When Microsoft first announced its plans to modernize the Windows 8 operating system, many users were opposed to the idea of having to learn new ways to do the same things they had done in previous versions for years. Understandably, many users freaked out. Even more so, by purchasing new devices running the operating system, they realized they had no idea how to do anything they relied on the Start Menu. One of the issues that people still have trouble understanding is how search works in Windows 8.
As with most actions, Microsoft has divided the functionality of the Start Menu into two items. The first one, the Start Screen, is the new default user interface for Windows 8. This is the touch and keyboard friendly area with Live Tiles that stands out whenever a user presses the Start button on their device. The second area is the Charms Bar. Unlike the Start Menu, there is no permanent visual element that lets you know it’s there. Instead, Microsoft requires users to know how to access them after a short video tutorial.
Here’s how to use the Charms Bar’s search functionality to find what you’re looking for in your favorite Windows 8 apps like Netflix and files stored on the device you’re using.
From any area of your computer, whether you’re using a tablet, keyboard and mouse.
The Charms Bar will appear giving you ‘Settings’, ‘Devices’, ‘Start’, ‘Share’ and finally ‘Search’. Click on the Search Charm.
By default, Windows 8 will treat all searches as if you were searching for an application.. If you’re looking for an app until you see it on the left and on or above it. If you’re looking for a setting, select just below the field where you see the keywords you’re looking for. When you find this setting, press or tap . The same goes for any files you store on that Windows 8 device just below the Search field.
You will also find a list of applications that you can search using this system. To search for apps, simply type the name of what you’re looking for and click the app you want to search for in the search menu. In our example, we search for ‘Britney Spears’ in the Xbox Music app.
Again, this method also works for files stored on your computer. Above we are looking for all Britney Spears songs downloaded on our Windows 8 Device.
Users can also search directly from any installed app, as the Charms Bar is always available. To do this, simply enter the application and save the .
