The new Windows

Windows 8.1 brings you exciting new ways to use your PC. It's fast, fluid, intuitive, and designed to let you do what you want, the way you want.

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What's new in Windows 8.1?

Start faster

The Start button has returned to the taskbar—tap or click to get to Start. If you prefer, you can now go straight to the desktop when you sign in. And use the same background for both your desktop and Start. Plus, see all your apps at a glance in the new all-apps view.

Search everywhere

With Bing Smart Search you can search once and see everything—from the web, or the settings, files, and apps on your PC—and act on search results right away. Play a song, call a friend, open an app, or get to your favorite site. Just search and do.

Multitask with apps

Chat while gaming, shop while watching, or work while listening. Whether you’re on a PC or a tablet, you can always multitask. Depending on screen size, you can see up to four apps at once and you can switch between them easily.

Get more apps

In the redesigned Windows Store, you'll discover apps built only for Windows 8.1, new community favorites, and personalized recommendations. This update also gives you some great new built-in apps like Reading List and Health & Fitness. And now you'll be able to install your apps on all your tablets and PCs running Windows 8.1.

Use it your way

On your Start screen, there are more tile sizes, more color options, and animated backgrounds. On your lock screen, you can see a slide show of your favorite photos, and answer Skype calls, and take photos—all without unlocking your PC.

Power down fast

You'll now see a power button on the upper-right corner of your Start screen so you can more quickly and easily shut down (some types of PCs don't have this power button). You'll also see a search button on the Start screen, next to the power button.

Always have your files

Save documents, photos, and other files to OneDrive automatically so you'll have them anywhere—even on another device. And they'll be safe if something happens to your PC.

Browse better

Internet Explorer 11 has faster load times, a full-screen experience that includes side-by-side browsing of sites, and real-time info from favorite sites delivered to your Start screen.

Take a tour

Watch this video to see some of the features of Windows 8.1, and how it brings you the best of touchscreen apps and desktop productivity.

More about Windows 8.1 features