As Windows 8 Operating System has launched, we all are busy discussing the new features of the product. We are not probably not hearing much about the missing or abandoned features of the new Operating System from Microsoft.

Microsoft offers Windows 8 best features like Metro- tiles based Desktop, ‘Windows To Go’, Windows Live Syc and many other others, it removed some of the features from its previous versions – Windows 7 and Windows vista, like Start button, Start Menu, Backup and restore option, DVD playback etc.

1.Windows Start Button/Menu

Windows 8 removed its’ traditional start button/menu feature from the OS – a Windows Operating Systems (OS) feature exists since Windows 95. Instead a mouse of over the bottom-left corner will reveal a start button.

The new Metro screen is a full screen start menu, which provides a new way of searching your OS. You can start typing the name of an application that you want to launch on the screen. The search results are not unified in the sense that, Windows only searches for Apps by default. If you want to launch a file or the control panel features, you have to type the name then select the category on the screen.

Also Read: Blackberry releases new mobile OS BB10 on early 2013.

2.Backup, Restore and Previous versions replaced by File History

Windows 8 replaced the hardly used features of Windows 7 or Window vista – Backup and Restore, along with the Windows ‘previous versions’ feature with a its new File History, which doesn’t get activated by default.

File History allows to backup files stored in certain locations/folders: ‘Libraries’, ‘Favorites’, ‘Contacts’ and ‘Desktop’. It scans those folders every hour for changes and backup the changes to a different folder location or an external drive. If you want to backup your files in other locations, you either have to add them to an existing library or create a new one.

microsoft windows 8 file history replace backupand restore, previous versions features

Windows 8's file history replaces backup and restore, previous versions features.

3. Windows AERO – Glossy Transparency effect on Windows 7 or Windows Vista.

Windows 8 comes without AERO that gave Windows 7 and Vista Operating Systems the 'glossy transparent effect' when Microsoft started with Windows Vista. The metro tile desktop replaces the AERO features with flat colors which will definitely offer more battery life and lesser load on RAM usage.

4.Flip 3D

Flip 3D effect is also going away from the new Windows Operating System, using which we could flip the desktop and windows by pressing WinKey+Tab. If you are reading this article on a Windows 7 or Vista, you still give a try by using the WinKey+Tab key combination.

The reason for removing Flip 3D is that it is a hardly used features now a days a in addition to the fact that it is less useful than the normal Alt-Tab key combination to flip the screen, still available in Windows XP.

5. DVD Playback

Another feature you would probably found missing in Windows 8 would be the DVD playback, as Microsoft realize very less number of people are using DVD in PCs today. Well, they decided to cut the codec license by this removal, so the PC manufacturer may or may not give DVD codec for your new Windows 8 PC or laptop.

Although Microsoft is not offering the DVD codec along with Windows 8, we can try some freeware and paid options to watch DVD movies. DVDStyler is a good software and if you want something quick and simple, DVDAuthorGUI might do. If are planning to pay some money, CyberLink’s PowerDirector 10 Deluxe is already Windows 8 certified and it’ll cost you $90,while Sony’s Movie Studio 11 Platinum available at a cost of $100.

6. Windows Media Center

Window Media Center is also being removed from every Windows 8 version, including Windows 8 Pro. The reason again it is being used by very less people, and still you can use this features by paying few extra dollars to Microsoft using the 'Add Features to Windows 8 panel'.

Don’t worry; still you have an option to get Media Center from Microsoft- at a price. Windows Media center, along DVD playback is part of Media Center Upgrade pack for Windows 8 Pro and Windows 8 Pro pack for Windows 8 Standard. If you are already running Windows 8 Pro in your PC , then you can avail Windows 8 Media Center pack for free, otherwise you can pay an extra cost of $66.99 for the pack.