Where Is Accessories In Windows 8

When it comes to navigating the vast world of Windows 8, one question that often arises is, "Where is Accessories?" The answer may surprise you. In Windows 8, Microsoft made a significant change to the location of the Accessories folder, which houses essential tools and utilities. Gone are the days of easily finding Accessories in the Start menu. So, where exactly did Microsoft place this crucial component?

For those familiar with earlier versions of Windows, the shift in the location of Accessories in Windows 8 can be a bit disorienting. In previous iterations, Accessories was conveniently tucked away in the Start menu, just a couple of clicks away. However, in Windows 8, it has been moved to a less obvious location. The Accessories folder can now be found by navigating to the 'All Apps' view and scrolling through the alphabetical list. While this change may take some getting used to, it ultimately streamlines the user experience and makes finding Accessories a simple task once you know where to look.

Accessories in Windows 8: A Guide to Locating Them

If you're new to Windows 8 or have recently upgraded your operating system, you might be wondering where to find the Accessories in Windows 8. In previous versions of Windows, the Accessories folder was readily accessible from the Start menu. However, in Windows 8, Microsoft made some changes to the user interface, which may require a bit of searching to locate the Accessories.

1. The Start Screen

To find Accessories in Windows 8, the first place to check is the Start screen. The Start screen in Windows 8 is different from previous versions of Windows, as it features a tile-based design. To access the Start screen, press the Windows key on your keyboard or click the Windows icon located at the bottom left corner of the screen.

Once you're on the Start screen, you can simply start typing "Accessories" on your keyboard. Windows 8 has a powerful search feature called "Instant Search" that automatically displays results as you type. As you type "Accessories," the search results will appear on the right side of the screen.

Click on the "Accessories" result, and it will take you to the Accessories folder, where you can find a range of useful tools and applications such as Calculator, Notepad, Paint, and more. You can also right-click on the "Accessories" result and choose "Pin to Start" or "Pin to Taskbar" for quick access in the future.

Subheading: Using the Charms Bar

If you prefer using the Charms bar to navigate Windows 8, you can also find Accessories through this method. To access the Charms bar, move your mouse to the top right or bottom right corner of the screen or swipe in from the right edge if you're using a touchscreen device.

Once the Charms bar appears, click on the "Search" icon, which looks like a magnifying glass. This will open the search pane, where you can enter "Accessories" in the search box. The search results will appear on the left side of the screen, and you can click on the "Accessories" result to open the folder.

You can also pin the Accessories folder to the Start screen or Taskbar for quick access by right-clicking on the "Accessories" result in the search pane and selecting the desired option.

Subheading: File Explorer

Another method to find Accessories in Windows 8 is through File Explorer. File Explorer is the file management application in Windows 8, and it allows you to navigate through your files and folders. To open File Explorer, you can press the Windows key + E on your keyboard or right-click on the Start button and select "File Explorer" from the menu.

In the File Explorer window, you will see a list of folders on the left side. Look for the "This PC" or "Computer" folder and click on it to expand the menu. From there, you should see the "Windows (C:)" drive. Click on it to expand the menu further, and you'll find a folder called "Windows." Click on the "Windows" folder, and within it, you'll find the "System32" folder.

Open the "System32" folder, and you'll find the "Accessories" folder. Click on it to access all the accessories and tools included with Windows 8.

2. The Control Panel

Another way to find Accessories in Windows 8 is through the Control Panel. The Control Panel is a central location where you can access various settings and configurations for your computer. To open the Control Panel, press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and select "Control Panel" from the menu.

Once the Control Panel window is open, click on the "Programs" category. Under the Programs category, you will find an option called "Programs and Features." Click on it to open the Programs and Features window, where you can manage the applications and features installed on your computer.

In the Programs and Features window, look for the "Turn Windows features on or off" link on the left side and click on it. This will open the Windows Features window, where you can enable or disable various Windows features. Scroll down the list until you find the "Accessories and Utilities" section. Click on the "+" icon next to it to expand the menu.

