How To Open Command Prompt As Administrator In Windows 8.1

Posted September 28, 2013 – 3:27 pm in: Windows 8.1

As we all know, Command Prompt in Windows OS is used to launch programs, change various Windows settings, and enable or disable some Windows features.

An elevated Command Prompt or Command Prompt with administrator rights is necessary to execute certain commands in Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 versions. For instance, you have to run Command Prompt as administrator in order to enable Hibernationfeature in recent versions of Windows.

There are a couple of ways to open Command Prompt as administrator in Windows 8.1. Following are some of the ways to open Command Prompt as administrator in Windows 8.1:

Method 1:

Step 1: Switch to the Start screen.

Step 2: Type Command Prompt and then simultaneously press Ctrl + Shift + Enter keys. Note that you don’t need to open the Search charm to begin searching when you in the Start screen. Simply switch to the Start screen and begin typing to see the search result.

Step 3: Click on the Yes button when you see the User Account Control (UAC) dialog to open elevated Command Prompt.

Method 2: Use this method if you prefer to open admin Command Prompt from desktop.

The power user menu or the Win+X menu that appears when you right-click on the Start button on the Windows 8.1 taskbar shows Windows PowerShell and Windows PowerShell (admin) options with default settings. If you prefer to use Command Prompt over PowerShell, you can configure Windows 8.1 to display Command Prompt and Command Prompt (admin) options in the power user menu by following given below steps.

Step 1: Right-click on the empty space of taskbar and then click Properties to open Taskbar and Navigation Properties dialog.

Step 2: Switch to the Navigation tab and check the option titled Replace Command Prompt with Windows PowerShell in the menu when I right-click the lower-left corner of press Windows key + X to replace Windows PowerShell option in the power user menu with Command Prompt.

Step 3: From now on, you can simply right-click on the Start button, click Command Prompt (admin) and then click on the Yes button when you see the UAC prompt to run Command Prompt as administrator.

Method 3: Opening Command Prompt as administrator from Start screen.

Step 1: When you are in the Start screen, type Command Prompt to see Command Prompt in the search result.

Step 2: Do a right-click on the Command Prompt entry and then click Run as administratoroption to open elevated Command Prompt.

Method 4: If for some reason, above mentioned methods fail to work on your PC, you can use this method.

Step 1: Open your Windows 8.1 installed drive (system drive, usually “C”).

Step 2: Navigate to Windows folder and then open up System 32 folder.

Step 3: Locate the file named CMD, right-click on it, and then click Run as administratoroption.

Step 4: Click on the Yes button when you see the UAC prompt to open Command Prompt as administrator. Good luck!

Source: http://www.intowindows.com/how-to-open-command-prompt-as-administrator-in-windows-8-1/

How to Get Windows XP Mode on Windows 8

“Windows XP Mode” isn’t included with Windows 8. Microsoft will soon be discontinuing support for Windows XP and doesn’t want anyone using it, even in a virtual machine. However, you can easily set up your own Windows XP mode in Windows 8.
You can virtualize Windows XP with almost any virtual machine program, but we’ll cover a solution that gives you Windows XP-mode like desktop and taskbar integration on Windows 8.

 

 

How Windows XP Mode Worked

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Microsoft pitched this feature as a way to run old applications in “Windows XP mode,” but it’s not just another Windows compatibility feature. On Windows 7, Windows XP mode is actually full copy of the Windows XP operating system running in Microsoft’s Virtual PC virtualization software. Applications you install in Windows XP mode run inside the Windows XP virtual machine.
Microsoft one-upped their competitors by including a fully licensed copy of Windows XP, offering a nicer experience than installing Windows XP in VirtualBox and having all your old Windows XP applications confined to the virtual machine window.
Windows XP mode isn’t available on Windows 8, but you can reproduce it pretty closely with VMware Player. You could also use VirtualBox or another virtual machine solutions, like the Hyper-V virtualization feature included with Windows 8. However, VMware Player offers Windows XP-mode-like integration features — you can create direct shortcuts to Windows XP applications and have unique taskbar icons for each virtualized program.
Windows 8 doesn’t include a licensed copy of Windows XP, so you’ll need a copy of Windows XP to set this up. If you have an old Windows XP disc lying around, it will do. VMware Player is completely free. Unlike Windows XP mode, which was only available for Professional, Ultimate, and Enterprise editions of Windows 7, you can set this up on any edition of Windows 8.
Note that VMware Player is only free for home users, so you may want to use VirtualBox or upgrade to the paid VMware Workstation if you need Windows XP Mode for business purposes.

