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 Papercut’s

Windows 11
USER MANUAL
Windows 11 is the operating system of choice for
the smart thinking beginner, intermediate and
advanced computer user. It’s designed to push the
boundaries, to encompass the everyday digital
world and help bring us closer together than ever
before. It brings a clean and easy to interact with
AI assisted user interface, together with powerful
and ever involving code under the hood. Everything
you need to help drive you into 2024 and beyond.
The Windows 11 Manual will guide you through
Microsoft’s latest operating system, offering you
something new to learn on every page and
providing you with the necessary knowledge to
ˠ˔˞˘ˊ˜ˡ˗ˢ˪˦ʤʤ˪ˢ˥˞˙ˢ˥ˬˢ˨ʡʼˡ˛˘˥˘ˬˢ˨Ϡ˟˟Ѓˡ˗˧˜ˣ˦
and tutorials, unlocking all of Windows 11’s secrets
and helping you become a more advanced user.
So, let’s dive into Windows 11 and start building both
ˬˢ˨˥˖ˢˡЃ˗˘ˡ˖˘˔ˡ˗˨ˡ˗˘˥˦˧˔ˡ˗˜ˡ˚ˢ˙˧˛˜˦˔ˠ˔˭˜ˡ˚
operating system.

M a s te r yo u r te c h @ w w w. p c l p u b l i c a ti o n s .c o m
 6 Installing & Updating to Windows 11
8 Windows 11 - Getting Started

12 Windows 11
Essentials

43 Personalising Edge
44 Exploring Windows Mail
46 How to Set Up the Mail App
14 Windows 11 Start Screen 49 Customise the Mail App
16 How to Use the Start Menu 50 Search in Windows 11
18 Notifications and Quick Settings 51 Search Settings and Tools
19 Quick Settings Panel 52 Inside the Calendar App
20 How to Use the Taskbar 54 Dates & Appointments with Calendar
22 Using Task View and Multiple Desktops 55 Creating and Managing Events
24 Using Snap Layouts and Snap Groups 56 Personalising Windows 11
26 Inside the File Explorer 59 Using Windows Back up
28 How to Use File Explorer 60 10 Ways to get more from Copilot
30 Create and Manage Folders 62 Windows 11 Keyboard Shortcuts
32 Connecting Your PC to the Internet
33 Manage Network Settings
34 Exploring the Windows 11 Settings
36 Using Widgets in Windows 11 64 Do More with
38 Exploring Microsoft Edge
39 Edge Settings Windows 11
40 How to Use the Edge Browser
42 Using Bing AI Chat
66 Exploring the Exploring the Microsoft Store
68 How to use the Windows App Store
70 How to Use Teams Chat
71 Meet and Chat in Teams
72 Using OneDrive Cloud Storage
74 Using the Focus Assist Tool
75 Sharing to Nearby Devices
76 Connect Your Phone to Your PC
78 Learn How to Import Photos in Windows 11
79 Importing to the Photos App
80 How to Manage and Edit Your Photos
84 Explore the Powerful Maps App

4 www.pclpublications.com
 Contents

86 Learn How
106 Maintain & Protect
to Navigate with Maps Windows 11
87 Planning a Route
88 Manage Your Contacts in Windows 11
90 Using the Sticky Notes Tool 108 Using the Windows 11 Security Tools
92 Using the Xbox Game Bar 110 What To Do if You’re Hacked
94 Screenshots with the Snipping Tool 114 Using the Windows 11 Task Manager
96 Installing a Printer in Windows 11 116 Monitor Tasks with the Task Manager
97 Install a Wireless Printer 118 Defragment Your Hard Drive
98 Manage Libraries in Windows 11 120 Update Your Device Drivers
99 How to Use AutoPlay 121 Finding Other Drivers
100 Skype in Windows 11 122 Using the Power Menu
102 Making Calls with the Skype App 123 Using Storage Sense
104 Windows 11 Touchpad Gestures 124 Improving the Windows 11 Firewall
126 Secure Your Home Network
128 How a VPN Can Improve Windows Security
130 How to Create a Recovery Drive
132 Windows 11 Power Options
133 Use Your Laptop with the Lid Closed
134 Manage Your Privacy in Windows 11

Claim Your 135

136
138
Privacy Settings
Windows 11 Maintenance Tools
Removing Malware from Windows 11
FREE Magazine 140
142
Six Steps to a Faster PC
How to Reset or Fresh Start
Download! 143
144
Perform a Fresh Start
Troubleshooting Windows
Problems

See page 146

for details

www.pclpublications.com 5
 Installing & Updating
to Windows 11
Microsoft’s latest version of Windows hit the update servers on October 5th 2021, but it
seemed many computers were still waiting for the go-ahead from their Windows Update
screens, if you are one of them we can help you. Here’s how to step up the process.

If you’re still on Windows 10, and waiting patiently for your update screen to display the exciting ‘Ready to
update Windows 11’ notification, then this is the guide for you. Rather than tweaking with the update
settings, or delving into the murky depths of the command prompt, there’s an easier way to get the ball
rolling and get you on and working with Windows 11.

Before You Leap What you will need to do is drop into your BIOS, this can normally
be done by tapping either the Del or F2 keys when you first power
up your computer (before it starts to boot into Windows). Naturally,
different motherboard manufacturers offer different keypresses, so
you’ll need to check with your manual.

Before we go about running the update process, it’s worth

checking that your system can actually run Windows 11. Many of
us have already been down this route, and have discovered that
we need to apply a few elements prior to installing the newest OS When in the BIOS, look for Settings > Security > Trusted Computing.
from Microsoft. If you’ve got an AMD processor, you may also have to look for AMD
CPU fTPM. Enable both, if available, save the settings and reboot
TPM 2.0 the computer before your prodeed.

These entries will differ from one motherboard to the next, as

TPM stands for Trusted Platform Module, and its task is to protect
previously mentioned. You may need to Google your motherboard
data through authentication, perform platform integrity, utilise disk
make and model number, together with the words ‘enable TPM’, to
encryption, and store passwords and certificates. In short, it’s an
see how to specifically enable it for you.
extra layer of hardware protection to help stop your PC from being
compromised or to stop many forms of malware from infecting the
Once enabled, and rebooted into Windows 10, go to https://www.
core components of your computer.
microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/windows-11, and scroll to the
bottom of the page and click on the Download PC Health Check
Now that you know what TPM is, you can begin to understand
App button to start the download process.
Microsoft’s insistence of it being present before even allowing
Windows 11 to be installed. Windows is, by quite a margin, the
most popular operating system in the world, and as such it’s the
main target for malware and many other very unpleasant things
out there in the wild world. By using TPM, Microsoft is under the
opinion that it’s making things a little more difficult for any
hackers and creators of malware. It is, however, totally possible to
bypass the TPM requirements.

Anyway, in general, if your computer is reasonably up to date, or

roughly less than four years old, then there’s a good chance that
you have a TPM present in your system. For some systems, TPM
comes in the form of an actual module that physically plugs into a
socket on your motherboard, for most computers, though, TPM is
offered via the processor.

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 Updating to Windows 11

Once it’s downloaded, double-click to install it. When installed,

run the Health Check App, and look for the Check Now button in
the Introduction Windows 11 section. Click it, and you’ll be
given a report as to whether your computer can run Windows 11
or not. If not, you’re told where it’s failed and you can look up
what to do next and remedy the situation.

If all is well, head on over to https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/

software-download/windows11, and locate the Windows 11
Installation Assistant section. Click on the Download Now button,
to save the app to your computer.

Locate the app on your computer, and double-click it to begin the

Windows 11 installation process. If everything is as it should be,
you’ll be presented with an Install Windows 11 window. Click on
the Accept and Install button to continue the process.

Windows 11 Installation Assistant

To force the update to Windows 11, providing your computer can
handle it, you’ll need to run the Windows 11 Installation Assistant.
This is a separate app that enables Windows 10 users, who have a
valid Windows license, to update their computers to the latest
version of Windows 11.

You’ll need to ensure that you have at least version 2004 of

Next, the app will download the necessary file and perform the
Windows 10 before you begin. It’s worth going to the Windows
forced installation of Windows 11. This could be anywhere between
Update section in the Settings and checking for the latest updates.
20 minutes to nearly an hour – depending on the speed of your
computer, connection to the Internet and so on.

It’s a three-step process, and the final step will have you reboot the
computer. You’ll then need to go through a Welcome process, and
once that’s done, the Windows 11 desktop will load; retaining all
your files, desktop settings etc.

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 Windows 11 -
Getting Started
Microsoft has greatly improved its initial Windows setup routine with intuitive guides.
Where once you were simply delivered onto the desktop and left to your own devices,
now Windows 11 ensures you can comfortably hit the ground running.

Hello Windows 11
One of the first tasks to complete when you boot into Windows 11, is to run through the Getting Started
guide. Here’s how it works.

Step 1 You’ll find the Getting Started guide in the Start Step 3 If you already have a OneDrive, or Microsoft,
menu, when you click the Windows logo button account, then click on the Sign In button to enter
on the taskbar. It’s a welcome to Windows setup wizard, and your details and link your OneDrive with the account on the
makes sure you’re ready to use your files, and get access to your Windows 11 PC you’re currently setting up. If you don’t have a
work quickly and effectively. Once it has opened, click the Get OneDrive account, click the Create Account button and then
Started button to continue to the next step. follow the on-screen instructions.

Step 2 Microsoft’s use of OneDrive for both business and Step 4 When you’ve completed the setup and logged into
personal data has become one of the OneDrive, a special folder within your user account
cornerstones of the company’s services. OneDrive offers a secure on the PC will be setup. This folder allows you to interact in
space to store your data, which will always be available no matter real-time with the OneDrive cloud service, so any files created in the
what happens to your computer. Click on the Open File Explorer folder will be automatically uploaded to OneDrive; and vice versa.
button to begin your OneDrive setup and login.

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 Windows 11 - Getting Started

Step 5 OneDrive will also setup an automated service Step 7 The next step in the Getting Started process has
that will backup any files and folders that you you viewing and selecting any of the popular
store on the Desktop, in your Documents folder, and in your apps that are currently available for Windows 11. Naturally, you
Pictures folder. Click on the ‘Setting up folder back up’ link to add can install these apps via the Windows Store at a later date, but
more folders to backup, or deselect any you don’t want to. having them to begin with can reduce the amount of time you
spend setting up the computer.

Step 6 The service will help reduce the amount of space Step 8 An interesting element to the Getting Started
taken up on the PC, or other Windows 11 devices setup are the informational sections; such as this
you’re using, by utilising Files On Demand. This is an automatic one. It details the new Search app that’s located on the taskbar. It
setup that will let you view and edit files on OneDrive without also highlights the new Start launch taskbar, and shows how easy
downloading them locally. You can, however, opt to makes files it is to use, and pin any Apps to.
and folder Always Available.

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Windows 11 - Getting Started continued...

Step 9 The Focus Assist setting is designed to help you Step 11 Widgets are a resurfacing technology from the
choose the notifications you’d like to see and Windows Vista days; only now they work a lot
hear, without the distractions of those you don’t. Any notification better. This panel of the Getting Started setup shows you how
that’s not set in the Priority list of apps, will be added to the to access your Widgets, and how to explore what’s available.
Notification area without disturbing your workflow. Click the The widget window scrolls in from the left of the screen,
Open focus assist settings button for further information. slightly raised above the taskbar.

Step 10 Microsoft Edge has seen some dramatic Step 12 Linking your Android phone with Windows is a
improvements over the years, so much so that function that appeared in the early years of
it’s now regarded as one of the most secure, and fastest browsers Windows 10. Since then it has improved significantly, and you
available. Of course, if you prefer to use Chrome, Firefox or can easily setup and configure the interface from this panel in
another browser, then you’re free to do so. Edge, however, is built the Getting Started guide. Simply click the, Link your Android
on Chrome technologies, so it might be worth giving it a go. button to begin the connection process.

10 www.pclpublications.com
 Getting Started

Step 13 The new Chat icon in the taskbar is an element of Step 15 Now would be a good opportunity to check that
Microsoft Teams. Teams has proved its worth in any specific hardware drivers are updated to
gold during lockdown, and has now been included by default in Windows 11. To do this depends greatly on the type of hardware.
Windows 11. It’s cross-platform, and easy to setup and use. Just For example, Nvidia GPUs will use the Nvidia GeForce Experience.
click on the Chat button in the taskbar to begin the setup process. Simply click to open the hardware setup client, and follow the
on-screen instruction to apply the update(s).

Step 14 That’s the Getting Started guide complete. You’ll Step 16 If you have any older software, it’s worth taking
now have a fully setup and working OneDrive a moment to test that it still behaves the way
with active folders, sorted out your notifications, launched and you expect it to under Windows 11. If not, then look the
begun to use the Edge browser, and connected your Android software up online, see if there’s an update to Windows 11, or
phone. Before you do get started, we suggest you try the following. contact the developers directly to ask for guidance relating to
the specific software itself.

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Windows 11
Essentials
Windows 11 is a lot different to previous versions of the
operating system. There’s a new taskbar, Start menu, Windows
Search and much more. It’s all groundbreaking stuff, and you’ll
need to be familiar with the basics before you can begin to dive
into the more technical territory.

Read on, and discover Windows 11 essentials.

12 www.pclpublications.com
 Windows 11 Essentials

le E xplorer

How to Use
Use Fi
How to

th
e Start Men
How to Use

u
th
e Mail App

i si ng W i ndows 11
Personal

“Welcome to Windows 11 on your

desktop, laptop or tablet. You are about
to embark on a fanastic adventure with
the world’s most popular operating
system and we are coming with you for
every single step of the way!”

www.pclpublications.com 13
 Windows 11
Start Screen
The Windows 11 desktop user interface (UI) is a radical change from what we’re used to
with previous versions of Windows. The main differences are the new taskbar,
Notifications and Widgets.

1 Widgets
The Widgets snap in from
the left of the desktop when you
move your mouse over to the edge of
the screen. You’ll notice that the
Widget window is slightly raised, this
is to avoid it clashing with the
taskbar; to help keep the desktop
clutter-free. You can also open them
by pressing the Windows Key + W on
your keyboard.

2 Customise
You can use these options
to look for more specific content, and
add them to your desktop for a more
personalised desktop environment.
Note that new Widgets are being
added to Windows 11 almost on a
daily basis. Keep an eye out, to see if
the one you’ve always wanted makes
an appearance.

3 Taskbar
The new Windows 11
taskbar expands out from the centre
of the desktop now. The Windows
Start button still works in the same
way, displaying installed apps and
offering access to the OS settings.

4 Search
The Search function within
Windows 11 is greatly improved, and
easier to find what you’re looking for.
Whether it’s a document on your
computer, or something online, you
can find it here.

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 Windows 11 Start Screen

Then and Now

We’ve come a long way since the early
days of Windows version 1.0. Through
ups and downs, Windows has evolved
to become the most used desktop
operating system in the world. Over
35 years have passed since Windows
1.0 has released, let’s see what the
next 35 hold for Microsoft’s OS.

5 Default Display
The default Widgets
display the latest news, the current
weather, entertainment,
recommanded websites and the state
of Stocks and Shares. These can be
dragged and dropped to different
locations, changed or deleted.

6 Desktop
As with all previous
versions of Windows, the Desktop can
be personalised and configured how
you like. Its new look is brighter, with
cleaner edges and better resolution
than before, to help ease eye-strain
and keep you focused.

7 Profile
Your Microsoft or local
Windows 11 profile image will be
displayed here. By clicking it, you’ll be
able to access further settings relating
to many aspects of the core operating
system, as well as specific settings to
do with the Widgets feature.

8 Notifications
The Notification Centre
and the taskbar are now combined.
Click the set of icons that represent
Wi-Fi, battery and so on, and the
screen will expand upward to reveal
more settings. In here you’ll find
access to the important elements of
the computer. Notifications will be
displayed next to the date; as and
when they’re needed. This allows you
to focus more on what you’re doing
without unnecessary distractions.

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 How to Use
the Start Menu
The Start menu has been given a big makeover for Windows 11, simplified in some ways
and expanded in others. It will quickly become your go to way to access your device, as it
is the main way to access your installed apps, software and games.

Get to Grips with Start

If you have used Windows before, the Start menu shouldn’t hold too many surprises for you, but it is still a
good idea to familiarise yourself with its features.

Step 1 The completely redesigned Start menu is opened Step 3 If the app you want to open is shown, click the
by clicking on the Windows icon in the taskbar, or icon to open it. If not, you can click the “All Apps”
by pressing the Windows Key on your keyboard. It opens above button to open the full, scrollable list of apps. You can change the
the taskbar icons, floating in the middle of the screen. It will apps that appear here by right-clicking on the icon and choosing
appear over the top of any open windows. “Unpin/Pin to Start” from the action menu.

Step 2 The Start menu is arranged into four main Step 4 In the app menu, apps are sorted
sections: Search, Pinned Apps, Recent or alphabetically, except for a Pinned section at
Recommended Files and Account/Power. Clicking in the Search the top. By clicking the All apps links, you will open a complete
field will switch to the dedicated Search panel, rather than letting list of yours will can be scrolled through alphabetically, to open
you type your search term directly into the Start menu. any of them simply click on their icon.

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 How to Use the Start Menu

Step 5 The Recommended section shows files that have Step 8 Use the sliders to enable or disable Start menu
been recently opened, or that have been opened features you want or no longer want. To add
frequently. Click on any icon to open the file in whatever app/ folders to the Start menu, click the folders option in the Start
program it is associated with. Click the “More” button to the right settings and then use the slider switches to add any of the preset
to open a larger list of files. folders you want or need quick access to.

Step 6 The bottom section contains a link to the Step 9 Open the Start menu again to see the newly
Microsoft Account menu. Click this to change added (or removed features). You may not
account settings, lock your computer or sign out of the current initially notice any difference to the apps list if you have not yet
account. At the other end of the section is the power button. Click used any apps repeatedly. The folders you added can be found
this and choose from the available power options. next to the power button in the bottom section.

Step 7 It is also possible to display your most used apps Step 10 It is not possible to resize the Start menu, nor is it
and a selection of folders in the Start menu. To possible to change the style of it. You can change
enable these features, open the main settings menu (you should the overall colour mode (light, dark or custom), which will change
see the icon for this in the pinned apps) and click on the the colour of the Start menu along with other main elements of
Personalisation section. Then choose the Start option. the interface such as the taskbar.

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 Notifications and
Quick Settings
There have always been pop-up messages in Windows but now there is a centralised way
in which these are viewed and interacted with. In Windows 11, this is called the
Notification Center, it works more like the notifications panel on a smartphone or tablet.

Exploring the Notification Center

The Notification Center is an important and useful element in Windows 11, providing you with access to the
calendar as well as notifications and alerts.

Step 1 New notifications and alerts will pop up at the Step 3 Unlike Windows 10, the Notification Center
bottom-right corner of the screen (by default, but (which was called the Action Center previously)
you can change the notification settings), disappearing after a few only contains notifications and alerts, not quick settings. It does
seconds. After the initial pop-up has disappeared, you can view all include the calendar now, which is expanded by clicking the
current notifications by clicking on the time/date in the taskbar. arrow next to the date at the bottom of the notification panel.

Step 2 You can see if there are new notifications waiting Step 4 Above the calendar section is your notification
to be viewed by the badge that will appear on the panel. Notifications can be from the system
corner of the time/date in the taskbar. You can turn off these (Windows updates for example), from your calendar, from apps and
badges in the settings, but they are a useful and unobtrusive way even from settings that need to be managed. Notifications are sorted
to see, at a glance, if you have something requiring your attention. into sections within the notifications panel; based on their type.

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 Notifications and Quick Settings

Step 5 At the top of the Notifications panel is a button to Step 6 To manage your notification display settings, go
clear all notifications. You can clear notifications to Settings > System > Notifications. Here you
individually by hovering the pointer over them and clicking the X. You can choose the apps/features which can send you notifications,
can also click the menu button on each notification to see some using the slider switches. Click the name of the app to see further
notification settings, such as setting similar messages as a priority. settings, such as whether a sound is played, and the priority level.

Quick Settings Panel

Unlike in the previous version of Windows, Windows 11 separates the quick settings panel from the
Notification Center.

Step 1 To access the quick settings panel in Windows 11, Step 3 Right-click anywhere on the Quick Settings panel
press Windows Key + a. The panel will appear in the to see a link to “Edit quick settings”. Click this and
same position on screen as the Notification Center. By default the the buttons will be greyed out, and unpin icons will appear on each.
panel contains buttons to quickly enable/disable Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Click these to remove a button from the panel. You can also click
Flight Mode, Battery Saver (if using a laptop) and Focus Assist. the + button at the bottom to add other quick settings buttons.

Step 2 There are also sliders to control screen brightness Step 4 Some of the quick settings buttons will have an
and system volume. The exact settings that arrow on the button. Clicking these buttons will
appear in the quick settings panel will vary, depending on if you open a new panel, with further options for that particular feature. For
are using a desktop or a laptop computer. At the bottom of the example, the Wi-Fi button will open a list of available networks, and
panel is a button to open the main Windows 11 settings app. Keyboard Layout will open a list of the different layouts available.

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 How to Use
the Taskbar
If you are moving from Windows 10 to Windows 11, the taskbar will likely be the first and
most obvious change you notice. The taskbar has always been a useful tool, but in Windows
11 it becomes the real focus of the desktop and contains even more features and tools.

Mastering the Windows 11 Taskbar

The taskbar has always been more useful than many users realise. In Windows 11 the emphasis has shifted
much more towards a simplified, but still powerful, selection of pinned tools/apps.

Taskbar Layout The taskbar runs the full length of the Search Tool The embedded search field of Windows 10
bottom of the screen, and is now is back, simply enter a search term here
divided into two main sections: Start Menu/Pinned App and and press return. This opens a new system search panel. This
System Tools. In Windows 11 the taskbar app icons are unified search allows you to not only search for things on your
arranged in the centre of the taskbar (although this can be computer, but also in OneDrive and for results from websites. As
changed), with system tools on the right. you begin typing, search suggestions appear.

Start Menu The first icon in the row of taskbar icons is the Task View The third button in the row of taskbar icons
Start menu button. Clicking this opens the opens Task View. Task View is not a new
Start menu directly above the icons. You can right-click the Start feature to Windows, but it has been slightly changed and
menu button to see a jump menu of additional links and tools. streamlined for this version. Task View allows you to quickly see
These include a shortcut to shut down or sign out of your computer. every app and window you have open, switch between them
and even create new desktops.

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 How to Use the Taskbar

Widgets The far left Weather report button opens the Peek Hovering over any open app icon in the
Widget panel, on the screen. The widget panel can Taskbar brings up a Peek preview of the
be customised to suit your needs with information such as weather, window. If a movie is playing, for example, you will see it
photos, stock prices, sports results and news stories. As Windows 11 playing here too. If you mouse over the preview, the actual app
develops, it is likely even more functionality will be added. or window will pop up on screen. You will also see an X to close
the window, without actually selecting it.

Chat/Teams The huge recent rise of remote working System Tools The right-hand side of the taskbar is
and video meetings goes some way to reserved for the system tools, the time
explain why Microsoft have embedded Teams as part of Windows and date (which opens the Notification Center upon a click)
11. Once you are set up and signed into your Teams account, and the Show Desktop button. The system tools will vary
clicking this button will open the start/join meeting interface. depending on your computer, but may include battery status,
Wi-Fi status, Sound and OneDrive.

Pinning Apps A few other apps and other software will Taskbar Settings You have quite a lot of free reign when
be pinned to the taskbar when you first it comes to which apps you have
use your Windows 11 PC. You can add several more as and showing in the taskbar. Open Settings > Personalisation >
when you choose. To pin compatible apps, right-click on the Taskbar. Here you can use the slider switches to enable or disable
app icon anywhere you see it (Start menu for example), and the default apps that appear. You can also change the alignment
then click Pin to Taskbar. of the pinned apps back to the left.

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 Using Task View and
Multiple Desktops
Task View was introduced properly in Windows 10, as a way to make multi-tasking easier
and allowing the creation of extra desktop areas. In Windows 11 it’s even easier to instantly
check and switch to open windows; and to create and manage multiple desktops.

Using Task View

Task View is a quick way to view and manage all of the windows and apps open on your PC at any given
moment, even those that are minimised.

