About Windows 10

Windows 10 was the recent popular operating system software by Microsoft Corporation – the OS came into existence on 29th July 2015; as part of regular upgrades. A computer performs its functionalities on an operating system, and without it, a user cannot interact with a PC. Fortunately, MS Windows 10 is minutely different from earlier versions of Windows, specifically for absolute beginners. However, it is very easy to use. Hence, some features in Win 10 make your life easy at work. Therefore, we are sharing this guide for new beginners like you to dive into the depths of this incredible operating system to enhance your productivity. Furthermore, you can download the latest version of Windows 10 by installing Windows update assistant.

System Requirements for Windows 10

Take a look; at what it takes to upgrade to Windows 10 on your PC or tablet:

  • Newest OS: Make sure you’re running the latest version—either Windows 7 SP1 or Windows 8.1 Update.
  • Need the latest version? Download Windows 7 SP1or Windows 8.1 Update.
  • Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster.
  • RAM: 1 gigabyte (GB) for 32-bit or 2 GB for 64-bit
  • Hard disk space: 16 GB for 32-bit OS or 20 GB for 64-bit OS.
  • Graphics card: DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver.
  • Display: 800 x 600.

Editions of Windows 10

Like previous versions of Windows by Microsoft, Windows 10 also comes in different editions. Similarly, the editions have specific features according to the needs of users or companies.

  1. Windows 10 Enterprise
  2. Windows 10 Home
  3. Windows 10 Pro
  4. Windows 10 Mobile
  5. Windows 10 Education

Selecting the edition of Windows 10 is up to the user’s requirements. However, as their names suggest, Enterprise editions are designed for corporations. The Home and Pro versions are for regular desktop tasks and gaming. Similarly, the mobile version runs on MS Windows phones, and the education edition is developed for academic purposes i.e., for educational institutes with features accordingly.

Windows 10 Interface

The graphical user interface of Win 10 slightly matches that of Windows 7 Finally, you’ll be able to see the interface after upgrading or installing your new operating system.

Windows 10 GUI

New Features in Windows 10

Many new and exciting features are introduced in Windows 10 -like the renewed Multiple desktopssplit-screensnipping toolFocus Assist, and Night light, to name a few. Moreover, other improvements include enhanced performance, Xbox gaming console, gaming support, Device memory integrity (security to prevent malicious scripts), and many more. Initially, let’s start with multiple desktops to enhance multitasking capabilities.

Multiple Desktops

Windows 10 introduces a new way to work on different projects side by side with a novel desktop window – To Enter into multiple desktops, press the button displayed in the picture below.

Display Buttons

After pressing this button, you’ll be redirected to a screen as shown below.

Virtual Desktop

Similarly, you can also get a screen shown below depending on the version (build) of Windows 10 in use. Therefore, by using this feature, you can work with multiple projects at a time without the need to open many different programs in the taskbar.

Split Screen

Split Screen is another exciting feature in Windows 10 that lets users work on projects side by side. Hence, you can open Google chrome; on one side and file explorer on another, as shown in the image below.

Split Screen

Many tasks require multitasking; like copying something and pasting it in another location. Hence, this tool facilitates us in running multiple user tasks.

Snipping Tool

Windows 10 offers to capture screenshots or image clips by using a snipping tool. Similarly, it lets you edit the image and save it in the local drive. This is similar to screenshots as we see in smartphones.

Snipping Tool

Hence, by using this simple tool you can easily cut, copy and paste images anywhere. As shown above, it has a user interface offering various features like New, Mode, Delay, and others.

Focus Assist

This feature allows users to avoid disrupting notifications; when they need to stay concentrated on a specific task. Similarly, it activates automatically; when you are playing a game, duplication a display, or using full-screen mode. Moreover, you can schedule it as shown in the image below.  Therefore, you can customize it using Alarm and priority options or keep it off.

Focus Assist

Consequently, you can also customize your priority list. The notifications are displayed; at the bottom right screen corner.

Learn more about Focus Assist

Night light

Windows 10 introduced a feature to reduce eye strain called “Night light”. The tool helps users to replace blue light emissions with warmer colors; making the person sleepy!

