Now that's an interesting find in Windows 8 Developer Preview. Did you know Windows 8 comes with a hidden switch to toggle between Start Screen and Desktop?
We found it accidentally. Actually when you move your mouse cursor at the left-side of screen, Windows 8 shows a small thumbnail of the previously visited application. You can click on the thumbnail to go to that application window.
In fact there is no need to click on the thumbnail, simply click on the left-side of the screen and Windows 8 will switch to the previously visited application with a cool animation.
You can also drag the small thumbnail in the middle of screen to make that app active.
To enjoy this trick, one Metro app must be running for example Control Panel, Metro IE, etc.
For example, when you are at Start Screen, click on Control Panel tile. Now go back to Start Screen using "Ctrl+Esc" key combination or using tiny start menu. Now click on Desktop tile to start Windows Desktop.
Now time to reveal hidden secret switch! Move your mouse cursor at the left-side of screen and you'll see a small thumbnail of Control Panel.
Click on it and it'll let you go to Control Panel. Again move mouse cursor at the left-side of screen and it'll show thumbnail of Desktop.
Its really fun to use feature. What do you think about this new feature?
This article was posted by VG in following section: Windows 8.
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nipunb
really nice find, will try it....... :)
Dustin Harper
It's not hidden. It was commented on during Build. It's a feature similar to Alt-Tab and such. Easy switching of apps...
Billy Reynolds
This wasn't a hidden feature, it's shown in all the touch demos but they do it with a finger and drag, the mouse and click is just the normal version of that.
Dipin
You can keep two apps side by side by clicking in a particular way.
Davo
Actually.. You drag the thumbnail.. I'm surprised this was a feature you guys didn't notice earlier.
criss
i have a problem with this feature, is not working on my pc, can u help me?
Lester
I also found it when I was running Ink Pad and switched to Desktop. Only for a split second though.
Morshed
Dude, this is anything but hidden. This was shown in the "Building Windows 8" video #1. You can even use this gesture and pause after dragging it a little bit into your desktop to use apps side by side.
yethz
just to draw your attention on the title LOL!
this feature was introduced on videos, its not hidden you just dont knew it before LOL!
VG
Yeah. Such kind of features are now known by many people until they read about it somewhere. Thats why I posted it here. :)