edu.gcfglobal.

org

Windows 10: Windows 10 Features

33-41 minutes

Lesson 2: Windows 10 Features

/en/windows10/windows-10-frequently-asked-questions/content/

What is Windows 10?

Windows 10 is the most recent version of the Microsoft Windows operating system. There have been many
different versions of Windows over the years, including Windows 8 (released in 2012), Windows 7 (2009),
Windows Vista (2006), and Windows XP (2001). While older versions of Windows mainly ran on desktop and
laptop computers, Windows 10 is also designed to run equally well on tablets.

An operating system manages all of the hardware and software on a computer. Without it, the computer would
be useless. To learn more about how operating systems work, check out Understanding Operating Systems and
Getting to Know the OS in our Computer Basics tutorial.

How is Windows 10 different from other versions?

Many users complained that Windows 8, the previous version of Windows, was confusing and difficult to use.
As a result, Windows 10 looks and feels similar to older versions. Still, it includes a lot of new features and
improvements. Watch the video below to learn more:

<span id="selection-marker-1" class="redactor-selection-marker"></span>

Start menu

Whereas Windows 8 uses the Start screen to launch applications, Windows 10 has reintroduced a more
traditional Start menu. It's also been expanded to make it easier to find important apps.
Microsoft Edge

This new browser is designed to give Windows users a better experience on the Web. It's faster, more secure,
and includes a lot of new features. Microsoft Edge is meant to replace Internet Explorer as your default web
browser, but you'll still be able to use another browser if you prefer.
Cortana

Similar to Siri and Google Now, you can talk to this virtual assistant with your computer's microphone. Cortana
can answer questions like What's the weather like today?, perform simple tasks like remind you to take out
the trash, and much more.
Multiple desktops and Task view

Instead of keeping everything open on the same desktop, you can move some of your windows to a virtual
desktop to get them out of the way. And the new Task view feature makes it easy to manage all of your open
windows.
Action Center

The new Action Center is pretty different from previous versions of Windows. For example, it's been expanded
to let you access frequently used settings, such as Wi-Fi connectivity and tablet mode. It's also where you'll see
important notifications, so if your computer receives an update you'll get a notification about it here.
Tablet mode

Unlike Windows 8, Windows 10 makes a clear distinction between desktops and tablets. If you're using a
keyboard and mouse with Windows 10, you'll be in desktop mode by default. If your computer also has a
touchscreen, you can go into tablet mode at any time. Tablet users can also switch back to desktop mode if they
prefer.
Should you upgrade to Windows 10?

As you can see, Windows 10 is much more similar to older versions than it is to Windows 8. It's also faster and
more secure, and it will continue to be supported for Microsoft for several years to come. If your computer is
currently using Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 and meets the system requirements, you can upgrade to Windows 10
by purchasing it from Microsoft here. For all of these reasons, we recommend upgrading your computer to
Windows 10 if you can. We'll talk about how to do this in our lesson on Upgrading to Windows 10.

/en/windows10/upgrading-to-windows-10/content/

Lesson 3: Upgrading to Windows 10

/en/windows10/windows-10-features/content/

Upgrading to Windows 10

If your computer is currently running Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, you can purchase the Windows 10 update
from Microsoft here.

If you’re using an older version, such as Windows XP or Vista, your computer probably won't meet the hardware
requirements to upgrade to Windows 10. If you’re thinking about upgrading an older computer, we’d
recommend purchasing a new computer that already has Windows 10 installed.
Things to consider before upgrading

System requirements

In order to upgrade your Windows 7 or 8.1 machine to Windows 10, you'll need to meet the system hardware
requirements. Note that these are just the minimum requirements, so if you plan to use your computer for
gaming or other demanding apps you may need a faster processor, more memory, or a more powerful graphics
card to upgrade.

Software compatibility

In order for software to work, it has to be compatible with the operating system. Therefore, you may not be able
to use all of your existing software if you switch to a different operating system. Before upgrading to Windows
10, ask yourself if there is any software on your computer you can't do without—and then do some research to
find out if it is compatible.

