How to access the Power User Tasks Menu in Windows 8

Lawrence Abrams

October 29, 2012
Read 37,535 times

Windows 8 includes a new menu called the Power User Tasks menu that allows quick access to various power user functions in Windows 8. This menu can be accessed from any screen and includes options such as the classic control panel, event viewer, and the elevated command prompt. This makes it easier for a user to quickly perform advanced tasks in Windows 8.

To access the Power Use Tasks menu, you need to hover your mouse cursor over the lower left corner of the screen as shown in the image below.

Tip: You can also use the Windows+X keyboard combination to open up the Power Users Task Menu.

When you hover your cursor, the preview thumbnail will be shown that displays the screen of the application that you had last used.

Whem the preview thumbnail appears, right-click with your mouse and the Power Users Task menu will appear.

This menu allows quick access to the following Windows applications or sections:

Programs and features

This option will bring you to the Programs and Features screen where you can uninstall programs or install other Windows features.

Power Options

The Power Options screen allows you to control the power settings on the computer.

Event Viewer

The Event Viewer application allows you to browse various system alerts and information.

System

This option will bring you to the System screen where you can view various information about your computer and Windows. This screen also acts as a launching area for other configuration screen such as the Device Manager, Remote Settings, and System Protection.

Device Manager

The Device Manager allows you to view the hardware installed on your computer or tablet.

Disk Management

The Disk Management application allows you to manage the hard drives in your computer.

Computer Management

The Computer Management screen provides access to various administrative screens where you can manage user accounts, view the event logs, and manage your hard drives.

Command Prompt

This option will open a command prompt.

Command Prompt (Admin)

This option will open an elevated command prompt.

Task Manager

The Task Manager allows you to see what processes are running your computer, its current memory and cpu usage, and other information.

Control Panel

This will open the classic control panel where you can configure various settings in Windows 8.

File Explorer

Opens File Explorer to manage the files on your computer or tablet.

Search

Switch to the Search funcion of the Windows 8 Start Screen.

Run

Opens a Run box where you can enter a command to execute.

Desktop

Brings you to the desktop.

To access one of these tasks, simply click on the choice you wish to use and you will automatically be brought to that feature or screen.

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