Navigating Windows 10: A Detailed User’s Guide
Over the years, Windows has become the world’s most popular desktop operating system. With Windows 10, Microsoft aimed to create their most versatile, user-friendly OS yet. While the system offers great flexibility, its myriad features can seem overwhelming to new users. In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to master Windows 10.
1. Getting Started with Windows 10
After installing Windows 10, you’ll be greeted by the desktop. This functions as your home base and houses shortcuts to frequently accessed apps and files. The desktop includes the taskbar at the bottom. This contains the Start button, search bar, pinned apps, and system tray. Clicking the Start button opens the Start Menu, your gateway to apps, settings, and more.
The taskbar enables easy multitasking. Click any open app icon to switch to it. To close an app, right-click its icon and select “Close window.” For additional options, point to an empty area of the taskbar and click. The cascading menu allows you to access Task Manager, toolbars, and more.
Why is my Windows 10 Upgrade Assistant not working?
You could try booting the install media on a working spare computer to isolate the problem. If the error message occurs, you could try downloading the ISO again then recreate the install media. Most users will use Windows Update to perform an upgrade to Windows 10. The Upgrade Assistant might become non-responsive at a certain point.
How do I install win10 and disable the faulty microcode update?
Follow these steps to install Win10 and disable the faulty microcode update: Make sure you are running Windows 7 SP1 or Windows 8.1 Update, and it is properly activated. Prepare for the upgrade by downloading the correct image file using the Microsoft Download Tool on the Windows 10 Upgrade page, either as an ISO or to a USB.
2. Personalizing Your Experience
One of Windows 10’s best features is its customizability. To personalize, access Settings > Personalization. From here, you can:
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Change your desktop background. Windows offers beautiful preloaded options, or you can use your own image.
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Customize colors. Choose your own accent and background colors.
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Adjust Taskbar settings. Decide which icons appear, disable grouping, and more.
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Add a screensaver. Select from various screensaver types like photos, abstract images, and clocks.
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Adjust lock screen settings. Change the image, enable fun facts, and determine which apps can show notifications.
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Adjust theme settings. Select between Light and Dark mode.
With Windows 10, you have the power to make your desktop uniquely yours.
3. Optimizing System Settings
Windows 10 offers deep customizability beyond just appearance. Under Settings, you can configure accessibility options, notifications, privacy settings, and much more. Some key options include:
Power & Sleep.Determine screen timeout duration, sleep settings, and power button behavior.
Can I upgrade to a new version of Windows?
You can upgrade from an earlier version of Windows, which means you can install the new version of Windows and retain your applications, files, and settings as they were in your previous version of Windows. If you decide to perform a custom installation of Windows instead of an upgrade, your applications and settings won’t be maintained.
How do I fix error 0xc1900101-0x20017?
Press Windows key + R then type: devmgmt.msc, expand Display adapters. Right-click the listed Display Adapter then click Uninstall. Error 0xC1900101-0x20017 might occur if your master boot record is corrupt. The MBR contains the boot information for the operating system.
Apps.Manage default apps, uninstall programs, and adjust permissions.
Accounts.Add or modify user accounts with varying permission levels.
Time & Language.Set date, time, and region formatting.
Gaming.Configure graphics settings, game recording tools, game mode, and more.
Devices.Manage connected devices like printers, scanners, and Bluetooth accessories.
Don’t be afraid to explore Windows Settings. Adjusting these options ensures your device operates exactly as you like.
4. Managing Files and Storage
The File Explorer app enables easy file and folder management. Here are some key functions:
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Browsing:Navigate between drives and folders in the left panel. Click a drive or folder to view its contents in the right panel.
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Selecting:Click a file or folder to select it. Use Shift/Ctrl clicking or selection boxes to select multiple items.
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Copying/Moving:Right click selected items and choose Copy or Cut. Then right click the destination and select Paste.
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Renaming:Right click a file/folder, select Rename, and type the new name.
How to fix Windows 10 error?
