What is Windows?

Windows is an operating system designed by Microsoft. The

operating system is what allows you to use a computer. Windows
comes preloaded on most new personal computers (PCs), which
helps to make it the most popular operating system in the world.

Windows makes it possible to complete all types of everyday

tasks on your computer. For example, you can use Windows to
browse the Internet, check your email, edit digital photos, listen to
music, play games, and do much more.

Windows is also used in many offices because it gives you access

to productivity toolssuch as calendars, word processors, and
spreadsheets.
Microsoft released the first version of Windows in the mid-1980s.
There have been many versions of Windows since then, but the most
recent ones include Windows 10(released in 2015), Windows
8 (2012), Windows 7 (2009), Windows Vista (2007), and Windows
XP (2001).

About this tutorial

This tutorial is designed to show you the absolute basics of using a
Windows computer, including how to use the desktop, how to open
different files and applications, and how to move and resize
windows. The information in this tutorial will apply to more recent
versions of Windows, including the ones mentioned above.
However, once you've learned the basics, you may also want to
review one of our version-specific Windows tutorials. Just select
the version of Windows that's installed on your computer:
 Windows 10
 Windows 8
 Windows 7
 Windows XP

Windows 8 vs. other versions

While most versions of Windows are relatively similar, Windows 8
works very differently from other versions. However, if you have
Windows 8 on your computer, you should now be able to upgrade to
Windows 10, which is more similar to earlier versions, including
Windows 7. We recommend upgrading your computer to Windows
10 if you can. Review our Windows 10 tutorial to learn how.
However, we'll still point out any major differences between
Windows 8 and other versions, which means you'll see some
Windows 8-specific information from time to time. If your computer
uses Windows 8, you'll want to review both this tutorial and
our Windows 8 tutorial to learn more about the differences.

Getting started with Windows

Whether you're new to computers or just Windows, it's important to
learn the basics of using your computer. If it all seems a little
overwhelming right now, don't worry! We'll take you through it step
by step and show you some of the most fundamental things you'll
need to know, including how to work with the desktop, open and
close windows, and turn off your computer.

Watch the video below to learn the basics of navigating Windows.

The desktop
Once your computer has finished starting up, the first thing you'll see
is the desktop. You can think of the desktop as the main workspace
for your computer. From here, you can view and manage your files,
open applications, access the Internet, and much more.

Click the buttons in the interactive below to become more familiar

with the desktop.

In Windows 8, you will usually see the Start screen before the
desktop. To learn more, review our lesson on Getting Started with
Windows 8.

Working with applications

An application—also known as a program—is a type of software
that allows you to complete tasks on your computer. Windows
comes with many built-in applications you can use. For example, if
you want to browse the Internet, you can use Microsoft
Edge (or Internet Explorer if you're using Windows 8 or earlier).

To open an application:
1. Using your mouse, click the Start button, then select the
desired application. If you don't see the one you want, click All
Programs to see a complete list of applications. In our example,
we'll open Microsoft Edge.

2. The application will appear in a new window.

There is no Start menu in Windows 8, so you'll usually open
applications from the Start screen. Click the Start button to go to
the Start screen, then click an app to open it.

Working with windows

Whenever you open a file, folder, or application, it will appear in
a new window. You can have multiple items open at the same time
in different windows. You'll use windows all the time, so it's
important to know how to switch between open windows, how to
move and resize windows, and how to close windows when you're
done using them.

In Windows 8, some programs will open on the Start screen, not the
desktop. If you're using Windows 8, note that the information below
applies only to windows you have opened on the desktop.

Parts of a window
You'll see the same three buttons in the upper-right corner of almost
every window. These buttons allow you to perform several
functions, including these below.

 Click the Minimize button to hide the window.

The window will be minimized to the taskbar. You can
then click the icon for that window on the taskbar to
make it reappear.

 Click the Maximize button to make the window

fill the entire screen.

 If the screen is maximized, the Maximize button

will be temporarily replaced by the Restore button. Just
click it to return the window to its original size.

 Click the Close button to close the window.

To move a window:
1. Click and drag the top of the window to move it to the desired
location on the screen. When you're done, release the mouse.

2. The window will appear in the new location.

To resize a window:
1. Hover the mouse over any corner of the window, then click
and drag the mouse to make the window larger or smaller. When
you're done, release the mouse.
2. The window will be resized.
Switching between windows
If you have more than one window open at the same time, you can
quickly switch between them by clicking the icon for that window
on the taskbar.

Shutting down your computer

When you're done using your computer, it's important to shut it
down properly. The procedure will vary slightly depending on
which version of Windows you're using.

To shut down your computer:

 If you're using Windows 10, click
the Start button, then the Power icon, then click Shut
down.

