Swipe, tap, click, and zoom

The Start screen is all you

The Start screen
Close-up of tiles on the Start screen

Each tile on Start is connected to a person, app, website, folder, playlist, or whatever else is important to you. Pin as many tiles to Start as you like and move them around so it's just the way you want it.

This isn't the usual wall of static icons: Tiles animate with the latest information. Status updates, weather forecasts, Tweets, and more—you'll see live updates before you even open a single app*.

* Internet connection required, download fees and charges may apply as set by your ISP

See something, share something

Screen showing how easy it is to share photos

Your photos, websites, that funny video you just saw: Pretty much anything you're looking at, you can share with others. There's no need to interrupt what you're doing, copy what you want to share, open another app, and paste it in. Just swipe in from the right and tap or click Share to immediately send it in email or post it to Facebook.

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Windows 8

Touch and mouse

Man using touchscreen

Windows is perfect for PCs with touchscreens, those that have a mouse and keyboard, and those with both. Whatever kind of PC you choose, you'll discover fast and fluid ways to switch between apps, move things around, and move smoothly from one place to another.

Zip around, get it done

Zoomed-in view of a pictures library
Zoomed-out view of a pictures library
Internet Explorer window with navigation controls

Discover fast and fun ways to get around

  • Pinch and stretch to zoom in and out. Get a global view of everything that's on your screen, and slide back and forth to find what you're looking for.

  • Swipe in from the left to switch between recently used apps.

  • Swipe in from the right to get back to Start and to other things you do often, like searching, sharing, and changing your settings.

  • Swipe in from the bottom to see navigation controls for any app you're in.

You can easily do all these things with a mouse, too.


Upgrade your current PC to Windows 8 right now.

Explore a new generation of tablets and computers.

Our guide to getting started with Windows 8 and Windows RT.

Fun ways to personalize your new PC.