If you are upgrading from Windows 8 or Windows 7, most of your apps should still work. However, if you're
using an older version like Windows XP, there's a good chance some of your apps will not be compatible with
Windows 10. A simple web search will often be enough to tell if an app will be compatible.
How to upgrade to Windows 10

If your computer is able to run Windows 10, you can go to this page on Microsoft website to purchase it. From
there, you can either download the installation file, or have a USB installation drive sent to you. Check out
Microsoft's Windows 10 FAQ for more information.

/en/windows10/getting-started-with-windows-10/content/

Lesson 4: Getting Started with Windows 10

/en/windows10/upgrading-to-windows-10/content/

Getting started with Windows 10

Whether you're using a new computer with Windows 10 or an older machine that was recently upgraded, this
lesson will show you the basics of using this version of Windows.

Watch the video below to learn how to get started with Windows 10.
Note: This lesson will focus on using Windows 10 with a desktop or laptop computer. If you're using a tablet
computer with a touchscreen, some of the instructions below will work a bit differently; check out our lesson on
Using Windows 10 on a Tablet to learn more.

Signing in to Windows 10

You'll probably be asked to create a Microsoft account the very time you use Windows 10 (if you don't have
one already). From this point on, whenever you turn on the computer you'll need to sign in to that account. To do
this, type your password into the box and press Enter.

To learn more, you can review our lessons on Creating a Microsoft Account and Managing User Accounts and
Parental Controls.

Navigating the desktop

Once you've signed in, the first thing you'll see is the desktop. You can think of the desktop as the main
workspace for your computer. From here, you can view and manage your files, open applications, access the
Internet, and much more.

Click the buttons in the interactive below to become more familiar with the Windows 10 desktop:

Shortcuts on the taskbar

Some programs will have shortcuts on the taskbar for easy access. In this example, there are shortcuts to
Microsoft Edge, File Explorer, and the Windows Store.

Taskbar
The taskbar contains shortcuts to applications, the date and time, and more. When you open a program or file,
it will appear on the taskbar, and you can easily switch between different programs by selecting them on the
taskbar.
Date and Time Settings
On the right side of the taskbar, you will see the date and time. There will also be shortcuts to various settings,
like Internet settings and sound volume.
Open Folders
When you double-click a folder, it will open in a specialized program called File Explorer (also known as
Windows Explorer). This allows you to navigate to the specific folder or file you want.
Recycle Bin
When you delete a file, it is moved to the Recycle Bin. This allows you to recover the file if you change your
mind. To permanently delete the file, you will need to empty the Recycle Bin.
Folders on the desktop
You can keep folders, files, and shortcuts on the desktop so they'll be easily accessible.
Start Button
In most versions of Windows, you'll click the Start button to open the Start menu. The main exception to this is
Windows 8. If you're using Windows 8, you'll click the Start button to return to the Start screen.
Desktop background
The desktop background, or wallpaper, allows you to personalize your computer. You can choose a built-in
background or use one of your own images.
Opening applications

You'll use the Start menu to open programs on your computer, just like with previous
versions of Windows. To do this, click the Start button in the bottom-left corner, then choose the desired
application. If you don't see the one you want, you can scroll to see a full list of applications. In the example
below, we're opening OneNote.
Working with files

You'll use the File Explorer to manage your files and folders. To open File Explorer, click the File Explorer
icon on the taskbar or double-click any folder on your desktop.
If you're new to Windows, check out this lesson on Working with Files from our Windows Basics tutorial to
learn more about file management.

Searching for files and apps

To search for something on your computer—like a specific file or application—click the Search Box, then start
typing. In the example below, we're searching for a Microsoft Word document.
Adjusting your settings

You'll use the Settings app to change the most important settings on your computer, like your network and
display options. To open the app, click the Start menu, then select Settings.
You can also use the Control Panel to adjust your settings, just like in earlier versions of Windows. However,
there are some options that can only be accessed from the Settings app, like adding a new user. Because of this,
you'll probably use the Settings app more often.
Shutting down your computer

When you're done using your computer, it's important to shut it down properly. To do this, click the Start
button, then choose Power > Shut Down.