 If you're using Windows 8, click the Start button

to access the Start screen, click the Power icon near
the upper-right corner, and select Shut down. If you
don't see this option, it means you'll need to upgrade to
Windows 8.1. Review this page from our Windows 8
tutorial to learn how.

 If you're using Windows 7 or earlier, Click

the Start button, then select Shut down.

Restarting and Sleep mode

You can also click the power button button for more options. For
example, if your computer has become unresponsive, you can
choose Restart to quickly turn it off and on again.

You can also choose to put your computer into Sleep mode. This
turns off most of your computer's processes, but it remembers which
applications and files are open. It allows the computer to start up
more quickly because you won't have to wait for the operating
system and applications to load. Note that your computer may go
into Sleep mode automatically if you haven't used it for more than a
few minutes.
If you have a laptop, you can simply close the lid to put it into Sleep
mode.

Waking your computer from Sleep mode

If your computer is in Sleep mode, you'll need to wake it to use it.
To wake the computer from Sleep mode, click the mouse or press
any key on the keyboard.

File basics
Understanding how to work with files and folders is an important
part of using your computer. Once you understand how files and
folder work, you'll use them all the time. In this lesson, we'll show
you the absolute basics of working with files, including how
to open files, move your files into folders, and delete files.

Watch the video below to learn more about using files and folders in
Windows.

What is a file?
There are many different types of files you can use. For example,
Microsoft Word documents, digital photos, digital music, and digital
videos are all types of files. You might even think of a file as
a digital version of a real-world thing you can interact with on your
computer. When you use different applications, you'll often
be viewing, creating, or editing files.
Files are usually represented by an icon. In the image below, you
can see a few different types of files below the Recycle Bin on the
desktop.

What is a folder?
Windows uses folders to help you organize files. You can put
files inside a folder, just like you would put documents inside a real
folder. In the image below, you can see some folders on the desktop.

File Explorer
You can view and organize files and folders using a built-in
application known as File Explorer (called Windows Explorer in
Windows 7 and earlier versions).

To open File Explorer, click the File Explorer icon on the taskbar,
or double-click any folder on your desktop. A new File Explorer
window will appear. Now you're ready to start working with your
files and folders.

From File Explorer, double-click a folder to open it. You can then
see all of the files stored in that folder.

Notice that you can also see the location of a folder in the address
bar near the top of the window.
To open a file:
There are two main ways to open a file:

 Find the file on your computer and double-

click it. This will open the file in its default
application. In our example, we'll open a Microsoft
Word document (BdayInvites.docx), which will open
in Microsoft Word.
 Open the application, then use the application
to open the file. Once the application is open, you can
go to the File menu at the top of the window and
select Open.

Moving and deleting files

As you begin using your computer, you will start to collect more and
more files, which can make it more difficult to find the files you
need. Fortunately, Windows allows you to move files to different
folders and delete files you longer use.

To move a file:
It's easy to move a file from one location to another. For example,
you might have a file on the desktop that you want to move to
your Documents folder.

1. Click and drag the file to the desired location.

2. Release the mouse. The file will appear in the new location. In
this example, we have opened the folder to see the file in its new
location.
You can use this same technique to move an entire folder. Note
that moving a folder will also move all of the files within that folder.

To create a new folder:

1. Within File Explorer, locate and select the New folder button.
You can also right-click where you want the folder to appear, then
select New > Folder.

2. The new folder will appear. Type the desired name for the
folder and press Enter. In our example, we'll call it School
Documents.
3. The new folder will be created. You can now move files into
this folder.

To rename a file or folder:

You can change the name of any file or folder. A unique name will
make it easier to remember what type of information is saved in the
file or folder.

1. Click the file or folder, wait about one second, and click
again. An editable text field will appear.
2. Type the desired name on your keyboard and press Enter. The
name will be changed.

You can also right-click the folder and select Rename from the
menu that appears.
To delete a file or folder:
If you no longer need to use a file, you can delete it. When you
delete a file, it is moved to the Recycle Bin. If you change your
mind, you can move the file from the Recycle Bin back to its
original location. If you're sure you want to permanently delete the
file, you will need to empty the Recycle Bin.

1. Click and drag the file to the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop.
You can also click the file to select it and press the Delete key on
your keyboard.

2. To permanently delete the file, right-click the Recycle

Bin icon and select Empty Recycle Bin. All files in the Recycle Bin
will be permanently deleted.

Note that deleting a folder will also delete all of the files within that
folder.
Selecting multiple files
Now that you know the basics, here are a few tips to help you move
your files even faster.

Selecting more than one file

There are a few ways to select more than one file at a time:

 If you're viewing your files as icons, you

can click and drag the mouse to draw a box around
the files you want to select. When you're done, release
the mouse; the files will be selected. You can now
move, copy, or delete all of these files at the same time.

