Quick Tip: Easy access to system commands in Windows 8

By Mark Kaelin

Takeaway: With a left-click in the right place you can get to an easy access menu of some of the most common Windows 8 commands and features.

I have been using Microsoft Windows 8 Consumer Preview since it was released and I find I am not near as annoyed as many readers of this blog seem to be. However, I was frustrated by the lack of an easy way to get to what I consider basic system commands and functions. Doing every little thing, like changing the Power Options, through a search or by calling up the Control Panel just didn’t make sense. I thought for sure there must be a better way.

A better way

What do you know, there is a better way. In fact it is the best way. It is so simple; so elegant, that I can’t understand why Microsoft does not make it obvious to users somehow.
This is a tip for those of us using the Desktop mode in Windows 8. After you are in Desktop mode, move your mouse down to the bottom right corner. With a right-click in this corner you typically return to a previously running app or to the Metro Interface. (Figure A)

Figure A

Left click here instead of right clicking

However, if you left-click instead you will get a menu of common system commands and configuration features. Making changes to the Power Options is so much easier this way. (Figure B)

Figure B

That was easy