The new Windows
Discover new ways to work and play with Windows 8.1.
The familiar made better
The desktop you're used
to—with its familiar folders and icons—is still here. And not just still
here, it's actually better than before, with a new task manager and
streamlined file management. And you can always get to your desktop—and
back to your Start screen again—with a tap or click.
Programs
Use them the way you always have. Word,
Excel, PowerPoint, and other programs you count on work the way you're
used to. Use a mouse and keyboard and organize your stuff in folders on
the desktop.
Security
Windows Defender and Windows SmartScreen can help guard
your PC against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software in real
time. Family Safety gives your kids some independence while still
keeping tabs on them.
Mouse and keyboard
You can use a mouse and keyboard to work on
your Windows desktop the way you always have. And things you do with
touch, like using apps from the Windows Store and getting around on your
Start screen, can also be done with a mouse and keyboard.
Make it yours
Search once, go anywhere
Bing smart search gives you results from your PC, your
apps, and the web. Results are in a clean, graphic view so you can
quickly get to what you're looking for. (Certain features unavailable in
some regions.)
See more, do more
Windows 8.1 lets you work
the way you want, and flow smoothly from one thing to another. Pull up a
Wikipedia article during a chat with a friend to settle a debate. Play a
music video while polishing your resume. Depending on the size of your
screen, you can see up to four apps at once.
Your Windows, everywhere
It goes where you go.
Use your Microsoft account to sign in to any of your devices running Windows 8.1,
and you'll see the same layout, apps, and settings. Signing in with
your Microsoft Account (which is simply an email address and password of
your choice) also gives you access to a world of apps from the Windows
Store, and lets you save, view, and edit your documents and photos
online with SkyDrive.
 | SkyDrive |
Your files are always with you
SkyDrive is free online storage that's built into Windows 8.1. Save documents, photos, and other files to SkyDrive automatically, and get to them anytime, from any of your PCs or devices. And you can use SkyDrive to protect your files if something happens to your PC.
You can also use SkyDrive to share and collaborate with others, and see your stuff on mobile and non-Windows devices.
 | Internet Explorer 11 |
Fast, fluid, built for touch
Internet Explorer 11 is built for touch—now with larger
tabs, simpler controls, and fluid response to gestures.
Internet Explorer harnesses the power of hardware acceleration, so sites
load faster and browsing’s smoother.
 | Skype |
Video, voice, and instant messaging
The always-on app that makes staying in touch with all
your contacts easier than ever. Keep in touch with video and voice calls
and instant messaging, all from one app. Call any phone quickly and
easily. All Skype-to-Skype video and voice calls are free, and your
messages are delivered straight to you no matter what you're doing. Snap
Skype left or right and do more while you IM, video call, or keep an
eye on your home screen.
 | Windows Store |
Load up on apps
Open the Windows Store right from your Start screen to
browse and download apps for cooking, photos, sports, news, and a lot
more—many of them free. Sort by price, rating, and category. Find old
favorites and hot new apps.
