Welcome to this new course where you’ll learn everything you need to know to get the most out of Windows 10!
In this first part, we’ll take a look at what Windows 10 offers. You'll learn to sync your PC with a smartphone and choose the default software you want to use for your files. Let’s get started!
Discover the New Features of Windows 10
You might already be familiar with Linux or Mac operating systems, or maybe you’ve already used Windows 7 or Windows 8. Let’s check out the TOP 5 new features in Windows 10:
One of the most noticeable new features in Windows 10 is that Internet Explorer is replaced by Edge, which is similar to Google Chrome.
Improvements have been made to OneDrive, Microsoft’s cloud service, which allows you to store your files in the cloud and access them wherever you are by signing into your Microsoft account. We’ll look at this in more detail later.
One Drive How could we forget the virtual assistant Cortana, Microsoft’s answer to Google Assistant, Siri, or Alexa, which can respond to questions about tomorrow’s weather or save appointments to your calendar?
Cortana If you often need to transfer files from one computer to another, Windows 10 provides a solution with Near Share.
All of these features are available and useful for individual Windows 10 licenses, but another new feature in Windows 10 is that its Windows Store for Business allows you to configure private business apps. We’ll look at this point in more detail later on as well.
We’ll start by getting to grips with the Windows 10 desktop.
A Look Around Windows 10
Let’s take a look at the different parts of the Windows 10 desktop.
The desktop
This is what you can see on the screen in front of you. It’s actually just a folder, located at C:\Users\YourUserName\Desktop. When starting up, Windows displays the contents of this folder on the screen.
The taskbar
Along the bottom of your screen, you’ll see what’s known as the taskbar. It allows you to interact with the operating system.
The Start button
The Windows logo in the left-hand corner takes you to the Start menu.
You can access the follow via this menu:
The Start/Shut down menu, settings (for administration), and your account details.
A list of software installed on your PC.
Windows tiles (brought in with Windows 8) developed for touchscreens.
Windows tiles were the biggest new feature brought in by Windows 8, and have been kept in Windows 10. The main use of the tiles is to make interaction with touchscreens easier (smartphones, tablets, and touchscreen PCs). This makes it easy to switch from using a classic mouse to going mouse-free on a touchscreen PC or tablet.
To access the control panel, use the search bar to search for “Control Panel”. You can then adjust your computer’s settings from this menu.
Search bar
Just next to the Start button you’ll find the search bar (which works particularly well in Windows 10). It allows you to search for a folder or file on your computer, but that’s not all. The search bar also lists apps, results found in the Windows Store (we’ll come back to this), and on the Internet (using Edge).
Cortana
To the right of the search bar, you will find Cortana, Microsoft’s virtual assistant. You can use Cortana to search the web, book meetings, and help with a whole range of other different tasks. We’ll go into more detail later in the course to make the most of Cortana!
Apps
You can see the icons for any open apps on the taskbar. You can also add shortcuts on the taskbar for any apps you use regularly.
Icons
Lastly, in the right-hand corner (next to the time), there is a collection of icons that show the status of your computer. You can check the network status and the battery level (if you are using a laptop), for example.
Now you’ve had a first glimpse of how your new Windows 10 computer works and you’ve started to get your bearings, we’ll be delving into how to get the best out of Windows 10. In the next chapter, you’ll learn how to manage your computer’s software.
Your Turn!
🎯 Today's mission at CleanFuture: Your HR manager has asked you to explain how he can access files saved on his desktop via File Explorer.
⚙️ The actions you need to take:
Create a new text document.
Save it to your desktop.
Open the file from its folder location to demonstrate how to open the same file using File Explorer.
✅ Double-check your work: Once you’ve given it a try, watch the tutorial video below to check how I would complete the same task.
Let’s Recap!
The first thing displayed at startup is the desktop. It’s linked to your account and therefore personalized.
The desktop is actually just another folder, located in C:\Users\YourUserName\Desktop.
With Windows Store for Business, you can configure private business apps for companies.
The taskbar allows you to interact with the operating system. It contains:
The Start menu (for managing Windows).
The search bar and Cortana (Windows 10 virtual assistant).
Your favorite apps.
Icons for monitoring the status of your computer.
Good work! You have discovered some important fundamental parts of Windows 10. You have learned how the desktop really works, how to access the Control Panel, Taskbar, and your applications. In the next chapter, we will go into more detail with regards to Windows 10 applications: how to install them, how to change your default app settings, and other useful practices to help you understand Windows 10.
