I am constantly asked installation/partitioning advice on installing Windows.
Below is my advice on installing Windows 8.1.
[Read more…] about Advice On Installing Windows 8.1
Search Results for: windows 8.1
Windows 8.1 SSD Defrag
An interesting blog post was brought to me attention by a reader. Many Geeks will recognize the blogger, Scott Hanselman:
The real and complete story – Does Windows defragment your SSD? (be cure to check out the comments too)
The gist of this post is to tell us we’ve all been wrong and Windows 8.1 does in fact defrag SSD’s.
However, we need to dig a little deeper. [Read more…] about Windows 8.1 SSD Defrag
Dual Boot openSUSE 13.2 and Windows 8.1 UEFI
This is how I dual-boot my Windows 8.1 rig with openSUSE 13.2.
Though virtually unchanged from this version, I’ve put up a new version here: Dual Boot openSUSE Leap and Windows 10 UEFI
Notes:
– BACKUP your computer with a disk image before attempting this!
– Please do not contact me with questions on this topic.
That’s what the openSUSE forums are for.
– For how I dual-boot with a standard BIOS (legacy) see here: Dual-Boot openSUSE 12.3 And Windows (article is NOT compatible with BTRFS)
Interesting Links
openSUSE:UEFI
BCD System Store Settings for UEFI
Dual booting with Windows 8, not as painful as expected.
Preparation
1 – Full disk image backup using Acronis True Image.
2 – Make or leave unpartitioned space on OS drive for openSUSE. (If you can’t do this without a tutorial, well…..)
3 – Make UEFI boot usb flash drive with Rufus.
Installation
Pardon the odd screenshots. I used Vmware player for this article.
I should note that I am not a believer in using multiple partitions for my Linux installs.
Boot up, go through setup until you get to the partitioning section.
I do not use BTRFS and I always use Create Partition Setup…
Choose Custom Partitioning (for experts) and click Next
Right-click on the DRIVE where you want to install openSUSE and choose Add Partition
Make a swap partition, 2-4GB is fine.
Below are the options I use. Ext4 for file system, noatime, discard (=trim)
This next step is critical as your system will not boot without it.
Right-click on the Windows EFI boot partition and choose Edit
Choose Mount partition
Choose /boot/efi
Click Finish
Done? click Accept
Last chance to bail…
Click Next
I don’t use Secure Boot. It can be disabled here:
Boot Screen:
Everything should run just peachy until you boot into Windows again.
Windows will usually try and make its bootloader default again which means openSUSE isn’t an option.
While in Windows, open an Elevated Command Prompt and copy/paste this command (source):
bcdedit /set {bootmgr} path \EFI\opensuse\shim.efi
That’s it!
Updated Microsoft Explore Windows 8.1 Guides
Microsoft has updated their Explore Windows 8.1 guides:
Explore Windows 8.1 Word Doc:
“This guide provides instructions for touch, mouse, and keyboard access to Windows 8.1 features.”
Explorer Windows 8.1 Quick Reference Guide:
“The Windows 8.1 operating system provides a robust array of features for touch-based, mouse-controlled, and keyboard-controlled devices. This Quick Reference Guide will get you started.“
Tweaking Windows 8.1 Updated
Tweaking Windows 8.1 has been updated for Update 1.
Get it while it’s hot!
PLEASE help spread the word!
If you ordered the printable PDF in the past you’re due a free update! Contact me:
– Either reply to the original email, or
– Email me and provide the email address you ordered with or forward your receipt.
Haven’t ordered the printable PDF yet? Grab it here.
Windows 8.1 Update 1 Stuff From Microsoft
Microsoft has a few downloads I thought you all might find interesting:
[Read more…] about Windows 8.1 Update 1 Stuff From Microsoft
Installed – Windows 8.1 Update 1
As many of you know Windows 8.1 Update 1 was released to MSDN. Regular users will get it via Windows Update starting April 8th.
Hopefully some time after that ISO’s for regular users will become available, um, “officially”.
I decided to do a clean install via the x64 ISO using the following steps. [Read more…] about Installed – Windows 8.1 Update 1
Windows 8.1 Adding A Real Start Menu
According to the bloggers at BUILD, a Metro-ized Start Menu will be arriving via some future update (not the April 8th one).
No date or further details. Hit up Ars Technica or Neowin for pics.
Thank you Mr. Nadella!
Windows 8.1 Mouse Pointer Freeze Fix
Microsoft has issued a fix for you gamers with mouser issues.
I’m guessing it will show up via Windows Update at some point but it hasn’t yet.
Download:
32-bit
64-bit
KB – Mouse pointer stutters or freezes when you play certain games in Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2
Windows 8.1 Quick Guide for Business
Windows 8.1 Quick Guide for Business is a 16 page printable PDF.
Useful tips for everyone not just business.
“Whether you’re brand new to Windows 8.1, or just want a refresher, this quick guide will show you the basics and beyond.”