 

 

Setting Up Windows XP Mode With VMware Player

First, download and install VMware Player on your computer. Once it’s installed, launch it and create a new virtual machine. Go through the setup process, providing either a Windows XP installation disc or a Windows XP disc image in ISO format.

Enter your product key, username, password, and other information. VMware Player will automatically install Windows XP inside the virtual machine, so you won’t have to do anything during the installation process. Just wait and let the process complete on its own — VMware Player will handle everything, including installing the VMware Tools package that enables the desktop integration features.

 

Integrating Windows XP with Windows 8

To make your Windows XP system integrate with Windows 8, click the Player menu in VMware Player and select Unity. This enables a special mode where your Windows XP applications will run on your Windows 8 desktop.

Any applications you have running when you enable Unity mode will appear on your Windows 8 desktop with their own icons on Windows 8′s taskbar.

To launch applications running in Windows XP mode, move your mouse to the lower-left corner of the screen and use the VMware menu to launch applications from the Windows XP system. They’ll appear on your Windows 8 desktop, too.

To create direct links to such applications, right-click their shortcuts in the VMware launcher menu and select Create Shortcut on Desktop. You’ll get a shortcut you can click to launch the application.

At any time, you can click the Windows XP menu and select Exit Unity to disable Unity mode and confine your Windows XP applications to a single virtual machine window.
VMware Player automatically sets up drag-and-drop and copy-and-paste integration, so you’ll be able to use the applications much like they were running inside Windows 8. However, they aren’t running in Windows 8, so they won’t have access to the every file on your Windows 8 system. You may want to set up shared folders from the virtual machine’s settings window so you can share files between your Windows 8 system and Windows XP applications.

---

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It’s a shame Microsoft removed this feature from Windows 8, but it’s clear why they did. Microsoft no longer wants to support Windows XP, not even in a virtual machine. Windows XP mode was a feature for business customers to feel confident upgrading from Windows XP — they could feel confident upgrading to Windows 7, knowing that any applications that experienced problems could just be run in Windows XP mode.
However, Windows XP mode isn’t forever — Microsoft wants businesses to upgrade their applications and ensure they’ll continue to work on newer versions of Windows rather than depending on Windows XP forever. It’s a good idea to upgrade to applications that work on modern versions of Windows and not depend on a Windows XP virtual machine, but other virtualization programs will continue to provide a failsafe option even while Microsoft no longer offers Windows XP Mode.

Source: http://www.howtogeek.com/171395/how-to-get-windows-xp-mode-on-windows-8/

How To Change The Start Button In Windows 8.1

Posted September 13, 2013 – 10:33 am in: Windows 8.1

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Microsoft has restored the Start button with Windows 8.1 update. While the Start button in Windows 8.1 takes you to the Start screen instead of Start menu and the new Start button isn’t what users were looking for, nevertheless it greatly enhances the look of the taskbar and desktop.
A click on the Start button reveals the enhanced Start screen, which now lets you set your current desktop background as Start screen background among other features. Right-clicking on the Start button brings up a small menu (power user menu) to quickly access various tools and options, including shut down, restart, hibernate, sleep, and sign out.