 To select specific files from a folder, press and

hold the Control key on your keyboard, then click the
files you want to select.
 To select a group of files from a folder, click the
first file, press and hold the Shift key on your
keyboard, then click the last file. All of the files
between the first and last ones will be selected.

Selecting all files

If you want to select all files in a folder at the same time, open the
folder in File Explorer and press Ctrl+A (press and hold
the Control key on your keyboard, then press A). All of the files in
the folder will be selected.

Ctrl+A is an example of a keyboard shortcut. We'll talk more about

these in our lesson on Keyboard Shortcuts in Windows.
If working with files and folders feels a little tricky right now, don't
worry! Like anything else, working with files and folders is largely a
matter of practice. You'll start to feel more comfortable as you
continue using your computer. In the next lesson, we'll talk about
another important concept: how to find files on your computer that
you can't easily locate.

Shortcuts
If you have a file or folder you use frequently, you can save time by
creating a shortcuton the desktop. Instead of navigating to the file or
folder each time you want to use it, you can simply double-click the
shortcut to open it. A shortcut will have a small arrow in the lower-
left corner of the icon.

Note that creating a shortcut does not create a duplicate copy of the
folder; it's simply a way to access the folder more quickly. If you
delete a shortcut, it will not delete the actual folder or the files it
contains. Also note that copying a shortcut onto a flash drive will not
work; if you want to bring a file with you, you'll need to navigate to
the actual location of the file and copy it to the flash drive.

To create a shortcut:
1. Locate and right-click the desired folder, then select Send to
Desktop (create shortcut).
2. A shortcut to the folder will appear on the desktop. Notice the
arrow in the lower-left corner of the icon. You can now double-click
the shortcut to open the folder at any time.

You can also hold the Alt key on your keyboard, then click and drag
the folder to the desktop to create a shortcut.

Finding your files

In the previous lesson, we talked about how folders can help to keep
your files organized. However, there may be times when you have
trouble finding a certain file. If this happens to you, don't panic!
The file is probably still on your computer, and there are a few
simple ways to find it. In this lesson, we'll show you different
techniques you can use to find your files, including searching and
looking in common places.
Watch the video below to learn more about finding files in
Windows.

Common places to look for files

If you're having a difficult time finding a file, there's a good chance
you can find it in one of the following places:

 Downloads: By default, your computer will place

downloaded files in a specific folder, known as
the Downloads folder. If you're having trouble finding
a file you downloaded from the Internet, such as a
photo attached to an email message, this is the first
place you should look. To view the Downloads folder,
open File Explorer, then locate and
select Downloads(below Favorites on the left side of
the window). A list of your recently downloaded
files will appear.

 Default folders: If you don't specify a location

when saving a file, Windows will place certain types of
files into default folders. For example, if you're looking
for a Microsoft Word document, you could try looking
in the Documents folder. If you're looking for a photo,
try looking in the Picturesfolder. Most of these folders
will be accessible on the left side of the File Explorer
window.
 Recycle Bin: If you deleted a file by mistake, it
may still be in the Recycle Bin. You can double-click
the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop to open it. If you
find the file you need, click and drag it back to the
desktop or to a different folder.

Searching for files

Let's say you recently downloaded a few photos that were attached
to an email message, but now you're not sure where these files are on
your computer. If you're struggling to find a file, you can
always search for it. Searching allows you to look for any file on
your computer.

To search for a file (Windows 10):

In the Cortana Search Box next to the Start button, type to search
for a file. The search results will appear above the search box.
To search for a file (Windows 8):
Click the Start button to go to the Start screen, then start typing to
search for a file. The search results will appear on the right side of
the screen. Simply click a file or folder to open it.

To search for a file (Windows 7 and earlier):

Click the Start button, type the file name or keywords with your
keyboard, and press Enter. The search results will appear. Simply
click a file or folder to open it.
Tips for finding files
If you're still having trouble finding the file you need, here are some
additional tips.

 Try different search terms. If you're using the

search option, try using different terms in your search.
For example, if you're looking for a certain Microsoft
Word document, try searching for a few different file
names you might have used when saving the document.
 Open the last application used to edit the
file. If you know you used a certain application to edit a
file, open that application and select File > Open >
Recent from the menu. The file may appear in the list
of recently edited files.

 Move and rename the file after finding it. Once

you've located the file, you may want to move it to a
related folder so you can find it more easily in the
future. For example, if the file is a picture, you might
move it to yourPictures folder. You may also want to
give it a file name that will be easy to remember. You
can review our lesson on Working with Files to learn
more about managing files.

Introduction
Learning how to use a computer can feel overwhelming at times.
Fortunately, there are some common computer skills that will work
the same way in almost any situation. Once you learn how to use
these skills, you'll be able to use them to perform a variety of tasks
on your computer. In this lesson, we'll talk about some common
commands you can use in almost any application,
including cut, copy, paste, and undo.

