Windows is the operating system manufactured by Microsoft that is routinely used by billions of people around the world. The latest version of this product, called Windows 10, was released in July 2015 and has revolutionized the experience of users using computers, mobile devices and Xbox One by introducing several new features. Windows 10 offers better synchronization of data and information when switching between devices, having introduced a new universal architecture based on the use of applications. The latest version of the Microsoft operating system offers many new features such as Cortana, Microsoft Edge, the Notification Center, the OneNote app, integration with the Xbox Live platform and the return of the Start menu. Microsoft has concentrated all its efforts in perfecting the operating system so that it always works at its best and that it is optimized to ensure the best possible interaction with the user, for example by reintroducing the use of the convenient Start menu and the ability to run multiple desktop.
Steps
Part 1 of 7: Using the Start Menu
Step 1. Understand the power of the new Start menu
On the left side of the menu interface you can see the links for quick access to folders stored on your computer, the list of the most used applications, the list of all the new apps installed on the system and the ability to view the list of those present on your device.
Step 2. Display the Start menu in full screen
In the upper right corner of the menu there is the resize button that allows you to change the size of the Start menu interface and expand it over the entire surface of the screen to be able to easily view all the apps installed.
Step 3. Add a direct link to the applications you use most often or prefer to the Start menu
Access the complete list of all the apps installed on the system, then select the one of your interest with the right mouse button (or hold it down with your finger if you are using a touch-screen device) and choose the "Pin to Start" option from the context menu that appeared.
Step 4. Rearrange the visible apps within the Start menu
You can select and drag the various icons wherever you like, create groups or group them in convenient folders. In the latter case, overlap two icons until you see a divider bar appear, then name the new folder.
Step 5. Find what you need quickly and easily
Go to the Start menu, then type in the keywords you want to search for. Windows 10's search functionality is handled by Cortana - one of the new features introduced by Microsoft's new operating system. Searches made in the Start menu or through the "Search in Windows" function take advantage of all this new functionality. Cortana can also be used via voice commands and searches will be performed simultaneously both on the web and within the computer, to provide a list of results as reliable as possible.
Step 6. Log in with another user account or restart or shut down your computer
The "Shutdown" button on the Start menu has been moved to the lower left corner of its interface. Alternatively, you can select the "Start" button (located in the lower left corner of the desktop) with the right mouse button and choose "Close or disconnect" to access the same options indicated. Using this menu, you can log out of your user account, activate system sleep or hibernation, or shut down or restart the device.
Part 2 of 7: Install Applications
Step 1. Find out how the Windows Store works
The apps in the Windows 10 Store are designed to provide the same experience, regardless of the device used (computer, smartphone, tablet or console). You have the ability to download thousands of useful applications to increase productivity, fun, efficiency and communication.
Step 2. Find an app to install
Access the Windows Store from the Start menu or by selecting the appropriate icon on the taskbar. You can search for a specific app using the Store search bar, viewing the list of those most downloaded by users, those recommended or by consulting the various categories available in the "Collections" section. In order to access the Store, you will need to use an active Microsoft account and a compatible device (computer, smartphone, tablet, or console).
Step 3. Use the applications of your choice
Once you have downloaded and installed the app of your choice, you can find it in the "All apps" or "Recently added" section of the Start menu. Applications installed through the Microsoft Store will be updated automatically and free of charge (as long as this Windows feature is active).
Step 4. Take advantage of the multitasking potential of the operating system
Drag applications along the sides or corners of the screen, so you can start multiple programs at the same time. To manage all running applications, you can also use the "Task View" function accessible directly from the Windows taskbar.
Step 5. Customize the app configuration settings
Normally the graphical interface of applications respects some general rules, so you should find a button in the upper right or left corner of the program window, which will give you access to the main menu and to the settings one. Most apps offer the ability to search, share and print their content.
Step 6. Create a custom desktop
Thanks to Windows 10, the user can organize applications on different desktops. All you have to do is select the "Task View" icon on the taskbar and choose the "New Desktop" option.
Part 3 of 7: Navigating Inside Windows 10
Step 1. Learn how to use the touchpad optimally
To quickly move between the resources, features and content offered by Windows 10, Microsoft has introduced a new range of gestures that can be used on both touchscreen devices and those equipped with a touchpad.
Step 2. Find out what new moves you can perform
To call up the "Notification Center" panel, swipe your finger on the screen from the right side to the left (the charms bar introduced in Windows 8 has been removed). Swipe your finger across the screen starting from the left side and continuing to the right to access the "Task View" screen (using this gesture no longer gives access to the list of available applications). Swipe your finger across the screen from the top to the bottom to access the title bar of the window in use. Swipe your finger across the screen from the bottom to the top to open the "Task Manager" window.