In our previous posts, we have discussed how to remove the Start button from Windows 8.1 taskbar with the help of third-party tools to reclaim some space. However, users who find the new Start button helpful might want to change the default Start button with a custom one.
Windows 8.1 RTM users who would like the change the default white Windows logo will be happy to know that a new tool has been released to replace the default Start button picture with your desired picture.
Windows 8.1 Start Button Changer is a free tool (from the developer behind the popular Window 7 Start Button Changer) designed to easily change the Start button without having to manually edit system files.
Changing Start button with this tool is extremely simple. Download and then extract the zip file to get Windows 8.1 Start Button Changer executable. Double-click on the executable file and click Yes for the UAC prompt to run this tool as administrator.

Note that Windows 8.1 SmartScreen might show “Windows SmartScreen prevented an unrecognized app from starting. Running this app might put your PC at risk” warning upon launching this tool. Simply click More info button and then click Run Anyway button to launch Windows 8.1 Start Screen Changer.
Once the tool is launched, click Change button to browse to the picture file that you wish to use as Start button and then click Open button to automatically resize the picture before setting it as Start button. Start Button Changer will automatically restart Windows Explorer (File Explorer) to apply the new picture as Start button.
By default, when you click the Change button and open a picture file, Start Button Changer only changes the default Start button picture (the white Windows logo) and not the one that appears when you hover the mouse button on it. In order to change the Start button picture that appears when you hover and click, right-click on the Change button, select Change Mask Image, and then open a picture file.

Note that the picture file that you wish to use as Start button must be in PNG, JPEG or GIF format. Use the Restore button to quickly restore the original Windows 8.1 Start button.
Windows 8.1 Start Button Changer is compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 8.1. That also means that you can’t run this tool on Windows RT 8.1. Overall, a fantastic tool to begin customizing Windows 8.1 taskbar.
Download Windows 8.1 Start Button Changer

Source: http://www.intowindows.com/how-to-change-start-button-in-windows-8-1/

Remove Start Button From Windows 8.1 Taskbar Using StartIsGone

Posted September 12, 2013 – 2:50 pm in: Windows 8.1

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Start button on the taskbar is one of the first things that you notice after upgrading Windows 8 to Windows 8.1. Unlike Windows 7, Vista or XP, the Start button on Windows 8.1 taskbar takes you to the Start screen, the Start menu replacement introduced with Windows 8 operating system.

While users who prefer to use the mouse to switch to the Start screen might find this little button useful and it also enhances the look of taskbar and desktop, users who use Windows logo key on the keyboard to see the Start screen might want to hide or remove the Start button to accommodate more icons on the taskbar.

As you should know by now, Windows 8.1 doesn’t include any options to hide the Start button and one has to use third-party tools to remove the Start button.
When it comes to removing the Start button from Windows 8.1 taskbar, you have a couple of tools to choose from. About two weeks ago, we covered about a free tool named Metro Remove to hide the Start button. The problem with Metro Remove is that it leaves out some blank space in the place of the Start button.
For those users who are looking for a full working software to remove the Start button, here is a perfect tool to remove the Start button from Windows 8.1 taskbar.
WinAero has just released a new software called StartIsGone to remove the Start button from Windows 8.1 taskbar and make Windows 8.1 taskbar look like Windows 8 taskbar. Download, extract the zip file, and run the utility to remove the default Start button from the taskbar and get some additional space on your taskbar.

Another good thing is that you can quickly restore the Start button by quitting StartIsGone program. In other words, as long as the StartIsGone is running in the background, Start button won’t appear on the taskbar and the moment you end StartIsGone, Start button appears. To end StartIsGone, right-click on the StartIsGone icon in the system tray and then click Exit option.
Also note that by default StartIsGone doesn’t load with Windows 8.1. If you prefer to start this program with Windows and don’t want to manually launch it after every restart, you can right-click on StartIsGone icon in the system tray and then click Run at Start-up option.
StartIsGone is compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 8.1 RTM. The download file of StartIsGone includes two folders titled x86 and x64. Depending on your Windows 8.1 system type, run the executable located in either x86 or x64 folder.

