Tablets built for Microsoft’s Windows 8 operating system are a strange beast. Essentially, each has two distinct identities, allowing users to get things done and enjoy television shows, music and movies. This makes installing a Windows 8 tablet somewhat cumbersome.
The first of these different personalities is the tablet personality. Every Windows 8 installation installed on a tablet or anything with a touchscreen has the Start Screen. The Start Screen is a new area that allows users to quickly access their apps and browse their latest email or social media updates without having to open individual apps. The Start Screen also includes its own web browser, a store for downloading more apps, specific printing methods, and more.
Dell Venue 8 Pro with Dell XPS 11 Pro in the background.
The second of these personalities is Desktop. If you haven’t heard the name before, don’t be fooled. Desktop is not just another interface you need to learn how to use. In fact, Desktop will be the most familiar thing you will encounter in your Windows 8.1 tablet experience. Think of the desktop as Windows used to be. It has hardly changed in Windows 8.1. Sure, there are some new taskbars and apps out there, but it’s still the same Windows OS you’ve come across elsewhere. It’s just faster and takes up less storage space.
Read: 3 Tips for a Better Windows 8 Tablet Experience
Before you start setting up your Windows tablet, I can’t tell you how important it is to have everything you need during setup. You will need your tablet’s power cable. You will also need the username and password for your Microsoft Account. If you haven’t heard of a Microsoft Account, don’t worry: if you have an Outlook, Hotmail, or Xbox Live account, it’s the same thing and has a different name.
Initial Installation
Plug the device charger into a wall and tablet. Every Windows tablet has its own unique power adapter. Most tablets made by Dell and Lenovo use either their own laptop chargers or a MicroUSB charger, which is the same cables used to charge almost any smartphone except iPhone. Microsoft’s Surface tablets use their own proprietary chargers with five holes in the connector.
Microsoft Surface 2
Press and hold the button to turn on the device and begin the setup process. You may have to do this for up to five seconds.
Now specify which language you want the tablet to use. Devices sold in the United States are usually used by default.
Set a name for your tablet. This can be any combination of letters and numbers, but not spaces. This name is used when other devices encounter your tablet on your home network or when configuring settings for OneDrive syncing.
Every piece of software these days includes Terms and Conditions. Essentially, it’s an agreement between Microsoft and you that protects them from being sued in certain circumstances and lets you know what your rights are as a Windows tablet buyer. You don’t have to read them, but you do need to read them before continuing with the installation.
Now you will need to configure your wireless network. This means you will need to enter your Wi-Fi password before you can get updates and surf the web on your Windows tablet. Tablets running Windows 8.1 allow users to easily connect to their network at the push of a button. But doing so requires users to have a relatively modern wireless router. Tap or click your Wi-Fi router to see if it has a Connect button like the one shown in the photo above, and then navigate to your Wi-Fi router. Otherwise, you will need to enter your Wi-Fi password. Since your cable or satellite company needed to set up your wireless network, they should have left you a brochure with this information. It may also be taped to the bottom of your wireless router.
Just tap or click on it and then add your Microsoft Account to your device. Doing so will allow you to automatically get the latest updates, have OneDrive sync features, and access the Windows Store to download apps.
After a setup process you will be taken to the Start Screen.
Essential Guides
Even though you are logged into your Windows tablet and have done all the setups, I want to emphasize how important it is for you to continue educating yourself on the capabilities of your device. Here is a collection of the most important Windows 8.1 tutorials you need.
Personalization
How to Add Background to Start Screen in Windows 8.1
How to Set Parental Controls in Windows 8.1
How to Resize Live Tiles in Windows 8.1
Media and Apps
How Do You Uninstall Apps in Windows 8.1?
How to Install Apps in Windows 8.1
How to Add Music to Xbox Music on Your Windows 8.1 Device
How to Open Multiple Internet Explorer Windows in Windows 8.1
Fundamentals
Backing Up Files and Settings to OneDrive in Windows 8.1
How to Print from Windows 8.1
How to Turn Off SkyDrive Sync in Windows 8.1
How to Install Apps to Open on Desktop in Windows 8.1
How to Turn Off the Start Screen in Windows 8.1
Checking Your Battery Life in Windows 8.1
After you’ve finished setting up and customizing your device, discover what your new Windows 8 tablet can do. Microsoft’s unique approach to tablet creation means there will be tons of useful yet hidden features you’ll want to try. Moyens I/O.com We watched more than a few when we looked at Windows 8.1.
