How to Use Windows 10

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

With so many different things you can do with a PC, it's no wonder the technology has become a regular part of our daily lives. Whether you're just getting started, or have used a Windows computer before, this guide will help you understand some of the basic usage of a PC.

This guide assumes you already have your computer setup and are running Windows 10.

2. Create New Profile

1. Select the Start menu.
   

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2. By default it is in the lower left corner of your screen.
3. Select the Settings button on the left side of the start menu
   

1. In Windows Settings, select Accounts.
   

1. On the left, select Family & other people.
   

1. Choose to Add a family member, or Add someone else to this PC.
   

1. Follow the prompts until creation of the profile is complete.
2. To begin logging into the new user profile, click Start then the User icon.
   

3. Browse the Web

Windows 10 has its own ultra secure browser called Edge. It's available from both the start menu and the taskbar.

Open Edge by clicking the blue e.

Edge will open and show you various up to date information such as news, weather, and frequently used sites.

Edge Menu Navigation

1. The back and forward buttons are used to access previously viewed sites.
2. The refresh button will reload a page. You can also use the F5 key to do the same.
3. The home button will return you to your set homepage.
4. The browser bar is where you can either search or type in a url.
   

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2. Access your favorites here.
3. You can use OneNote to add annotations to websites here.
4. Clicking the ... will open the Edge Menu.
   

1. Clicking Settings will open a new window allowing you import favorites, clear browsing data, and change how Edge starts.
   

There are a few more browsers to choose from when you do your web surfing. The most popular browsers are:

1. Chrome
2. Safari
3. Internet Explorer
4. Firefox

4. Check E-mail

You can add any e-mail account to your built-in Windows Mail application.

To check your e-mail directly through Windows 10:

1. Click Start, type "mail" in the search box and then click to launch the Mail app.
   

1. If this is the first time you are using the app, you'll need to add an existing mail account by doing the following:
2. Click Add Account.
   

1. Choose an account and fill out the required information.
   

1. From here you can begin a new e-mail and access your e-mail. New mail will be in your Inbox.
   

1. Click New Mail to begin composing a message. Click Send when done.
   

5. Files

Whether you're creating documents or downloading games you're always going to be working with files.

Copy and Paste

1. Right-click the file or folder you want to copy.
2. Select copy from the pop-up menu.
   

1. Navigate to where you want to paste the file or folder.
2. Right-click an open area.
3. Select paste.
   

1. Your file will copy over.

Create a New Folder or File

1. Right-click an open area.
2. Mouse over New from the pop-up menu.
   

1. From here you can create a new folder, text document, or shortcut.

Where are my files?

1. Click Start.
   

1. Click the Folder to open File Explorer.
   

1. From here you have access to all of your files.
   

1. By default your browser Downloads will go to Downloads, your Pictures will save to Pictures, and your Documents will save to Documents, etc.
2. You can change these defaults.

6. Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts are keys or combinations of keys that provide an alternative way to do something that you’d typically do with a mouse.

Here are a few of some of the most used keyboard shortcuts.

Press these keysTo do thisCtrl + XCut the selected itemCtrl + C (or Ctrl + Insert)Copy the selected itemCtrl + V (or Shift + Insert)Paste the selected itemCtrl + ZUndo an actionAlt + TabSwitch between open appsAlt + F4Close the active item, or exit the active app

7. Install an App

If you are unsure of how to obtain a program's installation files, contact the software's manufacturer and then continue forward with this guide.

1. To install an App you need to obtain a copy of the installer. This can be obtained from:
2. CD or DVD (if the software in question came with one - not applicable to machines that do not have disc drives)
3. Microsoft App store
4. Website - HumbleBundle, Amazon, Software developer's website, etc.
5. Digital Distribution Platform - Steam, Origin, etc.
6. Once you have access, run the installer.
7. If you use a disc, insert it into the machine's disc drive and wait for the Auto run prompt to come up. If not, then open the contents of the CD in Windows 10 and look for files named as "Autorun", "Autoplay", "Install.exe", or "Setup.exe"
8. Once installation has been completed, your app should be ready to launch.

8. Uninstall an App

You may need to remove an app because you need the space or simply don't need it anymore. The following steps show you how to easily remove an app.

1. Open the Start menu and select Settings.
   

1. Select Apps.
   

1. Select Apps & features on the left.
   

1. Select an app you want to uninstall, then select Uninstall.
   

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2. Carefully read any prompts in case there are special instructions. Proceed until the application is removed.
3. Some applications may require that you reboot.

9. Connect Your Windows 10 Computer to Wi-Fi

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