This is a continuing series on the changes, updates, revisions and new features found in Microsoft’s Windows 8.1 update.

Among the new features in Windows 8.1 is the ability to have the same background image on both the desktop and Start Screen. This way, as long as you don’t have any Desktop apps open, you’ve got a more seamless, less jarring transition between the Desktop and Start Screen.

Unify your Wallpaper

To set up a unified wallpaper for both the Desktop and Start Screen:

1. Right-click on the Taskbar at the bottom of the screen in the Desktop and click Properties
2. Click the Navigation tab
3. Select Show My Desktop Background on Start
4. Click OK

Select Show my Desktop Background on Start from this screen.

You’ll notice immediately that your desktop wallpaper now matches the one on the Start Screen. When the Start Screen comes up after pressing the Windows Key, the background image is dimmed slightly.

The background image is now the same on the desktop and Start Screen.

How to get Windows 8.1

Note: Currently, Windows 8.1 is available as a Preview from Microsoft’s website. You download a special small update first, reboot your PC, and then the Microsoft Store opens, where you download the Windows 8.1 update, which is very large. It takes some time to download and install Windows 8.1, but your files and settings should remain unaffected afterward.