Microsoft Windows 10

1. Introduction to Operating System

●​ Operating System is software.​

●​ Operating System includes programs and data.​

●​ Operating System runs on computers.​

●​ Operating System manages hardware parts in a computer.​

●​ Operating System gives common services to run application software.​

●​ Operating System is present in many devices:​

• Mobile phones​
• Video game consoles​
• Web servers​
• Supercomputers​

●​ Some Operating Systems need to be installed separately.​

●​ Some Operating Systems come already installed with new computers

(OEM installation).​

●​ Some Operating Systems run directly from CD or USB without installing

(Live OS).​

2. Functions of Operating System

●​ Monitoring Health and Error Detection​

– Checks computer health​
– Finds and reports errors​
●​ Process Management​
– Manages running programs​

●​ Device Management​
– Controls devices like keyboard, mouse, printer​

●​ Memory Management​
– Controls use of RAM (main memory)​

●​ Communication​
– Manages data sharing between programs and users​

●​ Secondary Storage Management​

– Manages hard disk and storage drives​

●​ File Management​
– Manages creation, naming, saving, and access of files​

●​ Job Scheduling​
– Decides order of running tasks​

●​ Command Interpretation​
– Reads and understands user commands​

●​ Security​
– Protects system from threats​

●​ Networking​
– Manages internet and local network​

●​ I/O Management (Input/Output)​

– Manages input (keyboard, mouse) and output (monitor, printer)​

●​ Job Accounting​
– Keeps record of resource use by each job or user​
3. User to Hardware Flow

●​ User uses the computer​

●​ Application helps user to do work​

●​ Operating System connects application to hardware​

●​ Hardware is physical parts like monitor, keyboard, CPU​

4. List of Known Operating Systems

●​ Microsoft Windows – Used in most laptops and desktops​

●​ Android – Used in mobile phones and tablets​

●​ iOS – Used in Apple iPhones and iPads​

●​ macOS – Used in Apple MacBooks and iMacs​

●​ Chrome OS – Used in Chromebooks (Google laptops)​

●​ UNIX – Used in servers and old workstations​

●​ Linux – Open-source Operating System used in servers and personal

systems​

●​ Ubuntu – Linux-based, user-friendly version​

●​ Fedora – Linux-based, mostly used by developers​

●​ BlackBerry OS – Used in old BlackBerry mobile phones​

5. Features of Windows Operating System

●​ Multitasking – Can run many programs at the same time​

●​ Multi-user – Many users can work on one system (with login)​

●​ Multithreading – One program can do many tasks at once​

●​ QoS Policy (Quality of Service)​

– Helps in setting rules for network use​
– Uses website link (URL) instead of IP address for rule setting​

●​ Symmetric Multiprocessing (SMP)​

– Allows task running on any processor in a multiprocessor system​

●​ NTFS (New Technology File System)​

– Supports file encryption (password)​
– Supports read-only option to protect files​
– NTFS is the most used file system in Windows​

●​ RIS (Remote Installation Service)​

– Used by network admin to install Windows on many computers at
one time from one place​

●​ Windows Terminal​
– New terminal tool with many tabs​
– Can run Command Prompt, PowerShell, and Azure Shell​
– Available in Windows 10 and later​

●​ Plug and Play (PnP)​

– Detects new hardware automatically​
– No manual setup needed for new devices​

●​ Windows Clustering​
– Connects many computers to work like one system​
– Used in network (LAN)​
– Gives better performance, high availability, and low cost​
6. Classification of Windows Operating System

