Power User Tasks Menu - Open in Windows 8

How to Open Win+X Power User Tasks Menu in Windows 8 and 8.1​

   Information

This will show you how to open the Power User Tasks Menu with quick links to some common administrative and power user tasks in Windows 8, Windows RT, Windows 8.1,and Windows RT 8.1.

You'll notice that Windows Explorer is now called File Explorer in Windows 8.

   Note

In Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1, a Shut Down menu has been added to the Power User Tasks Menu that can include the Sign out, Sleep, Hibernate, Shut down, and Restart options.

If you shut down from the WIN+X menu in Windows 8.1, it will perform a full shutdown instead of a hybrid shutdown even if you have Fast Startup turned on.

EXAMPLE: Power User Tasks Menu

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Here's How:


1. Do step 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 below for how you would like to open the Power User Tasks Menu.

2. Press the :winkey: + X keys and release.
NOTE: Using this option will allow you to see the available underlined (letter) keyboard shortcuts to press for each menu item to open with.

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3. In Windows 8 or Windows RT, move the pointer all the way to the lower left corner of any connected display screen until you see the Start button display, then right click on the Start button.

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4. On your desktop in Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1, right click on the Start button on the taskbar of any connected display.

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5. On your Start screen in Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1, move the pointer all the way to the lower left corner of any connected display screen until you see the Start button display, then right click on the Start button.

6. On a touchscreen while on your desktop, press and hold on the Start button on the taskbar until you see the faded white rectangle appear on it, then release.
NOTE: It's important to not move your finger whole pressing and holding.

7. On a touchscreen while on your desktop, press and hold using a stylus pen on the Start button on the taskbar until you see the round circle appear on it, then release.
NOTE: It's important to not move the stylus pen whole pressing and holding.

   Tip

If the Power User Tasks Menu doesn't open with either step above, then it means that you haven't opened anything yet from the Start screen. Going to the desktop will allow the Power User Tasks Menu to open afterwards from any location in Windows 8.

That's it,
Shawn

Related Tutorials

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• How to Edit Win+X "Power User Tasks Menu" in Windows 8 and 8.1
• Show Command Prompt or PowerShell in Win+X Power User Tasks Menu in Windows 8.1
• How to Switch Between Opened Apps with "Switch List" Bar in Windows 8 and 8.1
• How to Open the Charms Bar in Windows 8 and 8.1
• How to Open Advanced Tools in Windows 7 and Windows 8
• How to Add a "Power" Cascading Desktop Context Menu in Windows 8 and 8.1
• How to Open "PC settings" in Windows 8 and 8.1

 

[Windunce]

You'll have blisters on your fingers before you finish EVERY tutorial needed for Metro
Just a note to let you know your efforts are appreciated, and those of all who offer tips, tricks and tidbits.

I knew about Winkey + X. Only because many times I had inadvertently hit it while opening the Apps Bar
while in Metro. Winkey + Z and Winkey + X are so darn close. Thanks for the mouse tip.

I tried to manually add System Information for Group3 to no avail.
I found the folder and added the .lnk to it but it didn't 'take'.

c:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\WinX\Group3\11 - System Information.lnk

So I entered the registry and had the paste all set to go, but didn't have permission to enter the new Key.

F00E6525EF31101D_10_-_System_Information_lnk_amd64.lnk
C:\Users\Default\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\WinX\Group3\11 - System Information.lnk

Can't figure WHY they wouldn't let you easily add something to anyone of those Groups, but I'll just
get use to type/search and let the mouse rest for a while.

Here's a snip of the registry.
Again thanks
Windunce

 

[Brink]

Hello Windunce,

LOL, I hear that. Hopefully there will be a way figured out to add items to this before to long.

 

[hb860]

Hello Windunce,

LOL, I hear that. Hopefully there will be a way figured out to add items to this before to long.

Win+X Menu Editor for Windows 8
hehe
Actually it use Rafael's hashlnk as backend, but sorting, renaming and lnk creation is software's own features

 

[Brink]

Thank you HB.


http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/5607-power-user-tasks-menu-win-x-edit-windows-8-a.html

 

[hb860]

You are welcome!

 

[Pikey]

This is a fine example of something that is much easier on a normal desktop (mouse + keyboard) and almost impossible on a tablet!!

Well , impossible on my tablet anyway!

 

[Brink]

Hello Pikey,

I don't have a touchscreen to play with to know for sure, but are you able to touch the corner to have the Start button pop-up, then press and hold until the Power User menu opens?

 

[Pikey]

Hi Brink!

It's a bit hit and miss , I can't get to the new start button by touching the bottom corner of the 'old style' desktop , I have to have an app running in the background (Calendar or Weather for example) .. drag it in from the left hand side , then slide it back again slowly till it 'snaps' in and brings up the left hand 'charm' area .. with the black background! Then I can see the new Start button , but I can't get the right hand button manouvre to work in this instance!

I'm using an Acer Iconia Tab W500 though , and I suspect this is because it's resolution is 1280 x 800 and not the required 1366 x xxx (?) ... the proper Win 8 Snap feature also doesn't work because of this!

This tablet is still a bit new to me so I'm going to keep experimenting , very nice to use though I have to say!

 

[Brink]

The snap feature needs a minimum of 1366 x 768, but the power user task menu is not screen resolution limited and works at 1280 x 800 when I tested it on my system at that resolution.

 

[Pikey]

Ah , found some more information on my travels!

Here is a handy 'cheat' sheet that details all the keyboard, mouse and touch shortcuts for Win 8 CP ... Windows 8 Cheat Sheet: Get Started Easily! - Dr. Doris Chen's Blog - Site Home - MSDN Blogs

According to this the Power Tasks Menu has no touch shortcut! No wonder I can't get it going!

Of course we are still in beta so things like this are still being worked on ... this is a handy little chart though , worthy of a sticky possibly?

 

[Brink]

Well, that explains that then.

Nice find though. Thank you for sharing it.

 

[Brink]

Tutorial updated with steps 6 and 7 for how to open the WIN+X power users task menu on a touchscreen.

 

[mrdreamers]

Is there a way to create a shortcut or pin one to the start menu for Power User Tasks Menu instead of using windows key +X ?

 

[Brink]

Hello Mrdreamers,

If you like, you could just right click on the Start button to also open it.

 

[mrdreamers]

Hello Mrdreamers,

If you like, you could just right click on the Start button to also open it.

well i bought the startisback start button and now i do not have that option i only know to use the keyboard to do it and sometimes i forget when it comes to hotkeys so that why i was wondering if i can make a shortcut for it is it possible?