The Menu bar

Most applications have a Menu bar at the top of the window. Each
menu has a set of commands that will perform a specific action
within the program. While each application is different, there are
some common commands that work the same way, no matter which
application you're using. Whenever you open a program for the first
time, try clicking these menus to see the various options available.
File menu commands
You'll find the File menu on the leftmost side of the Menu bar in
almost every application. The File menu will usually have the same
type of commands. For example, you can create a new file, open an
existing file, and save the current file, among other functions.

Cut, copy, and paste

Many applications allow you to copy items from one place and
then paste them to another. For example, if you're working with a
word processor, you might copy and paste text to avoid typing the
same thing over and over. If there's something you want to move
from one place to another, you can cut and paste instead.

To copy and paste:

1. Select the item you want to copy. In our example, we'll select a
word in a document.
2. Right-click the mouse and select Copy from the menu that
appears. You can also press Ctrl+C on your keyboard.

3. Locate and right-click the desired location for the item, then
select Paste. You can also press Ctrl+V on your keyboard.

4. The item will be copied to the new location. Notice how the
original text that was copied has not been moved or changed.
To cut and paste:
1. Select the item you want to cut. In our example, we'll select a
paragraph of text in a document.
2. Right-click the mouse and select Cut from the menu that
appears. You can also press Ctrl+X on your keyboard.

3. Locate and right-click the desired location for the item, then
select Paste. You can also press Ctrl+V on your keyboard.
4. The item will be pasted, or moved, to the new location. In our
example, we used the cut and paste commands to move the second
paragraph above the first paragraph.

To copy and paste files:

You can use the cut, copy, and paste commands for a variety of tasks
on your computer. For example, if you wanted to create
a duplicate copy of a file, you could copy it from one folder to
another.
1. Right-click the file and select Copy from the menu that
appears. You can also press Ctrl+C on your keyboard.

2. Locate and right-click the new location, then select Paste. You
can also press Ctrl+V on your keyboard. In our example, we'll paste
the file to the desktop.
3. The duplicate file will appear. Notice how the original file has
not been moved or changed. Also, note that if you make a change to
the original file, it will notupdate any copies of that file.

Copying a file is not the same as creating a shortcut. You can review
our lesson on Working with Files to learn more about using
shortcuts.

Undoing changes
Let's say you're working on a text document and accidentally delete
some text. Fortunately, you won't have to retype everything you just
deleted! Most applications allow you to undo your most recent
action when you make a mistake like this. Just locate and select
the Undo command, which is usually in the upper-left corner of the
window near the Menu bar. You can also press Ctrl+Z on your
keyboard. You can continuing using this command to undo multiple
changes in a row.
Note that the Undo command will work almost all of the time, but
not in every situation. For example, if you empty the Recycle Bin to
permanently delete a file, you can't undo the action.

Now you know some of the most commonly used commands, which
you'll be able to use in almost any application on your computer. As
we mentioned earlier in this lesson, you can also use keyboard
shortcuts to perform these commands even faster. We'll talk more
about keyboard shortcuts in our lesson on Keyboard Shortcuts in
Windows.

Adjusting your settings

At some point, you may want to adjust your computer's settings. For
example, you might want to change your desktop background or
modify your Internet settings. You can change these settings and
more from the Control Panel.

However, in Windows 10, the Control Panel has mostly been

replaced by the Settings app. The Control Panel is still available,
but most of the tasks and settings are now also located in the
Settings app.
To open the Settings app (Windows
10):
Click the Start button, then select the gear icon.

To open the Control Panel (Windows

10):
Right-click the Start button, then select Control Panel.
To open the Control Panel (Windows
8):
In Windows 8, you can open the Control Panel directly from the
Start screen. Using your keyboard, type Control Panel and press
the Enter key.

To open the Control Panel (Windows

7 and earlier):
1. Click the Start button, then select Control Panel.
2. The Control Panel will appear. Simply click a setting to adjust
it. In this example, we'll click Change desktop background to
choose a new wallpaper for our desktop.
Adjusting application settings
You'll also be able to change the settings for
different applications on your computer. You will usually find
application settings under File > Options, Tools > Options, or
within a separate Settings menu. Keep in mind that the location will
vary, and some applications may not have any settings you can
change.

What are user accounts?

A user account allows you to sign in to your computer. By default,
your computer already has one user account, which you were
required to create when you set up your computer. If you plan to
share your computer with others, you can create aseparate user
account for each person.

Why use separate user accounts?

At this point, you may be wondering why you would even need to
use separate user accounts. But if you're sharing a computer with
multiple people—for example, with your family or at the office—
user accounts allow everyone to save their own files, preferences,
and settings without affecting other computer users. When you start
your computer, you'll be able to choose which account you want to
use.

Administrator, Standard, and Managed accounts

Before you create new user accounts, it's important to understand the
different types.