Source: http://www.intowindows.com/remove-start-button-from-windows-8-1-taskbar-using-startisgone/

List of 85 Best Apps for Windows 8 in 2013

byAladdin

If you’re looking for some of the best apps for Windows 8, then don’t miss to read this article because in this article we intend to share with you a list of best Windows 8 apps which you definitely love to use.

Windows 8 is the latest operating system released by Microsoft’s with lots of amazing features for Desktop and Tablet together. Also you can make your Windows experience more interesting by using some good apps. But finding these application over the web is always a challenge, as Windows Marketplace has thousand of apps distracting your attention.

But I guarantee after reading this opinion piece there will be no doubt in your mind regarding best applications for Windows 8. So if you really don’t want to waste your precious time exploring the Windows app store. Give a try to application which we have mentioned below, lets we start with:

Note: I’ m not adding any Games for Windows 8 in this list. We will cover a separate article for that. Also article will update every week so keep coming for check new names.

Cloud Storage Apps for Windows 8

1. Box

It’s one of the best cloud storage for business consumers which offering you 5GB of free space

2. Sky Drive

Cloud Storage service by Microsoft’s using which you can use, store and share files with friends and access through other system

3. Dropbox

Official Dropbox app for Windows 8 which help you can browse all your files, view your pictures, and watch your videos with a tap!

4. Bitcasa Infiite Storage

This service convert your desktop computer, tablet, laptop and mobile device to infinite storage device

Food & Drink Apps for Windows 8

1. Allrecipes

From this app you can get fresh recipe ideas out of  over 40,000 recipes

2. YumvY Cooking Companion

Best Cooking companion application which provide you restaurant-quality meals at home fun, fast, and easy.

3. Recipe House

With this application you can create your own cook book and share it with your friend using social media.

4. Timed2Perfection

If you’re not a real cook use this application because it show you what is correct temperature and cooking time for particular dish.

5. FOODmag

Another cool cooking application featuring hundred of tried and tested recipes from FOOD magazine, the Philippines’ largest selling culinary magazine.

6. Cookbook

 Cookbook featuring more than 300,000 delicious recipes from a range of sources such as BigOven, Marmiton and aufeminin.

7. Cocktail Flow

With this application you can browse, find and discover cocktails with a continuously growing collection of drinks.

Image & Photo Editor Apps for Windows 8

1. Fhotoroom

Amazing photo editor and photo sharing application for Windows u featuring cool styles, frames, filters and light leaks.

2. Fresh Paint

Realistic painting application which includes oil paint and every tools you need to paint.

3. Perfect365

With this application you can apply a natural touch-up or a sizzling makeover with great result.

4. Gallery HD

Gallery HD allow you view and browse your photos and videos from any network, local folder and SD Card. You can also make beautiful slidshow

5. Fotor

All in one photo editing application which offer lots of tool such as standard editing, frames, tilt shift, collage option, visual effects and more.

6. Picasa Albums ($1.99)

The best solution to browse Picasa albums on Windows 8 and fully optimized for touch. You can also pin photos and album to the start screen.

7. Skitch Touch

With this application you can communicate visually with your friends. You can annotate images with arrows, shapes, text, and more.

8. Sketchbook Express

Fun and intuitive drawing application Autodesk SketchBook Express with with lots of amazing features.

9. The Big Picture

With this application you can check news stories through high-quality photographs from around the world.

10. Multimedia 8

This allows you to access network media, load subtitles, convert media files, play 3D video, capture from external devices and much more

11. Fractal Photographer

This app will allow you to explore this mathematical object and discover some of the most mind-blowing patterns of nature

Music Player Apps for Windows 8

1. 8tracks radio

Amazing internet radio which is created by people has more than 700,000 online Mixtapes for any mood.

