8 things you can do in Windows 10 that you couldn't do in Windows 8

8 things you can do in Windows 10 that you couldn't do in Windows 8

Some of the features and functions Microsoft has added to its new all-encompassing operating system

Did you hear there's a new version of the Windows in town? If your Windows 8-toting friends ask you exactly what you can do with the new Windows 10 that they can't do on their own machines, here's what to tell them.

Analyse the storage space on your PC

In the pre-Windows 10 days, you needed a third-party application if you wanted to take a proper look at the layout of files and drives on your system. With Windows 10, there's a tool built-in: Type `storage' in the task bar search box.

Next, choose the storage setting and you can see exact ly wh at types of files (like mu sic, apps or video) are taking up your hard drive space.

Use a fingerprint instead of a password

T his is pa r t of t he Windows Hello biometric platform and whether or not you can make use of it depends on the make and model of computer you're using Windows 10 on. Apart from fin gerprint sensing, it supports face recognition and even iris scanning. So if computer manufacturers are prepared to build this kind of kit into their systems then Microsoft's new OS will be able to support it.

Switch to a dedicated tablet mode

Windows 8 tried to squash a tablet mode and a desktop mode into one ungainly whole, but everything is far more civilised in the new Windows 10 interface. Open up the Action Center to switch manually to tablet mode or get out of it again. In fact you may prefer using the stripped-down tablet mode even when you have a mouse and a keyboard attached.

Stream Xbox One games

Streaming games from one place to another isn't a completely original idea, but the link Microsoft has built between the Xbox One and Windows 10 machines could be the best use of the technology yet. If the kids want to use the big screen in the living room you can stream your Xbox One gaming up to your laptop or desktop upstairs (if your home network can cope).

Share WiFi passwords with your friends

The new WiFi Sense feature (in network settings) has attracted its fair share of controversy but it's an easy way of letting people use your home WiFi while they're visiting (and for you to use theirs in return). Your contacts never actually see the password but if they're linked to you and also on a Windows 10 bit of kit they can just start browsing as soon as they get through the door.

Run modern apps on the desktop

We've already mentioned some of the ways in which Microsoft is refining the tablet vs desktop experience in Windows 10. Another improvement in this new OS is the ability to run mod ern (aka Metro) apps in windowed mode as well as full-screen mode.

The apps themselves have been improved too, so they're worth a second look if you didn't like the Windows 8 versions.

Get chatty with Cortana

Cortana arrives on the desktop.

As on Windows Phone, you can ask question s about the weather or famous pop stars, get direc tions home, set reminders and more.  Besides you c a n a l so get her to turn Wi ndows s et t i n g s such as WiFi and Bluetooth on or off. Click the Cortana button on the `start' menu to get started. Set up Windows to work with iOS and Android

Microsoft has decide to embrace iOS and Android and now makes most of it s apps available for the competing mobile platforms (Cortana apps are apparently imminent) . Run t he Phone Companion app from the Start menu and you can launch a step-by-step guide to get t i n g your iPhone 6 or LG G4 working smoothly with all the data and apps you've .

Source | Economic Times | 26 August 2015