/en/windows10/tips-for-managing-multiple-windows/content/

Lesson 5: Tips for Managing Multiple Windows

/en/windows10/getting-started-with-windows-10/content/

Tips for managing multiple windows

Windows 10 has several features that make it easier to multi-task and work with multiple windows at the same
time.

Note: This lesson will focus on using Windows 10 with a desktop or laptop computer. If you're using a tablet
computer with a touchscreen, some of the instructions below will work differently (and some features won't be
available at all). Check out our lesson on Using Windows 10 on a Tablet to learn more.

Snap

Snap allows you to resize windows quickly, which is especially convenient when you want to see two windows
side by side. To do this, click and drag the desired window to the left or right until the cursor reaches the edge
of the screen, then release the mouse. The window will snap into place. To unsnap a window, simply click and
drag the window down.

Note: If you have more than one window open when snapping, you'll be able to choose a window to snap to the
other side of the screen automatically.
Flip

You can use Flip to switch between open windows. To do this, press and hold the Alt key on your keyboard,
then press the Tab key. Continue pressing the Tab key until the desired window is selected.
Task view

The Task view feature is similar to Flip, but it works a bit differently. To open Task view, click the Task view
button near the bottom-left corner of the taskbar. Alternative, you can press Windows key+Tab on your
keyboard. All of your open windows will appear, and you can click to choose any window you want.
Virtual desktops

Instead of keeping everything open on the same desktop, you can move some of your windows to a virtual
desktop to get them out of the way. This feature wasn't available in previous versions of Windows, and it's
especially helpful for managing a lot of windows at the same time. To create a new desktop, open Task view,
then select New desktop near the bottom-right corner.
Once you've created multiple desktops, you can use Task view to switch between them. You can also move
windows between desktops. To do this, open Task view, then click and drag a window to the desired desktop.
To close a virtual desktop, open Task view and click the X in the upper-right corner of any desktop you want to
close.
Showing the desktop

If you have a lot of windows open at the same time, it can be difficult to see the desktop. When this happens, you
can click the bottom-right corner of the taskbar to minimize all open windows. Just click it again to restore the
minimized windows.

/en/windows10/personalizing-your-desktop/content/

Lesson 6: Personalizing Your Desktop

/en/windows10/tips-for-managing-multiple-windows/content/

Personalizing your desktop

Windows 10 makes it easy to customize the look and feel of your desktop. To access the Personalization
settings, right-click anywhere on the desktop, then select Personalize from the drop-down menu. The
Personalization settings will appear.

Click the buttons in the interactive below to learn more about using the Personalization settings.

Background
From here, you can choose and customize your desktop background.
Colors
The accent color affects things like the taskbar and the Start menu. By default, Windows 10 will assign an
accent color based on your desktop background image. However, you can turn this feature off if you'd prefer to
choose your own accent color.
Lock screen
From here, you can customize the appearance of your lock screen. As with your desktop background, you can
use a built-in picture or select Browse to choose one of your own.
Themes
If you previously installed themes on an earlier version of Windows, you can view and select them here.
However, Microsoft does not currently plan to release new themes for Windows 10.
Fonts
From here, you can install new fonts.
Start
From here, you can customize certain options for the Start menu, like choosing to show the Start menu in full-
screen mode.
Taskbar
From here, you can customize the taskbar to lock it in its location or hide it in different modes.
Browse
Select Browse to choose a desktop background from one of your personal photos.
To change the font size:

If you have difficulty seeing the text on your computer, you can increase the font size. Increasing the font size
will also increase the size of icons and other items on your desktop.

1. Open the Settings app, then select System.

2. The Display options will appear. Use the drop-down arrow to scale up or down the size. Note that a
larger size may interfere with the way some items appear on the screen.
 3. Once you've made your selection, the changes will take effect.

To adjust ClearType settings:

ClearType allows you to fine tune how the text on your computer looks, which helps improve readability.

1. From the settings pane, click the Find a setting search box.
2. Choose Adjust ClearType text.
3. The ClearType dialog box will appear. Follow the instructions, choosing the text that appears best to
you.
 4. When you're done, click Finish. The ClearType settings will be applied.