 Administrator: Administrator accounts are

special accounts that are used for making changes to
system settings or managing other people's accounts.
They have full access to every setting on the computer.
Every computer will have at least one Administrator
account, and if you're the owner you should already
have a password to this account.
 Standard: Standard accounts are the basic
accounts you use for normal everyday tasks. As a
Standard user, you can do just about anything you
would need to do, such as running software or
personalizing your desktop.
 Standard with Family Safety: These are the
only accounts that can have parental controls. You can
create a Standard account for each child, then go to
the Family Safety settings in your Control Panel to set
website restrictions, time limits, and more.
Generally, it's safer to be signed in to a Standard account than an
Administrator account. If you're logged in as an Administrator, it
may actually make it easier for an unauthorized user to make
changes to your computer. Therefore, you may want to create a
Standard account for yourself, even if you're not sharing the
computer with anyone. You'll still be able to make Administrator-
level changes; you'll just need to provide your Administrator
password when making these changes.

Adding and managing user

accounts
The process for adding and managing user accounts is quite different
for each version of Windows. To learn more about adding and
managing user accounts, review the appropriate lesson from these
Windows tutorials:

 Windows 10: Managing User Accounts and

Parental Controls

 Windows 8: Managing User Accounts and

Parental Controls
 Windows 7: Managing User Accounts and
Parental Controls
 Windows XP: Managing User Accounts
Switching between user
accounts
If you have multiple user accounts on your computer, it's easy
to switch betweenusers without signing out or closing your current
apps. Switching users will lock the current user, so you won't need
to worry about someone else accessing your account.

To switch between user accounts (Windows 10):

Click the current user icon on the left side of the Start menu, then
select the desired user from the drop-down menu. The user will
then need to enter a password to sign in.
To switch between user accounts (Windows 8):
Click the current user in the upper-right of the Start screen, then
select the desired user from the drop-down menu. The user will
then need to enter a password to sign in.

You can switch back by selecting the desired user from the drop-
down menu. You'll need to re-enter your password to unlock the
account.

To switch between user accounts (Windows 7):

Click the Start button, click the arrow next to Shut Down, and
select Switch user.
If you're finished using the computer, you can also choose to log off.
This will allow other users to sign in to the computer with different
accounts.

What are keyboard shortcuts?

Keyboard shortcuts are keys or a combination of keys you can
press on your keyboard to perform a variety of tasks. Using
keyboard shortcuts is often faster than using a mouse because you
can keep both hands on the keyboard. Keyboard shortcuts are
also universal, which means you can use many of the same
shortcuts in a variety of applications. For example, you can use the
shortcuts to copy and paste text in a word processor and in a web
browser.

Watch the video below to learn more about keyboard shortcuts in

Windows.
Using shortcuts
Many keyboard shortcuts require you to press two or more keys in
a specific order. For example, to perform the shortcut Ctrl+X, you
would press and hold the Ctrl key, then press the X key, then
release.

You'll use the Ctrl (Control) or Alt key to perform most keyboard
shortcuts. You'll find these keys near the bottom-left corner of your
keyboard.

Working with text

These keyboard shortcuts are useful when working with text in word
processors, email applications, and more. They can help you
perform commonly repeated tasks, like copying and pasting text.

 Ctrl+X: Cut the selected text.

 Ctrl+C: Copy the selected text.
 Ctrl+V: Paste the copied or cut text.
 Ctrl+A: Select all of the text on the page or in the
active window.

 Ctrl+B: Bold the selected text.

 Ctrl+I: Italicize the selected text.
 Ctrl+U: Underline the selected text.

Working with files and applications

You can use keyboard shortcuts to open, close,
and switch applications. When working with a file, like a Microsoft
Word document, shortcuts can be used to createnew files, find
words, and print.

 Ctrl+Alt+Delete: Force an unresponsive or

frozen program to quit. This keyboard shortcut opens
the Task Manager. You can then select the
unresponsive application and close it.
 Delete: Send a selected file or files to the Recycle
Bin.
 Enter: Open a selected application or file.
 Ctrl+N: Create a new file.
 Ctrl+O: Open an existing file.
 Ctrl+S: Save the current file.
 Ctrl+Z: Undo the previous action. If you want to
redo the action, press Ctrl+Y.
 Windows key: Open the Start menu (or the Start
screen in Windows 8).

Internet shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts can also be used to navigate your web
browser. Many of the text shortcuts above are also useful online,
like the shortcuts for selecting, copying, and pasting text into your
web browser's address bar. Note that some of these shortcuts may
work a bit differently depending on the web browser you're using.

 Ctrl+N: Open a new browser window.

 Ctrl+T: Open a new browser tab.

 Ctrl+D: Bookmark the current page.

 Ctrl+B: View bookmarks.
 Ctrl+J: View recently downloaded files.