1. Personal Computer Operating System

●​ No local security – Cannot protect files and folders​

●​ No authentication – No username and password needed​

●​ Used in personal devices like:​

• Desktop computers​
• Laptops​
• Tablets​
• Smartphones​

●​ Can work without any network connection​

2. Client / Desktop Operating System

●​ Local security – Can protect files and folders​

●​ Authentication is required – User must log in with username and

password​

●​ Runs on desktop or laptop​

●​ Helps user to get services from server​

●​ Used in devices like personal computers and office systems​

3. Server Operating System

●​ High security – Blocks hacking, intrusions, and attacks​

●​ Managed by system administrator (central control)​

●​ Installed on server computer​

●​ Used in company or organization network​

●​ Supports client-server systems and advanced features​

7. Windows 10 – System Requirements

●​ Processor – 1 GHz or faster processor or SoC​

●​ RAM –​
• 1 GB for 32-bit​
• 2 GB for 64-bit​

●​ Hard Disk Drive –​

• 16 GB for 32-bit​
• 20 GB for 64-bit​

●​ Graphic Card – DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver​

●​ Display – 800 × 600 resolution​

8. Editions of Windows 10 – Simple Notes

●​ Windows 10 Home – Basic version for home users​

●​ Windows 10 Pro – For professionals and small businesses​

●​ Windows 10 Enterprise – For large companies and organizations​

●​ Windows 10 Education – For schools, colleges, and students​

●​ Windows 10 Mobile – For smartphones​

●​ Windows 10 Mobile Enterprise – For business smartphones​

●​ Windows 10 IoT Core – For smart devices like ATM, robots, sensors​
9. Windows 10 – Key Features (Simple Notes)

One Windows

●​ Same code runs on desktop, laptop, tablet, and phone​

●​ One Microsoft account can install Windows on many devices​

●​ Interface changes based on device​

Continuum

●​ Changes interface based on device​

●​ On 2-in-1 device, interface changes when keyboard is attached​

Improved Interface & Start Menu

●​ Mix of Windows 7 and Windows 8​

●​ Fast and secure​

●​ Start menu is available​

●​ Resize windows using Snap​

●​ Notification center added​

●​ Media Center removed​

●​ DVD playback added​

●​ No support for desktop gadgets and USB floppy drive​

Cortana

●​ Voice-based personal assistant from Microsoft​

●​ Used for reminders, mails, calendar, search, and voice commands​

●​ Needs Microsoft account to activate​

Desktop and Tablet Mode

●​ Start menu for desktop​

●​ Live tile view for tablet​

●​ Interface changes between tablet and desktop when keyboard or

mouse is added​

Improved Windows Updates

●​ Set patch frequency​

●​ Use WSUS for patch control​

●​ Control what updates to install and when to install​

Windows Update – Hands-on

●​ Active hours, update history, and delivery optimization​

●​ Settings include update notifications and servicing channel​

●​ Microsoft Store app also gets updates​

Microsoft Store Apps

●​ Download apps, games, music, movies​

●​ Buy hardware like Xbox, Surface​

●​ Used to install third-party apps safely​

Enterprise App Store

●​ Private app store for company employees​

●​ Admin manages software access​

●​ Custom storefront for each company​

●​ Control what app each employee sees​

Microsoft Store Apps vs Enterprise Apps

Microsoft Enterprise App Store

Store

Managed by Managed by company

Microsoft admins

For all users For employees only

No custom Custom app access for

control employees

No volume Volume purchase

purchase available

Universal Apps

●​ Run on all devices using same code​

●​ Interface adjusts based on device​

●​ Microsoft gives own apps like Photos, Music, Maps, Mail​

●​ Data syncs through OneDrive​

Microsoft Edge

●​ Default browser in Windows 10​

●​ Bing is the default search engine​

Task View

●​ Shows all open windows​

●​ Helps user switch between apps or desktops​

●​ Supports virtual desktops and multi-monitor view​

Action Center

●​ Shows alerts and notifications​

●​ Displays quick settings like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Airplane Mode, VPN​

OneDrive

●​ Microsoft cloud storage​

●​ Save, access, and share files from any device​

●​ Requires Microsoft account for login​

Settings App

●​ Used to change system settings and preferences​

●​ Manage updates, security, connected devices, and app permissions​

Control Panel

●​ Classic settings area in Windows​

●​ Add/remove hardware or software​

●​ Manage user accounts and networking​

●​ Includes system and accessibility settings​

10. System Properties – Simple Notes

●​ Shows basic information about computer​

●​ Allows changing computer name and domain​

●​ Gives link to:​

• Startup and Recovery settings​
• User profile settings​
• Virtual memory settings​

11. Local Group Policy – Simple Notes

●​ Local group policy is a set of rules for a computer​

●​ Rules can allow or block actions for users​

●​ Can control how the computer works​

●​ Can block or control Windows features (like Windows Update)​

●​ Has two parts:​

• Computer Configuration – used for system-level changes​
• User Configuration – used for user-level changes​

●​ Used for many settings, not just for Windows Updates​

12. Device Manager – Simple Notes

●​ Shows all hardware devices in the computer​

●​ Used to view and manage hardware and drivers​

●​ Helps to:​
• Install or update drivers​
• Change hardware settings​
• Fix hardware problems​

