Windows 8.1 is gaining momentum as an operating system and more and more users are jumping on board every day.
That’s why we want to help. Here are some of our favorite Windows 8.1 tips, tricks, secrets, and shortcuts:

1) Access your Windows 8 apps without leaving your desktop screen

Windows 8.1 finally gives users the option to boot directly to their desktops. However, you’ll have to switch to the Metro/Modern UI to access your apps.
Unless, however, you follow this easy workaround tip:
-Type CMD into the Charms search bar and press Enter
-Type explorer shell:AppsFolder into the command line and hit Enter
-A folder with all your Metro apps will open on your desktop screen. You can pin this folder to your desktop bar or create a shortcut. You’ll never need to visit the Metro screen again.

2) Auto-save your screenshots with a single key command

I don’t know about you, but I use my print screen key several times per day. Sometimes, it’s annoying having to click that key and copy and paste the screen into Microsoft Paint in order to make it usable.
That’s why I like this new command in Windows 8 lets you capture and save a screenshot with a single shortcut key command. To do that, simply click Windows Key + PrntSc. You can find your screenshots automatically saved as a .png image in your My Documents/Pictures folder.

3) Slide your finger across your device to shut it down

This tip will only work on touch screen computers, laptops, and tablets. It adds a swipe-to-shutdown feature to your device. Some people will find this feature useful, while others will find it annoying due to the fact that it takes two steps. But whatever. Here’s how to do it:
To create this command, create a shortcut by right-clicking on the desktop and clicking New > Shortcut. Then, type C:\Windows\System32\slidetoshutdown.exe into the Location box of that shortcut. Press OK and then pin the shortcut to your Start menu or taskbar.

Once you need to shut down your device, you can press that button then swipe down. This two-step system ensures you don’t accidentally power off your device when you’re doing something important.

4) Windows Key + X

Open your Quick Access menu in less than a second by pressing Windows Key + X. This command lets you access a number of helpful functions, including shut down, log out, command prompt, control panel, and more.

If you’re the admin of your computer, then Windows Key + X lets you instantly access over a dozen helpful admin-related functions. It’s faster than trying to search for those functions in the Charms start bar.
Do you have any other good Windows 8 tips and tricks? Let us know in the comments section below!