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Windows 8. You now have to option to create smaller or larger screen tiles to your heart's desire. Use smaller tiles to make your start screen more productive as you can see more apps all at once. Bigger tiles show more up to date details. You can glance at the weather forecast without actually opening the application.

The start screen can also adjust to larger resolutions so you have more rows of tiles without needing a huge empty space. The varying sizes of tile apps allow for more convenience in using your mouse or trackpad to navigate.

More options to suit you Microsoft also included over different color combinations you can use to personalize your desktop. Desktop apps color coordinate themselves to match the most dominant color in its logo. You can easily see changes on your desktop without jumping in and out of the PC settings app. Just simply go to the personalization panel in the Charms bar and try to change your wallpaper and see if it looks nice.

The updated search function goes beyond the ordinary OS search engine. The FAQ on a separate page even called it a "free upgrade offer extension" and pointedly noted that it was not limited to specific assistive technologies.

I regularly use the Magnifier utility in Windows, which is indisputably an assistive technology. Of course, I'm not a lawyer, and this column isn't legal advice. But I will say that I am personally confident in the activation status of any PC upgraded using the tool on that page during the eligibility period. This extension was, I think, a very large nod and a wink, designed to make it easy for those who wanted a Windows 10 upgrade to still get it while placating the OEM partners who were none too happy about the year-long emphasis on upgrades rather than new PC sales.

Alas, I say "was," because the extension which was itself extended officially ended on Jan. The page that formerly ran an Upgrade Assistant now returns an error message. The big question now is whether Microsoft will ever turn off the code on its activation servers that dispenses digital licenses after an upgrade from an earlier Windows version. I've continued to test that scenario, and I can confirm, long after the end of support for Windows 7, that it still works. I continue to hear from readers sharing their experiences.

If you've used this technique on a PC, click my name at the top of this post and use the contact form to let me know how it went for you. Note: This article was originally published in January It has been updated multiple times since then to reflect the most current information.

Tim Fisher has more than 30 years' of professional technology experience. He's been writing about tech for more than two decades and serves as the VP and General Manager of Lifewire. Tweet Share Email. In This Article Expand. Download Windows 8. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Email Address Sign up There was an error. Windows 8. Like a service pack , this software utility integrates patches and new features that will improve your use of the operating system. With this upgrade, users will be able to take advantage of the more friendly startup screen.

But, the real meat of the update is that it restores some of the core functionalities of Windows 7. This also goes with Windows 8, although you need to get it directly through the Windows Store.

To start the process, just click the download button. Then you can run the installation immediately or save the copy to install it at a later time. It is important to note, however, that you need to install the patches labeled important, in the order given.

If you're using Windows 7, write down the activation key you may need this later. Follow our Windows 10 backup instructions on how to do so. Visit the Windows 10 download page opens in new tab. This is an official Microsoft page that may allow you to upgrade for free.