How to Restart Apps in Windows 8.1

Microsoft threw out the rulebook while designing Windows 8. Previously, things like restarting an application were simple due to the nature of Windows applications. If you press the X in the upper right corner of the screen they will close and you can select the application again from the Start Menu.

This is no longer the case as apps change and evolve in Windows 8.1. It’s true that Desktop apps like iTunes and Internet Explorer can still be restarted this way. However, Windows Store apps, ie apps purchased or downloaded for free from the Windows Store and synced across devices, don’t work that way. Unless you drag them to the bottom of your screen, Windows Store apps run in the background until they’re no longer needed.

Here’s how to restart apps in Windows 8.1

With Mouse and Keyboard

Go to.

Open the Windows Store app that is giving you trouble. For this example, we’re using Prime TV.

Now hold down your mouse cursor with the left mouse button and drag the window down and hold it there. and drag it back to the top of your screen.

Users can also navigate to any application and press the Windows Key + down arrow on the keyboard to close an application without using the mouse at all.

Touch Screen

Go to.

Open the Windows Store app that is giving you trouble.

Place your finger on and drag the application to b. Hold it there and drag it back to the top of your screen.

Note that restarted apps may or may not still contain what you’re working on, depending on how they save things. Most apps register automatically, but there are a few apps that don’t. It’s always a great idea to hit the save button before rebooting.