Similar to the above option, if you can log in to Windows 10 and use it to repair Windows. It comes in handy when some of your system files are corrupt, resulting in errors. Use the DISM and SFC command to fix the problem. The commands will need admin permission to execute and complete the repair.
How much free space do I need to upgrade Windows 10?
Your device requires at least 16 GB of free space to upgrade a 32-bit OS, or 20 GB for a 64-bit OS. For more info, see Free up drive space in Windows. Run Windows Update a few times. Download and install any available updates in Windows Update, including software updates, hardware updates, and some third-party drivers.
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Deleting:Right click an item and choose Delete. Items go to the Recycle Bin for easy recovery.
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Properties:Right click any item and select Properties to view details like size, location, and permissions.
Mastering file management is critical for Windows proficiency. With some practice, File Explorer will become second nature.
5. Useful Built-In Apps
Windows 10 offers a suite of built-in apps to help you get work done:
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Photos:Organize your photo collection into albums, enhance images, create collages and movies, and more.
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Mail/Calendar:Manage multiple email accounts and calendars in one place.
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Microsoft Edge:The modern Windows web browser with Cortana integration.
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OneDrive:Cloud storage for easy file access across devices.
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Maps:Find directions and local businesses on interactive maps.
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Movies & TV:Buy, rent, or stream movies and shows.
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Groove Music:Stream and manage your music library.
Why can’t I install Windows 10 multiple times?
If you continue to experience problems after creating multiple installation media and trying to install Windows 10 more than once, you may have a persistent hardware problem. The CD/DVD burner or the USB drive you’re using may be faulty. If possible, try using a different USB drive or an external disc burner.
Why is Windows Update not installing?
There’s a small possibility that what you’re experiencing is being caused by malware. To check, run your antivirus software. Quarantine malware if detected to prevent more damage. If the Windows Update service is not installing updates as it should, try manually restarting the program.
How to fix we couldn’t install/upgrade to Windows 10 error 0xc1900101?
Some Other Solutions Applicable to fix We couldn’t install / Upgrade to Windows 10 error 0xC1900101-0x20017. click on Start menu search > type Device Manager > click the first result. Expand the list of devices. The device causing error 0xC1900101 will likely appear with a yellow exclamation mark.
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People:Manage your contacts and link to social networks.
Be sure to explore these and other built-in apps. They offer full-featured experiences ideal for work and play.
6. Cortana: Your Virtual Assistant
Cortana is Windows 10’s intelligent virtual assistant, similar to Siri or Alexa. To use Cortana, click her icon in the taskbar and speak your command. You can say things like:
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“What’s the weather forecast?”
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“Set a reminder for tomorrow at 3pm.”
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“Create a task list.”
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“Find nearby restaurants.”
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“Tell me a joke.”
Over time, Cortana learns your speech patterns, interests, and schedule to offer personalized recommendations. She helps make your digital life more productive.
7. Making the Most of Windows 10
Learning Windows inside and out opens up new worlds of possibility. Master tools like Task View, Snap Assist, and virtual desktops to become a productivity pro. Enable useful accessibility features under Ease of Access. Manage notifications to stay focused. Customize the Start Menu and taskbar to your workflow. With a bit of learning, you can mold Windows 10 into the perfect OS for your needs.
Should I wait before updating Windows 10?
Side note: If the latest version of Windows 10 is experiencing widespread problems, you may also want to wait before updating. The April 2018 update alone had the potential to wipe all the data from your desktop or break Chrome, and the October 2018 update had its share of problems, leading to recalls and delays.
What is error 0xc1900101 – 0x20017?
Error 0xC1900101 – 0x20017 is a Windows 10 installation error that appears when an upgrade or installation to Windows 10 fails. The message it provides is beyond the average user’s understanding, leaving them perplexed and searching for a solution. It states, “The installation failed in the SAFE_OS phase with an error during BOOT operation.”
For additional help, visit Microsoft’s Windows 10 training resources. The world’s most adaptable desktop OS awaits – enjoy the journey!