13. Device Driver – Simple Notes

●​ Device driver is software that connects operating system and hardware​

●​ Works like a translator between operating system and device​

●​ Allows operating system to use hardware without knowing full hardware

details​

Types of Device Drivers:

1.​ Kernel-Mode Drivers​

– Made by hardware companies​
– Used for processor, motherboard, and system-level devices​

2.​ User-Mode Drivers​

– Made by software developers​
– Used for printers, scanners, USB devices​

14. Devices and Printers – Simple Notes

●​ Shows all connected devices in one place​

●​ Includes external and internal devices​

●​ Used to manage printers, keyboard, mouse, monitor, etc.​

●​ Gives easy and friendly way to interact with connected devices​

15. Monitoring Tools in Windows 10 – Simple Notes

1. Windows Services

●​ Program that runs in the background​

●​ Some services start when system starts​

●​ Needed for smooth working​

●​ Examples: Windows Update, Firewall, Network, Print Spooler​

●​ To open: Type services in the search bar​

2. Event Viewer

●​ Shows logs about events and problems​

●​ Used for troubleshooting issues​

●​ Logs types:​
• Application Log – app activities​
• Security Log – login and access events​
• System Log – system problems​
• Admin Events Log – system changes and alerts​

3. Task Scheduler

●​ Runs tasks automatically at set times or after specific events​

●​ Can start apps, run commands, or scripts​

●​ Terms:​
• Trigger – what starts the task​
• Condition – extra rule​
• Action – what task will do​
• Setting – control like retry or run on demand​

4. Task Manager

●​ Shows system performance​

●​ Ends frozen apps​

●​ Helps speed up startup time​

●​ Tabs:​
• Processes – running apps and background processes​
• Performance – live graph of CPU, RAM, Disk, Network​
• App History – usage details of apps​
• Startup – apps that start with Windows​
• Users – who is logged in​
• Details – deep info about processes​
• Services – service status like DHCP, PnP​

5. Resource Monitor

●​ Real-time info about CPU, RAM, Disk, Network​

●​ Advanced tool under Task Manager > Performance​

●​ Useful to find stuck processes or hardware faults​

6. Performance Monitor
●​ Analyzes how programs affect computer​

●​ Shows real-time data or log reports​

●​ Uses:​
• Performance Counters (like CPU usage, memory)​
• Event Trace Data​
• Configuration Info​

7. Reliability Monitor

●​ Shows history of system stability​

●​ Red X shows shutdown or crash​

●​ View problem reports​

●​ Save history for later​

8. Registry

●​ Main database of Windows settings​

●​ Stores info about hardware, software, users, and system settings​

●​ Used to apply changes in system and software​

●​ Shortcut to open: regedit​

9. BitLocker

●​ Encrypts full hard drive​

●​ Protects data like documents and passwords​

●​ Works on both system drive and external storage​

●​ Files saved on encrypted drive are protected automatically​

10. Windows Defender Firewall & Antivirus

●​ Default antivirus in Windows​

●​ Turns off if another antivirus is installed​

●​ One antivirus only should be active to avoid issues​

11. Windows Defender – Local Group Policy

●​ To manage settings via group policy:​

• Open gpedit.msc →​
• Go to:​
→ Computer Configuration​
→ Administrative Templates​
→ Windows Components​
→ Windows Defender Antivirus​

16. Local Users and Groups – Simple Notes

1. Standard User

●​ Used for daily tasks​

●​ Can run software, change desktop, etc.​

●​ Cannot change system settings or manage other users​

2. Administrator

●​ Has full control of the system​

●​ Can change system settings​

●​ Can manage other users​

●​ Every system has at least one administrator account​

3. User Group

●​ A group with multiple user accounts​

●​ All users in a group have the same security rights​

17. Manage Local Users, Local Groups, and Devices – Simple Notes

A. Home User

●​ HomeGroup feature is removed​

●​ Files and folders can be shared manually​

B. Types of User Accounts

1.​ Local Account​

– Works only on one computer​
– Personal settings stay on that one device​

2.​ Microsoft Account​

– Uses cloud to store settings​
– Same settings apply on all devices using same account​
– Can be a child or adult account​
– Child account has safety features​
3.​ Work or School Account​
– Used for Office 365, school, or company login​
– Gives access to school or office data​