/en/windows10/customizing-the-start-menu/content/

Lesson 7: Customizing the Start Menu

/en/windows10/personalizing-your-desktop/content/

Customizing the Start menu

One of the most important features in Windows 10 is the Start menu. You'll use the Start menu to open apps,
access commonly used folders, and a whole lot more. Because it's such a commonly used feature, you may want
to customize the Start menu to suit your needs.

A brief history of the Start menu

In earlier versions of Windows, such as Windows 7, the Start menu was confined to a narrow column. In
Windows 8, the Start menu was replaced with the Start screen, a large, full-screen menu.
However, many users complained that the Start screen was confusing and difficult to use. As a result, the Start
menu was added back to Windows 10. And while it's similar to the Start menu found in earlier versions, it's also
been expanded to include tiles, which were originally introduced in Windows 8.

To rearrange tiles

If you don't like the way your tiles are arranged on the Start menu, you can rearrange them. To move a tile,
simply click and drag it to the desired location. In this example, we'll move the Microsoft Edge tile.
To make a tile bigger or smaller, right-click the tile, select Resize, then choose the desired size.
Pinning and unpinning tiles

If you want to add a tile to the Start menu, you can pin it. You can also unpin tiles you don't use very often.

1. Click the Start button, then find the desired app from the list.

2. Right-click the app, then select Pin to Start. In this example, we'll pin the Calculator app.
3. The app will be pinned to the Start menu. You can remove any tile by right-clicking, then selecting
Unpin from Start.
To turn off live tiles

You may notice that certain tiles, such as those for the News and Weather apps, are animated. These are called
live tiles. However, if you find that these are too distracting, you can turn them off. To do this, right-click the
desired tile, then select Turn live tile off. In this example, we'll turn off the live tile for the Photos app.
Other Start menu options

There are a few other settings you can change for the Start menu, including viewing the Start menu in full-screen
mode. To access these options, right-click the desktop, select Personalize, then choose Start. From here, you
can choose to turn these options on or off.
/en/windows10/making-windows-10-feel-more-familiar/content/

Lesson 8: Making Windows 10 Feel More Familiar

/en/windows10/customizing-the-start-menu/content/

Making Windows 10 feel more familiar

When Windows 8 was released in 2012, many users complained that it was confusing and difficult to use. As a
result, Windows 10 looks and feels more similar to older versions. Still, there are some changes you might find
confusing or just plain annoying. If you want Windows 10 to feel even more like Windows 7 or Windows XP,
here are some tips we can suggest.

Simplify the Start menu

Windows 10 uses an expanded Start menu, which is considerably larger than previous versions. However, if
you'd prefer to use the traditional, more narrow Start menu, there is a solution. First, you'll need to unpin all of
the apps in the Start menu. To do this, just right-click a tile, then select Unpin from Start. In this example,
we've already unpinned everything except the Calendar app.
Once you've unpinned all of the tiles, hover your mouse over the right border of the Start menu, then click and
drag it to the left.
Hide Cortana

One feature not available in previous versions of Windows is Cortana, a virtual assistant that can help you create
reminders, find files, and more. But if you'd prefer not to use Cortana—or if you just don't want to see the icon
on your taskbar—you can hide this feature. To do this, right-click the taskbar, then uncheck the Show Cortana
button option.
Use the Control Panel instead of the Settings app

Unlike previous versions of Windows, most of your basic settings will be changed through the new Settings app
rather than the Control Panel. Still, there are many settings you can change from the Control Panel (and those
that can't will redirect you to the Settings app when necessary). To open the Control Panel, press the Windows
key on your keyboard, type Control Panel, then press Enter.

Use Microsoft Edge

Another big change in Windows 10 is Microsoft Edge, the new default web browser. Generally speaking,
Microsoft Edge is more secure than Internet Explorer, and it should also be faster and more compatible with the
modern Web.

1. Open the Settings app, then select System.

2. Navigate to the Default apps options.
3. Select Web browser, then choose Microsoft Edge to set it as your default browser.
/en/windows10/managing-user-accounts-and-parental-controls/content/

Lesson 9: Managing User Accounts and Parental Controls

/en/windows10/making-windows-10-feel-more-familiar/content/

Managing user accounts and parental controls

A user account allows you to sign in to Windows 10. By default, your computer already has one user account,
which you were required to create when setting up Windows for the first time. But if you plan to share your
computer, you can create a separate user account for each member of your home or office.

