1. The secret Start menu
2. Sync your settings
Windows 8 supports the old user account system, but it can also create a new kind of user account that's linked to your Windows ID, and pulls in information from SkyDrive, Xbox, Hotmail/Outlook and all the other cloud services the company is pushing.Launch the Settings charm, then choose 'Change PC settings' and open the 'Sync your settings' page to configure the feature.
3. Windows Defender
Windows Defender is back from extinction, taking over from Microsoft Security Essentials.You'll notice that it makes an appearance in Windows 8 if you don't already have antivirus and anti-spyware tools in place, leaping into action to plug whichever security gaps need filling.
4. Simpler shutdown
It's the same keyboard shortcut as in previous versions of Windows, but it's worth mentioning here because Windows 8 makes shutting down your PC more drawn out.You can then press Enter to shut down the PC or choose an alternative option from the drop-down menu.
5. Built-in screenshots
However, there's an even easier way to capture what's happening on your display — press the Windows key and the PrtScn button together, and a PNG grab will be automatically saved to your Pictures library.
6. Keyboard shortcuts
Knowing the keyboard shortcuts for Windows 8 can save you a lot of clicking and dragging with the mouse, and make it easier to navigate the operating system.
Win+C brings up the Charms bar, for example, while pressing the Windows key on its own switches between the desktop and the Start page.
Another useful one: hit Ctrl+Tab on the Start page to switch to the 'All apps' view.
7. Snap your apps
As you may already know, Windows 7 allowed you to snap windows to the side of the screen by clicking and dragging the title bar.Windows 8 goes one step further, enabling users to dock a Start page app (like Weather or Bing) to the side while you work on the desktop.
To dock a full-screen Start page app, drag it from the top to the left or right of the screen. You can run Start page apps alongside each other too.
8. File History
Windows 8 can keep track of previous versions of your important files, which can be a lifesaver if you accidentally delete a document or a favourite photo becomes corrupted.9. ISO support
Double-click on a downloaded or ripped ISO to view its contents; right-click and choose 'Mount' to run it.
10. Reinstall Windows
Here's a feature you might not come across until something goes wrong - Windows' new reinstall routine, known as Reset (on the PC Settings page).There's no need to dig out discs or serial codes, because everything you need is already available, hidden away on the hard drive.
Alternatively, you can do a 'refresh', which brings back all the default operating system settings, keeping your personal files, settings, the programs that came with your PC and any applications that you have downloaded from the Windows Store.