C. User and Group Creation from Computer Management

●​ Used when managing many users and systems (e.g., accounts team,
sales team)​

●​ Groups help manage multiple users with same role​

●​ Tasks include:​
• Accessing workgroup​
• Changing workgroup name​
• Joining domain or workgroup​
• Creating local accounts​
• Creating groups​
• Adding users to groups​
• Sharing folders with groups​
• Setting NTFS permissions for shared folders​

D. MMC (Microsoft Management Console)

●​ Used to create and manage system tools (called consoles)​

●​ Helps control hardware, software, and network settings​

●​ Used to apply group policies for individual users​

18. Credential Manager – Simple Notes

●​ Saves user login details like username and password​

●​ Found in Control Panel​

Types of Credentials:

1.​ Web Credentials​

– Stores website login info​
– Shows website name, username, browser​
– Allows user to view saved password​
– Helpful when password is forgotten​

19. Login Options – Simple Notes

●​ User can log in using:​

• Password​
• PIN (number code)​
• Picture Password (finger gestures)​

Extra Login Features:

●​ PIN and Picture Password useful for tablets​

●​ User can set screen to lock or sleep after some time​

●​ Sleep settings available under "Power and Sleep Settings"​

●​ Login security helps protect computer in a network​

●​ Using Group Policy, user can set password to expire after fixed days​

20. Recovery Options – Simple Notes

A. Recovery Drive

●​ Used when computer fails to start​

●​ Must create the recovery drive before problem occurs​

●​ Needs USB with at least 8 GB space​

●​ USB data will be deleted during setup​

●​ Can reset or reinstall Windows using recovery drive​

B. System Restore

●​ Takes automatic snapshots (restore points) of system and registry​

●​ User can create restore point manually​

●​ Useful before updates or big changes​

●​ Helps go back to stable time​

●​ Does not affect personal files (photos, music, etc.)​

●​ Mostly protects C Drive​

●​ Takes around 15 minutes or more​

●​ Can turn off using Group Policy Editor​

C. Other Recovery Tools

1.​ Reset PC​

– Reinstalls Windows​
– Fixes missing or corrupted files​

2.​ Go Back to Previous Version​

– Available only for 10 days after upgrade​
3.​ Advanced Startup​
– Starts from USB or DVD​
– Change firmware settings​
– Restore using system image​
– Brings system to fresh condition​

4.​ Troubleshoot Startup/Boot​

– Use System Restore, Recovery Drive, Reset, or Advanced Startup​
– Limit background apps using Task Manager​
– Disable unknown apps and reboot​
– If fixed, uninstall the app causing issue​

D. File History

●​ Built-in backup feature​

●​ Backs up personal folders every hour​

●​ Save backups to external drive, virtual drive, or network​

●​ User can exclude folders​

●​ Restore lost data or move data to new system​

E. Backup and Restore (Windows 7)

●​ Used when File History or OneDrive cannot restore old backups​

●​ Brings back backup and restore feature from Windows 7​

21. Configure Network – Simple Notes

●​ Network can be:​

• Internet​
• Office intranet​
• Simple workgroup​

●​ Click Network icon in taskbar to view available networks​

●​ Select network and enter login details​

●​ Every computer in network has a unique network address​

22. Network and Sharing Center – Simple Notes

●​ Shows live status of your network​

●​ Tells if connected to network or internet​

●​ Shows type of connection​

●​ Shows access level to other devices​

●​ Helps manage network adapters​

●​ Helps troubleshoot network issues​

●​ Supports wireless connectivity​

23. File System – Simple Notes

●​ File system controls how data is saved and found on storage devices​

●​ Used in HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and SSD (Solid-State Drive)​

●​ Stores and finds files using folder structure​

Main Parts of File System:

●​ Partitions – Divides storage into sections​

●​ Directories – Folders to arrange files​

●​ Files – Stored data​

●​ Metadata – Info about files (name, type, size, etc.)​

24. File System Types – Simple Notes

●​ NTFS (New Technology File System)​

– Default in Windows 10​
– Supports large files (up to 256 TB)​
– More secure and reliable​

●​ FAT32​
– Old type​
– Works with old systems​
– Max file size = 4 GB​

●​ ReFS (Resilient File System)​

– Made for big servers​
– Used in enterprise storage​
– Max file size = 16 EB (Exabytes)​