2. Nokia Music

Its Nokia Music app for Windows 8 where you can listen music in any genre which is based on favorite track you specify.

3. TuneIn Radio

TuneIn radio provides you over 60,000 radio station and 2 million on-demand programs using which you can listen to music, sports, and news from every corner of the earth.

4. 7digital Music Store

With this music store you can buy, download, sync and listen to your music from over 24 milion high quality tracks.

5. Shazam

Music discovery service for Windows 8 with the help of which you can discover music with help of computer microphone, also you can buy and share tracks.

6. MusicTube

Amazing YouTube music video player to watch free music videos in HD for free. This service is powered by YouTube and Last.fm

7. iHeart Radio

Free digital internet radio service which lets you stream more than 1,500 live radio stations.

Productivity Apps for Windows 8

1. OneNote 

With this service make notes, lists, draw & write, take picture and lot more just with all in one productivity app for Windows 8

2. Evernote Touch

Using Evernote Touch you can remember everything across the device. You can create note on Windows 8 tablet and access it from your smartphone.

3. Remote Desktop

With this application you can an connect to a remote PC and your work resources from almost anywhere

4. Teamviewer Touch

Its an official Teamviewer application for Windows 8 that help you to control any remote computer within seconds

5. PDF Touch

Best PDF reader using which you can read and annotate PDF documents just like using pen and paper.

6. Metro Commander

Cool file manager which allows you to manage your files and folders from easy to use interface.

7. Start8

Application that gets back start menu which is missing in Windows 8

8. Windows 8 Cheat Keys

If you’re new try this application as this teach the keys and other tips that allow users to get around quickly in Windows 8.

9. Bluestack App Player

App player which let you play any mobile application on Windows 8

Book and Reading Apps for Windows 8

1. Kindle

An official Kindle application for Windows that give you access to over 1 million books.

2. Nook

Its Kindle competitor which gives access to 3 million NOOK books,  including 1 million free books.

3. Wikipedia

Its official Wipedia application which is specially designed and optimized for Windows 8

4. Pulse New

Pulse News bring all your favorite blogs, magazines, social networks and newspapers in one place

5. Nextgen Reader (2.99)

Its designed just like Google Reader and offer support to many RSS readers.

6. for later

Using this tool you can save some best tool to read them later. Also if you’re busy you can also sync link to other device.

7. Comics

If you love reading comics and graphics Novels from from Marvel, DC, Image, IDW, Dynamite and others, then use Comics apps on Windows 8 as it has 30,000 ready for you.

8. Book Bazaar Reader

Get access from thousand of ebook from open source libraries.

9. New Bento

The most fluid and beautiful news reader on Windows 8

10. Adobe reader Touch

Its official Adobe reader application for Windows 8 which gives you a great experience working with PDF documents

11. Magna Flow (2.99)

This app is designed for Surface Pro and Surface RT which offers you more than 50,00o magna stories to read offline.

12. Khan Academy

Khan Academy allows you to learn almost anything for free. This including K-12 math, science topics such as biology, chemistry, and physics, and even the humanities.

Shopping Apps for Windows 8

1. eBay

With eBay you can create, edit, and finish listings within the eBay Windows 8 app.

2. Amazon

The official Amazon application lets you quickly make purchases, search, compare and lots more from your Windows 8.

3. Craiglist+

Craigslist+ for Windows 8 is the best classified ads app available in the store.

Social Networking and Communication Apps for Windows 8

1. RedditToGo

Its an reddit application for Windows 8 which show you the front page of reddit and other subreddits.

2. Reddit On ReddHub

Its best reddit reader alternative with lots of amazing features specially optimized for this OS

3. Twitter

Access twitter right from your Windows Screen, with this tool you can find trends and follow suggestions

4. MetroTwit

Simple and easy to use client which show you everything you need while using twitter.

