Windows 10
You can learn whether your computer is capable of running Win 11 at this site or you can use this site. Here's a list of the requirements your computer must meet to run Win 11. If you install Win 11 and would like to return to Win 10, follow these directions. Here's a list from Microsoft that compares Win 10 and Win 11. You have to scroll down the page, and when you see the list, go to the top of the list and click on "Windows 10 vs. Windows 11."
Windows 10 is built for touch. There are a variety of touch gestures. In addition, there is an introductory video and a more advanced video you can watch that will help you with using these touch gestures.
Timeline is a feature in Windows 10 that allows you to return to a place on your computer where you previously were. Here is the extension to make Timeline work with Google Chrome.
Many new laptops now have Precision Touchpads. Follow the directions in this article to learn if your laptop has a Precision Touchpad. These touchpads are more capable than older models, and there are special swipe gestures that only work with Precision Touchpads. Additional settings are offered for Precision Touchpads.
You can learn about the Win 10 Start menu here or here.
Here are directions for filling your screen with 4 separate windows.
MS Edge is the default browser in Windows 10 and by default it uses Bing to search the internet. MS Edge allows you to markup web pages and save them with your annotations. Follow these directions to change the home page to which MS Edge defaults. If you have too many tabs open in Edge, you can reduce clutter by choosing: Set these tabs aside. You can learn more about MS Edge. You can change from using Edge by default to using Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.
Cortana allows you to ask her questions, and she will respond with answers. You can learn more about using Cortana here or here. Cortana works better if she knows information about you such as where you live and work, etc. You can control what Cortana knows about you.
You can ensure that a Feature Update is not installed without your permission by following the directions in this YouTube video.
File Explorer is used to search for files in Windows 10. It offers a default view called Quick Access. This differs from previous versions of Windows. You can add or delete folders from Quick Access. You can learn more about Quick Access here. You can also see a more traditional view in File Explorer. You can learn more about File Explorer at this site or this one or here.
You can change the types of notifications you receive in the Action Center or turn off notifications altogether.
You can learn how to setup a POP 3 mailbox or an IMAP account.
Here's a site that reviews all the apps that come with Windows 10.
OneDrive allows you to store files in the Cloud. You can learn more about OneDrive.
System Restore should be turned on. You can learn more about System Restore here or here.
Continuum tries to determine automatically whether you are using a tablet without a traditional keyboard, or a computer. If it makes a mistake, you can correct it.
A Recovery Drive can save you if you are unable to boot to Windows 10. Here are step-by-step directions for creating a Recovery Drive and also using the Recovery Drive if you ever have a problem. Here are additional directions for creating a Recovery Drive. This site provides you with additional information about Recovery Drives and how you can use them.
There are 7 methods available for resetting your computer if you have a problem. One of the methods is Reset My PC. Here are directions for doing that.
You can learn more about indexing here.
Windows Security AKA Windows Defender can scan your computer for viruses, in addition to your "regular" anti-virus program scanning your computer. These scans are called Limited Periodic Scanning. However, they are turned off by default. You can learn how to turn on Limited Periodic Scanning. If you use Windows Security, you may wish to turn off the notices that it sends you. You can learn more about Windows Security.
Win 10 doesn't allow you to play DVDs. You can solve this problem by downloading the free VLC player.
Instructions for using the People App are available.
You can learn more about the Photo App.
There are 2 types of backup available in Win 10. Here are directions for creating an image backup in Windows 10 and restoring it to your computer. There are two sites that offer directions for creating File History backups here and here.
You can follow these instructions to create a Virtual Desktop in Win 10.
If you have a touch screen, Windows Ink is a feature that allows you to handwrite text in Apps that are compatible with Ink. You can learn more about Windows Ink.
Microsoft has consolidated all the privacy settings in one location.
Windows 10 collects a lot of information about you. There are numerous sites that can help you reduce or eliminate the amount of data that is gathered.
There is a free program that offers to disable 50 methods Microsoft 10 snoops on you. It is not downloaded from the App store, but rather from this site.
Windows 10 can find your lost/stolen laptop if you have turned on the feature before your computer is stolen.
The Windows Sandbox is an area that is "walled off" from the rest of your computer. You can test suspect programs or web sites that might contain malware by opening them in the Sandbox.