Microsoft WINDOWS-8 user manual

No, Windows 8 is no longer supported. Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 8 on January 12, 2016. It is recommended to upgrade to a newer version of Windows, such as Windows 10, which is the currently supported version.

There are a few reasons why Windows 8 did not gain widespread adoption or popularity:
1. User interface: Windows 8 introduced a completely new interface called "Metro" or "Modern UI" which was optimized for touch-based devices, but it received criticism for being confusing and difficult to navigate for traditional desktop users. The removal of the Start button and the introduction of the full-screen Start screen also caused frustration among users accustomed to the traditional Windows desktop experience.
2. Compatibility issues: Windows 8 faced compatibility problems with older software and hardware devices. Many users experienced issues with drivers and software that were not fully compatible with the new operating system, making it challenging to use their existing devices and software seamlessly.
3. Lack of apps: Compared to popular mobile platforms like iOS and Android, Windows 8 had a limited selection of apps in its app store. This lack of popular and diverse applications limited the appeal of the platform, especially for users who heavily relied on specific apps or games on their devices.
4. Perception and reception: Windows 8 was released as a significant departure from previous versions of Windows, and the mixed reactions and negative publicity surrounding its launch may have deterred many users from upgrading or adopting the operating system.
5. Windows 7 and Windows 10: The release of Windows 7 before Windows 8 was better received by users due to its familiarity and compatibility. Additionally, Windows 10, released shortly after Windows 8, addressed many of the shortcomings and frustrations of Windows 8, making it a more appealing choice for users looking to upgrade from older versions of Windows.
It is important to note that these are general reasons why Windows 8 did not gain broad popularity, and some users may still prefer and use Windows 8 for specific purposes or compatibility reasons.

While Windows 8.1 will no longer receive security updates and support from Microsoft after January 10, 2023, you can still continue to use it on your computer. However, it is not recommended as your system will be more vulnerable to security risks. Upgrading to a newer supported version like Windows 10 is generally advised for a safer and more up-to-date operating system experience.

To start Windows 8 step by step, follow these instructions:
1. Power on your computer and wait for it to boot up.
2. At the Windows 8 login screen, click on your user account and enter your password if prompted.
3. Once logged in, you will be on the Start screen. This screen consists of colorful tiles representing different applications and features.
4. To access the desktop, click on the Desktop tile or press the Windows key + D on your keyboard.
5. The desktop is similar to previous versions of Windows and includes the taskbar at the bottom of the screen, icons, and a start menu.
6. To access the Start screen again, move the cursor to the bottom-left corner of the screen until a thumbnail of the Start screen appears and click on it. Alternatively, you can press the Windows key on your keyboard.
7. In the Start screen, you can customize it by rearranging and resizing the tiles according to your preference. To add new tiles, right-click anywhere in the Start screen and select "All Apps" at the bottom. From there, you can find and right-click on an application to "Pin to Start."
8. To shut down or restart your computer, move the cursor to the bottom-right corner of the screen to open the Charms bar, click on "Settings," and then click on "Power." Here, you can choose Shutdown, Restart, or Sleep.
Note: Windows 8 also introduced the Charms bar, which can be accessed by moving the cursor to the top or bottom-right corner of the screen or by pressing the Windows key + C on your keyboard. The Charms bar provides access to system settings, search, sharing, devices, and the Start screen.