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{{Main|Start menu#Windows 8|l1=Start screen}}
[[File:Windows 8 Start Screen.png|thumb|The new Start screen in Windows 8 replaces the Start menu seen in previous versions of Windows]]
Windows 8 introduces a new form of [[start menu]] called Start screen, which resembles the home screen of [[Windows Phone]], and is shown in place of the desktop on startup. The Start screen serves as the primary method of launching applications and consists of a grid of app tiles which can be arranged into columnar groups; groups can be arranged with or without group names.<ref name="DesignStartScreen">{{cite web |url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2011/10/04/designing-the-start-screen.aspx |title=Designing the Start screen |publisher=[[Microsoft]] |date=October 4, 2011 |work=Building Windows 8 |access-date=February 26, 2015 |archive-date=
Windows 8.1 makes the following changes to the Start screen:
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===Microsoft account integration===
Windows 8 allows users to link profiles with a [[Microsoft account]] to provide additional functionality, such as the synchronization of user data and settings,<ref name="8SS">{{cite web |url=http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/windows-8-feature-focus-settings-sync |title=Windows 8 Feature Focus: Settings Sync |last=Thurrott |first=Paul |date=November 8, 2012 |publisher=[[Penton (professional information services)|Penton Media]] |work=Supersite for Windows |access-date=February 21, 2015 |archive-date=February 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150223150154/http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/windows-8-feature-focus-settings-sync |url-status=live }}</ref> including those belonging to the desktop, and allows for integration with other Microsoft services such as [[Xbox Live]], [[Xbox Music]], [[Xbox Video]] (for gaming and multimedia) and [[OneDrive|SkyDrive]] [[online file storage]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Signing in to Windows 8 with a Windows Live ID |url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2011/09/26/signing-in-to-windows-8-with-a-windows-live-id.aspx |work=Microsoft |date=September 2011 |quote=Saved settings are available when you sign in to your account on any Windows 8 PC |access-date=February 11, 2012 |archive-date=
===Display screen===
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Windows Explorer, which has been renamed as File Explorer, now incorporates a [[Ribbon (computing)|ribbon]] toolbar, designed to bring forward the most commonly used commands for easy access. The "Up" button (which advances the user back a level in the folder hierarchy) that was removed from Explorer after [[Windows XP]] has also been restored.<ref name="Explorer Improvements">{{cite web |url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2011/08/29/improvements-in-windows-explorer.aspx |title=Improvements in Windows Explorer |publisher=Microsoft |date=August 2011 |access-date=August 30, 2011 |archive-date=November 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111107021845/http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2011/08/29/improvements-in-windows-explorer.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> Additionally, File Explorer features a redesigned preview pane that takes advantage of widescreen layouts.<ref name="Explorer Improvements" /> File Explorer also provides a built-in function for mounting [[ISO image|ISO]], [[IMG (file format)|IMG]], and [[VHD (file format)|VHD]] files as virtual drives.<ref>{{cite web |title=Accessing data in ISO and VHD files |url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2011/08/30/accessing-data-in-iso-and-vhd-files.aspx |work=Microsoft |date=August 2011 |access-date=August 30, 2011 |archive-date=November 6, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106080406/http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2011/08/30/accessing-data-in-iso-and-vhd-files.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> For easier management of files and folders, Windows 8 introduces the ability to move selected files or folders via [[drag and drop]] from a parent folder into a subfolder listed within the [[Breadcrumb (navigation)|breadcrumb]] hierarchy of the [[address bar]] in File Explorer.<ref name="DragandDrop">{{cite web |url=http://www.eyeonwindows.com/2011/04/28/windows-8-drag-and-drop-icons-into-breadcrumb-links/ |title=Windows 8 drag and drop icons into breadcrumb links |last=Amobi |first=Onuora |publisher=Nnigma Inc. |work=Eye on Windows |date=April 28, 2011 |access-date=February 21, 2015 |archive-date=February 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150222050555/http://www.eyeonwindows.com/2011/04/28/windows-8-drag-and-drop-icons-into-breadcrumb-links/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Progress windows for file operations have also been redesigned; offering the ability to show multiple operations at once, a graph for tracking transfer speeds, and the ability to pause and resume a file transfer.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2011/08/23/improving-our-file-management-basics-copy-move-rename-and-delete.aspx |title=Improving our file management basics: copy, move, rename and delete |work=Microsoft |date=August 2011 |access-date=August 30, 2011 |archive-date=February 17, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217174043/http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2011/08/23/improving-our-file-management-basics-copy-move-rename-and-delete.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> A new interface has also been introduced for managing file name collisions in a file operation, allowing users to easily control which conflicting files are copied.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2011/08/26/designing-the-windows-8-file-name-collision-experience.aspx |title=Designing the Windows 8 file name collision experience |publisher=Microsoft |date=August 2011 |access-date=September 17, 2011 |archive-date=