Using the Alt key to navigate menus

When you press the Alt key, you will have access to all of the
menus in the current application. This means you can perform
almost any task with just your keyboard. For example, you can
type Alt+F+X to quit an application. When performing these
shortcuts, you will not need to hold down the Alt key.

Finding more keyboard shortcuts

In many applications, you'll find keyboard shortcuts next to menu
items.

In some applications, you may need to hover over a button to display

its keyboard shortcut.

If you want to learn even more keyboard shortcuts, review this

lesson from our Tech Savvy Tips and Tricks tutorial.

Common applications
in Windows
Windows comes with several useful applications already installed.
These applications can help you with many common tasks, including
browsing the Internet, managing your calendar, and shopping for
music.

Most of these apps can be opened by clicking the Start button, then
clicking the icon of the app you want to open. You may need to
navigate the Start menu to find the app you're looking for. Take a
look at our Navigating Windows lesson to learn more.

Web browsers
Internet Explorer is one of the most well-known applications on
the Internet, primarily because it has come bundled with many
versions of Windows for the past 20 years. It has a simple interface
and most standard web browser features, including bookmarking
your favorite websites.
Microsoft Edge replaces Internet Explorer in Windows 10 but
serves the same function. It has a few new features over Internet
Explorer, including an option to display webpages in an easy-to-read
format and integration with other parts of Windows 10.

Productivity
Windows 8 and Windows 10 include several productivity apps that
can help you with daily tasks, like managing your email and
calendars, finding directions, and organizing notes.

Mail and Calendar are apps that connect your accounts with other
services, such as Microsoft, Google, and Apple. They synchronize
your mailboxes and calendars within these services and display them
in a single window on your computer.

Maps, an app powered by Bing Maps, gives you access to all of the
same navigation and search features. It adds a few other features as
well, like pinning locations and saving directions on all of your
Windows devices.
OneNote is the advanced note organization software originally
included with Microsoft Office, but now it's a default app in
Windows 10. OneNote lets you create a collection of notes that you
can then search and share.

Media
Photos, introduced in Windows 8, is a digital photo organizer that
helps you store, sort, and display photos on your computer. It also
includes features for editing, online storage, and sharing to social
media.
Groove Music and Movies & TV are apps included with Windows
10 that access Microsoft's online media services. Groove Music can
play music stored on your computer and OneDrive, and it can stream
online music with the purchase of a monthly subscription. You can
play video files stored on your computer with Movies & TV, and
you can use it to shop for movies and TV shows online as well.

Windows Media Player is Microsoft's default basic media player

that has come with most versions of Windows. It can play most
types of audio and video files stored on your computer.

Settings
The Control Panel is where you can adjust your computer's settings
and configurations. The Settings app, introduced in Windows 8,
gives you access to most of your computer's settings but is designed
in a new tablet style instead of the classic Windows style.
Opening files with
different applications
When you open a file in Windows, it will usually open in the
default application for that type of file. For example, a photo will
open in Windows Photo Viewer (or the Photos application in
Windows 8) by default. But you may not always want this. In this
lesson, we'll show you how to open a file in a different
application, as well as how to change the default application so a
file will always open in your preferred program.

If you're using Windows 8, files will usually open in a Start screen

application, even if you opened it from the desktop. If you prefer to
work in the desktop, you can choose to open the file with a desktop
application. For example, a jpeg picture in Windows 8 will open in
the Photos application by default, but you can open it on the desktop
in Windows Photo Viewer instead.

Opening a file in the default

application
As you learned in our lesson on Working with Files, you can locate
and double-click a file to open it. It will open in the default
application for that type of file.

To open a file in a different

application:
Sometimes you may want to open a file in a different
application without changing the default. For example, you may
want to open a photo with Microsoft Paint to crop or resize it.

1. From the desktop, right-click the desired file.

2. From the drop-down menu, click Open with, then select the
desired application. In this example, we'll select Paint.

3. The file will open in the selected application.

To change the default application:
You may prefer to change the default application for certain types
of files so they'll always open in the new app when you double-
click them. For example, you may want your photos to always open
in Windows Photo Viewer instead of the Photosapplication.

1. From the desktop, right-click the desired file, select Open

with, and click Choose another app from the menu that appears.

2. Select the desired application. If you don't see the one you
want, click More apps or Look for an app in the Store to look for
other applications. In this example, we want to open the file
in Windows Photo Viewer. Then check off Always use this app to
open .jpg files and click OK.
3. The file will open in the new application. The next time you
double-click a file of that type, it will open in the new default
application.

What is a flash drive?