Connecting users to a Microsoft account will help them get the most out of Windows. But if a user prefers not
to create a Microsoft account, you can also add a local user account that exists only on your computer.

Watch the video below to learn more about creating and managing user accounts:

<span id="selection-marker-1" class="redactor-selection-marker"></span>

Note that you must be signed in as an Administrator (the first user account created on your computer) to add a
new user.
To add a new user (with a Microsoft account):

1. Open the Settings app, then select Accounts.

2. Select Family & other users. Scroll down to the Other Users section, then choose Add someone else to
this PC.
3. If the new user already has a Microsoft account, enter the associated email address, then click Next.
 4. The user can then sign in to the computer with his or her Microsoft account information. Note that it may
take several minutes to configure a user's settings when logging in with a Microsoft account for the first
time.

To add a new local user (without a Microsoft account):

1. From the Account settings, click Add someone else to this PC.
2. Select The person I want to add doesn't have an email address.
3. The account creation screen will appear. Select Add a user without a Microsoft account.
4. Enter an account name, then type the desired password. It's important to choose a strong password—in
other words, one that is easy to remember but difficult for others to guess. For more information, check
out Password Tips in our Tech Savvy Tips and Tricks tutorial. When you're finished, click Next.
 5. The local user can then sign in to the computer with this account information.

Signing out and switching users

If you're finished using your account, you can sign out. To do this, click the Start button, select the current
account in the top-left corner, then choose Sign out. Other users will then be able to sign in from the lock screen.
It's also easy to switch between users without signing out or closing your current apps. Switching users will lock
the current user, so you won't need to worry about someone else accessing your account. To do this, select the
current account, then choose the desired user from the drop-down menu. You can use this same method to switch
back to the other user.

Managing user accounts

By default, the user account you created when setting up your computer is an Administrator account. An
Administrator account allows you to make top-level changes to the computer, like adding new users or
modifying specific settings. Any users you add are automatically assigned to a Standard user account, which
should meet the everyday needs of most users. You will probably only need one Administrator account on a
shared computer, but you have the option to promote any user to an Administrator account if you want.

1. From the Family & other users options, select the desired user, then click Change account type.
2. Select the desired option from the drop-down list, then click OK. In this example, we'll choose
Administrator.

3. The user will now have administrative privileges.

Setting parental controls

Windows offers a variety of parental controls that can help you monitor your children's activity and protect
them from inappropriate content. For example, you can restrict certain apps and websites or limit the amount
of time a user can spend on the computer. You'll need to add a family account for each user you want to
monitor. Each user will also need to have a Microsoft account; you cannot enable parental controls on a local
account.

1. From the Family & other users options, select Add a family member.

2. Select Add a child, enter the new user's email address, then click Next.
3. The new member will then need to confirm the addition to your family group from his or her inbox.
4. Once this is done, select Manage family settings online.
 5. A page will open in a new browser window. From here, select the desired user to set parental controls.

Click the buttons in the interactive below to learn more about setting parental controls:
Screen time

From here, you can limit the amount of time a child can spend on the computer.
Apps & games

From here, you can set general restrictions and age limits for apps and games downloaded from the Windows
store.

Web browsing

From here, you can enable web browsing preferences. For example, you can choose to block inappropriate
websites by default. You can also approve certain sites so they won't be blocked by the filter.
Recent Activity

From here, you'll see a general summary of a child's activity, like the websites visited and the total amount of
time spent on the computer.

/en/windows10/security-and-maintenance/content/

Lesson 10: Security and Maintenance

/en/windows10/managing-user-accounts-and-parental-controls/content/

Security features in Windows 10

Windows 10 includes a number of built-in features to keep your computer safe from viruses, malware, and more.
You can learn more about some of the most important features below.