For scheduling the tool to turn on automatically:

  1. Select Start Settings System Display Night light settings. If your night light toggle above the link is grayed out, you may need to update your display driver. See Update drivers in Windows 10.
  2. Under Schedule, toggle Schedule night light to On. Then, either choose Sunset to sunrise or Set hours and enter custom times for the night light to turn on and off.

Night Light

Moreover, you can increase or decrease its strength by dragging the bar – as shown in the image above.

Windows 10 Start Menu

For Navigation, you can use the start menu to view a list of recently installed programs, applications, files, photos, weather, and other pertinent options. Similarly, you can open settings and access sign-in information. The programs are listed in alphabetical order as shown in the image above. Moreover, you can open and access file explorer from the start menu or taskbar.

File Explorer

Tablet Mode

This is a novel feature that was introduced in Windows 10. Fortunately, the tool allows the user to switch the interface of the system. During the tablet mode, the start menu covers the full display. Moreover, you can open a file explorer from the mode.

Tablet_Mode

In the image above, you can switch the mode or schedule it; to turn on automatically. Moreover, you can hide app icons on the taskbar in tablet mode.

Cortana

It is an intelligent personal assistant introduced by Microsoft. Similarly, this feature helps; to search things on the local drives or on the internet. Moreover, you can answer queries and set appointments.

MS Windows 10 Cortana

You can activate or deactivate Cortana and personalize it. Similarly, you can use its notebook to store what Cortana knows about you. Moreover, you can use a microphone to speak with Cortana to get results.

Learn about Cortana. What is Cortana?

Notifications

Windows 10 displays notifications in the screen’s lower-right corner. Similarly, clicking on the notification area presents a sidebar known as the Action Center. Moreover, you can also customize notifications from the settings.

notifications icon

Microsoft Store

Windows 10 has improved the current version of MS Store as part of the Universal Windows Platform (UWP). UWP is an initiative to develop applications that run on multiple platforms instead of one. Therefore, you can download applications, updates or buy different products on this platform.

Microsoft Store

Security

Like the previous Windows, you have the Microsoft Defender with advanced features. Similarly, Windows 10 includes several tools that can help you safeguard your computer from threats such as viruses and malware. The following are the three most important security tools:

  1. User’s Account Control (UAC)
  2. Defender
  3. Firewall

User Account Control

When someone or anything tries to change your computer’s system settings – Windows User Account Control informs you. When this occurs, the screen will display an alert until an Administrator can confirm; the modification. This safeguards your computer from unintentional changes or malicious malware that alters your settings.

User Account Control

Microsoft Defender

Windows Defender is an anti-virus and anti-malware program that comes pre-installed on your computer. Similarly, it lets you search your computer for harmful malware and examine each file or program you open.

Defender

Firewall

The Windows Firewall protects your computer from unauthorized access from the outside world. It is switched; ON by default to protect your computer and network.

Firewall

Virtualization Support

The ability to create virtual machines is one of the features offered in Windows 10. A virtual machine is a computer system that is emulated using software. They’re made inside a real or physical computer, allowing you to make many “computers” that can run different operating systems and apps. Similarly, a particular piece of software known as a Hypervisor is used to manage these virtual machines. Microsoft’s Hyper-V in this scenario. Moreover, Virtual machines cannot be run on all computers due to the advanced nature of virtualization. Previously, this feature was only available to servers. Hence, users of operating systems such as Windows 10 can create virtual machines.

Keyboard shortcuts

There are various keyboard shortcuts you may use to make it easier or faster for some to complete particular activities, just like in most Windows apps. Similarly, the following are some of the most commonly used or beneficial Windows 10 shortcuts.

Keyboard shortcuts

 

Related Tutorials on Windows 10 links

Overview of Win 10 and its Basics

A Guide to ‘How to Use MS Windows 10’

Complete Microsoft’s Win 10 Training Course

Microsoft Windows 10 – Basic Tips and Tutorials for Beginners

Microsoft Word 2019 Guide

Microsoft Excel 2019 Training

Ultimate Guide to Desktop Training!

 

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About the Author

This article was written and Optimized by Omar A. Malik. He’s an SEO Content Specialist and a Web Developer. Visit LinkedIn profile for more details. Omar A. Malik