Step 3. Find out what new gestures are reserved for devices with a touchpad
Swipe up three fingers on the touchpad to access the "Activity View" screen. Swipe down three fingers on the touchpad for direct access to the desktop. Or move three fingers on the touchpad to the right or left to scroll through the list of all currently running programs and applications.
Step 4. Find out what new hotkey combinations are introduced in Windows 10
Press the key combination "Ctrl + Windows + D" to create a new virtual desktop. Press the "Shift + Windows + Right or Left Directional Arrow" key combination to switch between virtual desktops. Press the "Windows + A" key combination to access the "Notification Center" panel.
Step 5. Make the most of the potential of your device's mouse and touchscreen
Drag app icons onto the Start menu to organize and group them. Launch all the applications and programs you need then drag their windows to the sides or corners of the screen to automatically tile them, based on available space, and get the most out of Windows 10's multitasking capabilities.
Part 4 of 7: Review Applications Built into Windows 10
Step 1. Use Microsoft Edge
It is the new default browser of Windows 10 that has replaced the old and glorious Internet Explorer. Microsoft Edge offers total integration with all the features of Cortana, OneDrive and all the web services offered by Microsoft. Using Edge you will be able to access the resources, data and information you need faster and easier. It also allows you to always have all your content and resources at your fingertips through the use of the Hub. It allows you to draw or add notes directly on web pages that can then be used within the new OneNote app. The "Reading List" feature has also been introduced to group all the contents that can be read at a later time or even offline.
Step 2. Use the Photos app
All the images on your computer can be managed through this new application. The Photos app integrates the ability to synchronize data with the Microsoft OneDrive clouding service. It also offers some great features for photo editing, such as removing the camera flash effect that makes red eyes appear, changing the color or brightness, or changing the tilt of images, and more.
Step 3. Use the Xbox app
Now the integration between Windows systems and the Xbox gaming platform is complete. Through this application you will be able to find new friends on the Xbox Live service, consult the list of achievements, the history of the games you have played, activities and messages.
Step 4. Use the Maps app
Thanks to this new application you have the possibility to explore the world in 3D, consult the street map of any location, download the maps you need locally, print the driving directions of an itinerary, consult traffic information in real time and discover new places to visit.
Step 5. Use the Store application
It allows unified access to all applications developed for Windows systems in a more efficient and simple way. Inside the Microsoft Store, you can find thousands of applications for computers, mobile devices and Xbox that can improve productivity, entertainment, efficiency and communication.
Step 6. Personalize your Windows 10 experience
The Settings app, accessible directly from the Start menu, has been completely revised and redesigned both in appearance and in the naming of the options. Through this tool it is possible to customize any functionality of the operating system to improve the user experience to the maximum.
Step 7. Use the OneNote app built into Windows 10
Do you have the desire to create a virtual notebook without the need to purchase the entire program package contained in the Microsoft Office suite? No problem, Windows 10 integrates the OneNote app: a flexible and lightweight software, perfect for creating a virtual binder in which to insert all your precious notes. Also if you have created a project with the full version of OneNote or have synced notes with OneDrive, you will also be able to download them in the Windows 10 application. However, there are some limitations using the version of OneNote built into Windows 10, for example not it is possible to format the notes created and some features included in the complete product are not present (such as the ability to use tables and charts).
If you have installed the full suite of products included with Microsoft Office, be very careful when you search for this program in the Start menu. The built-in app in Windows 10 will appear named simply as "OneNote" within the search results list. Instead, the complete program included in Microsoft Office also presents the year of the version installed within the name (even if the demo version of Microsoft Office is installed, the name of the full version of OneNote will be characterized by the year of the version Office)
Part 5 of 7: Accessing the Files
Step 1. Use the Windows "Search" function
It features a visible text field on the left side of the taskbar (depending on user settings, only one icon may be visible). Enter your search criteria to get the list of results. The search will be carried out automatically both on the web and on the computer.
Step 2. Search your files
Choose the "Filters" option to see the list of results for the content you want: music, videos, apps, photos, images, documents and settings on your computer and OneDrive.
Step 3. Set up an account for OneDrive
Log in to your device using your Microsoft account, so you can access the OneDrive service directly from the Windows 10 "File Explorer" window. The data in One Drive will be synchronized and updated automatically by the operating system.
