How to Use Windows 8 Consumer Preview with Keyboard and Mouse (III)

Released last week, Windows 8 Consumer Preview provides users with a glimpse at what the next major Windows release will be all about.

Designed specifically for use on touch-enabled devices, Windows 8 redefines the way we look at Windows, as well as what the use of the platform involves.

When it comes to installing and taking advantage of Windows 8 Consumer Preview on a desktop computer with keyboard and mouse as the main input and navigation means, things might get a bit complicated, especially for inexperienced users.

One of the main issues that many have had in Windows 8 was related to shutting down the PC using the keyboard and mouse.

Some of my friends found it difficult to shut down my Windows 8 Developer Preview-running PC, since there was no Shut Down button in the Start Menu.

In Windows 8 Consumer Preview, the Start button is missing as well (it got replaced by an orb), which makes things even more difficult, one might think.

However, there are simple ways of shutting down the Windows 8 PC, using only the mouse, only the keyboard, or both of them.

When on the Desktop in Windows 8 or in a running application, you can simply move the mouse to any of the right corners of the screen to get to the Charms bar, where you will have to click on the Settings charm.

There, simply hit the Power button, and select one of the three available options, Sleep, Restart or Shut Down. The Charms bar also appears when hitting Windows Key + C.

To shut down the PC, you can also hit Ctrl + Alt + Del, which will bring up a familiar menu where options such as Lock, Switch User, Sign out and Task Manager are available. On this screen, you’ll find the Power Button on the lower right corner, also with the three aforementioned options.

Additionally, you can hit Alt + F4 when on the Desktop, for a menu that enables you to Shut Down the PC, Restart it, put it to Sleep, Switch users, or Sign out from the active session.

If you find these key sequences too complicated, you can always head over to the Power Options panel (right click on the Start Screen orb or go to Control Panel through the Settings Charm) and set the PC to shut down when hitting the Power Button.

For some info on how to get started with the Desktop and Metro Start Screen in Windows 8, have a look at this article. You can learn more on how to use apps in Windows 8 through this post. A list of useful keyboard shortcuts in Windows 8 is available via this article.

Download Windows 8 Consumer Preview Build 8250