Within the Accessories and Utilities section, you'll find a list of built-in accessories and tools. Simply check the box next to each accessory you want to enable or uncheck the box to disable it. Click "OK" when you're finished.

Subheading: Run Command

For advanced users who prefer using the Run command, you can also find Accessories through this method. To open the Run command, press the Windows key + R on your keyboard. This will open the Run dialog box.

In the Run dialog box, type "control" and click "OK" or press Enter. This will open the Control Panel window. From there, follow the same steps mentioned above to navigate to the Accessories and Utilities section and enable or disable the desired accessories.

3. Additional Methods

If the previous methods didn't help you locate Accessories in Windows 8, there are a few additional methods you can try:

• Search from the Desktop: If you're already on the desktop, you can use the search feature in the taskbar to search for "Accessories." Click on the "Start" icon in the taskbar, and you'll see a search box. Type "Accessories" in the search box, and the search results will appear.
• Use the Run Command: In addition to finding Accessories through the Run command in the Control Panel section, you can also directly open specific accessories using the Run command. For example, to open the Calculator, press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box, type "calc," and click "OK" or press Enter.
• Create Shortcuts: If you frequently use a specific accessory, you can create a shortcut on your desktop or pin it to the taskbar. To do this, locate the accessory in the Accessories folder, right-click on it, and select either "Create shortcut" or "Pin to taskbar."
• Use Third-Party Start Menus: If you prefer the traditional Start menu layout, you can install third-party start menu programs that bring back the old interface. These programs typically provide a familiar Windows 7-style Start menu with easy access to Accessories and other features.

Alternative Methods to Find Accessories in Windows 8

While the previous methods might be sufficient for most users, there are alternative ways to find Accessories in Windows 8 if none of the previous methods worked for you. Here are a few more methods to consider:

1. Windows Explorer

If you prefer using Windows Explorer to navigate your files and folders, you can find Accessories through this method as well. Open Windows Explorer by pressing the Windows key + E or right-clicking on the Start button and selecting "File Explorer."

In the address bar of Windows Explorer, type "%ProgramFiles%\Windows NT\Accessories" and press Enter. This will take you directly to the Accessories folder, where you can find all the built-in tools and applications.

You can also right-click on the "Accessories" folder and select "Pin to Quick access" for easy access in the future.

2. Command Prompt

For advanced users who are comfortable using the Command Prompt, you can also find Accessories through this method. Open the Command Prompt by pressing the Windows key + X and selecting "Command Prompt" or "Windows PowerShell" from the menu.

In the Command Prompt window, type "cd %ProgramFiles%\Windows NT\Accessories" and press Enter. This will change the directory to the Accessories folder. From there, you can run any accessory by typing its name and pressing Enter.

3. Cortana

If you're using Windows 8.1 or later and have Cortana enabled, you can also use voice commands to find Accessories. Simply say "Hey Cortana" (if enabled) or click on the microphone icon in the taskbar and ask Cortana to open Accessories. Cortana will open the Accessories folder for you.

4. Pin to Start or Taskbar

If you frequently use specific accessories, you can pin them to the Start screen or Taskbar for quick access. Locate the desired accessory in the Accessories folder, right-click on it, and select either "Pin to Start" or "Pin to taskbar."

Subheading: Customize the Start Menu

If you're using Windows 8.1 or later and have a Start menu instead of the Start screen, you can customize the Start menu to include the Accessories. Right-click on the Start button and select "Properties." In the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties window, go to the "Start Menu" tab, click on "Customize," and scroll down to find "Accessories." Check the box next to it and click "OK" to save the changes.

Now, when you open the Start menu, you'll find the Accessories folder listed, allowing you to access its content directly.

