How to Use the Start and Devices Charms in Windows 8 — Video Guide (Historical)

Historical support note: The Charms bar was a Windows 8-era interface and is not present in current Windows releases.

This video tip covers two of the five Windows 8 charms: Start and Devices.

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Start charm

The Start charm takes you to the Windows 8 Start screen. If you are already on Start, using it returns you to the app or desktop you were previously using.

The Windows key provides the same quick switching behavior.

Devices charm

The Devices charm shows actions that the current app can perform with compatible devices. Depending on the app and hardware, this could include printing, playing media on another device, or projecting to a second screen.

Because the list is contextual, not every connected device appears for every app.

To open the Charms bar with a keyboard or mouse, use Windows key + C, then choose Devices. On touch hardware, swipe in from the right edge.

Historical context

Windows 8 introduced Charms as a common interface for search, sharing, Start, devices, and settings. Later Windows versions moved those functions into other parts of the shell.

Official reference

• Microsoft Windows lifecycle status: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deployment/updates-lifecycle/what-does-it-mean-if-windows-isn-t-supported