User Account Control

User Account Control warns you when a program or user attempts to change your computer's settings. Your
screen will be temporarily locked until an Administrator can confirm the changes. This helps to protect your
computer against malicious software and accidental changes. User Account Control also allows you to decide
how often you'll receive these warnings.
Windows Security

Windows Security, formerly known as Windows Defender, provides antivirus and malware protection for
your computer. In addition to scanning your computer for potentially harmful applications, Windows Security
provides real-time protection, double-checking each file or application you open without slowing down your
computer.
Windows Firewall

By default, Windows will protect your Internet connection with Windows Firewall. A firewall prevents
unauthorized access from external connections and helps protect your network from threats that could harm your
computer.
Windows SmartScreen

Whenever your computer detects a security threat from a file or application, Windows SmartScreen will notify
you with a full-screen warning. Whenever you see this warning screen, you should choose not to open the file
or application unless you can verify that it will not damage your computer.

Updating Windows

In order to keep your computer secure, Microsoft will automatically provide regular updates to your computer.
These include important security updates, as well as new features. You can also check for updates manually and
choose when they'll be installed. To do this, open the Settings app, then choose Updates & security. Then, click
Check for updates.
To pause updates:

In some cases, the new features introduced in an update won't work correctly. If you'd prefer not to receive these
features right away, you can pause them. This won't prevent updates from being installed eventually, but it does
mean you won't receive them immediately upon release. This way, if there are any problems with a future update
your computer is less likely to be affected.

1. From the Update & Security settings, select Advanced options.

2. Click the drop-down menu to select a date.
 3. Your Windows updates will be paused until the selected date. Note that you'll continue to receive
important security updates from Microsoft automatically.

You can read this page from Microsoft to learn more about how deferred updates are installed.

Backup and recovery

Windows 10 can help protect your files from accidental loss by creating a backup on an external hard drive.
Should anything happen to your computer, you can rest easy knowing your files are still safe and secure.

To do this, go to Update & Security in the Settings app, then select Backup. From here, you can assign an
external hard drive as your backup disc—just select Add a drive to get started.

If you ever need to recover lost files or reset your copy of Windows, you'll use the options in the Recovery
settings.
You can also review this lesson from our Tech Savvy Tips & Tricks tutorial to learn more about the basics of
backing up your files.

/en/windows10/using-windows-10-on-a-tablet/content/

Lesson 11: Using Windows 10 on a Tablet

/en/windows10/security-and-maintenance/content/

Using Windows 10 on a tablet

Windows 10 is designed to work on desktops, laptops, and tablets. By default, if you're using a touchscreen
device without a keyboard and mouse, your computer will switch to tablet mode. You can also switch between
desktop and tablet mode at any time. To do this, select the Action Center near the bottom-right corner of the
taskbar, then choose Tablet mode.
When you're in tablet mode, you won't be able to use the desktop. Instead, you'll navigate from the full-screen
Start menu. And while it looks pretty different from desktop mode, there are still familiar features like the
taskbar at the bottom of the screen, which includes the Start button and the All apps list.
To see the full list of Start menu options, swipe in from the left or tap the icon in the top-left corner.
Opening applications

You'll open applications in tablet mode like you would from the desktop—just click or tap the desired app to
open it. If you don't see the one you want, select All apps to see a full list of applications. In this example, we'll
open Microsoft Edge.
Working with multiple apps

When you open an app in tablet mode, it will take up the entire screen. If you want to open another app, select
the Back or Start button near the lower-left corner.
This will take you back to the full-screen Start menu so you can open another application. If you want to see all
of your open apps, press the Task view button near the lower-left corner, then choose the app you want.

If you want to use more than one app at the same time, you can use the Snap feature. To do this, drag the top of
an app all the way to the right or left side of the screen.
The app will snap into place. You can then choose another open app to fill up the other side of the screen.
Closing apps

There are two ways to close an app in tablet mode. The first option is to use the X in the upper-right corner,
which is the same way you'd close an app on the desktop.
The other method is to press and hold the top of the app, then drag it all the way to the bottom of the screen to
close it.
Am I required to use tablet mode?

If you don't like tablet mode, you don't have to use it. To return to desktop mode, open the Action Center, then
choose Tablet mode to deselect it. Keep in mind, though, that some things may be more difficult to select in
desktop mode if you don't have a keyboard or mouse to use with your device.
/en/windows10/why-you-should-upgrade-to-windows-10/content/