Step 1 Task View is accessed by clicking the third icon in Step 3 Click on any window or app in Task View to open
the taskbar; the white square on the black square. it at full size on the desktop. It will appear in front
The Task View screen is split into two sections: Open tasks and of any windows you already had open and visible on the desktop.
desktops. Any apps or windows you have open, even if they are You can also close windows or apps directly from the Task view.
currently minimised, will be displayed in the open tasks panel. Just hover the mouse over the window and click the X button.

Step 2 The size and shape of the windows shown in Task Step 4 If you right-click on one of the windows/apps
View depend on the size and shape of the actual shown in Task View, you will see several more
window. For example, if you have Microsoft Edge open at full options. Snap left/right will open the selected window, but
screen, it will be displayed as a wide rectangle in Task View. If you “snapped” or positioned to the left or right of the home screen.
have a lot of windows open, the open tasks panel will be scrollable. You will see that there are also several options for showing/
hiding the window on new desktops.

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 Using Task View and Multiple Desktops

Using Multiple Desktops

Creating multiple desktops is a great way of separating your activities across multiple defined spaces, and
helps you concentrate and split your workload.

Step 1 One of the great features in Task View is the Step 4 You can right-click the apps in Task View to send
ability to add extra desktops. Virtual desktops are them to another desktop. You can also drag and
essentially extra workspaces, so for example you can have one drop windows/apps from one desktop to another. If you have an app
space with your email and chat windows open and another or window open in one desktop and then try to open it in another,
where you’re working in PowerPoint without email distractions. you will just switch to the desktop where it was already open.

Step 2 Click or tap the New Desktop button at the bottom Step 5 To get around this problem, open the Task View
of the Task View screen and you will see an entirely and right click on an app or window. From the
new and blank desktop. If you had any apps or windows open in the menu, choose either “Show this window on all desktops” or “Show
main desktop, they won’t be open here. Don’t worry, they haven’t windows from this app on all desktops”. You can also use this menu
been closed, they are still open on the other desktop. to move apps or windows between your open desktops.

Step 3 With Task View open, right click on one of the Step 6 If you hover over the apps and windows shown
desktop previews at the bottom and you can in the Open Tasks panel, you will see an X
choose a different background wallpaper (making identifying appear; now you can close superfluous desktops down to save
which desktop you are on currently easier), and also you can resources. Doing this doesn’t close any apps down, so you don’t
choose to move a desktop to the left or right, switching which need to manually move them yourself. It just automatically adds
one is the main desktop. them to the main desktop for you.

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 Using Snap Layouts
and Snap Groups
Snap Layouts and Snap Groups, while similar to Snap Assist in Windows 10, are completely
new features for Windows 11. Each is designed to make your life easier by giving you new
ways to organise and retrieve apps and windows on a busy desktop.

Using Snap Layouts

Snap Layouts are a quick and easy way to organise a busy or cluttered desktop. They are similar to Snap
Assist, but are created in a new and different way.

Step 1 Snap Layouts can be created with just one open Step 3 Your other open windows/apps will appear as
app or window, but really come into their own previews in one of the other layout positions.
when several are open. Move your mouse over the Maximise Click one of them to open it in that layout position. The process
button (top-right corner) of any open app or window, without is then repeated for any other open windows, if you choose a
clicking. After a second, a brand new menu will pop up, showing layout with more than 2 spaces. Windows are automatically
the available layouts you can use. resized to fit in the layout.

Step 2 There are 4 preset layouts available (at present, Step 4 If you now try to move a window or app out of the
although more may be added): 2 equal windows layout, it will switch back to its original dimensions
side-by-side, 2 unequal windows side-by-side, 3 windows and 4 equal when it unsnaps from the grid. You can create multiple Snap Layouts,
windows. Click on whichever you want to use, and the window/app each containing different apps/windows. These remain until the
you used to open the layout will snap into one of the positions. windows are closed or removed from the group.

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 Using Snap Layouts and Snap Groups

Step 5 You can change the dimensions of the layout once Step 6 You can snap apps and windows into position using
you have created one. With the layout open, hover a keyboard shortcut as well. Highlight a window
your mouse over the line where the windows meet, either horizontally and then press Windows Key + one of the arrow keys. Depending on
or vertically. A wider bar will appear, which you can click and drag to which direction you press, the window will snap left, right, up or
change the horizontal or vertical dimensions of the layout. down. Combine key presses to snap up and left, for example.

Using Snap Groups

Snap Groups are an extension of Snap Layouts, keeping snapped apps and windows together even when the
layout is minimised.

Step 1 Once you have created a Snap Layout, or multiple Step 3 If you use multiple desktops, you can move Snap
layouts, you can minimise the whole thing (by Groups to any of the additional desktop areas. Just
clicking the Show Desktop button on the right of the Taskbar) or open the Task View, and then right click on each of the apps or
minimise each individual app or window. As long as they are not windows in the group and choose, “Show this window on all desktop”.
closed, the layout persists as a Snap Group. The group will automatically be recreated on the other desktop.

Step 2 If you move your mouse over any of the Taskbar Step 4 You can find a lot of different settings for how
icons of apps or windows in a group, two Peek windows snap in the main settings > System >
windows will pop up. One shows the app on its own, and they other Multi-tasking. Click the Snap windows option and a list of different
shows the app in the group. To re-open the group, just click on the settings will open. You can also, if you wish, completely turn off
group preview. To open the app on its own, click that preview. window snapping here, using the slider switch.

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 Inside the
File Explorer
Although the File Explorer is much the same as it was in previous versions of Windows,
it’s still worth exploring it further. The File Explorer is one of the most overlooked tools in
Windows, but if you want to be able to find your accumulated photos, music files, word
documents and other files, without having to use Search every time, it’s definitely
something you should be familiar with.

1 File Explorer Toolbar

The simplified Explorer toolbar still
contains all of the tools you need to manage the
different files and folders you can view. Once you
have selected a file or folder in the main pane,
more tools become active. You can also click the
“More menu” button to see additional options
such as Burn to disc and Compress to Zip file.

2 Navigation Pane - Folders

The left-hand sidebar contains a list of
different file folders on your computer. Clicking
on any of the folders shown here will display the
various files and folders inside; in the main pane.
The list is split into sections, including Quick
Access/Recent, OneDrive and This PC. If you
right-click on a blank area, you can choose to
show All Folders here.

3 Info Bar
The thin bar along the bottom of the
File Explorer displays several bits of useful
information. If nothing in the main window is
selected, the info bar shows the total number of
items in the selected folder. Click on a file and
the file size is also shown here. If you select
several files, the number of items selected is
shown, along with the total size of all selected
items combined.

4 Folder Contents Pane

When a folder is selected in the File
Location sidebar, its contents are shown in the
main pane. The contents of any single folder may
vary greatly of course, but Windows uses standard
icons to show Word documents, text files, various
different image formats and shortcuts to apps and
software. As you can see here, images will usually
be displayed as a thumbnail unless view settings
have been changed.

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 Inside the File Explorer

5 Menus 6 Window Controls

You will have noticed by now Almost every window that opens in
that Windows 11 has some fancy new Windows includes these controls. From left to
icons in place of the previous cut, paste, right they are: Minimise, Maximise and Close. In
copy, rename and so on. They may a little Windows 11, moving the mouse over the
getting used to, especially if your muscle maximise button brings up the Snap Layouts
memory mouse finger keeps hitting the panel. Right-clicking on the control bar will show
wrong icon! Don’t worry, though, it won’t you a couple of extra controls, including Restore,
take long to adapt. Move and Size.

7 Search
The familiar Search Bar may look
identical to previous versions of Windows,
however, there’s a lot more going on under the
hood. Windows 11 utilises new search
patterns, making it faster and easier to find
what you’re after.

8 Preview Pane
If the preview pane is enabled,
approximately a third of the File Explorer
window will be reserved for a preview of any
selected files. Normally, only image, html and
text files will display a preview in this pane. The
preview pane can be increased or decreased in
size by clicking and dragging the scroll bar to the
left of it.

9 Folder View
The two buttons here let you choose
between viewing the contents of the folder in a
thumbnail format or alternatively, as a list. When
the folder items are displayed as a list, you can
choose to display a varying amount of
information, including date last modified, file type
and file size. Items shown as a list will still display
a preview in the Preview Pane when selected.

Show Libraries The View Tab

Your Libraries in Windows 11 are preset system The View tab in File Explorer allows you to
folders that are the default locations for your completely change how the window looks, how
Camera Roll, Music, Saved Pictures, Documents, files are displayed and even whether each item
Pictures and Videos. You can easily have these has a permanent check box next to it. One of the
displayed in the File Explorer. Right-click on any most useful tools in the View tab is the Details
free area of the Navigation Pane and from the Pane button. This switches the Preview Pane to
menu, click Show Libraries. You can then expand show a list of file details instead. This is
the list of libraries by clicking the small arrow. particularly useful if you are looking at images.

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 How to Use
File Explorer
You can just use the powerful and improved search feature to find files and documents;
but the new, simplified File Explorer is often a better choice, especially if you are looking
for groups of files or want to preview several files to find the right one.

What Features in File Explorer?

File Explorer is a much undervalued part of Windows. And while it hasn’t fundamentally changed for several
versions of the operating system, Windows 11 has made some changes, which we’ll take you through here.

Step 1 The way you browse files in Windows 11 is Step 3 There are new icons across all File Explorer
similar to previous versions of Windows, but views. And there are a lot more file operations
File Explorer has been slightly simplified. The main Quick that you can access on the menu at the top of the window
Access window shows you your most frequently used folders (known as the ‘ribbon’), without the need to use the right-click
(after all, how many of us dip into more than five or ten folders menu. This makes it easier to use on PCs with touch screens.
in a day?) and also recent files.

Step 2 The sidebar also works on the same principle, Step 4 The new icons are all fairly self-explanatory if you
and via a new Quick Access feature you can pin have used any PC in the past. There are icons for
folders or files that you want to stick around. It will also show you Cut, Copy, Delete, Rename and Share, as well as folder control
Frequent folders too. You can pin things permanently onto Quick icons like View and Sort. If you are unsure what any icon does,
Access by right-clicking them and selecting Add to Quick Access. just hover your pointer over one to see a label pop up.

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 How to Use the File Explorer

Step 5 The simplification continues on the This PC Step 8 You can access just about every folder on your
screen. All of the controls are still there, you just computer, both system and created folders, from
need to click on the More menu (the three dots) in the top bar. the File Explorer. There are several folders in the sidebar that are
This menu is contextual. For example, select a drive such as C: always shown, including This PC, Network and OneDrive. Right
and then click the menu to see additional options such as Pin to click on the sidebar to add even more useful folders to this area.
Quick access and Properties.

Step 6 Sharing files in File Explorer is again a simple Step 9 If you’ve come from an earlier version of
process, click on the Share link and the share Windows, you should be familiar with OneDrive.
panel will open. The sharing options shown here will vary It’s Microsoft’s cloud storage application and it’s available to
depending on which apps you have installed and which access directly from File Explorer in Windows 11; so you can view
communication features you have decided to set up. your cloud-stored files just as if they were on your computer.

Step 7 When viewing some files, such as photos, in File Step 10 You can quickly change how you view files in File
Explorer, it can be useful to see numerous images Explorer using the folder view buttons in the
together. This is where the Gallery option, in the left side quick bottom-right corner (thumbnail view or detail view). There are
folders view, becomes very useful. By selecting this option you can many more folder options, including privacy and view options,
access all the images you have on your device. accessed by clicking the More button and then choosing Options.

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 Create and
Manage Folders
Despite all of the changes to the Window’s OS, folders have remained one of the core
tools for organising your files. Much more than just boxes to keep your photos or music
files in, folders can really help to improve how you use Windows 11 on a day-to-day basis.

Creating New Folders

It may seem too simple if you are a long time Windows user, but here’s a look at how to create new folders
on the desktop and within other folders.

Step 1 On the desktop, right-click and select New folder Step 3 Double-click any folder to open it and view the
from the action menu that appears. The familiar contents. You can move items into a folder by
yellow folder icon will then appear at that position on the selecting, dragging and dropping into an open folder or a closed
desktop (wherever you clicked), with the name automatically set one. If the folder is closed, drag the selected items over the top of
as ‘New folder’ but highlighted ready to change. it until the folder is highlighted, then release.

Step 2 You can leave the name as ‘New folder’ if you Step 4 To delete a folder, right-click on it and select
wish. If you then create a second folder next to Delete from the action menu. You can also click
the first, it will automatically be named ‘New folder (2)’. You can and drag the folder to the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.
rename a folder at any time by left-clicking on the title once, or Anything in the folder will also be placed in the recycle bin. To
right-clicking and selecting Rename from the menu. move folders around the desktop, just click, drag and drop them.

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 Create and Manage Folders

Managing Your Folders

Once created, folders can be adapted and customised in a number of ways. You can even change the default
icon used whenever a new folder is added.

Step 1 You can manage a folder in a number of ways, Step 4 Most of these options are self-explanatory, such as
without even opening it. Right-click on any folder copy, paste and select all, but some are a little more
and the action menu appears. The exact options that appear will confusing. Most casual computer users won’t need to use 90 per cent
depend on the apps or software you have installed but can of the options in day-to-day use but it is worth understanding them
include: scan for viruses, compress, shred, zip and more. anyway. Add a few files to the folder and experiment.

Step 2 The standard (Windows 11) options in the folder Step 5 If you want to get really deep into managing your
action menu include: Pin to Quick Access, Open, folders, there are even more options to explore.
Share, Pin to Start, Send To, Cut, Copy, Rename and Delete. Some of Open any folder and right-click anywhere inside the main window.
these options are shown as new icons along the top of the action From the action menu that appears, click Properties. Here you can
menu. You can see more folder options by clicking that option. manage all sort of things; from security to icon style.

Step 3 Open the folder and a whole range of further Step 6 To change the icon style (which will change the
options are available along the top of the new style of all folder icons), click the customise tab
window. Again, these are a mix of icons and test options. When you and then click Change Icon at the bottom. Scroll to view all of the
select something in the folder, yet more options will appear, which available icons (downloaded icons can be accessed by browsing),
vary depending on the type of file you selected in the folder. click on your preferred icon and click OK.

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 Connecting Your
PC to the Internet
Setting an Internet connection is an important step. Windows 11 makes joining and
managing networks easy, bringing all of the relevant settings together in one place,
including VPN and hotspot settings; and even the Wi-Fi adaptor hardware properties.

Connecting to Wi-Fi
A Wi-Fi network connection is now by far the most common way people connect to the Internet. The process
should be fairly familiar to you by now, but if not, here are the exact steps to connect.

Step 1 If your computer is not connected to the Internet, Step 3 Click on the required network name in the list and
Windows will display a small globe icon on the right then click “Connect”. As this is probably the first
side of the taskbar. You can either click this and select Wi-Fi from the time you are connecting, you will then need to enter the password
quick settings, or you can open the main Settings app > Network & (Network security key) for the network. Click “Next” and as long as
Internet > Wi-Fi (the best route with a brand new connection). the network/password is correct, you should be good to go.

Step 2 Use the slider switch to enable Wi-Fi on your Step 4 To disconnect from the Wi-Fi network at any time,
computer. Now click “Show available networks” open Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi again,
to see a list of the networks within range of your computer. This and click on the networks list. Click the Disconnect button. You can
may take a few seconds to scan and find the networks. Hopefully also choose to Forget the network (sometimes useful for
you will see the Wi-Fi network you want to connect to. troubleshooting connections), in the Manage known networks section.

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 Connecting Your PC to the Internet

Manage Network Settings

We’ll show you how to master your Wi-Fi settings and explain what you need to do if you have a problem
connecting to the Internet.

VPN Settings If you need to log in to a home VPN or Usage Stats In a move designed to keep up with more
corporate network, this is where you will mobile-based computing devices, Windows 11
need to enter the appropriate VPN settings. It’s fairly easy to do but includes a data usage page in Settings too. Here it splits your data
you’ll need the configuration details from your IT help desk (they will between wired and wireless. We’d like to see more advanced settings
have to enable your VPN access), plus your username and password. than this too, so you could see how much data you used on a public
wireless hotspot, for example.

Proxy Settings If you use a proxy server, this is where you Disable Adaptors Another thing you can do is to disable
enter any specific settings to do with that. and re-enable your network adapter (like
However, Windows 11 should automatically detect proxy settings. Note the Wi-Fi card in your laptop). View your network connections by clicking
that the settings you configure here won’t apply if you connect via a VPN, Advanced Network Settings in Network Internet and then right-click the
because a VPN essentially skips the need for a proxy. network connection in question. You can disable or re-enable it.

Mobile Hotspot You can turn your Windows 11 PC into a Flight Mode If you are using a laptop, you will also have
mobile hotspot, sharing your Internet access to Flight mode settings (this can also be
connection with other devices over Wi-Fi. You can share Wi-Fi, ethernet accessed through the Quick settings panel from the home screen).
or cellular data connections. Once enabled, other devices will be able Here you can disable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth individually, or simply use
to see your computer when they search for networks to connect to. the Flight Mode slider switch to disable all wireless connections.

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 Exploring the
Windows 11 Settings
The main settings app in Windows 11 has been completely redesigned, making it
much easier to find everything you need to keep your computer working the way you
need it to. You can find the settings app in the Start menu, or open it by pressing the
Windows Key + I.

1 Account & Search

At the top-left of the settings window,
you will see your Microsoft account name and
email address, along with an avatar image (if you
have chosen one). Clicking this will take you to
the settings Accounts page. Below that is a
search field, allowing you to look for specific
settings within the app.

2 Settings Categories
In the left sidebar are all of the main
settings categories, from System settings to
Windows Update settings. This sidebar remains
visible no matter where you are within the
settings app. Clicking each category heading will
open a list of sub categories.

3 Quick Info Panel

Along the top of several settings
categories you will see relevant information
about the current settings. For example, at the
top of the System settings, you will see the name
of the PC, Windows Update status and links to
OneDrive and Office365. At the top of the
Network & Internet category, you will see the
currently connected network, data usage and
network properties.

4 Settings Sub-categories
This is where you’ll find the individual
settings you can change. Some of the settings can
be controlled using slider switches displayed in
the main sub-category, but most will take you to a
more detailed selection of options when clicked.
Certain details about current settings may be
displayed along the top of the sub-category.

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 Exploring the Windows 11 Settings

Privacy & Security System Settings

The privacy settings contains sections for all of the main These are the core settings for your computer.
areas where your privacy may be compromised, including Things like Display, Sound, Power & Battery and
some which might not be obvious at first. Storage can be found in this settings category.

Bluetooth & Devices

Having trouble with your mouse or printer? This
is where you can access the settings for almost
anything that connects to your computer.

Network & Internet

View, connect to and manage your Wi-Fi,
Network and other Internet settings here. You
can also find a section for adding a VPN, and
setting up a Mobile Hotspot.

Personalisation
If you want to change how Windows 11 looks,
this is the settings category you need to explore.
Change everything from the desktop background
to the Start menu styling.

Apps
Every app or piece of software you have installed
can be viewed and managed from here. You can
also set things like the default apps, and the
apps that run on startup.

Accounts
Manage your account settings, from your Microsoft
account to your Family Safety, in this section. You
can also find your PC sign-in options here.

Time & Language

No surprise that you can change your computers
time and language settings here. You will also
find settings for speech, typing, auto-correct and
advanced keyboard setup.

Windows Update Accessibility

It is important to make sure that your Windows computer If you have additional accessibility needs, you can
is up-to-date with all the latest updates and revisions. Here find lots of settings here to make life easier. From
you can check to see which updates are available to a narrator tool and screen magnifier, to closed
download and install. captioning and mouse and keyboard settings.

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 Using Widgets
in Windows 11
Widgets are desktop app previews, allowing you to see important information from
Windows apps, without needing to actually open those apps. Widgets are not new, but
the way they are managed and displayed in Windows 11 is new.

Wonderful Widgets
If you are not used to using widgets, you could be excused for hardly noticing they are a part of Windows 11.
But once you do start using them, their usefulness becomes obvious.

Step 1 To open the widget panel, click or tap the button Step 3 The exact widgets available to add will vary,
in the Taskbar (the blue and white square icon) depending on which apps you have installed. As
or press Windows key + W on the keyboard. The panel slides out Windows 11 develops, more widgets are likely to be added here,
from the left side of the screen, and will sit over the top of any possibly from third-party developers as well as from Microsoft. To
other apps or windows you currently have open. add new widgets, just click the + button on each.

Step 2 The widget panel is initially split up into three Step 4 After adding widgets, close the account panel
main sections: Widgets, Dsicover, Following, and you will see the added widgets in the panel.
Watch and Play. Scroll down the panel to see more content. At You can move widgets around in the panel by clicking on the top
the top-right is an account icon, which opens a new panel with of the widget and dragging it to the required position. Other
account information and the ability to add new widgets. widgets will rearrange to fit when you do this.

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 Using Widgets in Windows 11

Step 5 To remove a widget, click on the Menu button at Step 8 The news stories further down the Widgets panel
the top-right of the widget and choose “Unpin also allow for some customisation. You can click
Widget” from the menu. You may also see the option to change the X to remove a news story, and you can click the More Menu
the size of the widget in this menu. Not all of the widgets will button to choose to see “More/Fewer stories like this”, or to hide
allow all three of the sizing options. all stories from that particular news source.

Step 6 Some Widgets allow content editing within the Step 9 Clicking on a news story will take you to the
widget. A good example of this is the To Do webpage the story is from. At the top of the News
widget. You can create tasks in the widget by clicking the “Add a section is a wide panel containing Top Stories. These are the top 6
task” button, without having to the open the main To Do app. The news headlines. These will change as you like or dislike stories, or
task then displays instantly in the widget. choose different news sources.

Step 7 Some of the Widgets allow customisation Step 10 At the top of the Widgets panel are your profile
through the More Menu button. The Weather link, refresh and full screen options. The former
widget, for example, lets you set the default location for the makes the Widgets bar fill the screen and the latter updates on
weather forecast that is shown. The Stocks widget lets you current Widgets. These options and the profile link cannot be
change which stock prices are displayed, etc. removed from the Widgets panel, nor can they be moved.

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 Exploring
Microsoft Edge
Edge continues to get better and better, and the latest version in Windows 11 is no
different. You should be familiar with it if you are upgrading from Windows 10, as it
is basically the same version; but let’s take a look at the newest and best features
of Microsoft Edge.

1 Browser & Tab Controls

In the top left corner, where you would
probably expect to find them, are the browser
controls. These include the Home button, the Page
refresh button and the Page forward/Page back
buttons. Also in the top corner is the Tab control,
allowing you to set the tabs vertically, or restore
closed tabs. Right-click on the active tab to see
additional options.

2 Search Fields
There are two search fields in Edge, one at
the top (which is also the address field when viewing
a website), and one which floats at the top or middle
of the start page; depending on the layout you
choose. Use either of these and search suggestions
appear as you begin typing.

3 Recently Viewed/Favourites
A group of icons are displayed for the most
recently visited websites/pages. These automatically
update as you browse, but can also be edited to
show your favourite or most-used sites by clicking on
the + symbol at the end of the row of icons.

4 News Feed
The Start screen of Microsoft Edge is also
a news feed. The news feed is provided by MSN and
is made up of news stories based on your
geographical location. Either the feed is displayed
at the top, or you scroll down to it; depending on
the layout you choose. Click “Personalise” to filter
the news types, and click “Content visible” to
choose how stories are displayed.

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 Exploring Microsoft Edge

5 Favourites Menu 6 Launch

The Hub from the old version of Edge, Remember, if you don’t want to use
which contained favourites, history and a reading Microsoft’s launch page to start using the Internet,
list has gone. Instead, you can access Favourites you can change this via the setting to one of your
and Collections here. The star with a + icon in the own choice. Perhaps you prefer the Google
search field is the button to add a new web page to homepage, or maybe you’ve created your own,
your favourites. unique launch page experience.

7 Collections
Collections are groups of tabs/web pages
that you can save and then instantly return to using
this button. To save a Collection, click the Tab
Controls button at the top-left, and choose “Add all
tabs to collections”.

8 Start Page Layout

You can customise the Start screen in
several ways here. There are three preset layouts:
Informational, Inspirational and Focused. You can
also choose a custom layout, which lets you turn on/
off individual elements, such as pic of the day and
the news feed.

9 Notifications
The small alarm/bell icon opens a list of
top news stories. A badge will appear on top of it to
tell you how many new stories are waiting to be read.
As you browse the news feed, Edge will learn what
type of news you like to read and tailor the
notifications accordingly.