5. Skype

Make free video calls with one of the most popular application i.e. Skype

6 .StumbleUpon

 Add, Discover and share interesting photo videos and web pages straight from your system.

7. IM+

Featuring all popular Instant messengers such as Windows Live Messenger, Facebook, Skype chats, Google Talk and many more.

8. Cowlick!

Another twitter client which gives access to unlimited Twitter accounts.

9. Facebook Touch

Simple and easy to use Official Facebook application which is specially optimized for Windows 8

Utilities Apps for Windows 8

1. Toolbox for Windows 8

Its all in one tool using which you can interact with 6 tools at a same time i.e. Web Browser Calculator, Unit Converter, Facebook,Voice Notes and more.

2. File Brick

With this you can access cloud storage  and let you explore your files more easily while providing full functions of a file manager.

3. YourConverter

Its converter application for Windows which help you to convert 140+ units across 16 categories.

4. Calculator – Calc Pro HD

Professional Calculator for Windows 8 to replace your pocket calculator, also its featuring 10 inbuilt powerful calculators.

5. Code Writer

Best text and code editor which let you edit HTM, CSS, JavaScript, XML and other languages.

6. Google Search

Windows 8 comes with Bing Search but you can also add Google Search just like Bing.

7. LastPass

With this you can secure all your login password.

Video Player Apps for Windows 8

1. Netflix

Leading streaming service which lets you see TV episodes, movies and original content from all over the world.

2. Hulu/HuluPlus

Access unlimited movies and TV episode streaming with this application.

3. Vimeo

Make videos on computer and add them to Vimeo using this application. Also its a great tool for running tv shows

4. TV Catchup

If you’re citizen of UK, you can check this application that gives access to 50 live channel stream.

5. Xbox Smartglass

Using this you can intelligently interact with your Xbox 360. It helps your devices work together to enhance your TV shows, movies, music, sports, and games.

6. Prime Tube

Access YouTube using this application. Easily manage the channel, manage favorite and download videos.

7. Plex

The Plex application allows you to stream music, videos and photos from your Windows 8.

8. Media Monkey

One of the best tile based media player with which you can manage your media file on Windows.

9. Xbox Video

With this application you can buy a subscription for TV episode, movies and stream them from your desktop.

News App for Windows 8

1. News Republic

News application for savvy reader that gives users an international and personalized news experience,

2. TED

Amazing application which bring together people from three worlds: Technology, Entertainment, Design.

3. USA Today

Application features news stories, photos, videos, scores, markets, snapshots, and weather which you expect from USA today.

4. The New York Times

With this application you can access the Top News section from The New York Times for free with more features.

Travel Apps for Windows 8

1. KAYAK Flights & Hotels

Amazing travel app help you find the right flight or perfect hotel for your trip.

2. National Rail Enquiries

The UK’s number one travel website, is proud to release the must-have Windows 8 apps for every train traveler.

3. Flight Aware

Help you track flights from FlightAware.

So these are some of the best apps for Windows 8 which you might love to try. Also if you have any application suggestion feel free to share with us.

Source: http://whatswithtech.com/best-apps-for-windows-8/

How To Install Windows 8.1 Without Microsoft Account

With Windows 8, Microsoft introduced a new way of signing-into Windows. In addition to the local account, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 let you sign-in using a Microsoft account. That is, you can use your Outlook.com, Hotmail, MSN, or Live email ID to sign-in to Windows.
The advantage of signing-in with a Microsoft account is that you can sync all your settings and data across all Windows 8/8.1 machines. Windows 8 lets you sync personalization settings (colors, lock screen, desktop background, and account picture), desktop themes, passwords, language preferences, app settings, Internet Explorer settings and history and favorites, and some other settings.