A flash drive is a small, removable hard drive that plugs into
a USB port on your computer. You can purchase a flash drive for
less than $20 at just about any retail store with an electronics
department, and even at some grocery stores and pharmacies. Flash
drives are a convenient way to bring your files with you and open
them on a different computer. You could also use a flash drive
to back up important documents and other files. In this lesson, we'll
show you how to use a flash drive with your computer.
To connect a flash drive:
1. Insert the flash drive into a USB port on your computer. You
should find a USB port on the front, back, or side of your computer
(the location may vary depending on whether you have a desktop or
a laptop).

2. Depending on how your computer is set up, a dialog box may

appear. If it does, select Open folder to view files.
3. If a dialog box does not appear, open Windows Explorer and
locate and select the flash drive on the left side of the window. Note
that the name of the flash drive may vary.

Working with a flash drive:

Once you've connected a flash drive, you can work with it just like
any other folder on your computer, including moving and deleting
files.

1. If you want to copy a file from your computer to the flash

drive, click and drag the file from your computer to this window.
2. The file will be duplicated, and this new version will be saved
to the flash drive. The original version of the file will still be saved
to your computer.

3. If you want to copy a file from your flash drive to your

computer, click and drag the file from this window to your
computer.

4. If you want to remove a file from your flash drive, click and
drag the file to the Recycle Bin. A dialog box will appear.
Click Yes to confirm that you want to permanently delete the file.
To safely remove a flash drive:
When you're done using a flash drive, don't remove it from the USB
port just yet! You'll need to make sure to disconnect it properly to
avoid damaging files on the drive.

1. Right-click the flash drive, then select Eject (or Disconnect).

2. You can now safely remove the flash drive from the USB port.

Introduction
Do you know what to do if your screen goes blank? What if you
can't seem to close an application, or can't hear any sound from your
speakers? Whenever you have a problem with your computer, don't
panic! There are some basic troubleshooting techniques you can
use to fix issues like this. In this lesson, we'll show you some simple
things to try when troubleshooting, as well as how to solve common
problems you may encounter.
Basic troubleshooting techniques
There are many different things that could cause a problem with
your computer. No matter what's causing the issue, troubleshooting
will always be a process of trial and error. In some cases, you may
need to use several approaches before you can find a solution; other
problems may be easy to fix. We recommend starting by using
the following tips.

 Write down your steps. Once you start

troubleshooting, you may want to write down each step
you take. This way, you'll be able to remember exactly
what you've done so you can can avoid repeating the
same mistakes. If you end up asking other people for
help, it will be much easier if they know exactly what
you've already tried.

 Take notes about error messages. If your

computer gives you an error message, be sure to write
down as much information as possible. You may be
able to use this information later to find out if other
people are seeing the same error.

 Always check the cables. If you're having

trouble with a specific piece of computer hardware,
such as your monitor or keyboard, an easy first step is
to check all related cables to make sure they're properly
connected.

 Restart the computer. When all else fails, one of

the best things to try is simply restarting the
computer. This can solve a lot of basic issues you may
experience with your computer.

Troubleshooting
specific problems
Now that you know a few troubleshooting techniques, we'll talk
about possible solutions for some of the most common problems you
may encounter.

Problem: An application is running

slowly
 Solution 1: Close and reopen the application.

 Solution 2: Update the application. To do this,

click the Help menu and look for an option to Check
for Updates. If you don't find this option, another idea
is to run an online search for application updates.
Problem: An application is frozen
Sometimes an application may become stuck, or frozen. When this
happens, you won't be able to close the window or click any buttons
within the application.

 Solution 1: Force quit the application. If a

program has become completely unresponsive, you can
press (and hold) Ctrl+Alt+Delete (the Control, Alt, and
Delete keys) on your keyboard to open the Task
Manager. You can then select the unresponsive
application and click End task to close it.

 Solution 2: Restart the computer. If you are

unable to force quit an application, restarting your
computer will close all open apps.

Problem: The computer is frozen

Sometimes your computer may become completely unresponsive, or
frozen. When this happens, you won't be able to click anywhere on
the screen, open or close applications, or access shut-down options.
 Solution 1: Restart Windows Explorer. To do
this, press and hold Ctrl+Alt+Delete on your keyboard
to open the Task Manager. Next, locate and
select Windows Explorer from the Processes tab and
click Restart. If you're using Windows 8, you may
need to click More Details at the bottom of the window
to see the Processes tab.

 Solution 2: Press and hold the Power button

for 5-10 seconds. This will force the computer to shut
down.

 Solution 3: If the computer still won't shut down,

you can unplug the power cable from the electrical
outlet. If you're using a laptop, you may be able to
remove the battery to force the computer to turn
off. Note: This solution should be your last resort after
trying the other suggestions above.
Problem: The mouse/keyboard has
stopped working
 Solution 1: If you're using a wired mouse or
keyboard, make sure it's correctly plugged in to the
computer.

 Solution 2: If you're using a wireless mouse or

keyboard, make sure it is turned on and that its batteries
are charged.