Edge Settings
Alongside options to change the style of the Edge
browser, including changing to a dark theme, are
several important settings. You can choose how the
Edge browser opens, showing the Start page or
another specified page for example. The advanced
settings include options to block pop-ups and allow
Flash Player.

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 How to Use the
Edge Browser
The latest browser, Edge Chromium, is a significant change to the original Edge browser; and
offers a much better experience. Based on the Google Chrome browser, Edge is focused on
modern web standards, privacy and security and has an impressive feature and tool list.

Get Started with Edge

Edge in Windows 11 feels much less clunky than the previous version and already feels more like the most
popular browsers available, such as Chrome or Firefox.

Installing Edge Edge comes pre-installed with Start Page Layout Depending on the layout you chose
Windows 11, and if you have upgraded during setup, the start page will either
from Windows 10 (and were using Edge previously) it should display a news feed or a cleaner page (with the news feed just a
already be set up and working as normal. If you bought a PC with scroll away below it). You can check out the other layouts easily by
Windows 11 installed, or have never used Edge before, it will clicking the Gear icon at the top right and choosing from the menu.
require a bit of setup to begin.

Edge Setup During setup, you have the option to import Search in Edge To search for a website or web page, you
browser data such as bookmarks and can type in the search field at the top
favourites from Google Chrome, choose the initial start page (which is always there), or you can type in the search box floating
layout and set up syncing across devices (other computers, your on the Start page if you prefer. When you type in either box, Edge
phone, etc.) Once installed, Edge opens at the start page. shows a list of suggestions based on what it thinks you require.
The default search engine is Bing.

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 How to Use the Edge Browser

Browser Controls The browser controls are on the Favourites To access Favourites, or bookmarked sites,
top bar. On the far left is: Back, click the button directly to the right of the
Forwards and Refresh Page (Home button can be added in the address bar (star with three lines). Clicking it opens a fly-out list, at
browser settings). On the right are the zoom control, add to the top of which is the option to “Manage favourites”. This opens
favourites, favourites list and collections buttons. There is also the list in a new page, where you can remove or re-order them.
a More button to open the browser menu.

Edge Tabs Clicking the + opens a new tab and clicking InPrivate Window If you want to browse in private
the small X closes the tab. To the left of the mode when using Edge, you can do
tabs is the Tab actions menu button. You can use this to move so easily. To open a new InPrivate tab, click the browser menu
tabs to the side of the window (vertically), create tab collections button at the top right and select “New InPrivate Window”. You
and restore recently closed tabs. Right-click on any tab to see can also open a new private tab by using the keyboard shortcut
additional tab options. Ctrl + Shift + N while Edge is active.

Quick Links As part of the browser window itself, you Edge Menu Click the Menu button (three small dots
find the Quick Links options on the on the top right) to open the Edge menu.
right-hand side. From this listing you can access Bing AI Chat, From this menu, you’re able to access Settings, print a page and
Quick Search, Shopping, Tools, Games, 365, Outlook, Image find words or phrases in the open web page. It also contains
Creator and Drop. You can also add further quick links using the links to Favourites, Collections, History, Downloads, Apps,
+ icon, or close this sidebar using the link below. Extensions and much more.

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How to Use the Edge Browser continued...

Using Bing AI Chat

The use of AI is controversial to say the least (hey, we’ve all seen ‘The Terminator’), yet the inclusion of the
Bing Chat feature directly into the Edge app brings a new, more specific and deeper way to search online.

Ask A Simple Question Having accessed Bing Chat Curating Your Answer Bing Chat attempts to
via the right sidebar, a side answer your question in the
panel opens. First you’re asked to select your conversation style; style of your choice. What follows is a detailed breakdown of the
Creative, Balanced and Precise. The choice is yours to make Bing AI’s response to your question. This response links to any
through experimentation, but let’s start with Precise. Now ask pages or publications referenced, and even poses further
your question in the input bar at the bottom. questions inspired by your original query.

Making Edge Work For You

The direct intergration of linked applications and online accessible features within the Edge browser offers a
unique and almost seemless experience to the user.

On the right sidebar you notice the Quick links option. While The Tools option is also highly recommended. With a simple
each app is worthy of inclusion, here we look at those we use tap or click, you’re given access to the following software
on a daily basis. Firstly the Games option, which links the user without stepping out of the Edge app: Calculator, Unit
to a host of browser-based games, both single and multiplayer, Converter, Translator, Dictionary, World Clock, Timer,
that are accessed via the Edge browser and require no further Stopwatch, Number Converter, OR Code, Random number
software or downloads to play. generators and a Typing Test. All of these are browser based.

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 How to Use the Edge Browser

Personalising Edge
Aside from the customisations to the Start page, you can personalise the look of the browser in several
other ways too.

Light or Dark Theme If you have changed the system Add Browser Controls The default browser controls
theme to light or dark, Edge are Back, Forward and Refresh
should automatically be set to the same. You can, however, page. Open the menu > Settings > Appearance and you can scroll
choose the theme for Edge separately to the system theme. Open down to see more buttons to add. These include Home (including
the Edge menu > Settings, and click Appearance. Choose the light, option to set the URL), Extensions, History, Downloads and
dark or system default theme. strangely, a Maths Solver button.

Edge Themes As well as light or dark, Edge lets you choose Extensions Just like the previous version, Edge Chromium
from about 15 other theme colours, from features extensions, which are downloaded
Morning Fog to Mystical Forest. Go to Edge menu > Settings > Appearance from the Microsoft Store. You can view installed extensions in the
and click on the theme colour you want to apply. This will only apply Browser Menu > Extensions. There are fewer extensions available for
colour to the top bar and tabs. It will not override the light/dark setting. the new version, but this situation will improve as it matures.

Edge Privacy You can view sites that you have blocked from tracking you,
and also allow exceptions if there are sites which you want to
Microsoft seems to be taking users’ privacy choices seriously
allow to track you.
with Edge Chromium, and you now have a much easier way to
control your browsing data and history. The biggest
improvement is Tracking Prevention. You can access these
settings in Browser Menu > Settings > Privacy & Services.

You can choose three different levels of tracking prevention:

Basic, Balanced and Strict. These options all block known
harmful trackers, but how personalised content (such as
adverts) is displayed and how well all website features work,
depends on the level you choose. Our advice is to switch to
Strict and then see how it affects your favourite websites. If
you find things are not displayed as they should be, you can
always switch back to Balanced.

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 Exploring
Windows Mail
Long gone are the days of Microsoft Outlook Express being included with new releases of the
OS, replaced instead by the Microsoft Mail app. This app first appeared in Windows 8, was
vastly improved in Windows 10, and has now been improved yet again for Windows 11.

1 New Mail Button

If you are not replying to an email,
but rather starting a new email, you can do
so in a couple of different ways. You can
either click the New Mail button at the top of
the Mail Menu or you can use the Ctrl-N. Both
methods open a new email in the main
window, with a blank recipient field.

2 Mail Menu
The left-hand menu, which can be
minimised and expanded using the button at
the top of the panel, contains all of your email
accounts (those you have added to Windows
Mail). Click on any of your email account
headers and the individual folders, such as
Inbox and Sent Items, are displayed here also.

3 Calendar App
You can open the Windows
Calendar app directly from within the Mail
app. Click the Mail app icon at the bottom of
the Mail Menu panel and the calendar screen
will open in a second window. If you have
never used the Calendar app before, you will
need to link it to an account.

4 Mail Folder 5 Search

The messages in whichever email The new Windows 11 Mail
folder you have selected are shown in this App incorporates the same
panel. By default, the most recent emails are redeveloped background code that
at the top of the list. You can change how the Windows Explorer uses. What this
emails are viewed, so that only unread or means is that any searches you conduct
flagged emails are displayed, using the will be quicker, and more efficient than
dropdown menu at the top of the inbox. previous versions of the app.

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 Exploring Windows Mail

6 Mail Settings 7 Message Format

The settings for the Mail app How messages appear can differ
allow you to easily add accounts, change depending on the type of account you’ve
how emails are displayed when they specified and setup. For example, Google
arrive, whether outgoing emails have a and Gmail emails accounts may look
signature (which can be customised) slightly different to those of iCloud or
added to them, as well as how you are Yahoo!. This is mainly due to the way that
notified of new emails in Windows 11. the different mail providers encode their
messages and delivery systems.

8 Message Options
In a row along the top of the main
message window are the message options.
These include Reply, Reply All, Forward,
Archive and Delete emails; more options can
be seen by clicking the Menu button to the
right. The message options only appear when
viewing a received message.

9 Message Tools
Roll over or click on any of the
messages in your inbox, sent items or drafts
folders and three icons will appear. These let
you quickly Archive, Delete or Flag any
message directly in the folder panel. Archived
messages can be recovered at any time and
returned to the inbox if required.

10 Main Message Window

When you start a new email or
select an email in one of the mail folders, it
will appear in the main message window. As
you would normally, you can scroll down to
view all of the messages shown. You can roll
over the address in the To: field, to see more
contact details.

Customise Mail
You can customise how the Email app looks
in a number of ways, from simple changes
like choosing between a light and dark
theme, to setting the overall colour and
changing the background image for the app.
To personalise the Mail app, click the
Settings button and select “Personalisation”.

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 How to Set Up
the Mail App
The Mail app has barely changed in the update, remaining a simple and easy way to have
all of your emails in one place. If you have updated from Windows 10, your email should
already be up and running. But if not, here’s how to set up the Mail app in Windows 11.

Setting Up Email Accounts

The Windows 11 email client can be used to view emails from multiple accounts, from your POP3 Internet
provider account, to Microsoft Exchange, Gmail and even Apple’s iCloud.

Step 1 If opening Mail for the first time, you will be Step 3 Click the email account type you want to set up
greeted by a welcome screen, containing a link to first. We are going to start with the POP, IMAP
“+Add account”. Click this to open the list of available account option. Enter the email address, sender name and password for
types. You will need the server, password and other information your account. You can get this info from your email service
required for each email account you want to add to Mail. provider if you don’t have it to hand. Then click “Sign in”.

Step 2 You can add accounts from many popular providers Step 4 The app will try to look for the server settings
including Google, Yahoo! and Apple’s iCloud. You needed to set this email account up. If it finds
can also set up other more specialist accounts if you have the details. them, you should be finished. If not, you will need to add the
Finally, there’s also an option to add a Microsoft Exchange account, if settings manually. If this is the case, click “Cancel” and then
your workplace uses that (including Office 365). select the “Advanced setup” option in the account list.

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 How to Use the Email App

Step 5 Choose the relevant option (in our case, this is Step 8 Having more than one email account set up in
“Internet email”), and enter all of the required Mail can be slightly confusing. To help with
information; including the incoming/outgoing mail server addresses. this, the app allows you to Link Inboxes. This puts all of the
With all of the information added, click the Sign in button. If emails from your linked accounts into one inbox. To do this,
everything was entered correctly, that account is now set up. click Settings > Manage accounts > Link inboxes. Select the
accounts that you want to link.

Step 6 To add an additional account after setting up the Step 9 To manage or delete any of the email accounts
first one, simply click the settings button in the you have set up, click Settings > Manage Accounts
bottom-left corner of the Mail app window, select Manage Accounts, and then click on the account you want to manage from the list of
and then +Add account. Select the account type and repeat the accounts. You can then change the password, account name,
steps above to add the second, third or fourth account to Mail. mailbox sync settings, or delete the account from the Mail app.

Step 7 If you’re adding a Google account, click the option in Step 10 Your accounts are shown in the left sidebar of the
the account setup list and you’ll get the familiar mail app. Select them here to view the different
pop-up appearing inviting you to enter your username and password. folders for each account (inbox, sent mail, etc.), if you have not
If you have Google’s two-step authentication enabled, you’ll get a text linked the inboxes. If you don’t see the left sidebar, click the
message to confirm your identity before you can continue. Expand button at the top-left of the Mail app window.

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How to Use the Email App continued...

Using the Mail App

With your email accounts set up, you can now start using the app to send and receive emails. You can also
personalise how the app looks, and start using the advanced features.

Reading Emails Emails will appear automatically in your Mail Folders Open the Mail app menu on the left and you will
inbox as and when they arrive. New emails see the Favourites section. The inbox is listed
will be displayed with a highlight in the list. Click any email in the here as well, but to see more folders, click “More”. Here you can find the
inbox list to open it in the main panel on the right. You can search for Outbox, Drafts, Sent items, Deleted items and Junk Mail folders. Click
emails using the Mail Search field at the top of the inbox panel. on any of them to see the emails in those folders.

Writing Emails Click the New mail button in the Mail app Email Attachments Adding file attachments to emails in
menu (the + button if the menu is collapsed). the Mail app is easy. Write your email,
The blank email will appear in the main panel. Enter the recipient’s and then click the Insert tab at the top. Here you can find the option for
address, subject and then write your email text. Basic text formatting attaching files. Click the link and browse to the file you want to attach.
options are available at the top of the email. Click “Send” when finished. Click “Open” and a thumbnail of the attachment will appear in the email.

Responding to Emails When viewing any email in the Inserting Images As well as the button to include
Mail app, you will see a number attachments, the Insert tab features a
of options at the top of the email panel. These include Reply, Picture button so you can insert an image into your email; as
Reply All and Forward, etc., (all of the normal email options). Click opposed to just sending it as an attached file. Once inserted, you
reply and you can start typing your reply, with the original email can select it with your mouse and adjust its size (drag the corners
included above your reply. as you can see in the example shown here).

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 How to Use the Email App

Customise the Mail App

There are several ways to customise the Mail app to better suit your needs, from changing the background
image and accent colour, to adding a signature and the display font.

Background Image The background of the Mail app is Signature The default signature for the Mail app is
set to an image by default. This is “Sent from Mail for Windows”. The
purely decorative, and can be changed. Open Settings > General. signature is automatically added to the end of your email
Appearence in the Mail app, then scroll to the bottom to see the message, but can be changed or turned off completely if not
different backgrounds available. Alternatively you can switch to needed. Go to Settings > Signature, choose an account/all
Dark Mode from this link. accounts and write your signature in the pane.

Mail App Colour The colour tint on the Mail app menu Notifications You can easily control how you are
(on the left) and the colour of the notified of new emails. Go to Settings >
accents such as buttons and highlights, can also be changed in the Notifications, and you can control whether notifications are shown
Personalisation settings. Just click a colour block to change it. You in the Notification center (Action center), if a sound is played and if
can also change the theme of the app from light to dark here, or pinned folders have notifications. As with other settings, you can
use the Windows theme setting. apply to one account or all.

Email Font The default font for your emails is Calibri Classic Display If you are already familair with a
Body, unless you have changed it in the main Windows based operating system
system fonts options. This can be changed for any and all of your email you can revert to the classic Outlook email control layout by
accounts. Using the Font and layout customisation features which are select the Layout pop up menu by tapping the downward arrow
accessed when sending an email, directly below the New Message bar. on the right side. Selecting the Classic ribbon option.

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 Search in
Windows 11
It’s hard to describe just how much better Search is in Windows 11, than in previous
versions. Microsoft have done a lot to try to match the search functions on offer in rival
operating systems, and the results can be seen in the new search feature.

Step 1 If you need to search for anything on your Step 3 Search results are displayed in sections (best
Windows 11 PC, the taskbar search tool is now match, apps, folders, etc.) so that you know what
the place to do it. The search field in the taskbar from Windows you are looking at. Apps will be displayed with their icon next to
10 is no longer there. You can also access search through the Start them. Folders will have a folder icon and images will be shown as
menu, or by pressing Windows key + S on your keyboard. small thumbnails, within the search results panel.

Step 2 In addition to files and folders, you can search for Step 4 You can further filter the results that have
web results and apps. When you first click in the appeared after you search by clicking on the
search box you will see three tabs along the bottom that let you titles of the results section in the panel. This lets you filter various
choose what to search for; but even if you don’t click one of these, results, even music or video. Suggested search results can be
the search function is smart enough to return results from all. previewed by clicking the right-facing arrow next to them.

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 Search in Windows 11

Search Settings and Tools

You have quite a lot of control over exactly how search provides you with search results, and what
information it stores about your search history.

Safe Search Sometimes web search results may show Search History Search History can help to provide better
content that is not suitable for the younger search results. It can also be turned off,
audience, which is the reason Cortana also offers search filters. Go just like the Device History. Head in to Settings > Permissions &
to Settings > Cortana > Permissions and History, and under History and use the toggle to turn it off. If you click Search History
SafeSearch, select the search filter that is most appropriate for you. Settings a browser window opens showing the history.

Cloud Search Cloud search is an option introduced in File Explorer Search You can always search for files and
Windows 10, which allows you to suppress folders in File Explorer as you could
cloud content on search results. Under Cloud Search, you will see a in previous versions of Windows. With the new taskbar search you
toggle that says Windows Cloud Search. This option manages won’t need to use this as often as you did, but it’s still there if you
whether Cortana shows cloud content in Windows Search. need it. We don’t find it as quick as the taskbar search, though.

Device History This setting allows for the improvement of Searching in Settings Windows 11 allows you to
on-device search results, whether you are search for settings from within
using an app, settings or another search from any signed on device. If the Settings app. Open the app and you will see the search box
you prefer that Windows does not record the on-device search history, right at the top, underneath the window title. Possible results are
you can switch this option off in Settings > Permissions & History. displayed as you type, just like a normal search, but the results
will only be from settings, nowhere else.

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 Inside the
Calendar App
The Windows 11 Calendar app is a fully integrated planning tool that can be linked up to
your email accounts and easily synced to your other Windows devices. You can add new
events manually, or you can simply use it to view national and public holidays; all of
which are automatically added based on your location.

1 Add New Event

There are two main ways
to add a new event to your calendar.
You can either click on the date in the
main window or, if the date you want
is not in view, you can click the New
Event button here. You can then add
an event name, location, and a start
and end date. Give the event a short
description, especially if you plan to
share it with a contact. You can do
that by adding people using the pane
on the right of the Add Event screen.

2 Monthly View
No matter which view you
choose for the main Calendar pane -
day, week, etc. - the month preview
always shows a full month. You can
use the arrows above the mini
calendar to skip to different months
and clicking on a date brings that
date into view on the main Calendar
pane. The current day is highlighted
in the Month Preview.

3 Linked Calendars
Your calendar can be
linked to your email account, which is
shown here. If you are using Gmail for
your email account, and have any
calendars set up in Google Calendar,
these are also shown here. You can
use the checkboxes to select and
deselect calendars from showing in
the main pane; each is colour coded,
so you know from which custom
calendar an event comes.

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 Inside the Calendar App

Calendar Updates 4 Calendar Pane

The new Windows 11 Calendar app is one of a The main Calendar pane,
number of apps that Microsoft are actively however you choose to view it with
updating on a regular basis. Features were the View buttons, contains several
removed and added even in the first few months different bits of useful information.
of Windows 11’s launch, and there’s more to Public and national holidays are
come. Whether any of the previous features that automatically added, based on
were removed will return is anyone’s guess, as location. The current day is
Microsoft is remaining silent. But, with each new accentuated in your chosen highlight
update, the Calendar gets better, so keep an eye colour. Weather and temperature
on it and see how it evolves over time. information is shown for the current
day, along with a few days after.
Clicking the weather symbol opens
the Weather app.

5 Add Event
Click on any day in the
main pane, or any hourly slot in day
view, and a mini Add Event pane
opens. You can use this to add an
event to your calendar quickly. The
pane includes event name, time-slots
and location; it also lets you choose
into which custom calendar you want
to add it. If you choose to add more
details, click the More Details button,
if not, click Done to add the event.

6 Calendar
Settings
Alongside various customisation
settings, such as the ability to choose
light and dark themes and change
the default highlight colour, are
settings for adding new email
accounts and changing the default
view. You can also add public or
national holidays manually, in
Calendar Settings, if they have not
been correctly added automatically.

7 Switch to Tabs
The Mail and Calendar
apps are closely linked, and you can
quickly switch between the two using
the buttons here. Receive an email
with an appointment in it, and you
can quickly add it to your calendar
using the tools in the Mail app. You
can also quickly switch to the People
app and the ToDo app using the tabs/
buttons here.

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 Dates & Appointments
with Calendar
Digital calendars are no longer the preserve of business people scheduling appointments
via email. With mobile phones now our new diaries, digital calendars are being used by
increasing numbers of people to organise their busy lives. Welcome to Calendar.

Setting Up Calendars
The calendar can be a great productivity tool. We’ll show you how to set up your calendar, arrange events
and change settings, so your calendar is exactly the way you want it.

Adding Calendars Like Windows 11’s email app, Allow Location You’ll be asked to enable location access
Calendar also enables you to add for Mail and Calendar. This is
multiple accounts; and from different providers too. So whether predominantly for one simple reason – Calendar shows you the
you use an Outlook calendar at work or have shared Google weather for your location each day. You can always revoke access
calendars, you can join them all together in the Calendar app. via the Settings app. Go to Location and you can turn off
To Start click on Add Accounts. Calendar’s access to Location.

Sign In to Calendars Now add the accounts you want Calendar Settings The calendar settings are fairly
to use in Calendar. You can do basic, boiling down to adding
this at any point you choose via Settings > Accounts. From there accounts, changing the appearance and setting the weather
you can easily add an Outlook.com, Exchange, Google or iCloud region. The only other settings are the controls to how the
calendar; or enter advanced settings for any other calendars you calendars are displayed (First day of week, Days in work week,
may have from other providers. Week numbers on/off, etc.).

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 Dates and Appointments in Calendar

Creating and Managing Events

In the Calendar app, the appointments and reminders you add manually are called Events. You can add
multiple events to each day, add emojis and set events to repeat.

Step 1 The default view when opening the Calendar is the Step 4 You can also choose to set repeat events – just click
month view. You can switch to the different views the Repeat button in the toolbar when you’re
(Day, Week, Month and Year) using the buttons along the top of the creating a new event. Check the days you want. You can repeat daily,
calendar. There is also a button here to take the view back to the weekly, monthly or yearly, depending on what you need to do. You
current day, if you have been browsing future or past months. can even set a date when the repeated events end.

Step 2 Click the New Event button in the top left. Add the Step 5 You’re also able to assign different colours to
name of the event, a location should you wish to, different calendar accounts. Each calendar
plus start and end dates and times. You’re also able to invite people account you add will automatically be assigned a different colour.
by email using the field on the right-hand side. This will then insert You can then change this assigned colour by clicking the arrow next
the event into their calendar as well. to the calendar name and choosing from the pop out menu.

Step 3 You can also add events by clicking on the Step 6 One of the best things about the Windows 11
relevant date block (or time block in Day view), Calendar app is how admirably it copes with
and then adding the event details in the quick event pop-up box. If multiple calendars. So providing they invite your account (or you
you want to see the full, new event screen at this point, you can invite them), you’re able to easily share events with others. If you do
click the “More details” link in the quick event box. share, you can set certain events as private, so only you see them.

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 Personalising
Windows 11
As with all recent versions of Windows, you can completely change the look and feel of
Windows 11 to suit your own needs or style. From the desktop wallpaper to the colour
themes everything can be customised and personalised.

Change the Desktop Background

The desktop personalisation procedure hasn’t changed much since Windows 10, so if you’ve used that OS
before this will feel very familiar.

Step 1 You can get started with personalising the Step 3 To select your own pictures for the background,
Windows 11 desktop in exactly the same way you click on Browse photos in the Choose a photo
did with Windows 10. For anyone completely new to Windows, that section and navigate to the folder containing the images you
means right-clicking anywhere on the desktop screen and selecting want to use. For best results, use pictures that have the same
Personalise from the action menu that appears. aspect ratio (i.e. widescreen landscape), as your monitor screen.

Step 2 The Background settings will be displayed first by Step 4 To set a picture as your desktop background, simply
default. Click the first drop-down menu to select click on it. It will instantly be set as your new
whether to use the default backgrounds, solid colours or choose to desktop background image (a preview will display). The screen shows
display folders of your own images. Your choices here changes what is you the last five images used or you can click the Browse button to
displayed in the background settings. choose a new one from your folders.

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 Personalising Windows 11

Step 5 If you opt for Slideshow, you will see some Step 6 If you choose to set your desktop background as a
additional options to choose from. You can set the solid colour, you will see a grid of about 25 colours
interval for the slide show from the ‘Change picture every’ menu that you can choose from. If you want to use a colour not shown in
and decide how you’d like the images to fit on the screen by the grid, click on the View colours option and use the colour picker to
clicking the ‘Choose a fit’ menu. select the exact colour you want to apply.

