It’s actually impossible to fit the innovations that come with Windows 8.1 into 10 items. Because many innovations and changes were made. The question Windows 7 and Windows 8 users are most curious about is what the advantages of 8.1 are. Undoubtedly, although this new system shows great similarity to 8, you end up with many features that Windows 8 doesn’t have. For Windows 7 users, the time has come and is passing. We recommend that everyone upgrade to 8.1 as soon as possible and start using this new-generation operating system. In this article, let’s examine the 10 notable innovations item by item. Don’t forget that the features and innovations that have arrived are not limited to these. Small details can solve big problems in some cases.

Compared with Windows 8, 8.1’s most advanced feature is the search option. With the Smart Search feature, the words you search for are searched in files, apps, pictures, music, SkyDrive, and across the Internet thanks to the Bing search engine—in other words, everywhere—and all results are delivered to you. I think this feature, which offers a universal experience, is the kind every user will love. You’ll both save time and find what you’re looking for more easily. Smart Search is one of the biggest pluses of 8.1.

With Windows 8.1, the number of apps you can see on screen is 4. In Windows 8, that number was two. Now you can fit more apps on your screen. In particular, the Facebook app that comes with 8.1 will always have a place on screen; while desktop tools and other apps are open, you’ll be able to see apps from social networks like Facebook and Twitter on screen. It’s a very advantageous innovation for large screens.

The feature that should be in a new-generation system appears with SkyDrive. The SkyDrive cloud storage service becomes fully integrated with Windows 8.1. Operations like backup, sync, and sharing your files are now very simple and reliable. With this feature, 8.1 gains yet another advantage.

Tile sizes in Windows 8 were 3. Now there are tiles in 4 different sizes. For apps with live tile support such as Mail, Facebook, Weather, Twitter, Calendar, etc., by using the largest option you can see information live without ever entering the app. Huge-sized tiles are available only in Windows 8.1.

Unfortunately, the customizations offered for the Start screen—formerly known as Metro—were not enough in Windows 8. But with 8.1, customization options have increased. You can now have a Start screen that changes in sync with your desktop background. Although this may seem like a small feature, it’s actually important because it provides complete visual harmony. At the same time, you can change the Start screen background however you like. Of course, the customizations you can make on the Start screen are not limited to these. Now, when the computer first starts, the desktop can be displayed instead of the Start screen. Since installed apps are not automatically placed, you don’t end up in endless scrolling and clutter. You can also customize the lock screen. On the lock screen, if you want, you can even display your photos on SkyDrive as a slideshow.

Although Windows 8.1 has more features and innovations, it’s striking that it takes up less space on your hard drive than Windows 8. According to Microsoft, this difference is around 8–15%. That means more space.

We couldn’t finish listing the Store’s shortcomings. Now, with 8.1, you get a Store that is more useful and has a better look. Also, we shouldn’t overlook the option to update apps automatically.

With the very comprehensive settings option, you can change many settings without visiting Control Panel. Being able to make fine adjustments from one place is much more convenient.

The complete removal of the Start menu, which was much discussed and complained about, has been fixed in 8.1. Now there’s a Start button there that opens the Start screen. At the same time, you can also see a menu when you right-click. You no longer need to use roundabout ways to shut down the computer. I think it will make up for the absence of the Start menu.

Windows 8.1 comes with future-oriented small improvements and adjustments such as native 3D printing, Wi-Fi Direct printer support, and the Fresh Paint digital drawing app. So by upgrading to Windows 8.1, you also eliminate the risk of being left behind.