Now that the world has moved on from CRT monitors to flat, touchscreen laptops, it’s only right for Microsoft to develop a fitting operating system. In 2013, the company introduced Windows 8 to do just that. Unfortunately, it didn’t get as many fans as it fell short, especially in the UI department. Then came its biggest update, Windows 8.1.

Is bigger better?

Microsoft listened to their woes and delivered Windows 8.1 in the hopes of making this version more accepted by the public.

Fans of Windows 7 & Vista weren’t exactly thrilled about Windows 8. Firstly, it differs so much from the interface users have gone accustomed to and loved. Their biggest complaint, where in the world is the start button? Microsoft listened to their woes and delivered Windows 8.1 in the hopes of making this version more accepted by the public. You also have the ability to hide the start screen or be directed to the app list instead. This list is basically a full screen start menu which you can organize into a number of different categories. It’s not the same as that of Windows 7, but it’s definitely not as bad as Windows 8. Windows 8.1 also improved its personalization features on your start screen. You now have to option to create smaller or larger screen tiles to your heart’s desire. Use smaller tiles to make your start screen more productive as you can see more apps all at once. Bigger tiles show more up to date details. You can glance at the weather forecast without actually opening the application. The start screen can also adjust to larger resolutions so you have more rows of tiles without needing a huge empty space. The varying sizes of tile apps allow for more convenience in using your mouse or trackpad to navigate. More options to suit you Microsoft also included over 100 different color combinations you can use to personalize your desktop. Windows 8.1 comes with a number of pre-installed starts screen patterns or you can even use your own desktop wallpaper as its background. Desktop apps color coordinate themselves to match the most dominant color in its logo. You can easily see changes on your desktop without jumping in and out of the PC settings app. Just simply go to the personalization panel in the Charms bar and try to change your wallpaper and see if it looks nice.