Setting Accent Colours

By accent colours we mean the colour of the taskbar, the Start menu and the frames of new windows and so
on, that you open on your computer.

Step 1 Aside from the desktop background, you can also Step 3 To apply a colour other than light or dark to the
change the colour of the taskbar and the Start taskbar, Start menu and other accents, you need to
menu and other system components. Click on the Colours option in first select Dark mode, then select a colour from the grid of colours
the main Settings sidebar. Here you will see several colour control and then select the option below that to “Show accent colour on Start
options, including the option to choose light or dark mode. and Taskbar”. You can also apply it to title bars and borders.

Step 2 Light mode is the default that Windows 11 is set to Step 4 If you need to set the colour scheme to high
when installed. Select Dark mode to see an contrast (if, for example, you have a vision
immediate and obvious change. Dark mode affects most menus like the impairment), you can access several preset colour themes from the
taskbar, Start menu and folders etc. The third option is Custom, which Colours menu. You will see a preview of the different themes, and can
lets you choose light/dark modes separately for system and apps. then apply the one you like from the drop-down menu.

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Personalising Windows 11 continued...

Modifying Themes
There are several themes preset in Windows 11. These can be applied at the click of a button, and then
further customised to suit your needs.

Step 1 You can find the preset themes in Settings > Step 3 Further down the page are five more preset themes
Personalisation > Themes. The current theme is displayed in a panel. Simply click each one to
displayed at the top of the page, with details about background, activate it and apply the changes. Minimise the Settings app to see
colour, sounds and mouse cursor displayed next to it. Each of these the changes to the background, etc. As with the default theme, the
details can be clicked to go to a section where you can edit it. details of the new theme are displayed at the top of the page.

Step 2 Each time you make a change using these links, Step 4 At the bottom of the themes settings page are a
return to the Themes section to see the changes in few more links, taking you directly to desktop icon
the preview window, or minimise the Settings app to see the settings and high/low contrast themes. Desktop icon settings are
desktop. When you are happy with all of the changes, click “Save” separate to the themes, so if you change these, they will remain
and the theme will be set and added to the other themes. even if you then go back and choose a new theme.

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 Using Windows Back up

Using
Windows Back up
It may seem odd to be reading a guide to backing up your device while we are still
working through the core functionality. We can assure you that is not the case, as backing
up your device regularly is essential to protecting your files and your hardware.

Activating and using Windows Back up

Your files and your data are as precious as your tablet, desktop or laptop computer itself. Use this guide to
protect your entire Windows 11-powered environment.

Step 1 Using the Search bar, enter the term “Windows Step 3 An apps back up ensures any installed applications
Back Up” to quickly locate the application. From and related data are added to your back up. A
the results, click on the app to open it in a small window that’s Settings back up retains all personal preferences you have made to
accessible from the desktop. Your devices core details are your system, from personalisation to accessibility. Again, both are
displayed here, and also the date of any available back ups. recommended additions to your back up.

Step 2 Below this info, you can customise the data, Step 4 Finally, when selected ‘Credentials’ saves your
settings and file you wish to back up. These are personal settings, from passwords to wi-fi
broken down accordingly Folders, Apps, Settings and networks. Again we suggest adding this data to all back ups. Once
Credentials. By activating Folders in back up you add any files, you’ve made your selections, click Back Up. The app then stores
photos and documents; we advise doing so. all your selections. Repeat this process regularly.

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 10 Ways to get more
from Copilot
The Copilot app is one of the most intriguing additions to Windows 11’s portfolio of
amazing features since its launch. As the use of AI in our delay life slowly increases,
Copilot provides an expansive showcase of how far this technology has progressed since
Cortana retired. What follows is our ten steps to getting the best from Copilot.

From Set Up to reaching for the stars

As the key part of the 2023 Windows 11 update and the replacement for the rather poor former Windows AI
assistant Cortana, Copilot is packed with features. Let’s take a look at our top picks.

Step 1 Copilot is a new feature of Microsoft’s major 2023 Step 3 Interaction with Copilot is performed via your
Windows 11 software update, so before we start voice or direct keyboard input, using the ‘Ask me
let’s check you have the application installed. If you have, the anything...’ input bar at the base of the Copilot panel. Click the
quick launch link is automatically added to the task bar. If it’s not microphone icon to interact using your voice or click on the Ask
there, you need to perform an update. me anything text to enter your request via the keyboard.

Step 2 When you open Copilot, via the quick launch or Step 4 Now we’re set up, let’s start using Copilot. One
Win+C, you’re given three ‘conversation styles’ you core area of the app is using it to perform simple
can choose from; Creative, Balanced and Precise. This choice operational tasks on your Windows 11 device. For example, if you
massively changes your Copilot experience, and we would advise you select the Precise conversation style and ask Copilot to “Send an
to make the choice based on your task/question. email”, it then asks you if you wish to open Outlook.

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 ǔǓ
4.
/*
" /
(*-
!-*( *+$'*/

Step 5 After your initial request Copilot remembers your Step 8 An area in which Copilot quickly becomes an
choices. The app often asks you a question related essential service is the short question input.
to your request. For example, having elected to send an email, Need a recipe? Ask. Want to compare an iPhone to Samsung
Copilot offers to draft this message for you, based on the basic Galaxy smartphone? Ask. Want the latest sports scores, movie
content structure you have provided for you to send. reviews, news, a store’s opening times or tech support? Ask.

Step 6 The more you use Copilot, the better and more Step 9 You can also ask Copilot to identify an item,
personal the experience becomes. The app is keen object or individual from an image. Drag the
to learn more about you, and asks you questions to build its image to the input bar and ask, “What is this image?” With this or
knowledge base. For example, ask it for the latest sports scores and any question you can also ask to translate the description to
the app asks your favourite team. another language. Copilot then gives its response.

Step 7 Let’s ask it to write a poem about the Autumn. Select Step 10 Your interactions with Copilot are displayed as a
the Creative style and enter the request into the dialogue flow, which can be explored using the
input bar. Did you enjoy its work? Let Copilot know by selecting the slider on the right. Once you’ve finished your interaction, click the
thumbs up/down options from the Copy link top-right of the piece, or three dots at the top of the panel and click Refresh to clear the
Copy to move the text to another document. chat. Your interaction is stored by the app itself.

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 Windows 11
Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts are a useful way to speed up navigating your way around Windows
11, especially if you are using a laptop with a touchpad. There are literally hundreds to
learn, but here are some of the most useful keyboard shortcuts for everyday use.

Basic Keyboard Shortcuts Windows key + Ctrl + Left Arrow Switch to virtual
________________________________________ desktop on the left
Ctrl+C _______________________________Copy the selected item Windows key + Ctrl + F4 Close the virtual
Ctrl+X ________________________________ Cut the selected item ______________________________________ desktop you’re using
Ctrl+V ______________________________ Paste the selected item Windows key + Home Minimise all but the
Ctrl+Z _____________________________________ Undo an action ____________________________________ active desktop window
Alt+Tab __________________________ Switch between open apps Windows key + Up arrow Stretch the desktop window to the
Alt+F4 _____________________Close an active item, or exit an app _______________________________ top and bottom of the screen
Shift+Delete_________ Delete item without moving to Recycle Bin Windows key + Down arrow Restore desktop windows
Ctrl+Shift+Esc _______________________ Open the Task Manager ________________________________ vertically, maintaining width
Windows key + plus or minus ____ Zoom in or out using Magnifier
Windows Key Shortcuts Windows key + Esc ___________________________ Exit Magnifier

Windows key _____________________________ Open Start menu

Windows Snap Shortcuts
Windows key + A ___________________Open Quick Settings panel
Windows key + S ______________________________ Open Search Windows key + Up Arrow ____________ Maximise current window
Windows key + C __________________________ Open Teams Chat Windows key + Down Arrow _____________ Restores window size
Windows key + Tab __________________________Open Task view Windows key + Left Arrow _____ Snaps current window to the left
Windows key + I __________________ Open Windows 11 Settings Windows key + Right Arrow Snaps current window
Windows key + W _______________________ Open Widgets panel ______________________________________________ to the right
Windows key + E _________________________ Open File Explorer Windows key + 2 Arrow Keys Snaps current window
Windows key + R _________________________ Open the Run app ___________________________________________ into one corner
Windows key + V ________________________ Open the Clipboard
Windows key + G ____________________Open the Xbox Game Bar
Taskbar Shortcuts
Windows key + N ____________________ Open Notifications panel
Windows key + X ________________ Open a system context menu Shift + click a taskbar button Open an app or quickly open
Windows key + U ___________________Open Accessibility settings _________________________________ another instance of an app
Windows key + L ______________ Lock your PC or switch accounts Ctrl + Shift + click a taskbar button Open an app as an
Windows key + H ___________________ Open Voice typing control ____________________________________________ administrator
Windows key + T ____________ Cycle through apps on the Taskbar Shift + right-click a taskbar button Show the window
Windows key + comma __________________ Peek at the desktop _________________________________________ menu for the app
Windows key + D ________________ Display and hide the desktop Shift + right-click a grouped taskbar button Show the window
Windows key + Ctrl + D__________________ Add a virtual desktop _______________________________________ menu for the group
Windows key + Ctrl + Right Arrow Switch to virtual Ctrl + click a grouped taskbar button Cycle through the
_______________________________________desktop on the right _____________________________________ windows of the group

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 Windows 11 Keyboard Shortcuts

Typing Shortcuts Ctrl + Shift + greater than (>) _______________ Increase font size
Ctrl + Shift + less than (<) __________________Decrease font size
Ctrl + C ______________________________Copy the selected item Ctrl + Shift + A _________________________ Change to all capitals
Ctrl + D Delete the selected item and Ctrl + Shift + L ___________________________Change bullet style
__________________________________ move it to the Recycle Bin Ctrl + Home ___________________ Go to the beginning of the doc
Ctrl + R ___________________________Refresh the active window Ctrl + End ___________________________Go to the end of the doc
Ctrl + V _____________________________ Paste the selected item
Ctrl + S ____________________________________Save document
Movies & TV Shortcuts
Ctrl + Y ____________________________________ Redo an action
Ctrl + Z ____________________________________ Undo an action Alt + Enter _________________________________ Play full-screen
Ctrl + Right arrow Move the cursor to the Esc_______________________________________Leave full-screen
_________________________________ beginning of the next word Enter ________________________________ Select what is in focus
Ctrl + Left arrow Move the cursor to the Spacebar ___________________________________ Play or pause
______________________________beginning of the previous word Alt + Left arrow key _______________________________ Go back
Ctrl + Down arrow Move the cursor to the Ctrl + T _______________________________ Turn repeat on or off
_____________________________ beginning of the next paragraph F7 ________________________________________Mute the sound
Ctrl + Up arrow Move the cursor to the beginning F8 _________________________________________ Volume down
__________________________________ of the previous paragraph F9 ____________________________________________Volume up
Ctrl + Shift with an arrow key ____________ Select a block of text
Microsoft Edge Shortcuts
Wordpad Shortcuts
Ctrl + Shift + B ____________________Show/hide the favorites bar
Ctrl + 1 ______________________________ Set single line spacing Ctrl + Shift + D ________Save all open tabs as favourites to a folder
Ctrl + 2 _____________________________ Set double line spacing Alt + D ______________________ Select the URL in the address bar
Ctrl + A _________________________________________ Select all Ctrl + E ________________ Open a search query in the address bar
Ctrl + B _____________________________ Make selected text bold Ctrl + F ______________________________________ Find on page
Ctrl + C ___________________________________ Copy a selection Ctrl + Shift + L ____________________________ Paste and search
Ctrl + E ___________________________________ Align text center Ctrl + N ________________________________Open a new window
Ctrl + F ______________________________Search for text in a doc Ctrl + Shift + N __________________Open a new InPrivate window
Ctrl + H __________________________ Replace text in a document Ctrl + P __________________________ Print the current web page
Ctrl + I ________________________________ Italicise selected text Ctrl + R _____________________________Reload the current page
Ctrl + J _______________________________________ Justify text Ctrl + S ______________________________ Save the current page
Ctrl + L ______________________________________Align text left Ctrl + T ____________________________ Open and use a new tab
Ctrl + N _____________________________Create a new document Ctrl + Shift + U ______________________ Start or stop Read Aloud
Ctrl + O __________________________Open an existing document Ctrl + Shift + V ______________________Paste without formatting
Ctrl + P __________________________________ Print a document Ctrl + W _______________________________ Close the current tab
Ctrl + R _____________________________________Align text right Ctrl + Shift + W_____________________ Close the current window
Ctrl + S _____________________________________ Save changes
Ctrl + U _____________________________ Underline selected text Take the time to learn your keyboard shortcuts for
Windows 11, and you’ll be opening, closing, moving,
Ctrl + V ___________________________________Paste a selection
creating and modifying everything on your desktop with
Ctrl + X ______________________________________Cut selection ease. You don’t have to learn them all, but make yourself
familiar with the basics of each app you use, and you’ll be
Ctrl + Y ______________________________________Redo change
maximising your workflow in no time.
Ctrl + Z _____________________________________ Undo change

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Do More with
Windows 11
Want to do more with Windows 11 and its new features?
Excellent, then this is the chapter for you. Within the coming
pages, you’ll learn how to utilise Microsoft’s apps to your best
advantage, and how to get to grips with some of the more
technical aspects of the operating system. From learning how
OneDrive works through to navigating with Maps, and exploring
Windows 11’s interesting interactive features, there’s something
for every user here.

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 Do More with Windows 11

Microsoft Store

Using OneD
he
Exploring t

rive Cloud S
Connect Yo

torage
u
r Phone to Y
our PC

Edit Your Photos

age and
How to Man

“Learn how to purchase additional apps,

media and games, make video calls with
Teams and Skype, connect additonal
devices to your Windows 11 powered
hardware and so much more.”

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 Exploring the
Microsoft Store
If the Desktop, Widgets, Notifications and new apps weren’t enough of an update for
you, then you’re in luck as Microsoft has also updated and revamped its online Store.
Giving you access to the best apps
and entertainment.

1 New Look
The Microsoft Store has a
new look to it, in-line with the rest of
the Windows 11 theme and desktop.
You’ll find the Store located by
default in the taskbar.

2 Categories
Quick access to the main
categories: Apps, Gaming and Films &
TV are available to the left-side of the
Store window. Click each one to be
taken to specific pages where you
can find the latest content.

3 Library
The Library contains all
the apps you currently have
installed on your system. From
here you can further break them
down into sub-categories such as
Games, Movies & TV, etc. You can
also check their update status, pin
them to the Start or taskbar, and
even open them.

4 Top Apps
Scrolling down through
the Store will reveal the most
popular, Top Free, Essential and New
content available. Simply click on
one of the tiles, and you’ll be taken to
5 Install
the content’s Store front. Once you have found the app or
game you want to install, click on the icon to
open the app info screen. This screen displays
the average app score, user reviews and
similar app suggestions; as well as a list of
features and updates. Click the Free, Buy or
Try button to install the software.

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 Exploring the Microsoft Store

6 Featured Offers
Periodically, the Store will
feature offers for its users. This could
be a free 30 day trial, or other
download offers. Click on the link to
read more about the offer and then
follow the instructions to take
advantage of it.
7 Search
If you’re looking for
something specific, then rather than
trawling through the categories, use
the Search function to find it, and
other apps and content relating to it.
The Windows 11 Store search is much
faster than previous versions.

8 Profile
Clicking your name in the
upper-right of the Store window will
display the profile you’re logged in
as. From here you can setup payment
methods, redeem gift cards and
manage Windows computers under
your Microsoft login.

9 See All
You can click the See All
links throughout the Microsoft Store
to reveal all the apps under a general
category, or simply all the ones
currently available with a special
offer, for example. Drilling down
further can often yield some great
apps and bargains.

10 App Information
Featured apps will also
scroll horizontally across the screen,
depending on what’s currently
trending, or based on apps you’ve
searched for or installed previously.
Some contain videos, so be sure to
click on them for more information
when they appear.

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 How to use the
Windows App Store
The Windows App Store has been updated, and given a new look fresh for Windows 11.
It’s now designed to be more efficient and easier to get to the apps you want; and those
that are trending or highlighted by Microsoft.

Go Shopping
With more content, and more to explore, there’s a lot to cover in the Windows 11 App Store. Here’s how it
works, and some of the highlights.

Step 1 The Windows App Store is located, by default, Step 3 Every app in the App Store will behave in the
within the new taskbar. It’s easy to identify, it’s same manner: there will be screen shots of the
the carrier bag icon with the Microsoft logo. Click it, and as long app along the top, a short description, rating and reviews from
as you’re signed into a valid Microsoft account, it will launch with other users, and in the left-hand pane you will find a brief
the latest trending and highlighted apps displayed. summary of the app. Also, in the left-hand pane, is a Get button.
To install VLC, click on the Get button.

Step 2 Let’s run through locating and installing an app Step 4 The information below the Get button will
from the App Store. In the Search box, located at change, displaying the amount of time left to
the top of the Store window, enter: VLC. In case, you’re download through the number of megabytes (or more) remaining
wondering, VLC is a free, cross-platform media player. In the from the total. When it’s downloaded, there’ll be a brief
Search bar, there will be a number of returned results, click the installation display, and when that’s done the button will change
VLC UWP entry with the traffic cone icon. to read, Open.

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 How to use the Windows App Store

Step 5 Click on the Open button and the app will Step 8 The App category simply removes the Gaming
launch. This will work for most, if not all the and Films & TV entries in the Home screen, to
available apps on the App Store. Some may require further steps, help you find what you’re looking for without unnecessary
such as signing into a third-party account – the Twitter app, for content getting in the way. Scrolling down through the Apps
example, requires you to have a Twitter account. section reveals best selling apps, collections, and specific apps
such as productivity, photo and video editing and so on.

Step 6 Sadly, you can’t remove an app via the App Store. Step 9 The Gaming category does the same, but
To remove an App Store installed app, locate it removes the other apps and retains all the apps
within the taskbar Start button, right-click the app, and select relating to games. Again, you can scroll down to reveal top free
Uninstall from the list. This will remove the app, and any associated games, highest rated, top paid, and special deals that may be
elements that were installed by the App Store. Anything you’ve currently running on the App Store. Films & TV is identical in
added outside the App Store may remain, however. behaviour, but displays the latest titles to rent or buy.

Step 7 You’ll notice that down the left-hand panel of the Step 10 The Library section will detail all the apps you
App Store Home screen, are a number of currently have installed on your Windows 11
category icons: Home, Apps, Gaming, Films & TV; and further system. These can be further broken down into Apps, Games
down the screen, Library and Help. The Home button will return and Movies & TV; as well as the apps that are included in
you to the main Home screen, click the Apps button next. Windows 11 by default. You can also check for any app updates,
and Share the app across other devices.

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 How to Use
Teams Chat
Online meetings have been a big thing recently, so the addition of Microsoft Teams to
Windows 11 makes sense. You’ll need a Microsoft Teams account set up to use the chat
and video meeting tools, but once you have, remote working becomes a whole lot easier.

Setting Up the Teams App

Getting started with Microsoft Teams on Windows 11 is relatively easy if you have a Teams account already
set up, which we assume you do if you are trying to use this app.

Step 1 Click the Teams Chat icon in the taskbar, or open Step 3 Once signed in to your Teams account, the main
the Teams app in the main apps list. If your app window will open. If you automatically
Microsoft account email matches the one you use when setting signed in by clicking the Chat icon (step 1), you can access the
up your Teams account, the app should automatically detect it, Teams app by clicking the “Open Microsoft Teams” link at the
and log you in to the app after a few moments. bottom of the chat pop-up window on the taskbar.

Step 2 If the app doesn’t recognise your email address, it Step 4 You can invite people to Teams using the button on
will open the Teams login screen. Here you can the left sidebar. Clicking this will create a link that
choose an account to sign in to (if any are displayed), or you can you can send to anyone you want to join Teams. You can invite
pick another account. If you have yet to set up an account, you can people to chat by clicking the “Start a chat” button, then entering a
use the link at the bottom and set one up in the browser. name (if in your contacts), email address (anyone) or phone number.

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 How to Use Teams Chat

Meet and Chat in Teams

With Teams set up, you can now easily start or join meetings, or chat with others who are also using
Microsoft Teams. Either from the main app or by using the taskbar tool.

Step 1 To begin a chat, click the Teams Chat icon in the Step 4 To start a meeting, click the Meet button. Give your
taskbar. From the pop-up window, click on the Chat meeting a name, and you will then be shown several
button. In the new window that opens, enter a contact name, email ways to invite people. These include a link you can send, via Outlook
address or phone number. Type your message and that person will Calendar, Google calendar or email. Once shared, you can start the
receive a notification telling them you want to start a chat. meeting and wait for others to join.

Step 2 Your messages, and the replies, are shown in the Step 5 Once you are in the meeting you have controls to
conversation window. You can attach and send enable/disable the microphone, enable/disable
files via the chat by clicking the paper clip icon. If you want to switch the camera or set a background blur, etc. To leave a meeting, you
from a text chat to an audio or video call, click either of the buttons just have to click the red Hang up button. If the meeting host ends
at the top-right of the chat window. the meeting, you will automatically be hung up from everyone.

Step 3 If you receive a chat request, you will see a Step 6 You can change the look of the Teams app and
notification in the main Notification center (Action Teams Chat in the app settings. Under Appearance
center), and a badge will appear on the chat icon in the taskbar. & Accessibility, choose from light, dark or high contrast themes. You
You can choose to accept or reject the chat request. If you accept, can also choose to turn off animations, select the app language and
the message will appear and you can start chatting. change how you are notified of new chats and meetings.

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 Using OneDrive
Cloud Storage
Microsoft’s OneDrive has vastly improved over the years. Where once it was a simple
backup and online storage solution, today it’s now a connected collaborative service,
with many excellent features. All of which make it one of the best cloud services available.

Silver Linings
Here’s a quick guide on how to get the best from your OneDrive service, and how to ensure that your
important data is always backed up and safely stored within that voluminous online cloud.

Step 1 You can check to see if you have Microsoft’s Step 3 When your current files on your computer have
OneDrive already loaded on your Windows 11 been backed up, a OneDrive notification will
computer by clicking in the notification area in the bottom-right inform you that OneDrive is up to date. This will also list the files
of the desktop. You’re looking for a cloud icon. If it’s not there, that have been synced across from your PC to your OneDrive area
simply click the Windows Start button and type ‘OneDrive’. Click in the cloud. You can scroll though the list to view the files synced.
the OneDrive app that appears in the list.

Step 2 You may be asked to sign in with your Microsoft Step 4 Right-click the OneDrive cloud icon in the
account, follow the instructions, and you’ll notice notification area. This will bring up a menu; click
that the cloud icon in the notification area may have an extra icon on the Settings option within the menu. The OneDrive Settings
over it to indicate it’s synchronising with your computer and menu is divided into several tabs. To begin with, ensure that in
OneDrive. If you click it, you’ll notice a flurry of activity, this is the Settings tab, the first option, Start OneDrive automatically
because OneDrive is automatically backing up your files. when I sign into Windows, is ticked. Otherwise, your
auto-backups are pointless.

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 Using OneDrive Cloud Storage

Step 5 In the Account tab, you can choose to Unlink the Step 8 If you need to ensure that any file or folder is to
PC with the OneDrive account, Add another be backed up to OneDrive, they must exist in
Microsoft OneDrive account (such as your work account), and either the main Documents, Pictures or Desktop folders within
Choose which folders will be available on the PC in your personal your user area, or be copied to the OneDrive folder. This will make
OneDrive File Explorer area. sure they’re synchronised with your online OneDrive storage area.

Step 6 In the Backup Tab, click the Manage Back Up button. Step 9 If you again right-click the OneDrive cloud icon in
These are the default, important folders on your PC the notification area, and select the View Online
that will automatically be backed up by OneDrive. You can de-select option, a web browser window will open and take you directly to
these folders whenever you want, but they won’t be available to other your OneDrive storage area in the cloud. This area is available
Windows or Microsoft devices when you login to them. from any device that’s connected to the Internet.

Step 7 If you close the OneDrive Settings window, and Step 10 From within the online OneDrive view, you can
now open File Explorer, you’ll notice a new create files and folders, view image galleries,
section in the left-hand pane: OneDrive. This is where you can move, copy, rename, upload, and most importantly, share any of
work with your online files from your PC. They’ll only be available the content with others. Everything can be done via the top menu
on demand, but can be made available permanently by bar, or by right-clicking each of the files or folders within your area.
right-clicking and selecting Always Keep on this Device.

