Using the Charms

The Start Button from previous versions of Windows (sometimes known as the Windows Orb) had the function of helping you find and run programs. In Windows 8.1, you can find the Start button in the new Charms menu. This pops out from the right side of the screen and contains icons for useful tasks in Windows 8.1.

You can open the Charms Menu by swiping in from the right of the screen with your finger or pressing Windows Key + C on your keyboard (the Windows Key is the key at the bottom left of your keyboard with the Windows logo on it). To open the Charms Menu with a mouse, move your mouse to the bottom right or the top right corner of the screen.

On the Charms Menu, you will find the following options: 

• Search opens the search panel so you can find apps, documents, and Windows 8.1 Settings. 

• Share allows you to share text, pictures, and more between Windows 8.1 apps and also save pages from apps and the Internet to read later. 

• Start returns you to the Start screen; this is also available by press‐ ing the Windows Key on your keyboard or the Windows button on your tablet computer. 

• Devices allows you to print documents, web pages, and information from apps, use external display projectors, and other hardware devices.

• Settings displays the Windows Settings and controls as well as displaying controls for the currently running app.

Note: You can also search for apps, settings, and files and even Internet content by typing directly at the Start screen. You do not need to open the Search panel.