Using Microsoft Windows

A concise guide to Windows 10 & 11 core features and functionality

🖥️ Windows Overview & Microsoft 365

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What is Windows?

Windows is an operating system that controls computer functions and provides a working environment through the familiar Windows desktop, Taskbar, and Start menu.

Microsoft 365 Integration

Microsoft 365 includes Office apps, Windows, and other Microsoft services like OneDrive, OneNote, Forms, and To Do. Your Microsoft account provides seamless access across all these services.

Student Tip: Create a free education Microsoft account at microsoft.com/education

🏠 Desktop & Taskbar

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Windows Desktop

The desktop is your primary working area in Windows. The Taskbar appears horizontally at the bottom, providing quick access to apps and system functions.

Recycle Bin File Explorer Type here to search Desktop Taskbar

How to Customize the Taskbar

  1. Pin an app: Right-click an app in Start menu → "Pin to taskbar"
  2. Unpin an app: Right-click app icon on Taskbar → "Unpin from taskbar"
  3. Rearrange apps: Click and drag apps to desired positions

🚀 Start Menu & Apps

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Start Menu Layout

The Start menu displays Pinned apps on the top half and Recommended apps and files on the bottom half.

Type here to search Pinned W Word X Excel 📁 File Explorer Recommended W Recent Document 45m ago Search Box Pinned Apps Recommended

🔍 Search

Click the search box at the top to find apps, files, and settings

📋 All Apps

Click "All apps" button for alphabetical listing of installed applications

⚡ Power Options

Access Sleep, Shut down, and Restart from the Power button

App Types

🖥️ Desktop Apps

Traditional applications like Office 2021, Adobe Acrobat - downloaded from websites

📱 Modern Apps

Store apps like Netflix, Spotify - installed from Microsoft Store, similar to smartphone apps

How to Add Apps from Microsoft Store

  1. Click Start → Microsoft Store
  2. Click Apps button on the left
  3. Search for apps using the search box
  4. Click Install button for desired app
  5. Click Open to launch the installed app

How to Customize the Start Menu

  1. Move pinned apps: Click and drag to new position
  2. Unpin apps: Right-click app → "Unpin from Start"
  3. Pin new apps: Right-click app in All apps → "Pin to Start"
  4. Uninstall apps: Right-click app → "Uninstall"
  5. Remove from Recommended: Right-click item → "Remove from list"

📁 File Explorer

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File Explorer Components

File Explorer is your gateway to browsing folders and files stored on your computer.

📁 File Explorer Cut Copy Paste ⭐ Quick access Desktop Documents Folder W Document Toolbar Navigation Pane Folder Pane

🛠️ Toolbar

Common commands: Cut, Copy, Paste, Rename, Delete, Sort, View options

🧭 Navigation Buttons

Back, Forward, Recent locations, Up - for easy folder navigation

📂 Navigation Pane

Left sidebar showing folder structure, Quick access shortcuts

📄 Folder Pane

Main area displaying contents of selected folder

Quick Tip: Right-click any folder or file for a contextual menu with relevant commands and options.

☁️ OneDrive Cloud Storage

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OneDrive Overview

OneDrive is your private, secure cloud storage that's accessible from any computer. Files can be stored cloud-only or synced to your local computer.

OneDrive Sync Options OneDrive Cloud Files stored online Local Computer Synced files Upload Download Sync Options Cloud-Only Files stored only online Saves local storage space Synced Available offline Uses local storage

How to Customize OneDrive Settings

  1. Open File Explorer
  2. Right-click OneDrive folder → "Show more options" → "Settings"
  3. Click Account tab → Choose folders button
  4. Select which folders to sync locally (saves computer storage space)
  5. Click OK to apply changes

How to Use OneDrive Online

  1. Navigate to www.onedrive.live.com
  2. Click Sign in
  3. Enter your Microsoft account credentials
  4. Click My Files to access your cloud storage
  5. Use top toolbar to upload, create folders, and manage files

🔍 Search Features

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Windows Search vs File Explorer Search

🔍 Windows Search

Searches your computer, internet, and Microsoft Store simultaneously

📂 File Explorer Search

Searches only local files and folders on your computer

How to Use Windows Search

  1. Click Search button on Taskbar
  2. Type keywords in "Type here to search" area
  3. Browse categorized results (Best match, Search work and web, Photos)
  4. Use filter buttons: Apps, Documents, Web, More
  5. Click any result to open file, search internet, or view Store apps

🖼️ Task View & Virtual Desktops

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Task View

Task View displays all open apps and windows as tiles, making it easy to select, manage, or close applications.

Task View - Multiple Open Applications Word Document Excel Spreadsheet Chrome Browser Virtual Desktops Desktop 1 Active Desktop 2 + New desktop Open Applications Virtual Desktops

Virtual Desktops

Create separate desktops for different workflows - for example, one for work apps and another for personal applications.

How to Use Task View

  1. Click Task View button on Taskbar or press Win+Tab
  2. Click X on any app tile to close it
  3. Click any app/window to open it and return to desktop
  4. Right-click app for options like Snap left/right, Move to desktop

How to Use Virtual Desktops

  1. Open Task View (Win+Tab)
  2. Click New desktop button
  3. Right-click desktop to rename it
  4. Hover over desktop to preview open apps
  5. Right-click apps to move between desktops
  6. Click desktop to switch to it
Keyboard Shortcuts: Alt+Tab to cycle through apps | Win+Ctrl+Left/Right to switch virtual desktops | Alt+Shift+Left/Right to reorder virtual desktops

⚙️ Windows Settings

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Settings Overview

Windows Settings is your central hub for customizing the Windows environment, managing devices, and configuring your Microsoft accounts.

🖥️ System

Display, sound, notifications, power settings

📶 Bluetooth & Devices

Connect and manage Bluetooth devices, printers, phone

🌐 Network & Internet

Wi-Fi, VPN, mobile hotspot, airplane mode

🎨 Personalization

Background, colors, themes, lock screen, Start, Taskbar

📱 Apps

Installed apps and features, default apps, optional features

👤 Accounts

Account info, email accounts, sign-in options

🌍 Time & Language

Date/time, language, region, typing, speech

🎮 Gaming

Xbox Game Bar, game captures, Game Mode

♿ Accessibility

Text size, visual effects, magnifier, narrator, contrast

🔒 Privacy & Security

Windows security, Find My Device, app permissions

🔄 Windows Update

System updates, update history, advanced options