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 Using the
Focus Assist Tool
Focus Assist allows you to create distraction-free periods by blocking alerts, notifications
and other sounds. Turn on Focus Assist to stop distractions like social media or
alternatively set it to turn on automatically at certain times during the day.

Blocking Notifications
Choose which notifications you want to see and hear. The remainder of your alerts will go into the Action
Center so you can see them at a more convenient time.

Step 1 You can easily activate Focus Assist using the Step 3 To set an automatic rule by time, click on the
quick actions panel in the Action Center. The option and then click the slider to On. You will now
default setting is Off. Click the Quick action button once to allow see menus to set start time, end time and whether to repeat the rule
priority notifications only, click it a second time to allow alarms daily, just on weekdays or just on weekends. The focus level lets you
only. Click the button a third time to turn Focus Assist off again. choose if this applies to priority notifications or alarms.

Step 2 You can also turn Focus Assist on or off in the main Step 4 If setting Focus Assist to priority, you can set a
settings (settings > system > focus assist). Once priority list by clicking ‘Customise your list’. Here
there, you can also set up your automatic rules and customise your you can add or remove specific apps, people or Windows 10
priority list. You can set automatic rules based on times, when you features that notify you. When you turn off Focus Assist (manually or
are duplicating your display or when playing a game. automatically), a summary of missed notifications can be shown.

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 Focus Assist - Sharing

Sharing
to Nearby Devices
Nearby Sharing lets you share your videos, photos, documents and websites with people
and devices close by, over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Useful if, for example, you’re in a meeting
with colleagues and need to quickly send them a report you’re looking at on your screen.

Nearby Sharing
Share your files quickly with Nearby Sharing: your computer automatically picks the fastest way to share
your file or webpage, either over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

Step 1 To enable Nearby Sharing, open Settings and Step 3 If there is a nearby device available, it will be shown
click on System. Now click on Shared experiences in the share menu that pops up. You will need to
and turn on the Nearby Sharing option. You may be asked to sign know the name of the device you want to share to. Once you select
in, or confirm sign in, if you have several accounts associated with the device, the other user will see a notification asking them to accept
your computer (Microsoft account, email account, etc.). the transfer. This will time out in a few seconds if not accepted.

Step 2 You can also activate Nearby Sharing from the Step 4 By default, transfers will be stored in the
quick actions menu in the Action Center. You Downloads folder but you can specify another
can send any video, photo, document or webpage viewed on folder or another drive very easily. Open settings and click on
Microsoft Edge to people or devices nearby by clicking on the system > shared experiences. Under ‘Nearby Sharing’, look for the
share icon in the top right corner of the app or right-clicking to ‘Save files I receive to’ option and click the Change button.
view the share menu.

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 Connect Your
Phone to Your PC
You can connect an Android phone to both your Microsoft account and Windows 11,
allowing you to view the photos on your phone from the comfort of your desktop, and
even view call and SMS details on your computer as they arrive on your phone.

Using the Your Phone App

The setup steps for connecting a mobile device to your Windows 11 computer are the same for almost all
compatible Android devices. The app offers additional features for Samsung devices.

Step 1 Open the main app list from the Start menu and Step 3 When asked, click “Pair with QR code” in the Your
look for “Your Phone”. Click the app and then click Phone app on your computer. A QR code will be
the “Get Started” button on the screen that opens. You will need to created and appear on screen. On your phone, click Continue and a
sign in with the same Microsoft account on both the PC and the QR code reader screen will open. Use this to read the QR code on your
companion app on your phone. Select/sign in to that account next. computer screen. After a few seconds the two devices should link.

Step 2 On your Android phone, open a browser window Step 4 You will need to give the app permission to
and go to www.aka.ms/yourpc. You may already access certain things on your phone. These
have an app installed that can link to windows called Your Phone include contacts, calls, photos and media, and SMS messages.
Companion (on Samsung, open the Quick settings and look for You can refuse any of these individual permissions and the Your
“Link to Windows”). If so, open the app and follow the instructions. phone app will still work, just without access to that feature.

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 Connect Your Phone to Your PC

Step 5 If all is successful, you should now see your Step 8 If you want to be able to see notifications from
phone displayed in the Your Phone app on your your phone on your PC screen, you need to click
computer. There is a new screen displayed on your phone, this on Notifications and then click “Get Started”. Again, you need to
shows the settings for the Microsoft companion app, alongside allow this on your phone settings. Phone notifications will pop up
which Windows 11 computer it is connected. on your PC screen in the same place as other notifications.

Step 6 Now it’s time to start using the Your Mobile app. In Step 9 To view photos stored on your phone from the
the left-hand sidebar are several different sections. comfort of your PC, click the Photos section.
These include Photos, Messages, Notifications and Apps. Some of Allow access as before, and then wait while the view refreshes.
these need to be set up further to begin using them, follow the You can open them in the Photos app by clicking on them. You
on-screen instructions to do so. can now also delete photos on your phone from the PC app.

Step 7 Click on Messages first. When asked, send a Step 10 You can open apps that are on your phone, on
notification to your phone to ask permission to your computer. Click the apps section, then click
access messages (if already given, this opens the messages list). on an app icon in the list. You will need to give permission on your
Your phone messages are now displayed, and you can click on any phone to cast to the Windows app, but once done, the app will
to read and reply. You can also create new messages from your PC. open on your computer screen in a phone screen shaped window.

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 Learn How to Import
Photos in Windows 11
Importing your photos to your PC may seem like a very simple task but if you have never
done it before, you can encounter problems. We take a look at importing photos from
your devices; using different methods and tools already included in Windows 11.

Importing to a Folder
The setup steps for connecting a mobile device to your Windows 11 computer are the same for almost all
compatible Android devices. The app offers additional features for Samsung devices.

Step 1 The first thing you need to do to import photos Step 3 Now click on the device storage, this may be Phone
directly from a phone or camera is to connect the and Card on a smartphone, and navigate to where
relevant cable to your PC. In almost all cases, this will be a USB the photos are stored. This will normally be in a folder called DCIM on
cable of some sort. You will have been supplied a transfer cable your phone or camera. You can now simply cut and paste, or drag
with the device you are using. Plug this into a free USB port. and drop, images to a new folder on your PC.

Step 2 Normally, when you first plug a device in to your Step 4 If you have connected your phone and PC using
computer which contains storage of some sort, the Your Phone app, you can import images from
Windows will ask how you want to handle the files in that storage. your phone wirelessly. Simply open the app, click on the Photos
Scroll down the list to see ‘Open in a Folder’. In some cases, tab and then browse to the photos you want to import. You can
Explorer will open showing the connected device. then choose Save as…, or copy and paste to a folder.

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 Learn How to Import Photos in Windows 11

Importing to the Photos App

The Photos app is a great tool for importing photos from a phone, tablet or camera. It allows you to preview
and individually pick images more easily, and even sorts them.

Step 1 Open the Photos app on your PC. Now connect Step 4 By default, every image detected on your device will
your phone or camera to your computer using be selected for importing. If you want to import
the relevant USB cable. If you see the pop-up menu asking everything, click Continue. If not, you can use the check boxes on the
how you want to deal with the storage media you just images to select those you want to import; use the Clear All and
connected, ignore it or click it closed. Select All buttons as required.

Step 2 The Photos app should have opened up with the Step 5 You can now choose where the imported photos
Collections screen showing. If not, click the tab at will be saved. By default, this will probably be
the top to open it now. Along the top of the Collections tab are your somewhere like C:\Users\YourName\Pictures. Click the ‘Change where
controls: Refresh, Select, Slideshow and Import. Import is the only they’re imported’ link to do just that. You can also choose to import
one you need to click at this point. into folders arranged by month or day.

Step 3 The Photos app will now search for photos available Step 6 Click Import. Your image will now begin to
to be imported. If your device is not connected appear in the Photos app window, within the
properly, or the correct USB drivers are not installed, it will fail to find Collections section. An album will also be created called Last
anything at this point. If you are transferring from a phone or tablet, Import. Click on one of the images shown to begin editing or
you may also have to unlock the screen to continue. enhancing it with the tools Photos offers.

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 How to Manage
and Edit Your Photos
The Photos app was first introduced in Windows 8, but it wasn’t the best experience. In
Windows 11 it has been improved, even over the Windows 10 version, with better ways to
browse photos and a lot more editing options to make the most of your images.

Managing Your Images

The Photos app has seen some useful improvements over the last few years and is actually very powerful now.
It doesn’t offer the flexibility of an app like Photoshop Elements, but it does simple image management well.

Step 1 Photos shows all of your images in a Step 3 You can manage the main image view All Photos
chronologically displayed timeline of images (All in several ways. The View by menu lets you switch
Photos), with some automatically created collections (Memories) between sorting images by date taken or recently added. On the
and further options below it. You can click on any image to get a opposite side of the screen are the view controls, changing
full-window view of it, allowing you to view, adjust and edit it. between large view, medium view and small thumbnail view.

Step 2 Along the top of the full image view is a toolbar. Step 4 The Folders, accessed by clicking the tab at the
This contains zoom and rotate buttons, an edit left of the main window, enables you to creates
image button and draw button, as well as delete, add to favourites, groups of photos based on your specific criteria. For example,
file information, save as, resize and several more. You can click the images that have been drawn on with Windows Ink, or images
Back arrow in the top left corner to return to the main image list. that have been tagged as favourites.

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 How to Manage and Edit Your Photos

Step 5 You can create your own folders by clicking the Step 8 The selected feature, found in the menu at the top
“Move/copy” button. You can then select any right, enables you to select individual or multiple
images in the Photos app you want to add. With all of the images images. You’ll see the top menu bar changes, and each image has a
you want selected, click the Create button and the folder will be tick box appear on it. Click them to choose the images you want. You
shown in the left panel. You can then rename the folder. can then use the tools at the top (share, copy, add to and delete, etc.).

Step 6 The Timeline option is another automatically- Step 9 The final option on the Photos home screen is
created section, that builds collections of images Slideshow. This allows you to make videos made
based on the date they were created. As you begin to add new photos, up of multiple images or video clips in your collections. It isn’t the
Timeline automatically places them and then sorts those images by most powerful video editing tool, but it enables you to create
the differing dates they were created based on metadata. simple videos with music.

Step 7 You can choose where Photos should look for Step 10 To begin making a slideshow video, you first need to
images in the app Settings. Your own Pictures select the images you wish to be added to the
folder, plus the OneDrive Pictures folder, are automatically included Slideshow itself by tagging the tick box on each one. Now simply click
(if you have OneDrive set up), but you can change this if you store the ‘Start Slideshow’ icon, top right. Then add music by clicking the
your images somewhere else; perhaps on an external hard drive. musical note icon on the pop-up controller, by clicking on screen.

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How to Manage and Edit Your Photos continued...

Editing Images and Videos in Photos

The editing tool in Photos may look deceptively simple, but while this is not for the professional, you do
have a good selection of tools to make your images look better.

Step 1 Double-click an image to open it in Photos. Along Step 4 Moving back to the edit section, at the top of the
the top of the image are several buttons; click toolbar is the Filter button. Click this to enable the
the Edit button. You see a new window and set of buttons and application to Auto Enhance the image itself. Alternatively, you can
controls appear at the top. With all the edits shown here, ensure apply one of the filters from the listings on the left panel yourself by
to save each as a copy to retain the original. selecting it. You can also increase the intensity of the filter here.

From left to right, these buttons allow you to Crop, You can, of course, apply specific enhancements
Step 2 Adjustment, Filter, Mark Up and Retouch your
Step 5 yourself using the Adjustment option. Using the
images. If you click on Mark-up you can access a selection of options at sliders you can edit core areas of your image. You will see the
the bottom of the page. Make your choice and mark up your image as changes applied to your image directly to the image in real time.
you require. You can also delete your last mark – or all of them – too. Hit the Reset button in the top-right to undo your changes.

Open a new image in Photos and click on the Moving on to the Re-Touch tool, click this and the
Step 3 Edit button at the top of the screen. Note; the Step 6 cursor changes to a white circle, the size of which
image is shrunk down slightly to fit the editing can be adjusted on the left. Place this over the part
screen. Now select Crop. With this tool you can adjust the focus of the image you want to remove and click. The app matches what’s
area of an image, using the sliding bars on all four edges. under the spot to the scenery or colour around it, removing it.

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 How to Manage and Edit Your Photos

Step 7 Moving to Video Editing, things get a lot more Step 10 You can edit the clip to remove any content you no
in-depth. For this guide we’re going to show you the longer wish to view by clicking on the Video Trim
must-know basics on how to create your own mini movie. Click on any option in the top bar. By doing this, your video opens in a new
video you can access via the Photos app to open it. NOTE: videos are window; notice there are two large blue icons in the control bar at the
shown with a film strip icon on the top-left corner. start and finish of the scroll bar.

Step 8 Your video now autoplays in a new window. You Step 11 The blue icon on the left indicates the beginning
can view the video clip in this window, using the point and the icon on the right marks the end.
controls displayed at the bottom of the window. You can also You can move each individually to create new start and finish
access further controls using the More link. These include Cast to points. When you’re happy with the edited-down version of the
Device, enabling you to view the video on a networked device. video, you need to save it.

Step 9 A great feature found here is the ability to pull a Step 12 When you’ve finished editing an image, you can
single image from the video clip using the Save a click the ‘Save a copy’ button to create a new file
Frame option. Using the scroll bar, move through the frames to one that includes the changes, whilst retaining the original. Or you can
you wish to save and then select the option from the list. You can choose ‘Save’ from the pop-up menu, which overwrites the original
now rename and save the image to your choice of location. image with the version you just edited.

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 Explore the
Powerful Maps App
Just like Google, Microsoft provides its own Maps app. This incredibly useful tool not
only shows you a 2D map of anywhere in the world but also lets you see a satellite
view, traffic information and even view major cities in 3D. You can even draw or
write on top of maps.

1 Directions
You can use the Map app
to plan routes: in a car, by public
transport and even on foot. Select
your chosen transportation method
using the icons at the top of the
Directions pane. You can either leave
the A field as My Location or type a
new one. In the B field, type your
destination. The route will appear on
the map. You can refine the route by
clicking the Options button.

2 Search
Click the Search button on
the left-hand side of the map window
and a new pane will open. This pane
contains some search suggestions,
such as Hotels and Coffee and
Shopping, with the standard search
field at the top. As you type your
search, suggestions will appear in the
search pane. You can click any of
these to find that location.

3 Maps View
The Maps view is the
default one for the Maps app. This is
what will greet you when you first
load the app on your Windows 11 PC.
You can zoom in and out of the map,
using either the + and – buttons on
the control panel on the right of the
window, or by scrolling back and
forward with the scroll wheel on your
mouse (if you use one).

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 Explore the Powerful Maps App

4 Your Location 5 Windows Ink 6 3D Cities

When you open the Maps Windows Ink allows The 3D Cities button
app it will try to pinpoint your you to write or draw on a map should be fairly self-explanatory.
approximate location. You may be using the various pen tools Click the button to open the pane
asked to allow this location tracking (including colours). You can also and you will see an alphabetical list
to happen. Your location will then be use the pen to trace a route and of the cities with thumbnails that
show on the map as a small black have Maps tell you the distance of have been mapped in 3D. Click the
and grey circle. You can click on this the line drawn, or even the Country/Region heading at the top to
to see more information, if available, directions for the route you refine the list. Click on any of the
and then save the location as a marked out. You can then save the thumbnails to load the 3D map;
favourite by clicking the star in the customised map. It is really very loading time will vary, depending on
pane that opens. clever and fun to play around with. your Internet connection speed.

7 Maps Settings
The Maps app settings let
you choose the units of measurement
used, depending on your preference
and your preferred defaults for
directions and location. This last
option will be used if the app can’t
find you, by using location services.
You can also download maps for
offline use or upload maps that have
been saved elsewhere, that have
been shared with you perhaps.

8 Saved Places
The Saved Places pane
contains all of your saved locations.
These can be anything from a
favourite coffee shop to the street
where you parked your car in a new
city. To add places, search for a
location and select the star
underneath the correct one in the
search results list. You then have the
option to give the favourite a
nickname or set it as Home or Work.

9 Rotate & Tilt

The small floating control
panel on the right of the Maps
window contains several useful tools
for changing the current view. The
top two controls are rotate and tilt,
allowing you to either rotate the map
around the central point or tilt the
map to give you an isometric view.
You can easily centre your view on
your location again by clicking the
third icon down.

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 Learn How to
Navigate with Maps
Boasting excellent mapping, great aerial photography, up-to-the-minute traffic and the
ability to calculate directions by public transport, road or foot, the Maps app is one of the
very best ways to navigate. New additions make the Maps app even more useful.

Moving Around in Maps

There are few controls in the Maps app but they allow you to do a lot of things very easily. Let’s take a look at
how you move around in the app.

Step 1 The easiest way to move the map around is to Step 3 Clicking on things like Saved Places or 3D Cities in
left-click and drag it and use the mouse wheel or the top control bar, tabs will line up alongside the
trackpad slider to zoom in and out. This allows you to move the permanent Search and Directions buttons at the top left of the
map around to focus on the area you need. If you are zoomed far window. You can then click on them at any time to see the
out of the map, double-clicking the mouse zooms in quickly. information contained in each pane or tab.

Step 2 Maps has a dedicated control panel on the side of Step 4 Right-clicking on the map brings up a small
the window containing, from top to bottom: action menu. This lets you set a To location, a
Rotate, hold pointer on it to see; Tilt, hold pointer over to see From location (for planning a route), add a new destination and
options; Show Location; and Zoom in and Zoom out. You can also drop a pin in a specific location. When you drop a pin, a new
tilt by holding the right Mouse button and moving up and down. window opens allowing you to search for things at that
location, add favourites and more.

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 Learn How to Navigate with Maps

Planning a Route
Maps is great for checking out an area, looking around a city or just finding businesses local to you. It is also
great for planning detailed routes.

Step 1 To start planning a route, click the Directions tab Step 4 The route is now shown on the map, with an
at the top left of the Maps window. A small panel estimated travel time readout above the
opens with boxes for your starting and ending location. You can destination. If alternative routes are available, they are shown
either type a destination or you can choose one from the list that as a light blue line, with the main route shown as a dark blue
appears below the box when you click on it. line. Points along the route are marked, usually where a change
of direction is needed.

Step 2 If you need to make detours or multiple stops Step 5 If you click Go in the directions pane, Maps switches
along your route, you can click the + button to add to a satnav-style view and traces your route as you
more destination boxes. Each one can have a destination in it, continue along it. This is more for portable devices such as phones
making up your complete route. When you view directions, each of and tablets that you might use for directions in a vehicle. Click the Exit
the destinations you added is marked with a relevant letter. button via the three dots in the bottom-right of the screen to return to
the normal maps view.

Step 3 Routes vary depending on whether you are Step 6 You can also plan a route by drawing it. Click the Ink
driving, walking or need to take public transport. button and then the Directions tool in the menu
You can quickly flick between these options using the buttons at that opens. Draw a line along the route you wish to take and Maps
the top of the directions pane. When you have your start and end refines that into a proper route along roads, missing dead-ends, etc.
points entered and travel method chosen, click Get Directions. You can save or share the route just as with any other.

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 Manage Your Contacts
in Windows 11
The People app has been a part of Windows 10 for some time, but in the more recent
update to Windows 11, it has had an overhaul. The People app is no longer a part of the
traditional taskbar, but instead Microsoft has incorporated into the Mail app.

New People, New Apps

Incorporating the People button into the Mail app is probably the more logical location for it; it’s just we’ve
gotten used to it being its own app via the taskbar.

Step 1 If you’ve not done so already, you’ll need to Step 3 Within the Mail app, you’ll notice a row of icons
open the Mail app. Start the process by clicking along the bottom-left of the window. The third
on the Windows icon in the Windows 11 taskbar, or tapping the one in, from the left, is the People button. Click on it to switch the
Windows Key on your keyboard. This will bring up the Apps view to the new Windows 11 People app.
menu and last used files.

Step 2 Type ‘mail’ (without the quotes), and you’ll see Step 4 The new People app is significantly different
the Mail app icon appear on the list of available from its earlier appearances in Windows 10. It
matching apps. Click on the Mail app to open, or click on the Open still connects to the various apps within Windows that utilise
link from the list under the icon. contacts, such as Skype, Teams and so on, but it looks and
behaves radically different.

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 Manage Your Contacts in Windows 11

Step 5 The first things you’ll probably want to do is Step 8 The People app will notify you as to what access
import your contacts from other sources. As Windows 11 will need when you’ve setup the
you’ll no doubt notice, there’s a handy Import Contacts button on account. For most of us, the legal areas involved are part of the
the People app window. Click it, to begin the process. daily routine, we need access, so we have very little choice in the
matter. If you want more information, though, scroll down to the
Privacy Policy link to read more.

Step 6 You’ve got a selection of different sources from Step 9 If you’re ready to go ahead with the connection
which you can import your list of contacts. From to another service, then scroll down and click on
an already created account, through to Microsoft’s Outlook.com, the Allow button at the bottom of the page. This will open a new
Office 365 Exchange, Google, Yahoo!, and even from your Apple window, asking for the name in which to send messages as. Enter
iCloud. Click the source that applies to you. your name, then click Sign in at the bottom of the window.

Step 7 In this example, we’re connecting to a Google Step 10 If you want to add individual contacts, click on
Account. The People app will open the the Plus sign in the upper-right of the People
connection services needed to link your Google account with the window. From there, you can their name, phone, email, address,
People app, all you’ll need to do is enter the correct information add a photo and more. Click on the Save button when you’re
into the available boxes to continue. ready to add the new contact.

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 Using the
Sticky Notes Tool
There are lots of Windows 11 apps for making reminder lists, but sometimes you just need
a simple note to jog your memory. There is a simple, and often overlooked, piece of
software in Windows that allows you to add sticky notes to your screen, quickly and easily.

Getting Sticky
Sticky Notes has been around since the early days of Windows Vista, and has evolved over the years in line
with the core operating system. It’s surprisingly effective, so here’s how it works.

Step 1 Sticky Notes is available via the Windows Start Step 3 To quickly create a new note, click on the smaller
button, or by pressing the Windows key on your of the two windows; the new note window. The
keyboard, and typing in ‘sticky notes’ (without the quotes). Click on cursor will appear where the window says, ‘Take a note…’, and
the Sticky Notes app that’s listed in the search results. from there you can begin typing to create your note.

Step 2 Sticky Notes launches with two windows: one is Step 4 As you type, the note will add scroll bars down the
the main Sticky Notes control window, and the right-hand side. You can increase the size of the note
other is a blank note, ready to be filled. As you create notes, these by expanding the corners of the window, and you can change the
will be displayed when you start the app. colour of the Sticky Note by clicking on the three dots in the top-right
corner of the note window, and choosing one of the available colours.

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 Using the Sticky Notes Tool

Step 5 If you look at the bottom of the note window, Step 7 When you close the note, it will be automatically
you’ll notice a series of options. These change added to the Sticky Notes control window. If you
the text type to Bold, Italic, Underline or Strikethrough. You can want to create a new note, click on the Plus symbol in the Sticky
also toggle bullets or even add an image. Notes control window, located in the top-left.

Step 6 You’ll need to highlight existing text, then click Step 8 You will need to keep the app open for your notes
on one of the text type options to apply the to remain on the screen but as long as it is, you can
result, or click the option, then start new text. To add an image, shut down and reboot, and the notes will remain on the desktop. To
simply click the image option then use the windows File Manager close notes, you simply need to click on the trash icon in the top right
to locate the image. Click on the Image file itself. corner. Close the last note and the software closes too.

Troubleshooting Sticky
Notes Image Issues
While Sticky Notes for Windows 11 is a
marked improvement over its predecessors,
it can still yield one or two problems for
those who use it. One of the main issues
with Sticky Notes, and this is something
that has appeared in earlier versions too, is
adding images. Sometimes, Sticky Notes
won’t add PNG images, but JPGs will be
added successfully. If this is the case, you
can often get around this issue by copying
the image, then pasting it directly into Sticky
Notes with Ctrl+V.

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 Using the
Xbox Game Bar
Windows 11 has carried on the developmental work that its predecessor put in with
regards to the Microsoft Xbox Game Bar. There are a wealth of sub-apps within the Game
Bar app, and it’s well worth looking into in more detail.