In Conclusion

While the location of Accessories in Windows 8 might be a bit different from previous versions of Windows, there are various ways to find and access them. Whether you prefer using the Start screen, Charms bar, File Explorer, Control Panel, or any other method mentioned in this guide, you can easily locate and use the built-in tools and applications that Windows 8 offers.

Accessories in Windows 8

In Windows 8, the Accessories folder, which contains a collection of useful tools and applications, can be found in the Start menu. Here's how to navigate to it:

• Click on the Start button located in the bottom left corner of the screen.
• Scroll through the list of installed applications until you find the "Windows Accessories" folder.
• Click on the folder to expand it and view the available accessories.

Some of the popular accessories included in Windows 8 are:

• Calculator: A simple calculator for performing basic mathematical operations.
• Snipping Tool: Allows you to capture screenshots and annotate them.
• Paint: A basic image editing tool for creating and editing images.
• Notepad: A text editor for creating and editing plain text files.
• Character Map: Allows you to find and insert special characters into documents.

These are just a few examples of the many accessories available in Windows 8. They can be useful for a variety of tasks and are easily accessible through the Start menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to our FAQ section on finding accessories in Windows 8. If you're having trouble locating the accessories on your Windows 8 computer, this guide is for you. Below, we have compiled answers to some commonly asked questions to help you find the accessories you're looking for.

1. How can I find the Accessories folder in Windows 8?

To find the Accessories folder in Windows 8, follow these steps: 1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard to open the Start screen. 2. Type "Accessories" in the search bar. 3. Click on the "Accessories" folder that appears in the search results. 4. The Accessories folder will open, and you will be able to access all the built-in accessories on your Windows 8 computer.

Note: You can also find the Accessories folder by navigating to the "Program Files" folder on your computer's hard drive and then locating the "Windows Accessories" folder.

2. Can I add custom shortcuts for the Accessories folder on my desktop?

Yes, you can add custom shortcuts for the Accessories folder on your desktop for easier access. Here's how: 1. Right-click on an empty space on your desktop. 2. Select "New" from the drop-down menu, and then click on "Shortcut." 3. In the "Create Shortcut" window, type the following location: "C:\Program Files\Windows Accessories." 4. Click "Next" and then enter a name for the shortcut, such as "Accessories." 5. Click "Finish" to create the shortcut on your desktop. Now, you can simply double-click on the shortcut to open the Accessories folder.

3. Can I customize the Accessories folder in Windows 8?

Unfortunately, you cannot customize the Accessories folder in Windows 8. The folder contains pre-installed accessories that are built into the operating system, and you cannot add or remove items from it. However, you can create shortcuts for specific accessories and place them on your desktop or taskbar for easier access.

4. What are some of the commonly used accessories in Windows 8?

Windows 8 comes with a variety of built-in accessories that can be useful for different tasks. Some commonly used accessories include: - Calculator: A tool for basic arithmetic calculations. - Notepad: A simple text editor for taking quick notes. - Paint: A basic drawing and image editing tool. - Snipping Tool: A tool for capturing screenshots. - Windows Media Player: A multimedia player for playing audio and video files.

5. Can I download additional accessories for Windows 8?

Yes, you can download additional accessories for Windows 8. Microsoft provides a collection of free downloadable accessories, known as Windows Essentials, that can enhance your Windows 8 experience. These accessories include tools for photo editing, video editing, email management, and more. You can download Windows Essentials from the Microsoft website.

To locate Accessories in Windows 8, simply click on the Start Menu button located at the bottom-left corner of your screen. From there, select the "All Apps" option, which will display a list of all the applications installed on your computer. Scroll through the list until you find the "Windows Accessories" folder, and click on it to access a variety of useful tools.

Within the Windows Accessories folder, you'll find a range of applications that can enhance your Windows 8 experience. This includes familiar tools like Notepad, Paint, Calculator, and all other accessories that were previously available in older versions of Windows. By following these simple steps, you can easily find and access the Accessories folder in Windows 8.