Introduction to Windows 8.1

Windows 8.1 is an operating system developed by Microsoft as a successor to Windows 8. It was released on October 17, 2013, as an update to Windows 8 and aimed to address some of the criticism and concerns raised by users and developers.

Highlights of Windows 8.1

Start Button and Start Screen Enhancements

Windows 8 introduced the controversial Start Screen, replacing the traditional Start Menu. Windows 8.1 brought back the Start button, providing users with a more familiar navigation experience. The Start screen was also improved with more customization options and the ability to boot directly to the desktop.

Improved User Interface and Experience

Windows 8.1 introduced various visual enhancements, including smaller tile sizes on the Start Screen, improved multitasking with the ability to view multiple apps side-by-side, and revamped built-in apps such as Mail, Calendar, and Photos.

Windows Store and Universal Apps

Windows 8.1 introduced the Windows Store, a central marketplace for downloading and updating applications. It also introduced the concept of Universal Apps, allowing developers to create apps that can run on both Windows 8 and Windows Phone devices, thereby expanding their reach.

Desktop and UI Enhancements

Windows 8.1 introduced several improvements to the desktop experience, such as the ability to have the desktop wallpaper displayed on the Start Screen, updated taskbar behavior, and the inclusion of the "boot to desktop" option for users who preferred the traditional desktop environment.

Improved Search and Bing Integration

Windows 8.1 enhanced the search functionality by introducing a unified search that combined local files, settings, and web results in a single interface. Additionally, Windows 8.1 integrated Bing search directly into the operating system, providing users with quick access to web content.

Sample Code Snippet

To install a Windows 8.1 Universal App using PowerShell, you can use the following command:

```powershell
Add-AppxPackage -Path "C:\Path\To\AppBundle.appx"

This command installs the app package located at the specified path. Make sure to replace "C:\Path\To\AppBundle.appx" with the actual path of your app package.

Remember to provide the actual path to the app package you want to install.