Game On!
No longer solely about gaming tools, the Game Bar now includes quick panels for volume control, resource
usage and even playing music.

Step 1 You can open the Xbox Game Bar simply Step 3 By default, the top-left window is the Capture section.
pressing the Windows Key + G, or by searching Here you can take screenshots, start recording video,
for Xbox via the Windows button on the taskbar menu. When it record the last thirty seconds and activate the microphone during
loads it will dim the screen and present multiple windows. recording. You can also view any previous screen captures. All elements
are displayed together with their keyboard shortcuts.

Step 2 The multiple windows can be managed by Step 4 Xbox Social is an element that lies in the
clicking on the Widgets icon; the 3D window icon top-right of the Game Bar windows. Here you can
located to the right of the Xbox icon on the top, thin window in sign into your Microsoft Xbox account, and use voice and text chat
the middle of the screen. Click the star next to each item to add or across PC, mobile or Xbox with your friends.
remove it from the Game Bar selection.

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 Using the Xbox Game Bar

Step 5 In the bottom-left of the Game Bar windows, Step 8 You can rearrange the position of all of the
there’s the Performance element. This is a really overlay panels by clicking on their top bars and
useful component, not just for gaming, as it details various metrics dragging them into the desired position. Several of the panels can
regarding your system. CPU, GPU, available memory and more can be pinned, meaning that they will remain visible on screen even
all be viewed as a handy graph. Click the icon next to the pin, within after the Game Bar is hidden. Just click the Pin icon in the top bar.
the Performance window, and you can customise the view.

Step 6 If you want more widgets available, click on the Step 9 The Resources window, found by clicking on the
Widget Menu, then scroll down the menu to the bar graph icon in the top, slim, window, details
Widget Store. Click this, and you can choose from a selection of the currently open tasks within Windows 11. If you find the game
available widgets to install and use whenever you open the you’re playing is slowing down, you can open this and find where
Xbox Game Bar. the majority of your system’s resources are being used.

Step 7 You can fine-tune the Xbox Game Bar by clicking Step 10 You can close the Game Bar overlay screen by
on the cog icon in the top, slim, main window clicking anywhere else on the screen, or by
section. This open the Game Bar’s Settings page, where you can pressing Windows Key + G again. If you want to disable the Game
alter the shortcuts, create and sign in with different accounts Bar completely, open the Main settings, go to the Gaming section,
and change other features of the app. and use the slider to disable the tool.

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 Screenshots with
the Snipping Tool
In 2018 Microsoft announced that it was abandoning the much-loved Snipping Tool in
favour of a new tool called Snip & Sketch. However, with Windows 11, Microsoft has
reversed that decision and has merged both apps into the new Snipping Tool.

Snip, Snip!
The Snipping Tool is a surprisingly powerful ally in the Windows 11 arsenal. Capturing your screen is an
important element in Windows, and the Snipping Tool does exactly that, and more.

Step 1 To open the Snipping Tool, you can click on the Step 3 To take a Snip screenshot, click on the +New button in
Windows Start button and type ‘snip’, then click the Snipping Tool window. This will darken the screen,
on the Snipping Tool app as listed in the results. Or, you can and display an overlay reading ‘Draw a shape to create a screen snip’.
press the Windows Logo Key + Shift + S to start a new Snip. There are some options at the top of the screen, which represent the
shape of the area you want to snip.

Step 2 As you will see, the Snipping Tool is a merger of the Step 4 Now, using the mouse, and assuming we’re opting
two former screenshot apps. To begin with, let’s for the default shape of a rectangle, draw around the
open something so we can take a screenshot of it. Remember to area where you want the screenshot to capture. Press and hold the
keep the Snipping Tool open in the background while you do this. left mouse button while you draw, and release it when you’re done.

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 Screenshots with the Snipping Tool

Step 5 The screen area you are capturing will be Step 8 Save the captured screenshot by clicking on the
highlighted – which means it simply returns that Save As button, located in the top-right of the
portion of the screen back to its normal colours. This is the area that Snipping Tool window. This will open a familiar File Manager
will be made available to the Snipping Tool. window, where you can locate a folder or area to save the image.
You can save images as PNG, JPG or GIF.

Step 6 There are a number of options available along the Step 9 The Share option will enable you to send the
bottom of the Snipping Tool window to further captured image as a file to a number of different
edit the screenshot. From left to right, you’ll find: Ballpoint Pen, sources. You can utilise Nearby Sharing, send it as an Email or
Highlighter, Eraser, Ruler, Touch Writing, Crop, Undo and Redo. share it via an installed app – such as Mail or Teams.

Step 7 There are also options along the top-right of the Step 10 Clicking on the three dots in the upper-right of the
Snipping Tool window: Zoom, Save As, Copy and Snipping Tool window will open a sub-menu
Share. The top-left options will have you create a New snip, where you can open files, print, send feedback and call upon tips
change the Shape of the snipped area and create a Time Delay for and tricks from the Microsoft website. There’s also a Settings option,
when the snip will take place. which allows to further enhance the Snipping Tool experience.

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 Installing a Printer
in Windows 11
When you connect a printer to your PC or add a new one to your home network, you can
usually start printing straight away. Windows 11 supports most printers, so you probably
won’t have to install special software. Here’s how to install printers in Windows 11.

Install a Local Printer

A local printer simply means one that is physically connected to your laptop or desktop computer via a USB
data cable, rather than being connected wirelessly.

Step 1 In most cases, all you have to do to set up a Step 3 If so, click on it and then click Add Printer. The
printer is to connect it to your PC and let the plug printer should then be installed and ready to
and play software do its work. Plug the USB cable from your printer use. If you don’t see your device in the list, click ‘Add Device’ and
into an available USB port on your PC and turn the printer on. If see if the scan finds it. If it still does not appear, click the ‘Add
nothing happens, try restarting your PC with the printer connected. Manually’ link that appears with, ‘The printer I want isn’t listed’.

Step 2 If the printer does not set up automatically, you Step 4 This opens a step-by-step tool that will show you
will need to do it yourself. Click the Start menu how to find and install software for an older
button and head into Settings. Look for Bluetooth & Devices printer, or one which is not yet supported by drivers pre-installed
from the list on the left-hand pane, and click it. Next, expand with Windows 11. If that still fails, try going to the printer
Printers & Scanners. You should see a list of available devices, manufacturer’s website and download an installer or drivers.
hopefully with your printer’s name shown.

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 Installing a Printer in Windows 11

Install a Wireless Printer

A wireless printer is one that is connected via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or by means other than a USB data cable. This
can also include a printer connected to another PC on the network.

Step 1 Open the settings, followed by Bluetooth & Step 3 If you use wireless access points, extenders or
Devices, then Printer & Scanners. Look for your multiple wireless routers with separate SSIDs, you’ll
printer in the list of available devices and if it is there, click on it and need to ensure that you’re connected to the same network as the
then click ‘Add Device’. If your printer is switched on and connected printer for your PC to find and install it. If the printer does not appear
to the network, Windows 11 should find it easily. in the list you may need to add it manually.

Step 2 Available printers can include all such devices on a Step 4 Click on the ‘Add Manually’ link when ‘The printer I
network, such as Bluetooth and wireless printers want isn’t listed’ appears. This opens a tool that will
or those that are plugged into another computer and shared on the show you, step-by-step, how to find and install software for an older
network. You might need permission to install some printers, printer, or one which is not supported by Windows 11 drivers. If this
depending on the type of network you are connected to. fails, try looking for the software on the manufacturer’s website.

Common Printer Problems

Printers are getting easier and easier to install, thanks to plug and play software, but if you are having
problems do these two things first.

Check for Old Drivers Most printers require driver Run the Troubleshooter Head in to settings >
software to work properly. If Update & Security >
you recently upgraded from one version of Windows to another, Troubleshoot and run the Printer Troubleshooter. You can also
it’s possible that the current printer driver is for the previous type ‘Printing problem’ into the search box, select the search
version of Windows and may not work (or work well) with result labelled ‘Help from Microsoft’ and then select the
Windows 11. Check Windows Update for new drivers. troubleshooter to download it.

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 Manage Libraries
in Windows 11
Libraries are virtual containers for users’ content. A library can contain files and folders
stored on the local computer or in a remote storage location. In Windows Explorer, users
interact with libraries in ways similar to how they would interact with other folders.

Quiet in the Library

By default, Libraries are not displayed in Windows 11 – even later versions of Windows 10 did away with the
Library display – so they’ll need to be reactivated for them to appear.

Step 1 If you open Windows 11 File Explorer, you’ll notice Step 3 At the bottom of the Advanced Settings section,
that Libraries are no longer visible by default, you’ll notice a box labelled Show Libraries. Click
which is a shame as many users rely on them. However, they can the box to tick, and re-enable the option. When you’ve done that,
be returned, and the process is remarkably simple. Start by click the Apply button to activate the change and you’ll see that
pressing the Windows Key and R, then enter: control folders. the Libraries are now available via File Explorer.

Step 2 Hit enter, or click the OK button and the File Step 4 You can now close the File Explorer Options
Explorer Options window will pop up. The options pop-up window. The Libraries are, by default,
available in here can drastically alter the way Windows Explorer setup as area specific shortcuts. You can right-click each Library
works, so be careful what you enable or disable. Head to the View tab, entry, select Properties from the menu, and create new Library
and scroll down to the bottom of the Advanced Settings section. locations, change the icon and much more. Restore Defaults will
return the Library to its original setup.

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 Libraries - AutoPlay

How to
Use AutoPlay
Windows AutoPlay is a feature that was first introduced back in Windows 98. It allows
newly discovered media, based on content such as images, video or music, to begin
playing via the appropriate application.

Rediscovering AutoPlay
AutoPlay has been seen as both a blessing and a curse. How we have enjoyed slipping a DVD in the computer
and sitting back to enjoy it, but swore at the machine for auto playing a CD we inserted. Funny old world.

Step 1 Windows 11 seems to be having some issues with Step 3 If nothing happens when you insert any media,
the default AutoPlay setting. At the time of writing, despite the AutoPlay feature being turned on,
there’s a bug that affects some but not others, in that the Windows 11 you may need to specify an AutoPlay default. Under the On
AutoPlay feature is either disabled by default, or not. To find out which button are two options for AutoPlay defaults: Removable Drive
you are, go to Settings > Bluetooth & Devices, and click on AutoPlay. and Memory Card – depending on your computer setup, you may
have more options available. Click the Removable Drive
drop-down box - Choose a default.

Step 2 In our example, the AutoPlay feature was enabled. Step 4 Here you’ll have multiple options available. These
This means that whenever we insert some media, options will depend on the apps you have installed
be it a disc of some description or memory card, Windows 11 will on your system, but by default they allow you to access the Storage
auto launch the appropriate app. However, if your AutoPlay isn’t Settings in Windows 11 for removable drives and are; Take no action
working, start by clicking on the On button at the top of the screen. when a removable drive is inserted, Open the Windows File Explorer
or Ask what you want to do with the type of media inserted.

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 Skype in
Windows 11
Although Skype took something of a backseat to Teams during the world-wide
Covid-19 lockdown, it still proved immensely useful for individuals to
keep in contact with
loved ones and friends
around the world.

1 Although it’s expected for

you to appear on camera
when using Skype, it’s always best to
remember that you don’t have to. You
can easily connect to a session and
speak or type without showing your
face by simply covering the camera.

2 This is your Profile, click

the image to open details
about your Microsoft account, as well
as manage your Skype profile.
Further settings are available, along
with Bookmarks and being able to
add call credit in your local currency.

3 This panel details the

recent chats and calls
you’ve had with others in Skype.
From here you can arrange new
Skype video calls, new chats, look at
your contacts and see any
notifications. Click recent chats to
display the contents in the main
Skype window. You can also run an
Echo/sound Test here, to test your
microphone and camera.

4 The main Skype window

is where all your video
calls and chats will take place.
Grouped calls split the screen
depending on how many people are
in the call, and chats can have
attachments added and viewed –
such as images and videos.

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 Skype in Windows 11

Skype has been

5 redesigned in recent years
to perform better, and to offer a more
high-resolution experience. If you
think your video is lacking in quality,
then take a look at the hardware
settings for the webcam and see if
you can improve it.

The top bar details the

6 number of participants,
any images and videos included in
the chat or call, and allows you to
find any specific keyword for
participants. You can also Start a Call,
and add more contacts as you need
from the two buttons in the top-right
of the screen.

It’s worth mentioning that

7 video quality can often be
degraded due to a lack of bandwidth.
Skype will automatically throttle itself
to keep the connection alive, often at
the detriment of video quality. If you
find this happening, stop any other
downloads from your browser, or
check your Internet settings.

Use this link to send to

8 others so they can join in
the conversation. They will need
access to Skype, either as their own
installed app on their system, or they
can use the link to access the call via
the Skype webpage. You can also add
more people via your contacts, or
create specific shared invites.

9 You’ll enter your chat and

video message texts in
here. You can also include emoji,
attach files, share contact details,
create a poll, schedule a call, share
your location and access your
OneDrive area to collaborate with
others on content.

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 Making Calls with
the Skype App
Skype is now a much bigger part of Windows 11 than it once was, and has its own app
that comes pre-installed with the OS. Getting to grips with the different tools in Skype is
fairly simple but learning how to use it more efficiently and easily takes a little more time.

Install and Use Skype

Recently updated, Skype has now been turned into a proper Windows 11 app and follows the Windows
design style more closely.

Step 1 Skype has a dedicated Windows 11 app and this Step 3 The Skype window should now be open on
may be preinstalled on your Windows PC but you screen. The default view is the Recent
might need to download it from the Internet. You can download conversations screen but this may be completely empty if you
Skype directly from www.skype.com as well as check that you have are new to Skype. The first thing you need to do as a fresh user,
the latest version available. is to begin adding contacts.

Step 2 Once installed, you will need to sign in to the Step 4 Click the Contacts button (2nd button down
Skype app. If you already have a Skype account, from the top) and either select the add contact
which is completely free to set up, just enter your login details icon at the bottom of the sidebar or click directly in the search
when prompted. If not, you can go to www.login.skype.com and text box and type the name, Skype name or email of the person
create a new account in just a few minutes. you want to add. Click Search Skype.

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 Making Calls with the Skype App

Step 5 Select your friend from the search results, Step 8 If you want to make calls to contacts not using
assuming you can see them in the list, and Skype (although you can make calls to mobiles
click Add to Contacts. Type a quick note to introduce yourself and and landlines too), you will need to add some Skype credit first.
then click Send. They will receive a request from you, along with To do this, click on your profile picture in the bottom left and
the message and can choose whether to accept you or not. click the ‘Add Skype credit’ link.

Step 6 You can select any contact from your contacts list Step 9 Skype also now includes Bots. Bots are artificially
and then either instant message them or start a intelligent programs that can do many useful
voice or video call. If the contact you click on has Skype, the call things like search for news, summarise webpages, play games
option buttons will appear in the top right corner of the window. and more. You can start chatting with a bot just like you chat with
Click the relevant button to start a call. friends, just choose a bot and click Get started.

Step 7 Skype instant messaging makes it easy to keep Step 10 Bots vary in how useful they are but some are
in touch with your contacts and groups well worth taking a look at. Take the Bing s bot
wherever they are. You can share files, photos and contacts. To for example. Add this and then type a word (“football” for
instant message one of your contacts, select their name and example) in the conversation window. The bot will return news
start typing at the bottom of the main window. stories based on that subject.

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 Windows 11
Touchpad Gestures
There’s so much you can do with gestures, and Windows 11 has greatly improved the
technology over its predecessor. Some apps have their own, unique, gestures, but the
default and majority are listed here.

Touchy Feely
Gone are the days where we paw ineffectually at our screens, like a cat trying to capture a video of a bird.
Windows 11 gestures encompass nearly every aspect of the operating system.

Touchpad Gestures

Here are the main gestures for use on Windows 11 touchpad

laptops. It’s worth noting that some of these gestures will
only work with new precision touchpads. To find out if your
laptop has one, click Start > Settings > Bluetooth &
devices > Touchpad.

Action Gestures
Show all open windows
Select an item Swipe with three fingers up on
Tap touchpad the touchpad

Scroll Show the desktop

Place two fingers on the touchpad and Swipe with three fingers down on
slide horizontally or vertically the touchpad

Zoom in or out Switch open apps or windows

Place two fingers on the touchpad and Swipe with three fingers left or right on
pinch in or stretch out the touchpad

Show Context Menu Switch desktops

Tap the touchpad with two fingers or Swipe with four fingers to the left or
press down in the lower-right corner right on the touchpad

Note: Remember, some laptop manufacturer touchpads may operate differently to others. That shouldn’t be the case, but for a long
time there was little standardisation. This doesn’t happen so much now, but if you own an older model laptop that works with
Windows 11, then you may experience some problems or simply different gestures depending on the touchpad device you’re using.
In such circumstances, it’s always best to consult the laptop manual, or see if there’s an updated BIOS or driver to apply.

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 Windows 11 Touchpad Gestures

Touchscreen Gestures

You can use these gestures on the touchscreen of any of your

modern Windows 11 devices. To turn touch gestures on, click
Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touch > Three- and
four-finger touch gestures.

Action Gestures
Show the desktop
Select an item Swipe with three fingers down on
Tap the screen the screen

Scroll Switch to the last open app

Place two fingers on the screen and Swipe with three fingers to the left or
slide horizontally or vertically right on the screen

Zoom in or out Open notification centre

Place two fingers on the screen and Swipe with one finger in from the right
pinch in or stretch out edge of the screen

See widgets
Show Context Menu Swipe with one finger in from the
Press and hold the item left edge of screen

Switch desktops
Show all open windows Swipe with four fingers to the left
Swipe with three fingers up on the screen or right on the screen

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Maintain
and Protect
Windows 11
What do you do if you’re hacked? How do you protect your
devices on your home network? What is a recovery drive?
These and many more questions are answered throughout this
chapter, as you begin to move into the more advanced user
techniques and skills needed to make Windows 11
both secure, while keeping it in tip-top shape.

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 Maintain and Protect Windows 11

Yo u’ re Ha cked

Manage You
I f
What To Do

r Privacy in
Six Steps to

Windows 11
a
Faster PC

f ro m Wi ndows 11
m ovi ng Malware
Re

“Learn how to manage your system’s

memory more effectively, how to create
a system image, manage your privacy
and get much needed maintenance and
performance tips.”

www.pclpublications.com 107
 Using the Windows 11
Security Tools
The Windows Security’s set of tools may not be quite as comprehensive as one of the
bigger Anti-Malware suites, such
as BitDefender, but it does a good
job of protecting the average user
from the wealth of nasties out in
the Internet.

1 Virus & Threat

Protection
This is where to check and scan for viruses
and other threats to your Windows 11
security. Here you will find tools for
preventing viruses and other malware from
ever taking hold of your computer, as well
as the tools needed to check for anything
which already got through your defences.

2 Account Protection
This is where you manage
account and sign-in security for WIndows
11. This includes the Microsoft account
you are signed in to (or the option to sign
in to one), Windows Hello and Dynamic
lock. Clicking on any of the options here
will simply take you to the relevant area of
the main settings.

3 Device Performance
& Health
Displays issues with the health and
performance of your computer, including
the status of the Storage capacity, Apps
and software and the Windows Time
service. This is also where you come if you
want to begin the process of performing a
Fresh Start on your computer.

4 Family Options
The Family options feature in
Windows Security provides you with easy
access to tools for managing your
children’s digital life. Use Family options to
help keep your children’s devices clean
and up to date with the latest version of
WIndows 11 as well as protecting your kids
when they’re online.

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Using the Windows 11 Defender Tools

5 Firewall & Network

Protection
Windows Defender includes three firewalls,
for: Domain network, Private network and
Public network. You can turn each of these
firewalls on or off at will, although you will
normally only be connected to one type of
network at a time (if you are at home,
usually a Private network).

6 Apps & Browser

Control
This section contains the settings for
Windows Defender SmartScreen. This
helps to protect your Windows 10 device
from potentially dangerous apps, files,
websites and downloads. It also includes a
link to download Application Guard and
lets you control Exploit protection.

7 Device Security
Despite the title, this isn’t really
a hub for device security. You can learn
more about Core isolation (virtualisation-
based security) and enable the memory-
integrity feature, helping to prevent
malicious attacks to core, high-security
processes. Note: The exact options here
can vary depending on device.

Windows Defender Dashboard

The dashboard is the main screen of
Windows Defender and opens when you
click the “Defender Firewall” icon in the
taskbar. It lets you check the security of
your computer at a glance, but doesn’t
really give you much information beyond
whether an action is needed or not needed
within the various security sections.

Ideally, you want to see a green tick on

each section of the dashboard.

If you see a warning symbol, there are

suggested actions that you should take a
look at, while a red X means something
needs your immediate attention.

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 What To Do if
You’re Hacked
There are literally hundreds of millions of email
addresses and account details stolen by hackers
each year, sometimes in a single massive breach,
such as the Equifax attack from a few years ago,
but sometimes directly from your own computer.
Being the victim of a hack sounds scary to most
people, but while you should take it seriously,
there is often no need to panic. If you think you
have been hacked, just follow the instructions here
to get your online life back on track.

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 What To Do if You’re Hacked

How Will You Know?

You may hear about a big data breach in the news, or from
friends and colleagues, and if the company hacked is one you
have accounts with, it is worth following all of the steps
below just in case. Often, the first you will know about being
hacked is a call from your credit card company or bank about
unusual activity, or from friends/relatives suddenly receiving
strange requests for money from you.

Many of the large email providers, such as Gmail, will alert

you if there is a new login to your account from an
unrecognised location or device. Or you may simply find that
you have been logged out of an account and your password is
no longer working.

The most important thing is not how you discover how you
have been hacked, although we urge you to keep a close eye
on all your online activity, but how you act immediately after
you find out.
Change Your
You can check if your email address has potentially been
involved in a data breach by entering it in to the Have I Been
Passwords
Pwned website. The very first thing you need to do is change all of your
passwords, especially for your email account, banking
https://haveibeenpwned.com/ accounts, credit card accounts, PayPal, etc. Many online
accounts now offer 2-step verification, which adds an extra
layer of security by sending you a passcode each time you try

What To Do Next to log in. If this is available, set it up as soon as possible.

If your email account password has been changed by the

Even if you think only one account has been targeted, you hacker, you will need to contact the provider and prove you
should still move to protect ALL of your important accounts. are the rightful owner of that account. For Gmail, there are
This is especially true if you main email account has been instructions for recovering a hacked account on the Google
breached, or if you use the same email and password for all support pages (https://support.google.com). The other
of your online accounts. main email providers should offer similar advice.

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Examine All Your
Accounts Carefully
This includes banking, email, online shopping accounts,
especially if you use the same password for multiple logins.
Check your email inbox and sent mail box for things you haven’t
signed up to or sent. Think about how you recover a forgotten
password on almost any website: You request a password reset
to your email address. If someone has got hold of access to your
emails, they could do the same.

Look for any unusual activity at all, and if you spot some,
contact the website or company to let them know your account
may have been breached. Often, they can help you sort it out
the fastest way.

If your email account has been taken over, and the password
changed, you will need a way to prove that you are the rightful
owner. This is why it is important to have two separate email
addresses, as you can usually use a second email address as the
alternate contact for the main address.

Check your bank and

Credit Card Statements
Check both your bank account and credit card statement for
any unusual activity (online and immediately if possible, but if
not contact your bank/credit card company and ask for a
statement). It is also worth informing both your bank and credit
card company what has happened, so that they can be aware
and alert for any unusual activity in the near future.

Having to get new cards issued may be a hassle, but it is less

hassle than trying to sort out the mess left when a hacker starts
buying things using your card details.

Recover Your Accounts

Major companies such as Google, Facebook, Twitter and
Microsoft are well aware of the possibility of accounts being
hacked, and most offer processes to get the account back to
normal. Indeed, the company may well be the first to realise an
account has been hijacked and shut it down for you. Head over
to the homepage of the website in question and check the
knowledge base/help desk for advice on what to do next.

Just remember that if you get an email from Facebook, Twitter,

etc., telling you that your account has been breached, make
sure that it is legitimate and not someone phishing for your
login information.

You can read more about spotting

scam emails at:
https://pclpublications.com.
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 What To Do if You’re Hacked

Scan For Viruses

and Malware
If your computer has been infected with a virus or malware,
this could be where the hacker got your details, so none of
the steps above are any use if the underlying source of the
breach is still sitting on your device waiting to send all of
your updated information to the hacker. Run a complete
virus scan, using reputable scanning software from the likes
of Norton, Kaspersky, Panda or McAfee.

