Simple question: How do I go back to a previous screen?

**Tirade** · 30 Dec 2012

I'm using 8 on a non-touch laptop. I generally like it, but the most frustrating thing to me is that I can't "go back" to a previous screen. For instance, I open an email attachment and it automatically goes into full screen viewing. When I'm done looking at the attachment, I have no idea how to go back to the previous email screen. So I have to go all the way back to the start screen, and then into my email to get to the previous page. I'm clearly doing it wrong. Help!

**HippsieGypsie** · 30 Dec 2012

Hello Tirade. Welcome to EightForums.

Mouse pointer to upper left corner -> Mini screens of anything open appear -> Press one. (Right click will close them) Or alt/tab to flip through open apps as in past OSs.

Switcher - Open in Windows 8

**Tirade** · 30 Dec 2012

Thanks!

**HippsieGypsie** · 30 Dec 2012

You're quite welcome.

I was on my phone when I previously answered you. Now on my PC, I just noticed that the mouse pointer in upper left pops out the first open app and an outline of any others. If you slide the pointer down a little all mini screens will slide out on a black side bar. Windows key gets you to the Start Screen. Press again to return to your previous screen.

I use shortcut keys. They can be found here if you like. Windows 8 Keyboard Shortcut Keys List

Hope that helps too.

**Mystere** · 30 Dec 2012

Originally Posted by Tirade

I'm using 8 on a non-touch laptop. I generally like it, but the most frustrating thing to me is that I can't "go back" to a previous screen. For instance, I open an email attachment and it automatically goes into full screen viewing. When I'm done looking at the attachment, I have no idea how to go back to the previous email screen. So I have to go all the way back to the start screen, and then into my email to get to the previous page. I'm clearly doing it wrong. Help!

You can use Hippsie's method, or if you prefer a keyboard you can use the key combo that's worked for 20 years.. Alt-Tab or the new method (that only switches between Modern UI apps) WindowsKey+Tab.

**HippsieGypsie** · 30 Dec 2012

Thanks for the switcher info, Mystere. I forgot that one.

I'm guessing it's thanks to Shawn for adding the Switcher tutorial link in my first post.

**pewe** · 01 Jan 2013

Strange - If I Alt+Tab I see the open program window thumbs - however if I move the cursor over the top left corner nothing shows.
(I have the switcher turned on in Settings).

**Mystere** · 01 Jan 2013

You have to have Metro apps running to see anything in the upper left corner.

**pewe** · 01 Jan 2013

Thanks Mystere

**HippsieGypsie** · 01 Jan 2013

Originally Posted by Mystere

You have to have Metro apps running to see anything in the upper left corner.

This is true, but it will also show the desktop if opened, or any program running on the desktop at any window size. In other words a mini screen or "picture" or what's on the desktop, which is treated like a Microsoft Store (Metro) app. It is actually a portal of the Modern UI.

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