As I explained in this post, Windows 8 looks and works quite a bit differently from previous versions of Microsoft Windows. Some items have been hidden or moved to new locations while others have been either replaced or eliminated altogether.
There is the missing Start Menu of course (click here for instructions for adding one), and a couple of other rather important items aren’t in their usual places. But luckily, they are extremely easy to find and use. Here’s how:
1 – The “Search” Box
For whatever reason, when the guys and gals at Microsoft were developing Windows 8 they decided not to display the traditional “Search” box in its usual location. Finding it is easy however. Simply start typing while the Start Screen is displayed and the Search box will magically pop up.
2 – The “Run” Box
In order to display the “Run” box simply press the “Windows” key and the “R” key at the same time. You’ll usually find the “Windows” key on the lower left corner of the keyboard between the “CTRL” and “ALT” keys.
Alternatively, you can type the word “RUN” without the quotes while the Start Screen is displayed and the Search box will pop up with the word “RUN” already inside it. Press the “Enter” key at that point and you’ll be presented with the “Run” box.