of live tiles, which display information and updates from different applications. While this can be useful for quickly accessing frequently used apps, it can make locating less frequently used programs more challenging.
Locating the traditional list of installed programs that was readily available in previous versions of Windows requires a bit more effort in Windows 8. This can be frustrating for users who are used to the old ways of accessing their applications. However, fear not, as we will now explore several methods to help you easily find and access your desired programs on Windows 8.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we dive into the methods, it’s important to understand that the process of getting to programs on Windows 8 can vary depending on your device and the version of Windows you are using. It’s always a good idea to ensure that your Windows is up to date with the latest updates and patches to ensure that you have access to the latest features and improvements.
Additionally, familiarizing yourself with the newer interface of Windows 8, such as the Start screen and Charms bar, will be beneficial in your quest to efficiently access your programs. Take some time to explore and understand these elements before proceeding with the methods outlined in this article.
Method 1: Via the Start Screen
The first method we will explore is the most common and straightforward approach to accessing your programs on Windows 8 – via the Start screen.
1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard or click on the Windows icon located in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
2. This will bring up the Start screen, which displays a grid of live tiles representing various programs and applications.
3. Scroll horizontally to browse through the available tiles or use the search bar located on the right-hand side of the screen to search for a specific program by name.
4. Once you locate your desired program tile, click on it to open the application.
Pros:
– Easy to access by pressing the Windows key or clicking on the Windows icon.
– Live tiles provide real-time information and updates from your favorite apps.
Cons:
– Finding less frequently used programs can be time-consuming, especially if they are not pinned to the Start screen.
– The Start screen interface may not be visually appealing to some users who prefer a more traditional approach.
Method 2: Via the All Apps Screen
If you prefer a more organized and comprehensive list of your installed programs, the All Apps screen is the method for you. This screen provides an alphabetical view of all your installed applications, making it easier to locate less frequently used programs.
1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard or click on the Windows icon located in the bottom-left corner of the screen to access the Start screen.
2. Right-click on any empty space on the Start screen (or swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen if you are using a touchscreen) to reveal a hidden toolbar at the bottom.
3. Click on the "All apps" button to open the All Apps screen.
4. On the All Apps screen, you will see an alphabetical list of all your installed programs. Scroll vertically to navigate through the list.
5. Click on the program you want to open to launch the application.
Pros:
– Provides a comprehensive and organized list of all installed programs.
– Makes it easier to find less frequently used programs.
Cons:
– Requires an extra step of accessing the hidden toolbar and clicking on the "All apps" button.
– May be overwhelming for users with a large number of installed programs.
Method 3: Via the Search Charm
The Search charm in Windows 8 is a powerful tool that allows you to quickly search for programs, files, and settings. Utilizing the Search charm can save you time and effort when looking for specific programs on your device.
1. Press the Windows key + Q on your keyboard or swipe from the right edge of the screen and select the Search charm.
2. In the search bar, type the name of the program you want to find. As you type, Windows will display real-time search results.
3. Click on the program you want to open and Windows will launch the application.
Pros:
– Quick and efficient way to search for programs.
– Real-time search results help you find the right program faster.
Cons:
– Requires extra keystrokes or swipes to access the Search charm.
– Relies on accurate spelling or naming of programs for successful search results.
Method 4: Via File Explorer
If your programs are installed in specific directories or you prefer a more file-centric approach to access your applications, the File Explorer method might be the perfect fit for you.
1. Press the Windows key + E on your keyboard to open File Explorer.
2. In the left-hand pane of File Explorer, scroll down and locate the "This PC" section.
3. Click on "This PC" to expand the section and reveal your disk drives.
4. Double-click on the disk drive where your programs are installed (usually the C: drive).
5. Inside the selected disk drive, you will find folders representing your installed programs. Navigate through the folders to find the program you want to open.
6. Once you locate the program, double-click on its executable file (usually ending with a .exe extension) to launch the application.
Pros:
– Provides a file-centric approach to accessing programs.
– Allows you to easily navigate through specific directories or folders to find your desired programs.
Cons:
– Requires more technical knowledge and familiarity with file directories.
– Accessing programs via File Explorer can be time-consuming if you are not sure about their locations.
