Q. I really can't stand Windows 8, Kim. I've had my new computer for about three months and I just don't get it. I still haven't figured out how to do half of the things I need to do and the stuff I have figured out makes zero sense to me. I've stuck to using my old Windows Vista desktop to get things done instead. There has to be something I can do to make Windows 8 less of a pain in the keister, right? - A. I hear you, Lara. Windows 8 has no shortage of annoying layout quirks and confusing new features. I would know; I wrote the book explaining the new stuff you have to learn with Windows 8!
You don't have to tackle this alone, though. Microsoft and independent developers alike have made plenty of tweaks you can add to Windows 8. They don't make it work exactly like Windows 7 or XP, but they work wonders.
Let's explore what these tweaks are. I'm sure we can find something that will make you feel excited about using your new computer, Lara!
There's also a nuclear option you can use to completely get rid of Windows 8. I'll tell you about that too.
1. Give Windows 8.1 a try
Last month, Microsoft issued its big mea culpa to Windows 8 users. It's called Windows 8.1 and it reverses many of the changes that people hated about Windows 8.
It brings back the Start button, gives you the ability to boot to the Desktop and more. It gives you more choices than Windows 8 did. The best part is that it will be a free upgrade when it comes out later this year.
You don't have to wait to see if you like it, though. You can download it and try it out right now. I'll tell you exactly how to do that. Then learn what settings to tweak to make it work like you want.
2. Tweak Windows 8
Sadly, Windows 8.1 might not fix everything you hate about Windows 8. Luckily for you, app developers and programmers are a few steps ahead of Microsoft. If you can think of something you don't like about the operating system, there's probably a cure for it.
Programs like ClassicShell and Start8 are made specifically to make Windows 8 easier for fans of earlier versions of Windows. They bring back the Start menu. And you can relocate your menus back to where you expect them to be.
If you don't want to do the work yourself, give Pokki a shot. It's a game center for Windows computers, but it changes some of Windows 8's menu options by default. It might make it easier for you to find the stuff you need.
3. Go back to Windows 7
As Windows XP users know, Microsoft likes to let old operating systems linger. XP was released in 2001 and its "End of life" isn't arriving until next year. If you're an XP user, click here to learn how it will affect you.
Sure enough, support for Windows 7 is supposed to last until 2020. Who knows what sort of changes will happen to PCs by then?
Even if you've already bought a Windows 8 machine, you can reverse course to 7 at no charge. You just need a computer with downgrade rights and a Windows 7 CD. Microsoft will help you activate Windows 7 without a fee.
If you don't have a computer with downgrade rights, you can do it yourself. Some online stores are still selling copies of Windows 7. You can buy it, wipe your computer and install it. Of course, that's a lot of work, so I would use that as a last resort.
Short of that, you can add new parts to your older computer to make it feel like new again. I'll help you do that in this must-read tip.
Your last option is to break away from Windows altogether. Here are three alternatives you can choose.
