Windows 8 Getting Started

Introduction

Windows 8 is the latest operating system offered by Microsoft. This new operating system adds many unique elements which create a new Windows experience. The guide below provides instructions for basic operations within windows 8. For more information, please visit our Windows 8 support page.

New Start Screen and Menu

Start screen

You can add shortcuts to apps, the desktop, and
websites that you use the most.

  • Touch operationOpen the charms, then tap the Start charm.
  • With a mouse/touch padOpen the charms, then click the Start charm.
  • With a keyboardPress the (Windows) key.

Charms

Search for apps and files, share content, play content on other devices or print, and set up your PC.

  • Touch operationSwipe in from the right edge.
  • With a mouse/touch padPoint to the upper-right corner, then move downward. With a touch pad, you can also swipe in from the right edge.
  • With a keyboardPress the (Windows) key and the C key at the same time.

Tiles

Click a tile to start an app and personalize the Start screen by adding and rearranging tiles.

Using Apps

Starting apps

  1. Click or tap the Search charm.
  2. Enter a keyword in the Search box, click Apps, and then click the app icon.

Opening the apps menu

  • Touch operationSwipe up from the bottom edge.
  • With a mouse/touch padWhen an app is open, right-click (on a touch pad, click the bottom-right area).

Viewing running apps

  • Touch operationSwipe in from the left edge until a small app icon appears. Then, drag the icon back towards the left edge.
  • With a mouse/touch padPoint to the upper-left corner, then move downward. Click to switch apps.

Closing apps

  1. When an app is open, move the cursor to the topcenter of the screen until the hand icon appears.
  2. Drag the app to the bottom of the screen until the app disappears from the screen.

Using the Internet

Connecting to a Wireless LAN

  1. Click or tap the Settings charm.
  2. Click or tap the network icon.
  3. Select your wireless network from the list, then click or tap Connect.

Opening websites

Enter a URL or keyword in this box.

  1. On the Start screen, click or tap the Internet Explorer tile.
  2. Enter a URL or keyword to search websites.
  3. To open a new tab, open the apps menu and click or tap the icon.

You can also find the traditional style Internet Explorer on the desktop.

Installing apps from Windows Store

You can add apps from Windows Store.

  1. Connect to the Internet.
  2. Click or tap the Store icon on the Start screen, and then find an app to install.

Microsoft Account

You will need a Microsoft account to use some of the apps or services, including Windows Store. On how to create and what you can do with a Microsoft account, refer to Windows Help and Support.

Other Operations

Searching content

  1. Click or tap the Search charm.
  2. Click or tap Apps, Settings, or Files.
  3. Enter a keyword (e.g. Control Panel) in the Search box.

Entering sleep or shutting down

  1. Click or tap the Settings charm.
  2. Click or tap (Power), then click or tap Sleep, Shut down, or Restart.

Switching apps through touch operation

Swipe in from the left edge.

More about how to use Windows 8

  1. Click or tap the Search charm.
  2. Enter "Help and Support" in the Search box, click or tap Apps, and then click the icon.

Learning how to use the touch pad

  1. Click the Search charm.
  2. Enter "VAIO Control Center" in the Search box, click Apps, and then click the icon.
  3. Click Mouse and Keyboard, then click Watch Movies on How to Use the Touchpad.

Screenshots on this guide are examples in English.
Content in this guide is subject to change without notice.

Microsoft, Windows, the Windows logo are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. In the manual, the TM or (R) marks are not specified.