If using WIndows 11, then the Windows Defender tool offers an

Offline Scan, whichcan find even particularly well-hidden malware
on your computer. This scan will take at least 15 minutes to complete,
but is the most in-depth scan offered by the free anti-virus software.

Contact Friends, Family

and Colleagues
If you think that your email or social media account has been
hacked, contact friends, family and colleagues top let them
know. There have been many cases where a family member or
friend has received an email supposedly from a stranded
person, asking for help (in the form of money) so that they can
get home. Making people aware, means they will be less likely
to fall for this sort of scam.

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 Using the Windows 11
Task Manager
The Task Manager is a very useful tool but even if you have been using Windows for some
time, you might never have looked at it before. The Task Manager contains information
on PC performance, the number of running apps, how many processes are pulling power
from the processor and much more.

1 Processes Tab
The Processes tab is the default
tab when the Task Manager is opened. You
can open the task manager by simply
searching for it in the main search panel.
Just as with any other app or piece of
software in WIndows 11, you can pin a
shortcut to the Task Manager, to the taskbar
or as a desktop icon.

2 Start-up Tab
The Start-up tab contains a list
of all the apps, programs and processes
that are enabled every time you start your
computer. If your computer is brand new,
this list should be fairly small and filled with
essential items. But as you install new apps
and software, this start-up list can become
bloated and slow down boot up. You can
disable auto start-up here.

3 Process List
With the Processes tab selected,
a list of all processes is shown. Processes
are bits of software that run in the
background, either running or waiting to
run when a corresponding action is taken.
As you can see from the list here, things like
Cortana and AVG are shown; these you
would obviously want to leave.

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 Using the Windows 11 Task Manager

View Options
The View options at the top of the
Task Manager window allows you to
do several things. You can manually
refresh the current tab and also
change the automatic update
speed. For example you can change
how the processes are displayed.
Either by grouping them by type,
expanding or collapsing the list, or
showing status values.

4 Performance Tab
Another useful tab in the Task
Manager is Performance. This gives you a
real-time performance overview, allowing
you to pinpoint exactly how well your
hardware is coping with whatever you are
doing at the time. If Task Manager is the
only app open, the performance chart
should be very stable but if you are running
several apps, it will show any power spikes.

5 Resource Usage
If you find your PC becoming
slow and sluggish during normal use, you
may have too many processes running. By
looking at the resource usage chart, you
can see exactly which apps are taking up
the most processing power, physical
memory, disk space and even network
bandwidth. If something is particularly
resource hungry, you can right-click and
stop it.

6 Settings
You can view a limited version of
the Task Manager by clicking on the
“Settings” button at the bottom of the
window. This makes the window small
enough that it can be left open, in the
corner of your desktop for example, but still
show relevant information. You can get
more information at any time by clicking
“More Details”

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 Monitor Tasks with
the Task Manager
If a program isn’t working, or you want to control what starts with your PC or you want
to see what’s running, then visit Task Manager. Access it via the Power Menu (right-click
on Start) or press Ctrl+Alt+Delete and select it from the Security Options menu.

Manage Your PC
Task Manager is a lot more complex than it used to be and it’s now a useful insight into your PC and app
performance, allowing you to check anything from Wi-Fi usage to app crashes and much more.

Step 1 Task Manager starts life as this fairly unassuming Step 3 You can see what system resources each app is
little window. If you have an app that is using in each column. Here Excel is using around
unresponsive, select it and click End Task. Beware that if you do this 74MB of memory, for example. Memory use is almost at its maximum,
to an app with unsaved work in it, you will lose your work. Clicking as you can see at the top of the column. Maxed out resources are no
the More Details button will expand the Task Manager window. bad thing – after all your PC is there to be used – but when apps
crash, they are usually using resources and not relinquishing them.

Step 2 This window is a little more complex, but the ‘Apps’ Step 4 If an app crashes, then you need to select it and
part of the window is essentially what we were click End Task as before. You should always try
looking at in Step 1. Now the apps have been joined by background and give it time to recover (especially if you will lose work). Now
processes. Your PC will most likely be running tens of these unless it’s we’ve clicked the Performance tab at the top of the window and
box-fresh. Here we’ve got 41. These are things such as Cortana, we can see the usage of important elements of our PC.
which runs in the background, and our trackpad software.

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 Monitor Tasks with the Task Manager

Step 5 Here’s our disk usage – as you can see it’s pretty Step 8 Although it’s of limited general use, the Users tab
active! You will also have this if you have several details what apps and processes are running on
big apps open (we’ve got Edge, Spotify, Word and Excel open in a per-user basis. This might be useful if your PC is running slowly
this example). In the previous step you could see our processor and you want to see what resources someone else who is logged
usage, and as you may have noticed, we’ve only been using into the PC is hogging. They might have something wasteful
around 40 per cent of its capability during the last minute. running in the background, for example.

Step 6 Wi-Fi usage (you can also see wired network Step 9 The Details tab is really for pro users only and
usage if you use that to connect) is more has full information on each running process and
sporadic as the network connection tends to be used which user is responsible for it. You can also see how much
intermittently – unless you’re copying files or similar. Here we’re resource the process is taking up as well as what is called a
streaming music, which appears to download in chunks. Notice Process ID, or PID, that identifies the process on your machine.
there’s no data being received or sent right at this moment.

Step 7 The Start-up tab is one of the most important in Step 10 Services are programs that run in the
Task Manager. While you can configure an app background. The chances are your PC is running
such as Skype to start-up when Windows does and disable the lots of them. For example Windows Defender, the built-in security
same within the app, some applications are sneaky and enable software, runs in the background as a service. As well as viewing
themselves to start when Windows does. Here you can select the the active services in Task Manager, you can click the Open
app and either enable or stop this from happening. Services link to manage services on your PC.

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 Defragment Your
Hard Drive
The act of Defragging your drive goes back to the early days of computing, where data
was written to the drive in various sectors across the disk platters. This data could be
spread all over, taking time to read, so a Defrag packs it all neatly into readable areas.

Defrag
Most of us have a modern PC with a relatively modern operating system installed on it, regardless of
whether that’s Windows 11, macOS or the latest distribution of Linux. These systems have been updated and
tweaked in accordance with the advanced hardware technology that’s now available, and will more than
likely see you through a good year or so without you ever having to even look at a defrag tool.

Defragging is one of those utilities that exist to cause arguments.

The for camp declare it the best thing you can do with a PC, and
therefore it must be done every week. The against camp laugh
heartily at the amount of time wasted, watching little blocks
being moved around the screen while your hard drive has the
computing equivalent of an extreme workout.

Although there are studies that show defragging every so often

can help older operating systems and hardware, there’s nothing
concrete that suggests a weekly defrag will help out a modern
operating system and hardware. In fact, if you’ve got a
solid-state drive (SSD) installed you shouldn’t be defragging
at all, especially if the SSD is one of the first or second
generation models. But, and here’s where things get a
little grey, there are also many experts who think that
defragging a modern SSD won’t do too much
harm, and won’t necessarily impede the overall
lifetime of the device – since SSDs have a
significantly lower read/write lifespan
compared to a more traditional,
mechanical hard drive.

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 Defragment Your Hard Drive

In truth, a monthly check of the state of fragmentation of your Plus, mechanical drives have average read/access times of around
drives is considered a good idea. If Windows 11 recommends that 15ms, whereas an SSD has access times measuring in the 0.1ms
you perform a defrag, then go ahead and do one. Otherwise, stick mark. So a defrag won’t make any difference in access times.
to the old adage: if it ain’t broke…
However, even ones and zeros written to solid state memory can
So, What is Defragging? get slightly fragmented over time. In which case, it’s often best to
check the state of the drive.
As explained in the main intro of this page, over time the
operating system will write numerous files to your hard drive.
Those files can be the data you’re working with, your personal
data, work and such, and it can be temporary files that the OS
works on in the background. For example, when you browse the
Internet, temporary files are created for every page you visit,
sometimes many per page depending on what’s going on with
the page in question. Most of these files are deleted once the
browser has been closed down, some aren’t. This creates areas of
a drive that files now exist on, and areas where files did exist,
which causes fragmentation.

Each of these blocks of saved, deleted and moved data soon

create fragmented sectors across the physical disk platter (we’re
talking about hard drives here, not SSDs). As the drive heads To do this, right-click the drive in File Manager, select Properties
move along the platters to retrieve and write data – much like the from the menu. Click the tools tab, and click the Optimise button
needle on a vinyl record player – it has to travel more and from in the Optimise and Defragment Drive section.
one end to the other to fetch the data, due to the inconsistencies
created by the frequent writes and deletes.

Defragging will move all that readable data to areas at the front
of the drive platter, so the drive heads don’t have as far to travel
to read the data. This speeds up the reading of data, and helps
get rid of any unwanted leftovers from the number of times a disk
is accessed.

Granted it does go into further depth, but we’re not going to delve
too deep here. If you want to understand more, then we’d
recommend you look up defragmentation online.

Do SSDs need Defragging? In the Optimise Drives window, click Analyse, to check the state
of the drive. If Windows 11 recommends a defrag, click the
Optimise button.

Ask most folks in the know, and they’d say no, an SSD does not
need to be defragged. This is understandable, as there are no
physical platters or drive heads. The data written to an SSD via a
modern operating system is often put into a temporary position Conclusion
first, then committed to an area of the drive. If you defrag an SSD,
then you’re moving temporary files around before they’re In short, checking on the health of your drive(s) is something you
committed, then moving them once they are, so you’re doubling should factor into your monthly computer checks – updates, AV
the workload of the SSD. And, as we’ve already mentioned, an SSD updates, drivers etc. However, you may never need to use a
has a much lower read/write lifetime than a mechanical drive. defrag during the lifespan of your Windows 11 PC.

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 Update Your
Device Drivers
Keeping your device drivers up to date ensures that your Windows 11 computer is
running at its maximum efficiency. Using the latest drivers for your peripherals and
internal devices improves performance and keeps Windows 11 secure.

Updating Drivers
There are different ways to keep your device drivers up to date. One of the easiest is via the Windows 11
Updater. Here’s how it works.

Step 1 Updating your device drivers through the Windows Step 3 Each individual update, be it a device driver or
Update service is a perfect solution for those who some update to a third-party, supported product,
don’t want to trawl the manufacturer support web pages or forums will have a tick box to the left of its title. Click each device and
for the latest drivers. To start click on the Windows button in the update you want to have installed, then click on the Download &
taskbar. Go to the Windows Update Section, and look for the Install button located in the bottom-right of the current update
Advanced Options entry. window, to begin the update process.

Step 2 Within the Advanced Options window, click on Step 4 Windows 11 will now download the install the
the Optional Updates entry. In here are where selected updates. Depending on the size of the
all the official Microsoft supported updates for your device update and the speed of your Internet connection, it may take some
drivers will be, among other specific updates for non-Microsoft time to download. Once the selected entries are downloaded, they’ll
related apps. You may need to click the Driver Updates entry to automatically be installed and updated. You may need to restart
expand and view what’s available. your computer; Windows 11 will inform you if necessary.

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 Update Your Device Drivers

Finding Other Drivers

Good as it may be, the Windows 11 Update service doesn’t pick up all the latest drivers. A graphics card
driver may offer better performance in a new game, so you’ll need to look elsewhere.

Step 1 Many device manufacturers develop their own Step 4 There are times when you may need to force
driver update software. The major graphics Windows 11 to look for an updated driver beyond
card manufacturers do (Nvidia and AMD), as well as the processor the one that it’s installed by default. When you connect a device,
manufactures, Intel and AMD. For example, Intel uses the Intel Driver Windows 11 will automatically interrogate the device, and install
and Support Assistant. Simply click the icon in the taskbar, choose the driver that fits the device signature. However, these aren’t
Check for Drivers, and you can download the latest available. always the best drivers. Right-click the Windows Start button, and
select Device Manager.

Step 2 You may need to dig a little deeper to locate Step 5 From within Device Manager, find the newly
updated drivers for your devices. Printers are installed device from the available list of
often covered by the Windows 11 Update service, but they can take categories. Click the arrow to the left of it to expand its details – in
time to filter through the service before reaching your desktop. case there are more than one device available in the category.
To check on the latest drivers, go to your printer manufacturer’s Right-click the device, and select Update Driver. This will open a
support page, look for drivers and find the product you have. new Update Driver window.

Step 3 Graphics card are devices that frequently having Step 6 The Update Driver window enables you to search
driver updates. This is mainly due new games for the device driver. There are two options: you
being released, and tweaked for certain cards, be that an NVIDIA can have Windows 11 automatically search your computer for
or AMD card. There are also security fixes, and quality updates that updated drivers, or you can specify a location for Windows 11 to
can be applied, as well as some performance updates over time. look for any drivers (such as any you’ve downloaded). Click the
Windows 11 is still quite young, so expect better drivers over time. option that applies best for you.

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 Using the
Power Menu
Windows 11 boasts a secret power menu, that gives you access to several useful system
and maintenance tools and features. We show you how you can use it to your advantage
to quickly access networking settings and extra features that power users need.

Power Up
The secret Power Menu enables the more advanced Windows 11 users among you to quickly access key
settings that you probably commonly use, but are buried deeper within the system.

Start it Up Open the Power Menu using the Start button, Uninstall Desktop Apps The topmost available option
but instead of just left-clicking it to open the within the Power Menu, Apps &
Start menu, right-click the button. Note that you can also shut Features, takes you directly to the Apps section within the Windows
down or sign out here, too. This menu was originally created for 11 Settings. From here, you can modify, uninstall and get to advanced
users who felt the old Windows 8 Start screen didn’t give them options for all the apps you currently have installed on your system. It
access to what they needed. may only save a couple of clicks, but every shortcut saves time.

Command There are numerous shortcut access options Hot Keys You can access the Power Menu by pressing the
available in the Power Menu. For example, you Windows key + X on your keyboard. As well as
can access the new Windows 11 Terminal, both as standard access or opening the Power Menu, it enables you to use hot keys to quickly
as an elevated, Administrator access. You can also Run commands launch any of the options within the menu. You can only use the
directly from the Power Menu, Search for files or folders, and more; hot keys if you use the Windows shortcut key to open the Power
plus view your Windows 11 Events and logs. Menu – unless Microsoft change that option in a future update.

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 Power Menu - Storage Sense

Using
Storage Sense
Carrying over from Windows 10, Windows 11’s Storage Sense helps keep your computer
in tip-top shape by deleting unwanted content as your hard drive begins to run out of
space – which it inevitably will do.

Sense and Sensibility

Storage Sense looks different in Windows 11 compared to Windows 10, so if you’re used to using it, check
this page out first to see how it works.

Step 1 To get to the Storage Sense options, click on the Step 3 Click the sliding button to enable Automatic
Windows Start button, and go to Settings > User Content Cleanup. Here you can opt to
Storage > Storage Sense. Alternatively, you can get there via the configure cleanup schedules, such as removing files every day,
Power Menu (right-click the Windows button, or press the Windows week or month; or just when Windows 11 reports that your hard
key + X) and choose Settings, then Storage. drive is running low on space.

Step 2 Click the Storage Sense option within the Storage Step 4 You can choose when to delete files in your
section, if you haven’t already done so. Don’t worry Recycle bin. The default is 30 days, but you can
about turning on just yet, though. In Storage Sense you have a opt for 1, 14 or 60 days. Files in your Downloads folder can be
number of options available. The first is enabled by default: ‘Cleanup auto-deleted if they haven’t been opened for more than 1 day,
of temporary files’, which will remove unnecessary temp files from through to 60 days. However, ensure you backup your files, if
your system as you update Windows 11. Storage Sense deletes them from the Downloads folder.

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 Improving the
Windows 11 Firewall
The built-in Windows 11 firewall is a surprisingly good security application. While it may
not be as efficient as something offered by one of the third-party security suites, it’s
certainly more than adequate for the average user.

Getting to Know Your Firewall

Generally, there’s little need to ever configure the Windows 11 firewall. However, getting to know how it works
and improving it, is part of being more security conscious. Here’s some tips on how to better manage it.

Step 1 You can open the main Windows 11 firewall console Step 3 Under the status of the networks are some links
window by clicking on the Windows Start button that will help you configure and improve the
and entering ‘firewall’ into the search box. Click the returned link, firewall, as well as turning it on or off (which isn’t recommended
Firewall & Network Protection, to launch it. under any circumstance other than the installation of an
improved third-party firewall). To begin with, start by clicking on
the Advanced Settings link.

Step 2 The Windows 11 firewall console window should Step 4 The Advanced Settings link launches a new console
be On by default, unless you’ve installed a window. This new console defines the inbound and
third-party security suite which contains its own firewall. There are outbound rules for the entire system and its installed programs and
two kinds of network listed: Private and Public (and Domain if you applications. You can set authentication rules between computers,
have Windows 11 Pro version). Private is for home or work, whereas view and create new firewall rules, view the current firewall policies,
Public is for cafés and the like. and even monitor what’s being blocked in real-time.

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 Improving the Windows 11 Firewall

Step 5 Click on Inbound Rules to the right-hand side of Step 8 Sometimes, uninstalling a program doesn’t
the main console window. This will list the current automatically remove it from the Windows
rules that allow traffic onto your computer and to the applications firewall. The exact reasons why are varied, but to help improve
that require it. For example, in this screenshot there’s rules for the efficiency of the Windows firewall, whenever you remove a
various games that allow multiplayer interaction and the ability to program from your system, it’s worth checking the firewall to see
‘talk’ to the game server, as well as install updates. if its entry has been deleted. To delete an entry, right-click then
select Delete from the menu.

Step 6 These rules are automatically entered into the Step 9 You may not want to delete a rule as it could be
firewall when you install the program, game or used later, or if you re-install the program and it
app. When you install a program you’re required to accept and fails to re-create the firewall entry. The recommended process
authenticate the process, clicking on Yes to start the installation. then is to block the rule from communicating with the outside
This level of administrative access also allows entry of the program world. To do this, double-click the rule, and from the General tab
into the firewall. Pick one of the entries and double-click it. click the Block the connection button.

Step 7 The properties of each firewall entry allow a Step 10 Similarly, the Outbound Rules link will detail the
greater degree of control for that particular various programs that are allowed to
program. You can change the name of the entry, allow or block communicate from your computer to an external destination. It’s
the connection, define the physical location of the program on good practise to familiarise yourself with the rules of the firewall,
your computer, allow access to the program from remote as a rogue program will need to set a rule to communicate. You
computers, set the protocol and port number it’ll use, and even can then block that rule and stop the threat from reporting out.
which network controller to use.

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 Secure Your
Home Network
We’ve mentioned previously that an attack doesn’t always come from the other side of
the globe but can indeed be a little too close to home at times. Home network hacking is
possible with the simplest of tools; easily found on the Internet.

Network Protection
Without being too paranoid, it’s remarkably easy to get into a neighbour’s home network. If you live in a block
of flats or you use powerline adapters, you may need to consider these ten steps for better network protection.

Step 1 The most common entry point to gain access to Step 3 It can be a pain but try disabling DHCP on your
your network is via the router. The router from your router and opting for static IP addresses. Every
ISP may well be offering the latest forms of encryption but it doesn’t device that connects to a DHCP router will receive an IP address. By
take a genius to trawl the less reputable sections of the Internet to eliminating that you get to specify the address range available. It’s
obtain a list of passwords. Therefore, change the default username not fool proof but it’s worth considering.
and password needed to access it.

Step 2 Most routers these days come with a form of Step 4 According to Trustwave’s 2013 Global Security
authentication called MAC (Media Access Code) Report, many home network hacks are conducted
address filtering. Every networkable device, computers, tablets, when the household is away or asleep. This leaves the hacker with
games consoles, come with a unique MAC address. The filtering ample opportunity to steal bandwidth and view files you may have
allows you to enter the MAC addresses of your devices, so only on a NAS drive. The short, simple solution is to power off the router
they can be used on your router. Consult your router at night or if you go out for the day.
documentation for more details if required.

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 Secure Your Home Network

Step 5 Powerline adapters are an excellent resource for Step 8 Sharing resources and files from one computer
connecting wired network devices, without trailing to another is perfectly fine but consider sharing
lengths of cable around the home. However, depending on the less if you live in close proximity to others. Once a hacker has
adapter, it is possible to use another adapter to gain access to yours. gained access to your network, getting to any shared folders you
In newer homes it’s an easy enough task to pick up another user’s have will be a doddle. In extreme cases don’t share anything,
network, so use the Encryption button if the adapter has one. but generally tighten password control.

Step 6 Networking a home with Ethernet cables isn’t a Step 9 Remote administration on both the router and
difficult project and it offers faster connection computer certainly can help you out when you’re
speeds than that of wireless. However, if you’re living in shared not at the keyboard. Perhaps you connect to your home network
accommodation or a block of flats, make sure that any unseen from work? Whatever the reasons, it does leave a potential gap in
cable lengths can’t be accessed by a neighbour. It’s easy enough to your home network security. Consider closing it completely or
splice into an Ethernet cable and steal bandwidth. double-checking the authentication is top notch.

Step 7 Consider using a network mapping program, such Step 10 If you run a small office make sure that all your
as Open-AudIT, to gain a better understanding of wall ports are located in areas where they are
what devices are attached to your network. Become familiar with secure. Behind desks and generally away from where the public or
the addresses, manufacturer, model IDs and so on of every any visitors may be able sneakily plug a laptop in.
connected object. That way, should anything new appear, you’ll
know it’s not something you allowed.

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 How a VPN Can Improve
Windows Security
We’ve emphasised the enhanced privacy that a VPN offers when you’re connected to its
services, and the heightened levels of anonymity, but what security benefits does a VPN
bring to a Windows 11 computer with an antivirus program already installed?

Security Beyond Anonymity

It’s a good question: how can a VPN improve Windows security? While the privacy side is well catered for, there
are some good security enhancements and features a VPN brings to the table.

Feature 1 This doesn’t happen often, but an ISP can Feature 3 To expand the previous feature, VPNs filter web
become compromised and details of user pages that are dangerous or contain threats. Even
activities leaked or stolen. Using a VPN can hide your browsing with a good antivirus client installed, you can still access a dangerous
activity from trackers and even your ISP, enabling you to browse site. Using a VPN prevents the site from even being loaded.
without the fear of having your details leaked or accessed by others.

Feature 2 Many VPN providers utilise a level of antimalware Feature 4 The connection between you and the VPN server
into their security layers. This enhances your is encrypted to the highest possible standards.
security by filtering any downloads through the VPN first. Should This makes it near impossible for some external element to gain
there be a virus present, then it can be removed or stopped at the access to the data you’re transmitting. Online banking and shopping
VPN before it even reaches you. are extremely secure with a VPN.

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 How a VPN Can Improve Windows Security

Feature 5 Public and free Wi-Fi hotspots are notorious Feature 8 Most VPNs also add an extra layer of security
when it comes to mobile security. Anyone with a whereby they actively block any advertising
little knowledge and some free tools via the Internet can intercept from websites. Internet ads are a necessary evil in some ways,
public Wi-Fi networks and hijack your connection, revealing all your as they provide much-needed funds for your favourite freely
data. A VPN encrypts the data and protects you. available websites. However, some contain malicious content
and need to be blocked.

Feature 6 If you’re working abroad, or you’re a remote Feature 9 Using HTTPS instead of HTTP utilises the secure
worker, a VPN connection to the company’s side of the Internet protocol. Sadly, it’s not
servers ensures that all the sensitive business data remains secure. always implemented either in browsers or by users. Many VPNs
It’s difficult for a company to ensure 100 per cent security with force all websites to use the secure connection that a HTTPS site
mobile and off-site workers, but a VPN provides a secure tunnel offers, thereby enhancing your browsing security.
straight to the company itself.

Feature 7 The availability of iOS and Android VPN clients Feature 10 In some countries, data retention laws are quite
means that your call data and data stored on archaic, meaning governments and other
your device is also secure. Mobile VPN apps use the same levels bodies are able to access your data log for as long as you’ve been
of protection and security, so your data can’t be stolen when able to access the Internet. A good VPN won’t detail any logs of
you’re not even aware of it. your browsing and in most cases won’t even hand over any
personal information relating to you to other agencies.

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 How to Create a
Recovery Drive
A recovery drive is a useful way to ensure that you don’t lose data in the event of a critical
malfunction. It can help you both troubleshoot and fix problems, even if the PC won’t
start as it normally would. All you need is a blank, formatted USB flash drive.