[[Features new to Windows 7#Libraries|Libraries]] introduced in [[Windows 7]] can now have their icons changed through the user interface;<ref>{{cite web |first=Paul |last=Thurrott |author-link=Paul Thurrott |url=http://winsupersite.com/article/windows8/windows-8-secrets-changing-custom-library-icon-140784 |title=Windows 8 Secrets: Changing a Custom Library Icon |work=Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows |publisher=[[Penton (professional information services)|Penton Media]] |date=October 1, 2011 |access-date=June 27, 2013 |archive-date=June 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603131410/http://winsupersite.com/article/windows8/windows-8-secrets-changing-custom-library-icon-140784 |url-status=live }}</ref> previously, users had to change icons by manually editing configuration files.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/6326/change-your-windows-7-library-icons-the-easy-way/ |title=Change Your Windows 7 Library Icons the Easy Way |work=HowToGeek.com |date=June 22, 2013 |access-date=June 27, 2013 |archive-date=July 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130713220225/http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/6326/change-your-windows-7-library-icons-the-easy-way/ |url-status=live }}</ref> With Windows 8.1., libraries can now also include removable storage devices; previously, adding removable storage devices to libraries was not supported.<ref name="Windows81Surprises">{{cite web |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/448329/windows-8-1-surprises-25-hidden-features-and-little-extras.html |title=Windows 8.1 surprises: 25 hidden features and little extras |last=Chacos |first=Brad |date=October 31, 2013 |access-date=December 1, 2022}}</ref> Windows 8.1, however, no longer creates any default libraries for new users, and does not display the Libraries listing in File Explorer by default.<ref>{{cite web|last=Thurrott|first=Paul|title=Are Libraries Going Away in Windows 8.1?|url=http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/are-libraries-going-away-windows-81|work=Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows|publisher=[[Penton (professional information services)|Penton Media]]|author-link=Paul Thurrott|access-date=June 10, 2013|date=June 10, 2013|quote=Apparently, libraries will still be a capability of Windows 8/RT with the 8.1 update but the default libraries are no longer created when you set up a new user. You can still create custom libraries if you'd like.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613234448/http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/are-libraries-going-away-windows-81|archive-date=June 13, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> Instead, Windows 8.1 introduces shortcuts to the default user profile folders (Documents, Downloads, Pictures, etc.) within the This PC ___location of File Explorer. The libraries can be enabled in the Options menu.<ref name="ThisPC">{{cite web |url=http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/hands-windows-81-pc |title=Hands-On with Windows 8.1: This PC |last=Thurrott |first=Paul |author-link=Paul Thurrott |date=June 26, 2013 |publisher=[[Penton]] |work=Supersite for Windows |access-date=February 23, 2015 |archive-date=March 17, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317224435/http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/hands-windows-81-pc |url-status=live }}</ref>
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Alongside the existing [[WinPE]]-based [[Windows Setup]] (which is used for installations that are initiated by booting from DVD, USB, or [[Preboot Execution Environment|network]]), '''Upgrade Assistant''' is offered to provide a simpler and faster process for upgrading to Windows 8 from previous versions of Windows. The program runs a compatibility check to scan the device's hardware and software for Windows 8 compatibility, and then allows the user to purchase, download, generate installation media with a DVD or [[USB flash drive]] and install Windows 8. The new installation process also allows users to transfer user data into a clean installation of Windows.<ref name="microsoftrevealsprice">{{cite web | first=Paul | last=McDougall | url=http://www.informationweek.com/windows/microsoft-news/microsoft-reveals-windows-8-upgrade-pric/240003119 | title=Microsoft Reveals Windows 8 Upgrade Price | website=[[InformationWeek]] | publisher=[[UBM plc|UBM]] | date=July 3, 2012 | access-date=July 4, 2012 | archive-date=August 10, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120810013404/http://www.informationweek.com/windows/microsoft-news/microsoft-reveals-windows-8-upgrade-pric/240003119 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=bw8-improvingsetup>{{cite web|title=Improving the setup experience|url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2011/11/21/improving-the-setup-experience.aspx|work=Building Windows 8|publisher=Microsoft|access-date=September 18, 2012|archive-date=September 10, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910061633/http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2011/11/21/improving-the-setup-experience.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> A similar program, branded as '''Windows 8 Setup''', is used for installations where the user already has a product key.<ref name=supersite-81iso>{{cite web|title=Windows 8.1 Tip: Download a Windows 8.1 ISO with a Windows 8 Product Key|url=http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/windows-81-tip-download-windows-81-iso-windows-8-product-key|work=Paul Thurrott's Supersite for Windows|access-date=October 20, 2013|archive-date=October 20, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020175536/http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/windows-81-tip-download-windows-81-iso-windows-8-product-key|url-status=live}}</ref>