Method 5: Via Desktop Shortcuts
If you have specific programs that you frequently use, creating desktop shortcuts can be an efficient way to access them with just a single click. This method allows you to bypass the Start screen and other navigation steps, providing you with instant access to your desired programs.
1. Locate the program you want to create a shortcut for, either via the Start screen, All Apps screen, or File Explorer.
2. Right-click on the program and select "Create shortcut" from the context menu.
3. Windows will ask you if you want to place the shortcut on the desktop. Click "Yes" to create the shortcut.
4. A shortcut icon for the program will now appear on your desktop. Double-click on the shortcut to launch the application.
Pros:
– Provides quick and direct access to frequently used programs.
– Bypasses the need to navigate through the Start screen, All Apps screen, or File Explorer.
Cons:
– Clutters the desktop if you have multiple shortcuts.
– Requires manual creation of shortcuts for each program.
Why Can’t I Get to Programs on Windows 8
1. Missing or Deleted Shortcut: If you cannot find a specific program, it is possible that the desktop shortcut is missing or accidentally deleted. In this case, you can try searching for the program using the methods outlined earlier or reinstalling the program to create a new shortcut.
2. Hidden Program: Some programs may be hidden from the Start screen or All Apps screen. To search for hidden programs, you can utilize the Search charm or navigate to the program’s installation folder using File Explorer.
3. Corrupted Program: If a program is not opening or crashing, it may be a result of a corrupted installation. In this scenario, you may need to uninstall the program and reinstall it to resolve any issues.
4. Incompatible Program: Older programs may not be fully compatible with Windows 8, causing them to not function correctly. In such cases, you can try running the program in Compatibility Mode or consider upgrading to a newer version of the program if available.
Additional Tips
1. Pinning Programs to the Start Screen: If you frequently use a specific program, you can pin it to the Start screen for quick and easy access. Right-click on the program tile and select "Pin to Start" from the context menu.
2. Grouping Programs on the Start Screen: To organize your programs on the Start screen, you can create custom groups and move tiles around. Simply right-click on a tile and select "Move" from the context menu, then choose the group where you want to place the tile.
3. Customizing the Start Screen: Windows 8 allows you to personalize your Start screen by changing the background image, tile sizes, and colors. Explore the Settings charm to access these customization options and make your Start screen more visually appealing and functional.
5 FAQs about Getting to Programs on Windows 8
Q1: Why can’t I find a specific program on the Start screen or All Apps screen?
A: There could be several reasons why a specific program is not appearing on the Start screen or All Apps screen. It could be due to a missing or deleted shortcut, hidden program, or an incompatible or corrupted installation. Try utilizing the search functions or navigate to the program’s installation folder using File Explorer to locate the program.
Q2: How can I add a program to the Start screen?
A: To add a program to the Start screen, locate the program tile either on the Start screen, All Apps screen, or File Explorer. Right-click on the tile and select "Pin to Start" from the context menu. The program tile will now appear on the Start screen for easy access.
Q3: Can I customize the order of the tiles on the Start screen?
A: Yes, you can customize the order of the tiles on the Start screen. Simply click and drag a tile to the desired position. You can also create custom groups and move tiles around by right-clicking on a tile and selecting "Move" from the context menu.
Q4: How can I remove a program tile from the Start screen?
A: To remove a program tile from the Start screen, right-click on the tile and select "Unpin from Start" from the context menu. The tile will be removed, and the program will still be accessible via other methods.
Q5: Can I create desktop shortcuts for programs in Windows 8?
A: Yes, you can create desktop shortcuts for programs in Windows 8. Simply locate the program you want to create a shortcut for and right-click on it. Select "Create shortcut" from the context menu and Windows will place the shortcut on your desktop for easy access.
In Conclusion
While getting to programs on Windows 8 may require a slight adjustment from previous Windows versions, it is not an insurmountable challenge. By utilizing the methods outlined in this article, such as the Start screen, All Apps screen, Search charm, File Explorer, and desktop shortcuts, you can efficiently access your desired programs and improve your overall Windows 8 experience. Experiment with these methods and choose the one that best suits your preferences and workflow. Happy computing!