25. File Security – Simple Notes

●​ Uses Access Control List (ACL) to manage file access​

●​ Can give permission to users and groups​

●​ Types of permissions:​
• Allow – give access​
• Deny – block access​
• Inheritable – follow parent folder’s rule​
●​ Advanced Security Options:​
• Auditing – track who accessed files​
• Owner – person with full control​
• Effective Permissions – final result of all rules​

26. Disk Management Tool – Simple Notes

●​ Used to manage hard drives and storage in Windows​

●​ Can:​
• Create partitions​
• Resize volumes (extend or shrink)​
• Format or delete drives​

●​ Shows all disks with details like type, size, and status​

●​ Used to initialize new drives​

●​ Most systems have only one main hard drive​

27. Virtual Hard Disk vs Virtual Machine – Simple Notes

Virtual Hard Disk (VHD/VHDX):

●​ Acts like a real hard disk but is just a file​

●​ Stored on physical drive​

●​ Created using Hyper-V Manager, Disk Management, or PowerShell​

●​ Can install an operating system on it​

Virtual Machine (VM):

●​ Uses virtual hard disk​

●​ Has operating system and apps​

●​ Works like a real computer​

●​ Fully separate system that runs inside the main system​

28. Master Boot Record (MBR) – Simple Notes

●​ MBR is found in the first sector of the hard disk​

●​ Created when the disk is partitioned​

●​ Contains:​
• Partition Table (info about disk partitions)​
• Master Boot Code (helps start the OS)​

●​ Can hold up to 4 partitions only​

●​ Has limits on partition size​

●​ Used in older systems​

29. GUID Partition Table (GPT) – Simple Notes

●​ GPT is a newer method than MBR​

●​ Stores partition info in an array of entries​

●​ Each entry shows start and end location of a partition​

●​ Supports:​
• More partitions than MBR​
• Larger partition sizes​
• Booting on 64-bit Windows and UEFI systems​
• Better reliability and flexibility​
30. Removable Devices – Simple Notes

●​ Used for carrying and sharing data​

●​ Examples: USB drives, external hard disks​

●​ Helpful for backup and access on-the-go​

●​ Can be protected using passcode​

In Home Use:

●​ Safe for personal use​

●​ Easy to store or move data​

In Workplace (Enterprise):

●​ Can cause problems without rules:​

• Copying company data​
• Data theft​
• Inserting infected drives (malware risk)​

●​ Malware from USB can damage systems and networks​

●​ Group policies are used to control removable device use in offices​

●​ Admins apply rules to block or limit device access​

31. Storage Spaces – Simple Notes

●​ Combines space from many disks into one​

●​ Works with USB, SATA, and SCSI drives​

●​ Provides backup safety using mirroring or parity (like RAID)​

●​ Needs at least one physical disk​

●​ Creates storage pool → becomes one logical disk​

●​ System shows storage space as a normal drive with a drive letter​

32. CLI, PowerShell, GUI – Simple Notes

●​ CLI (Command Line Interface):​

• Uses typed commands​
• Example: MS-DOS Prompt​

●​ PowerShell:​
• Microsoft command tool with scripting​
• Used for automation and system tasks​

●​ GUI (Graphical User Interface):​

• Uses icons, menus, and visuals to interact​
• Easier for general users​

33. Desktop Apps – Simple Notes

●​ Two types:​
• Desktop apps – like Windows Media Player​
• Web apps – like Mail, Calendar, Maps​

●​ User can set default apps from settings​

●​ Choose which app opens files by default​

34. Startup Options – Simple Notes

●​ If startup is slow, user can:​

• Enable Fast Startup (if supported)​
• Disable unwanted apps/services at startup​
• Delay starting of non-important services​

●​ Helps boot system faster​

35. Add or Remove Features – Simple Notes

●​ Some Windows features are not installed by default​

●​ Example: Hyper-V​

●​ To enable/disable features:​
• Go to Control Panel > Programs and Features > Turn Windows
Features On or Off​

36. Remote Management Tools – Simple Notes

Remote Desktop Connection

●​ Used to access a computer from another location​

●​ Helpful when working from home​

Remote Assistance

●​ Used to help another user with small tasks (e.g., open file, fix printer,
guide UI)​

●​ User can see and assist remote desktop​

Microsoft Management Console (MMC)

●​ Used to do admin tasks on another computer​

●​ Tasks include:​
• Viewing Event Logs​
• Managing Disks​
• Accessing Device Manager​
• Solving driver problems​

Other Tools

●​ PowerShell – Run commands and scripts remotely​

●​ All tools are useful in large companies with many systems​