Windows 8 implements OEM Activation 3.0, which allows Microsoft to digitally distribute Windows licenses to [[original equipment manufacturer]]s (OEMs). Windows 8 devices store [[product key]]s directly in firmware rather than printed on a Certificate of Authenticity (CoA) sticker. This new system is designed to prevent OEM product keys from being used on computers they are not licensed for, and also allows the installer to automatically detect and accept the product key in the event of re-installation.<ref name=cnet-productkey>{{cite web|last=Whitney|first=Lance|title=Windows 8 moves to BIOS-based product keys|url=http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-33642_7-57554240-292/windows-8-moves-to-bios-based-product-keys/|work=CNET|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|access-date=November 29, 2012|archive-date=November 29, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121129045741/http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-33642_7-57554240-292/windows-8-moves-to-bios-based-product-keys/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=toms-oema3>{{cite web|title=Windows 8 to Feature New OEM Activation Method|url=http://www.tomshardware.com/news/Windows-8-OEM-OA-3.0-Piracy-Genuine-Microsoft,16636.html|website=Tom's Guide|date=August 4, 2012 |publisher=Purch Inc.|access-date=July 8, 2014|archive-date=
Windows 8.1 Update adds a new installation mode known as "WIMBoot", where the [[Windows Imaging Format|WIM image]] that contains the Windows installation is left compressed rather than being extracted, and the system is configured to use files directly from within the system image. This installation method was primarily designed to reduce the footprint of the Windows installation on devices with small amounts of storage. The system image also doubles as the recovery image, speeding up Refresh and Reset operations.<ref name=msdn-wimboot>{{cite web|title=What is Windows Image Boot (WIMBoot)?|url=http://blogs.windows.com/windows/b/springboard/archive/2014/04/10/what-is-windows-image-boot-wimboot.aspx|work=Springboard Series Blog|publisher=Microsoft|access-date=April 11, 2014|archive-date=April 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413124550/http://blogs.windows.com/windows/b/springboard/archive/2014/04/10/what-is-windows-image-boot-wimboot.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> It is only supported in systems with a [[Unified Extensible Firmware Interface]] (UEFI), where Windows is located on a [[solid-state drive]] or [[eMMC]].<ref name=technet-wimbootoverview>{{cite web|title=Windows Image File Boot (WIMBoot) Overview|url=https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn594399.aspx|work=TechNet|publisher=Microsoft|access-date=April 11, 2014|archive-date=April 12, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140412001236/http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn594399.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref>
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Windows 8 defaults to a "Fast startup" mode; when the operating system is shut down, it [[Hibernation (computing)|hibernates]] the [[kernel (operating system)|kernel]], allowing for a faster boot on the subsequent startup.<ref>{{cite web|title=How to, uh, turn Windows 8 off|url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-10805_3-57389397-75/how-to-uh-turn-windows-8-off/|website=CNET|access-date=September 12, 2012|archive-date=August 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120823085204/http://news.cnet.com/8301-10805_3-57389397-75/how-to-uh-turn-windows-8-off/|url-status=live}}</ref> These improvements are further compounded by using all processor cores during startup by default.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.winsupersite.com/blog/supersite-blog-39/windows8/microsoft-touts-incredible-windows-8-boot-times-140515 | title=Microsoft Touts Incredible Windows 8 Boot Times | access-date=September 9, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329125702/http://www.winsupersite.com/blog/supersite-blog-39/windows8/microsoft-touts-incredible-windows-8-boot-times-140515 | archive-date=March 29, 2012 | url-status=dead }}</ref> To create a more seamless transition between the [[Power-on self-test]] and Windows startup process, manufacturers' logos can now be shown on the Windows boot screen on compatible systems with [[UEFI]].<ref name=reengineering-boot/>
The Advanced Startup menu now uses a graphical interface with mouse and touch support in place of the text-based menu used by previous versions. As the increased boot speed of devices with UEFI can make it difficult to access it using keyboard shortcuts during boot, the menu can now be launched from within Windows—using either the PC Settings app, holding down Shift while clicking the Restart option in the Power menu, or by using the new "-o" switch on [[shutdown.exe]].<ref name=reengineering-boot>{{cite web|title=Reengineering the Windows boot experience|url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2011/09/20/reengineering-the-windows-boot-experience.aspx|publisher=Microsoft|access-date=September 12, 2012|archive-date=May 9, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509201107/http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2011/09/20/reengineering-the-windows-boot-experience.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=bw8-bootfasterdesign>{{cite web|title=Designing for PCs that boot faster than ever before|url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2012/05/22/designing-for-pcs-that-boot-faster-than-ever-before.aspx|publisher=Microsoft|access-date=September 12, 2012|archive-date=
UEFI firmware can be exposed to Windows via [[class driver]]s. Updated firmware capsules can be distributed as an update to this "[[device drivers|driver]]" in a signed package with an [[INF file]] and security catalog, similarly to those for other devices. When the "driver" is installed, Windows prepares the update to be installed on the next boot, and [[Windows Boot Manager]] renders status information on the device's boot screen.<ref name=ms-uefiplatform>{{cite web|title=Windows UEFI Firmware Update Platform|url=http://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/download/details.aspx?id=38405|publisher=Microsoft|access-date=October 9, 2013|format=[[Microsoft Word|DOCX]]|archive-date=August 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150812073951/http://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/download/details.aspx?id=38405|url-status=live}}</ref>
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