The Windows 8.1 experience that I’ve shared below is just that, an experience. Windows 8.1 itself is fine, I’d prefer if it gave me more customization options. Personally, I’d prefer not having a Windows button (I’ve got a windows key on my keyboard). Personally I’d prefer full screen search over the tiny search bar in 8.1. So Microsoft would’ve done better to provide personalization options, not to choose for you.
And I’m a little ticked off.
First off, my computer updated itself without my knowledge nor my permission. It had asked me a few times, to which my answer was always “Not Right Now”. However, it decided, of it’s own accord, that it would update itself. That kind of behavior is not acceptable.
In addition to updating itself to Windows 8.1 it also decided that it would be helpful and download/setup/install a bunch of apps for me. Once again it did so without asking for my permission. It then decided that it wanted me to create a special Microsoft Account to use my personal computer, Luckily, I found a way around that (using my smartphone, because my computer wouldn’t let me use it).
When I finally got into the computer I discovered that it had changed a number of things that I did not tell it to.
- It Rearranged my taskbar icons.
- It added a Start Button
- It threw Internet Explorer onto my taskbar
- It changed the way I search for things in the start menu.
- It changed the way my start menu looked.
All in all, I wasn’t that happy with the way Windows 8.1 decided to force itself upon my machine.
A few tips for the future.
- Do not update my machine without asking me
- If I tell you to wait, then you better wait and you better not update without me.
- Do not *force* me to make a Microsoft Account to use my own computer.
- Make the fact that it’s *optional* more clear.
- DON’T CHANGE MY STUFF
- I have icons on my taskbar for a reason, don’t mess with them
- Don’t try to trick me to use IE by placing it in prominent places on my machine
- Don’t add things without asking me
- Don’t change things without asking me
- It disabled my PS3 controller(that I spent a long time trying to get to work on my computer).
This whole process would’ve been a whole lot less frustrating if it allowed for more input from the user. It should’ve told me about all the changes it wanted to do (add IE, add the Windows button, modify the Startmenu), and more importantly, it should’ve given me the option to keep things the way they were.
So… now I proceed to search the internet for ways to make my computer the way I like it again. Which makes me even more frustrated.
**UPDATE**
It appears there is no built in way to turn off the Windows button in the taskbar. There is also no way to make my Start Screen searches full screen by default anymore. (Ok, so if I actually click the apps view, and then search, the search is the way I want it to work). The only way to get these things back to the way I like them is by re-installing windows 8, which is pretty annoying. All in all I’m really sad with the way this whole update happened.
Note:
Kaira mentioned that she’s been postponing the update by doing the following. Maybe that will help some of you.
What I do is, when the prompt asking to restart at a time of my choosing sets, set it to as late as it goes, then rush over to the Windows Store. Click Updates (top right) and you’ll see it downloading 8.1. Click that and something at the bottom comes up, and you can select Cancel.