Step 4. Save your personal files to the Microsoft cloud
Drag the files and folders in the "File Explorer" window onto the "OneDrive" folder icon. This way all the selected data will be synced with OneDrive. You will also have the option to choose which account to use in order to automate future saves.
Step 5. Choose which data to synchronize
If your free space on OneDrive is limited or you're using a metered data connection, you can choose which folders to sync. Select the "OneDrive" icon with the right mouse button (if you are using a touch-screen device press and hold it with your finger), then choose the "Select folders" option from the "Settings" menu.
Step 6. Use the "Quick Access" feature
It is integrated within the "File Explorer" window and contains a list of all the resources you use most frequently. The list is automatically updated by Windows based on your habits. To change the "Quick Access" settings, select the "View" tab of the "File Explorer" window ribbon and press the "Options" button.
Part 6 of 7: Microsoft Edge
Step 1. Microsoft Edge is the new internet browser built into all versions of Windows that has replaced the old and glorious Internet Explorer
However Internet Explorer is still present in Windows 10 and is the basis of the new features offered by Edge. By accessing the Microsoft Edge "Settings" menu and selecting the "Open in Internet Explorer" option, you can still use the old version of Microsoft's internet browser
Step 2. Search even faster
When you perform a search, the results will be generated automatically by consulting the information on the web, in the browsing history and in your favorites.
Step 3. Use the Edge Hub
This new feature collects the user's favorites, history, reading list and downloads. To access the Edge Hub, simply click the "Hub" icon on the right of the address bar.
Step 4. Draw and add notes directly on web pages
Select the "Add Notes" icon located on the right of the "Hub" icon visible in the upper right part of the window to access some basic functions for drawing, highlighting content or adding notes directly within a web page.
Step 5. Add content to your "Reading List"
Now you have the possibility to save web pages to be able to consult them at a later time. You can also change the font and style. Remember that the "Reading List" feature is accessible directly from the Edge Hub.
Part 7 of 7: Settings
Step 1. In Windows 10 the classic "Control Panel" has been replaced by the Settings app
Microsoft wanted to make sure that Windows 10 was suitable for more types of devices and to do so it created a new Settings menu divided into categories, as has been the case for a long time now on all mobile devices, both Apple and Android. The Settings app can be accessed directly from the Start menu by selecting the appropriate gear-shaped "Settings" icon.
Step 2. Customize the settings for each individual application
As with mobile devices, in Windows 10, applications have their own operating settings that can be changed individually. To access the configuration settings menu of the individual applications, press the appropriate button in the upper left corner of the program window and choose "Settings" from the menu that will appear.
Step 3. Personalize your computer
Go to the "Personalization" tab of the Windows 10 Settings app to be able to change your desktop wallpaper, lock screen, color range, theme, and more.
Step 4. Review the new "Notification Center"
All the notifications directed to the user are stored inside it, allowing the latter to take the correct action in the shortest possible time. To access the "Notification Center" click the appropriate icon on the left side of the taskbar.
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Perform the reported action based on the notification received. Select the notification message visible in the "Notification Center" to get more information and be able to perform the correct action without having to open windows or start applications. To cancel the notification, move the mouse cursor over the relevant box and click the "X" icon in the upper right corner.
Use Windows 10 Step 39
Step 5. Change some computer settings directly from the "Notification Center"
At the bottom of the "Notification Center" pane you will see a set of icons relating to the system settings that are used most frequently.
Step 6. Activate the "Tablet Mode"
If you are using a computer with a touch-screen, you can activate this operating mode directly from the "Notification Center" panel, in order to make the Windows 10 interface even more "user-friendly" thanks to the possibility of directly exploiting the touch-screen screen.
Warnings
- If you have created links to content using Internet Explorer and an older version of Windows, when you try to open them in Windows 10 they will continue to use Internet Explorer and not Edge (the new version of Microsoft's internet browser). In this way, they will not be able to take advantage of the new exclusive features of this latest Microsoft product, which some websites may instead have exploited within their own contents. Since these shortcut icons cannot be erased completely (they are not visible on the taskbar), they will always remain visible within the Start menu until Microsoft itself provides an official method to remove them.
- Microsoft has confirmed that, as has always happened, Windows 10 will also have a long life and that technical support for this product will be guaranteed for several years, so it is good to always keep your computer updated. Microsoft's policy on the release of updates has changed slightly with the arrival of Windows 10. Now it is planned to release a substantial update of the entire operating system every 5-6 months (compared to the release of small patches on a daily basis or weekly). This is more of an effort than competing Apple, which releases an update for the Mac operating system only once a year.