Protecting Your PC and Files

Creating a recovery drive is a relatively simple process. It does however take a bit of time to create but it’s
worth the effort as it could save you a lot of frustration in the future.

Step 1 The first thing you need to do is find a USB drive Step 3 Your USB drive needs to be wiped of everything
that is large enough and then make sure it is currently on it before the recovery drive is created.
ready to be used. The USB drive you decide to use won’t be able You can do this during the set up process later or you can format it
to be used for anything else like storing other files, etc. so make yourself right now: a useful thing to know how to do. Insert your
sure it is a spare, or bought specifically for the task. USB drive into a free USB slot on in your computer.

Step 2 A basic Windows 11 recovery file will be less than Step 4 Open the File Explorer on your computer and you
500MB but if you choose to include system files in should see the USB flash drive listed in the sidebar.
the backup (recommended), so you can use it to reinstall Windows, It will probably be labelled as the (E:) or (F:) drive. Right-click on the
you will need much more space. A basic recovery drive can be as drive label and select Format from the action menu. Leave the
small as 1GB but a full recovery drive needs to be at least 8GB. settings as default (should be FAT32) and then click Start.

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 How to Create a Recovery Drive

Step 5 You should now be ready to create your recovery Step 8 Click Create on the next screen and the process will
drive. In the search field, type “Recovery Drive” begin. This may take a while to complete,
and select the Recovery Drive app result. In newer versions of so go make a coffee and leave it to run. A progress bar shows how far
Windows 11, you might also be able to find the Recovery Drive in along it is, should you need to check. Do not remove the USB drive,
the main apps list, opened by clicking the Start menu button. or turn off your computer, before the process finishes.

Step 6 Allow the software to “make changes to this PC” Step 9 When the process is complete, you should be
and the setup wizard will open. This first screen is prompted to delete the recovery partition on your
where you choose whether you want to back up system files with PC, to save some space; as long as you plan to keep your recovery
the recovery drive, so you can use it to reinstall Windows 11. If you drive, this is safe to do. If you are not sure, you can leave the recovery
do, tick the checkbox and then click Next. partition in place; it can be deleted at a later date if you wish.

Step 7 After a few moments, you will be asked to select Step 10 If you did not already have a recovery partition on
the USB flash drive you wish to use. If you only have your computer, you won’t see this step. You will
one USB drive inserted, it will be the only one shown and will be simply be informed that the recovery drive is ready, and to click
automatically selected. You are reminded again how much storage Finish. Remove the USB drive from your computer and put it
space the drive needs, and that all existing data will be wiped. somewhere safe. It is a good idea to label the drive so it is not reused.

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 Windows 11
Power Options
If you use Windows 11 on a desktop PC, you might adjust the power options for how long
the PC sleeps or when the display turns off when inactive. With a laptop, the Windows 11
power options should definitely be something with which you are more familiar with.

View, Switch and Create Power Plans

Within the Power Options panel you can choose from preset Windows 11 power plans, or you can create
your own based on your computers’ power requirements.

Step 1 Click on the Windows 11 Start button and enter: Step 3 The High Performance power plan is, as the name
Control, then click the first result, Control Panel suggests, best for overall performance, but will
App. From there, select System and Security > Power Options. use more power and is unsuitable for use on a laptop using battery
Windows 11 will, by default, have selected the Balanced power power. To switch between power plans, simply select the one you
plan. This is designed to balance performance and energy want to use. For many users, this is all you will need to do.
consumption, and is best for PC’s that are connected to the mains.

Step 2 On a laptop, you can access the power options by Step 4 To customise any of the power plans, click the
right-clicking on battery indicator in the taskbar link next to the relevant one. The next screen
tools. There are two other, default power plans alongside Balanced; will let you set when the display turns off and when the
Power Saver is designed to reduce energy use by scaling back computer sleeps after inactivity. You can also click “Change
performance when possible. Good for laptops using battery power. Advanced Power Settings” to see settings for the hard disk,
desktop, USB and processor and more.

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 Windows 11 Power Options

Step 5 You should be fairly careful when changing these Step 6 Your laptop might have software installed that
advanced settings, especially for things like the automatically switches power plans, depending
processor (although Windows should prevent you from making a on whether it is working on battery power or plugged into the
damaging change). It is best to make small changes, and then test to mains. The settings for this can usually be found in the taskbar
see if the change has had the desired effect, before making more. tools panel at the bottom right of the screen.

Use Your Laptop with the Lid Closed

If you want to be able to use your laptop with an external keyboard, mouse and monitor, without having to
keep it on your desk and switched on, you need to change some power settings.

Step 1 When you close your laptop lid, the default Step 3 Use the drop-down menus to select what happens
setting will be for Windows 11 to go into low when you close the lid, both when on battery and
power sleep mode. This is obviously no good if you are using your when the laptop is plugged into the mains. When you are happy with
laptop with an external monitor, as it will make the laptop your settings, click the Save the changes button and you will be able
unusable. To solve this problem, click on the Battery icon > power to use the laptop as a desktop replacement with the lid closed.
and sleep settings in the taskbar.

Step 2 In the Power Options panel, look in the left sidebar Step 4 If you also take your laptop to different locations
for the option to “Choose what closing the lid out of the house, it is a good idea to revert these
does”. Click this and you will see the Power button, Sleep button, and changes. If you don’t, you run the risk of having the laptop continue
lid closing settings. You can change the settings for each individually. to run while in a bag, etc., which, if the cooling vents are covered,
Settings include: Do Nothing, Sleep, Hibernate and Shut Down. can be damaging to the hardware.

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 Manage Your Privacy
in Windows 11
Controlling security on your computer is important but almost as important is being
able to control your privacy settings. Microsoft have launched a web-based privacy
dashboard tool and this great tool is available to all Windows 11 users.

The Privacy Dashboard

The privacy dashboard is web-based rather than in the settings and it allows you to manage multiple devices
from a single interface, as long as you are logged in to a single account.

Step 1 Open your browser and navigate to www.account. Step 3 Click on one of the main categories, Search,
microsoft.com/privacy. If prompted, use your Browsing, Location or Cortana, and you will see
Microsoft account details to log in. You will be logged in to the more information. This could include a list of searches you have
privacy overview page that lets you quickly see what privacy made or websites visited (in Edge only, not other browsers),
settings the dashboard contains and controls. interests Cortana has saved for you or locations you have been.

Step 2 Along with the main Search, Browsing and Step 4 Each section has a Clear button, whether that
Location privacy categories, if you scroll down to is clearing browsing history, search history and
the bottom of the page you will see entries for everything from so on. It is next to a warning that states clearing data will stop
Apps to Xbox, with simple links to take you to the settings and Windows being able to provide you with accurate and relevant
options for those privacy areas. information. You need to decide what is more important,
privacy or recommendations.

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 Manage Your Privacy in Windows 11

Step 5 Another useful privacy section in the dashboard Step 6 There is also a browser tool that lets you choose if
is the Advertising Preferences. This lets you the adverts you see come from companies other
control whether personalised adverts are shown to you in the Edge than Microsoft. Click the option under More Choices and wait for
browser. Some of the ads you may receive on Microsoft websites the Digital Advertising Alliance scan to finish. You can then choose
and apps are tailored to your previous activities and searches. from the list to see adverts from different advert providers.

Privacy Settings
There are, of course, still privacy options in the main Settings app in Windows 11. This is generally added to
and improved with each OS update.

General Privacy Privacy has its own section within the Account Info Apps are able to access very basic personal
settings; here there are many different settings such as your name and account
categories covering everything from Location to Background Apps. information. This is so they can sign you in automatically to your
Click on each of the privacy categories to see the options within that Windows account for things like Xbox Live or the Windows Store.
category. Use the slider switches to allow or block privacy actions. You can turn this off wholesale or on an app by app basis.

Messaging Apps We’re using Windows 11 on a laptop Background Apps You can control which apps you allow
here but if we had a tablet with a SIM to run in the background. Go to the
card we would be able to get control over which apps were able Apps section, then Apps & Features, and locate an app you don’t
to send messages over SMS and MMS. You probably want this to want running in the background. Click the three dots to the right of
be restricted to just your Messaging app; most apps really the app, select Advanced Options and change the Background
shouldn’t have access to your texts. Apps Permissions via the drop-down box.

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 Windows 11
Maintenance Tools
Before you start to add software to help with maintenance, it is worth checking out the
numerous tools included with the OS. These are spread out over several menus but once
you find them you will see that they can really help with security and performance.

Maintaining Windows 11
Windows 11 is a lot better at keeping you informed of problems than previous versions were. It is, however,
up to you to keep on top of maintaining the OS if you want the best experience.

Storage Sense Activating Storage Sense lets the system Background Apps One of the easiest ways to conserve
software automatically free up storage power (for laptop users) and reduce
space by getting rid of files you no longer need. These can include processor strain, is to take control of Background Apps. These are
temporary files such as cookies and the contents of your Recycle Bin. apps that are, by default, allowed to receive info, send notifications
and update in the background.

You can choose when files are deleted, e.g. after 30 days in the You can either stop all background apps with a single slider click or
Recycle Bin or if apps don’t use them for a certain amount of time. you can prevent individual apps from running in the background.
Alternatively you can simply click a button to Clean Now rather than Go to Settings > Privacy > Background Apps and look through the
setting automatic cleaning. You can find the Storage Sense option in apps listed. If you see apps that you don’t need notifications or
Settings > System > Storage. updates from, click the slider to disable its background activity.

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 Windows 11 Maintenance Tools

Troubleshooters Windows 11 includes a number of Disk Tools There are several tools built in to
troubleshooting tools, aimed specifically Windows 11 (and also in older
at certain problems such as audio loss or patchy Internet connection. versions of the OS) that allow you to clean, fix and manage your
This is often the best place to start when trying to solve problems with hard disk. Open the File Explorer and look in the left-hand column
your PC and Windows 11, as the OS contains many drivers for for ‘This PC’. Select it and then right-click on Local Disk (C:). In the
common devices and may just need a small software update. General tab, you will see a button for Disk Clean-up that lets you
get rid of temporary Internet files, old program files and so on.

You simply look through the list of troubleshooters and click on the If you click the Tools tab, you can use the Error Checking tool and
one which applies. Choose Run the Troubleshooter and then follow the Disk Defragment tool. Both of these tools can help your hard
the instructions to try and solve the problem. You can find the disk run more efficiently. Click on either button and follow the
troubleshooters in Settings > System > Troubleshoot. instructions for each tool chosen.

Disk Management The Disk Management tool is more Each column contains information about capacity, free space in
about diagnostics than actual MB, percentage of free space and health status. There are some
maintenance but it is a useful way of checking whether your hard further options, such as the ability to change drive letters and mark
disk has space available and is healthy. The panel will show all of partitions as active but they are probably not worth playing around
your disks, as well as all of the partitions. with unless you know what you are doing.

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 Removing Malware
from Windows 11
The Windows 11 Defender and Security suite is very good, but what if you’re unlucky
enough to already have some form of digital infection? Thankfully, there’s a way to
remove malware and viruses from your computer.

Malware Busters
For this tutorial we’ll use a pre-configured rescue disk from Kaspersky. We’ll need to transfer, or burn, the disk
contents to a CD or a USB stick and boot into the safe environment through one of those mediums.

Step 1 Make sure you have a blank CD or a USB stick Step 3 Click the Select option, and using Windows
that’s at least 1GB in size. The Kaspersky Rescue Explorer, locate the downloaded Kaspersky Rescue
Disk is downloaded as an ISO (which is an image file containing all ISO – it’ll be called krd.iso. Click the Start button to select the image
the disk information), and can be downloaded from https://www. and continue with the process. This will copy the contents of the ISO
kaspersky.com.au/downloads/thank-you/free-rescue-disk. to the USB while also making the USB a bootable device.

Step 2 To transfer the ISO to a USB, download Rufus; Step 4 If you’re using a CD, start by inserting the CD into
which is an executable that doesn’t require any the drive. Locate the downloaded Kaspersky
installation, from: https://rufus.ie/. Insert your USB stick and Rescue ISO, right-click it and choose Burn Disc Image from the
double-click Rufus. Check that the Device label is pointing to your context menu. Tick the ‘Verify disc after burning’ option, and click
inserted USB stick, if not then you may need to close Rufus, remove the Burn button to start the process. Once the ISO is burnt to the
the USB, then re-insert the USB and re-start Rufus. The remaining disc, you can power off your computer.
options can be left as their defaults.

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 Removing Malware from Windows 11

Step 5 You’ll now need to allow your PC to boot up into Step 8 Once connected, relaunch the Kaspersky Rescue
the Kaspersky Rescue CD environment. Power up Tool from the desktop icon, agree to the license
your PC and open the Boot Option Menu. This could be accessed once more. Before you begin, click on the Change Parameters link
by pressing F12 (depending on the make and manufacturer of in the Kaspersky Rescue Tool window. This will enable you to
your PC motherboard). With the boot options available, select choose which drives the tool can scan for infections and malware.
either the CD or USB stick and press Enter. Tick all the drives in your system.

Step 6 The PC will now boot into the Kaspersky Rescue Step 9 When you’re ready to continue, click on the
Disc environment. This is a custom Linux operating Start Scan button in the Kaspersky Rescue Tool
system with all the necessary security tools pre-installed. First, you’ll window. This will begin the process of scanning all the drives
need to choose which language to load the environment. Use the selected in the previous step. Be aware, that, depending on the
arrow keys, and press Enter for your language choice. After that, size of your drives and the amount of data on them, this could
choose the Graphic Mode. take quite some time.

Step 7 Begin by accepting the license agreement. After Step 10 While the scan is working, you’ll see the area that
that, the rescue disc will check its status and open a the tool is currently processing. You’ll also get a
window asking for you to start scanning the system. However, it’s best brief run-down of any threats currently found, time taken, and
to check you’ve got access to the Internet in order for it to update number of files scanned. Once complete, you can view a report by
first. Close down the Rescue Tool window, and click on the Network clicking on Details. Hopefully, you’re malware free, and you can
box in the bottom-right. Connect to Wi-Fi, or Wired as required. remove the USB/disc and reboot the system.

www.pclpublications.com 139
 Six Steps to
a Faster PC
A slow computer is inconvenient and frustrating. When everything takes twice as long as
it should, you might be tempted to buy a new PC. Before you do, there are several things
you can try to make your Windows 11 PC run faster and smoother.

1 Update Windows 11 and Drivers

The first step along your path to a faster computer is making sure that
the Windows OS and all of the various drivers installed are up to date.
Simply updating drivers to the latest versions can have a noticeable
effect on the overall loading speed of any PC and fortunately, this is
very easy to do.

Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click “Check
for updates”. Windows 11 will scan for available updates (to both the
OS and drivers), before displaying all those available as a list.

If no updates are available, it will say “Your device is up to date” and

you can move on to the next tip. If updates are available, select those
you want to download and install, then click “Install”. When installation
is complete, restart your PC.

2 Check Program Compatibility

Software that is designed to run on older versions of Windows can
sometimes cause Windows 11 to slow down as it struggles to manage
this incompatibility issue. To find out if this is a potential problem, run
the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter.

In the taskbar search field, type “program compatibility troubleshooter”

and click the first result in the search panel. Run the troubleshooter;
testing any software you think is causing problems.

The troubleshooter will offer you various ways to test and fix software
compatibility issues.

3 Check and Clear Disk Space

If your hard drive is very full, it can affect performance. To check: open Settings
> System > Storage and see how much space you have left. If your storage is
looking full, try the following options to make some space:
Delete Temporary Files – Click the “This PC” bar and then click the
“Temporary files” bar. Select everything you want to delete, click the “Remove
Files” button and then restart your PC.
Remove Unwanted Apps – Open Settings > Apps > Apps & Features, click on
any app you want to remove and then click “uninstall”. Repeat this for all
unwanted or unused apps before restarting.
Move Files to an External Drive – Connect a removable hard drive to your PC
(a small USB flash drive for example) and open the File Explorer. Select the files
you want to move, click “Move to” in the Home tab at the top and select the
external drive. Files will still be accessible as long as the drive is still connected.

140 www.pclpublications.com
 Six Steps to a Faster PC

4 Disable Unneeded
Startup Programs
Now that you have removed any unwanted apps and software, it is
time to check if any remaining apps are running unnecessarily at
startup. Many software manufacturers will set their programs to
start-up in the background when WIndows 11 starts up. This helps
the programs to open more quickly and makes sense for software
you frequently use, but not for software you only use occasionally.

A quick way to see what software is running in the background is

to look at the icons on the right side of the taskbar and open the
hidden icons panel by clicking the small arrow. You can hover the
mouse over icons to see what they are.

If you want to have a deeper look at which software initiates

during startup, open Settings > Apps > Start-up. Here you will see
a list of all startup apps, along with an estimation of their
performance/speed impact and a slider to prevent each one
from starting automatically.

5 Scan for Viruses & Malware

Viruses, malware and other malicious software could cause
your computer to run slowly or behave strangely. Things to
look out for include: unexpected pop-up messages,
programs that suddenly start or stop, or the sound of your
hard disk constantly working.

To scan for and remove viruses, open Settings > Update &
Security > Windows Security (previously Windows Defender) >
Open Windows Security, click on “Virus
Threats & Protection” and then
click the “Quick Scan” button.

You can do a more advanced

scan by clicking “Scan options”
and choosing which you want
to perform. If viruses or
malware are found, you will be
given options to quarantine and
remove them.

6 Check for Corrupted System Files

Occasionally, the core system files in Windows can become
corrupted (for a variety of reasons) and cause performance
problems. WIndows 11 includes a tool: the Deployment
Image Service and Management Tool, that will check for such
files and automatically replace them, either with a cached
version or by downloading a new version.
Use the DISM Tool – In the Search box in the taskbar, type
“powershell”. Right-click on “Windows Powershell” in the
results and choose “Run as Administrator” from the menu.
At the Command prompt, that opens in the blue Powershell
window, type “dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-image / If the tool finds and replaces any corrupted files, restart your
Restorehealth” without the quotation marks (note the space computer and check to see if it has helped with your current
between “dism.exe” and “/” and each switch (/)). performance issues.

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 How to Reset
or Fresh Start
Resetting a PC reinstalls Windows, with a choice to deletes your files, settings and apps,
and main system files. Restoring will undo recent system changes, without deleting files.
A Fresh Start completely removes all apps and reinstalls Windows.

Fresh or Reset?
Refreshing and resetting your Windows 11 PC are two very different things and you should always make sure
you know which is the best choice to solve your current problem.

Step 1 If your PC isn’t performing as well as it once did, Step 3 In System > Recovery, click on ‘Reset PC’ button
and you don’t know why, you can reset your to begin the process. You will now need to choose
PC without deleting any of your personal files or changing your whether to keep your files (just remove apps and settings), or
settings. Apps or software not installed through the Store will be remove everything. If you choose Remove everything, you will then
removed but Windows store apps will be reinstalled. need to choose whether to ‘Remove and clean the drive’.

Step 2 Open the main Settings app and head into the Step 4 You will be warned that you won’t be able to roll
Windows Update > Advanced Options section. back to a previous version of Windows after the
Click on Recovery and you will see several options, including reset (old Windows files will be deleted). Click Next and then Reset
Reset this PC. If you can’t get into Settings, you can access reset when prompted. Windows will restart and take several minutes to
by restarting your computer while holding the Shift key; then reset itself. Click Continue when promoted.
select Troubleshoot > Reset.

142 www.pclpublications.com
 How to Reset or Fresh Start

Perform a Fresh Start

Performing a Fresh Start allows you to do a clean reinstallation and update of Windows, while keeping your
personal data and most Windows settings intact; an easier option than a full wipe and reinstall.

Step 1 Be aware that Fresh Start will remove most of Step 4 Looking at the website that Windows 11 sends
your apps from your device, so you will have some you to when you click on the Give your PC a Fresh
reinstalling to do. In some cases, a clean installation may improve your Start link, there will be a blue Open Recovery Settings box. Click
device’s start-up and shutdown experience, memory usage, Microsoft this, and you will automatically open the Recovery Settings section,
Store apps performance, browsing experience and battery life. or you can access it via System > Recovery.

Step 2 To find the Fresh Start tool, open the Windows Step 5 As you can see, all roads lead back to the Recovery
Defender tool (click on the shield icon in the section in Windows 11. To perform a Fresh Start,
taskbar), and then click on the Device Performance & Health you’ll need to click the Reset PC button. This again brings up the
section. You will need to click on Additional Info and then click option pop-up window. For a Fresh Start, you’ll need to click the
Give your PC a Fresh Start. If Fresh Start has previously been Remove Everything button. It’s worth saying again: Ensure your
performed, the date will be displayed here. data is backed up before doing this.

Step 3 Microsoft recommends that you back up your files Step 6 You’ll now have the option to download
before making changes like a clean installation Windows 11 and re-install it using the Cloud
of Windows to your device. Make sure that you have access to all (meaning you’ll download it from the Microsoft servers), or as a
reinstallation media (such as CDs), product keys, license or login local reinstallation (which means you’ll have a physical copy of
information and other materials needed to manually reinstall apps. Windows 11 either on disk or as a USB). Whichever method you
prefer, click the box and the process will begin.

www.pclpublications.com 143
 Troubleshooting
Windows Problems
Windows 11 includes some useful tools for checking and solving problems, but
sometimes you need to look a bit deeper. Occasionally you just need to go back to
basics. These tips will help you solve some common problems encountered.

First Things to Check

If you’re having problems with Windows Update, the Windows Update Troubleshooter might be able to
automatically fix the problem. Go to Microsoft.com and search for Update Troubleshooter.

Windows Update Troubleshooter Microsoft knows Checking System Spec If you’re having trouble
that things don’t installing or running a
always go smoothly when updating and have provided a dedicated particular app or game, it may be that your PC hardware is not up
troubleshooting tool for use during this key task. If you’re having to scratch. All commercial software will provide details of required
problems with Windows Update, the Windows Update and (sometimes) recommended specification needed to run it. You
Troubleshooter might be able to automatically fix the problem. Go can check system spec at any time, just go to Control Panel and
to Microsoft.com and search for Update Troubleshooter. select System and Security, then System.

Check for Updates Keeping your copy of Windows 11 App Updates If an app or program isn’t working with
up-to-date with the latest releases Windows 11, particularly after the
can really help to avoid problems before they happen. Press the Anniversary update, try looking in the Windows Store for an update
Windows logo key and click Settings. Then choose Windows and if that doesn’t work, delete and reinstall it. To check for
Update and then select Check for updates. Install any available available app updates on the store, click the user icon next to the
updates and restart your PC if required. search bar and select Downloads and Updates.

144 www.pclpublications.com
 Troubleshooting Windows Problems

Slow Boot Fix Like Windows 10 before it, Windows 11 Check the Troubleshooters Go to System >
uses a hybrid boot to enable fast boot Troubleshoot > Other
times. It sounds great but can actually slow down boot for some Trouble-shooters. This is where you’ll find troubleshooter tests that
users. Disable it by searching for Power Options in the Start menu can be carried out for a wide range of Windows 11 components and
and running the matching Control Panel applet, then in the settings situations. Everything from Internet connectivity to keyboard
click Choose to decide what the power buttons do. issues, power and video playback can be run from here.

Non-Responsive PC Windows 11 has a completely Restart Services Often, a problem could simply be a
different shell than previous Windows 11 service hasn’t started, or
versions. The Explorer.exe process is still at its core but there are a failed to start. For example, a printer not printing may not be the
few additional components as well. If you click the Start button fault of the printer, but the Print Spooler Service. Click the Start
and nothing happens or if the entire taskbar refuses to respond to button, type ‘services’ and click to open the Services App. Find the
an interaction, open Task Manager (press Ctrl+Shift+Esc), find service, right-click, then click Restart or Start.
Windows Explorer in the task list and click the Restart button.

Check Event Logs You can scrutinise the Windows 11 Free Up Disk Space There are times when a lack of
event logs to see if they reveal any available disk space can lead to
more information regarding the problem you’re having. an unresponsive, or slow PC. System > Storage is a good place to
Right-click the Windows Start button, and select Event Viewer start, then follow the Clean-up Recommendations. Also, right-click
from the list. In here you’ll find everything that’s happened to the C:\ drive in File Explorer, select Properties > Disk Clean-up.
your system since the day you turned it on. Finally, also check Clean up Systems Files in the same window.

www.pclpublications.com 145
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