In addition to above mentioned settings, Windows 8.1 also allows you sync Start screen tiles and layout settings as well. Even though signing-in with Microsoft account has many advantages, there are users who prefer sign-in with a local account.
Unlike, Windows 8 setup, Windows 8.1 setup doesn’t show an option to create and sign-in with a local account during the installation. The option to sign-in without a Microsoft account doesn’t appear when you reach the Sign-in with Microsoft account screen.
The option might have been moved to encourage more users to sign-in with Microsoft account but there are many users who prefer to have a local account over Microsoft account.
If you are one of those users who would like to sign-into Windows 8.1 without a Microsoft account and sign-in with a local account, you need to follow the given below instructions to create a local account and sign-in without a Microsoft account while installing Windows 8.1.
Step 1: Begin installing Windows 8.1 either using a USB drive or a bootable DVD. Follow on-screen instructions until you see the following screen where you need to enter your Microsoft account ID and password.

Step 2: Here, Click the option titled Create a new account to see Create a Microsoft account screen.
Step 3: In this screen, click the option titled Sign in without a Microsoft account option to create a local account by entering a name and password for your account.

That’s it!

And if you already have installed Windows 8.1 RTM and want to switch your Microsoft account to local account, complete the steps mentioned below.
Step 1: Open PC Settings. To do this, move mouse pointer to the upper or lower right-corner of the screen, click Settings and then click Change PC settings. Alternatively, you can simultaneously press Windows logo key and I key to open Settings charm and then click Change PC settings to open PC settings.



Step 2: In the left-pane of PC settings, click Accounts to see your Microsoft account ID and account picture on the right-side.
Step 3: In the right-side, click the option titled Disconnect that appears just below your Microsoft account name and ID to open Switch to a local account screen.

Step 4: Here, enter your Microsoft account password and then click Next button.

Step 5: In the following screen, enter a user name for your local account, a password to protect your account, re-enter the password, and password a hint before clicking the Next button.

Step 6: Finally, click Sign out and finish button to switch from your Microsoft account local one. That’s it! From now on, you can sign-in using this local account.

Good luck!

Source: http://www.intowindows.com/how-to-install-windows-8-1-without-microsoft-account/

How to Disable SkyDrive Integration in Windows 8.1 (HowToGeek)

Cloud storage services are constantly vying for attention, and the inclusion of SkyDrive in Windows 8.1 is indicative of the importance Microsoft places on it. But not everyone is so enamored with the service and would rather that it wasn’t so hard-baked into the OS. Using Group Policy Editor or the Registry Editor, it can be disabled.
It is slightly strange — and annoying — to find that there is no easy, built-in way to disable SkyDrive integration. This means that right from the word go you will see a SkyDrive folder in Explorer with no obvious way to remove it.

Completely Disable SkyDrive Everywhere

If you want to get rid of SkyDrive entirely, you can use Group Policy to remove it. This will get rid of it from everywhere on the system though, including the Metro apps.
Launch Group Policy Editor by pressing the Windows key and R simultaneously, typing gpedit.msc and hitting Enter.
Beneath the Local Computer Policy section, navigate to Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\SkyDrive and then double click the entry labeled Prevent the usage of SkyDrive for file storage to the right.

Select Enabled and then click OK.

The change will take immediate effect and you’ll see that the SkyDrive icon disappears from Explorer straight away.

Remove from the Explorer Side Panel

If you just want to remove SkyDrive from the side panel, you can use the registry editor to remove the library that provides that feature.
Press the Windows key and R at the same type, type regedit and press Enter. You then need to navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\ {8E74D236-7F35-4720-B138-1FED0B85EA75}\ShellFolder.

Before you can proceed, you will have to take ownership of this registry key, and when this is done you can make the necessary changes.
Double click the Attribute key and change its value to 0.

Should you ever feel the need to reverse the changes and reinstate SkyDrive, you can do so by either disabling the setting in Group Policy Editor, or editing the registry key again, this time changing its value back to the default of f080004d.

Source: http://www.howtogeek.com/167058/how-to-disable-skydrive-integration-in-windows-8.1/