Problem: The screen is blank

 Solution 1: The computer may just be
in Sleep mode. Simply click the mouse or press any key
on the keyboard to wake it.

 Solution 2: Make sure the monitor is plugged

in and turned on.

 Solution 3: Make sure the computer is plugged

in and turned on.

 Solution 4: If you're using a desktop computer,

make sure the monitor cable is properly connected to
the computer tower and the monitor.
Problem: I can't hear the sound on my
computer
 Solution 1: Check the volume level. Click the
audio button in the bottom-right corner of the screen to
make sure the sound is turned on and the volume is up.

 Solution 2: Check the audio player controls.

Many audio and video players will have their own
separate audio controls. Make sure the sound is turned
on and the volume is up in the player.

 Solution 3: Check the cables. Make sure external

speakers are plugged in, turned on, and connected to the
correct audio port or a USB port. If your computer
has color-coded ports, the audio output port will
usually be green.

 Solution 4: Connect headphones to the computer

to determine if you can hear sound from the
headphones.
How to survive the end
of Windows XP
support
As you may already know, Microsoft ended support for the
Windows XP operating system on April 8, 2014. If you're one of
the millions of people who uses Windows XP, you may be
wondering what this means for you. We'd like to try to answer some
questions you may have at this time.

What exactly does ending support

mean?
Microsoft has stopped providing any type of technical support for
Windows XP computers. If you have Windows XP, this means your
computer will no longer receive automatic updates from Microsoft,
including potentially important security fixes. This also means
Microsoft will no longer support Internet Explorer 8, the default
web browser for Windows XP. Continuing to use XP and IE8 could
expose your computer to serious threats, including viruses and
malware.

Which operating systems are still

supported?
Microsoft will continue to offer support for Windows Vista,
Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10.

How do I know if my computer has

XP?
Windows XP was released in 2001 and was pre-installed on most
new PCs from 2001 through 2007. If you're not sure if you have XP,
you can go to this page from Microsoft to see which version of
Windows is installed on your computer.

Will my XP computer still work?

Yes, your computer should continue to work normally after the end
of XP support. However, because XP won't receive regular security
updates from Microsoft, your computer will be at a much higher
risk for viruses and malware. If at all possible, we recommend
upgrading to a newer computer.
I don't want to upgrade. How can I
keep my Windows XP machine safe?
If you continue to use XP after the end of support, we recommend
that you stop using Internet Explorer 8 and upgrade to a modern
web browser, like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. While this
should help to make your computer somewhat less vulnerable to
external threats, keep in mind that this is not a permanent solution.
Your computer will still be at a high risk for viruses and malware.

I'd like to upgrade, but I don't want

Windows 8 or Windows 10. Can I still
get Windows 7?
If you feel comfortable installing your own software, you can still
buy a Windows 7 installation disc from third-party retailers
like Amazon. Keep in mind that your machine will need to meet
the Windows 7 system requirements. If your computer was
originally designed to run XP, it probably won't be able to run
Windows 7 very well. You can download the Windows 7 Upgrade
Advisor from Microsoft to see if your computer meets the
requirements.
If you're willing to purchase a new computer, certain
manufacturers—including HPand Dell—are still producing
computers that come with Windows 7 pre-installed. However, at this
point, we'd recommend purchasing a new machine that uses
Windows 10. It's faster, more secure, and will be supported by
Microsoft for much longer.

Wait, I have more questions!

We hope this answers some of the basic questions you may have
about the end of Windows XP support. You can always contact
Microsoft directly with questions in the Microsoft Community
Forum.

Why you should

upgrade to Windows
10
Note: The Windows 10 free upgrade offer expired on July 29, 2016.
If you still want to upgrade to Windows 10, you'll need to purchase
it from Microsoft here.
Windows 10 is the most recent version of the Windows operating
system for PCs. Although it has mostly been well-received,
Microsoft did attract some controversy in 2016 due to its push to
upgrade users from earlier versions of Windows. Many users
complained that it was difficult to opt out of the upgrade, and in
some cases their computers were upgraded without their knowledge.
Despite this controversy, we do still recommend that you upgrade
your computer to Windows 10.

Why should I upgrade?

If you're happy with your current version of Windows, you might be
wondering why you should upgrade. After all, Windows updates
have historically created a number of problems for PC users,
especially with the release of Windows 8. While Windows 10 is not
without some issues, it's probably the
most stable and secure version of Windows that's ever been
released. It also includes several new features, including Microsoft
Edge and Cortana, that can make your computer feel a lot more
powerful.
Perhaps most importantly, Windows 10 will also continue to be
supported by Microsoft for much longer than Windows 7 or
Windows 8. That's why we strongly recommend taking advantage
of the free upgrade offer before it expires. As with any major
operating system update, we also recommend backing up your
files before upgrading.
Review our lesson on Upgrading to Windows 10 to learn more.