How to use Skype in Windows8 without Microsoft Account

Today I came across an issue with Skype in Windows8 and I am surprised that Microsoft forcing to create a an account and merge with Skype during the installation. 

When I go through Skype support, I got information that if you are using Windows 8 operating system, you should have Microsoft account to download Skype or any other application from the Windows Store. Also when you run the Skype first time, you will be prompted to sign in to Skype with your Microsoft account and merge it otherwise you could not able to move forward. They claims that if you merge your account, you can continue to use Skype normally and also be able to contact your Messenger friends.

I think its annoying and most of the people don't want to do that. During my search in Internet I found a solution that you can follow to solve this problem 

Solution:- Download Skype from http://www.skype.com/go/getskype-full and install on your Windows8 computer. 

Please write your comments and share if you know any alternate solution to use modern Skype in Windows 8 without Microsoft account.

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How to access Advanced Boot Option using function key F8 in Windows8

In Windows8 Microsoft has modified their booting process to make it faster. But it remove the function to access Advanced Boot Option using function key F8. So Windows 8 users especially system administrator will have confusion to access Advanced Boot Option if anything goes wrong with operating system.

By default you will get this option if Windows detects any issues while booting. Also you can access Advanced Boot Option from desktop which I described in my earlier post. 

If you still need to enable function key F8 for this, you can do it by following the step below

• Start your Windows 8 computer 
• Open command prompt as an Administrator (On the Start Screen, type cmd and right-click on cmd.exe, then select Run as administrator and Confirm the UAC prompt)
• Then type the following command: bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy legacy and hit enter
• If it executed properly you will get the message “The operation completed successfully"
• Restart the computer 

From there you can access the Advanced Boot Option using function key F8 at the start up. Incase if you want to disable this feature, please follow the above step and instead of running the above command use bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy standard

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Windows 8.1 is Available to Download Now

Finally Microsoft announced the release of Windows 8.1 and you can download it for free from Windows Store if you are a Windows 8 user. If you are using an earlier version of Windows like Windows 7, Windows Vista or Windows XP,   the Windows 8.1 upgrade will costs $119.99 for the regular version and $199.99 for Windows 8.1 Pro. 

As you know Windows 8.1 is the first major update on Windows 8 family and the update includes several new and enhanced features including more customizable Start Screen, better multi-monitor support and a "global" search etc…You may have n number of questions related with upgrade, so I strongly recommend go through the FAQ session before you going buy and upgrade. 

Starting today, Windows 8.1 will be available in packaged DVD at retail locations around the world and also it will be available on new devices.

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Official Facebook App for Windows 8.1

Here is a good news for Windows 8.1 users, the social networking giant launched their official Facebook app for Windows 8.1. Instead of unofficial apps, now you can download and install Facebook app from windows store. 

The app look similar to the website, however there is some additional features and also optimized for touch devices. The app will run in background and notify you about updates when you are working with other apps. 

Features

• Your friends are always at your side, even when you're using other apps
• See what your friends are up to
• Get notified when friends like and comment on your posts
• Get updates on your Start screen
• Share updates and photos
• Chat and have group conversations

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How to Boot Windows 8 directly to the Desktop instead of the Start Screen

Finally Microsoft made configuration options which will allow you to boot directly to the desktop in Windows 8.1. Now you don't require any third party application to boot Windows 8 directly to the desktop instead of the Start Screen.

Enabling this option just required few clicks and its let you access the desktop directly like previous version of Windows after logging in. 

1. In Windows 8.1, right click on the task bar and select Properties and go the Navigation tab.

2. Under the Start Screen section, check Go to the desktop instead of Start when I sign in.

3. Click Apply and OK, then reboot

You are done!!!

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How to Start Windows8 in Safe mode (Advanced boot option)

As you know, Safe mode is an advanced troubleshooting option if you encountered any problem with normal booting of Windows computer.  In Safe mode Windows starts with a minimal set of drivers and services.

In previous versions of Windows, you could get to Safe mode by pressing F8 before Windows started up. See Advanced Boot Options in Windows for more information.

You may have noticed that the standard feature (F8) to get in safe mode is disabled in Windows8 since it boot faster than ever compared to previous version of Windows. Microsoft claims that if there is any problem with booting Windows8, it automatically opens Windows Startup settings (formerly advanced boot options) for troubleshooting. To find and fix problems on your PC, you can start Windows8 in different advanced troubleshooting modes using by Windows Startup Settings. 

How to access Windows Startup Settings  in Windows8 from the desktop

1. Point the mouse to upper-right corner of the screen and select Settings 

.

  

2. Then click on Change PC settings

3. Under PC settings, select General.

4. Go to Advanced startup, click Restart now.

5. On the Choose an option screen, click Troubleshoot.

6. Then click Windows Startup Settings.

7. Click Restart and choose the startup setting you want while boot up the computer. 

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How to Access an Elevated Command Prompt in Windows8

Elevated command prompt is an advanced command prompt where you can run all the commands with administrative privileges in Windows.  You can open the elevated command prompt in  two ways on Windows 8.

Open Elevated Command prompt via the Power Users Task Menu

1. Move the mouse on the left corner of the Task bar OR Press Windows + X keyboard combination together to open Power Users Task Menu

2. Then select Command Prompt (Admin) menu option and allow if you use receive a User Account Control prompt

Open Elevated Command prompt from Windows8 Start screen

1. Type CMD at the Windows Start screen

2. When the search results appear, right-click on the Command Prompt to bring up the properties and select the option Run as administrator

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Windows 8.1 Preview is Available to Download Now

Microsoft released Windows 8.1 preview and is available to download now. Widows8.1 is a free update for Windows 8 users later this year through the Windows store and the pre release version lets you try out the new features and improvements in Windows8.1 which includes enhancements in personalization, search, apps, the Windows Store, cloud connectivity, and a lot more. 

Just check out what’s New in Windows 8.1

Also see Windows 8.1 Preview FAQ session if you have any queries to download and installation

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