Microsoft’s most advanced operating system yet is Windows 10, with features from both 7 and 8 being combined into one combined with new browser, Cortana voice assistant, multiple desktop support, and more.
Windows 10 comes equipped with various settings that enable IT and users to limit how much telemetry data Microsoft sends back, providing the basic principles of using it effectively. In this lesson we will cover these fundamental aspects.
What is Windows 10?
Windows 10 brings together features from previous iterations of Microsoft’s OS, including those found in both Windows 7 and 8. Notably, traditional Start menu features have been expanded upon while Microsoft Edge was also introduced for faster and safer web browsing.
Users can personalise their desktops and applications with features like “pinning”, resizing, moving and organizing programs and apps in the Start menu to create a personalised user experience. Cortana from Microsoft mobile devices is now also available on desktop devices – providing even greater personalised experiences to users! It responds directly to users based on personal information collected via personal device profiles for truly tailored service experiences.
Windows 10 Pro offers businesses and education users extra capabilities such as using multiple Central Processing Units simultaneously and is tailored specifically for hardware needs. Windows 10 Enterprise adds additional security and management features tailored specifically for businesses.
The Windows Operating System can be utilized on traditional desktop computers as well as touchscreen tablets or laptops with detachable keyboards, and on smartphones with detachable keyboards. When the keyboard is removed from its place on the device, tablet mode is activated until its replacement reattaches it – users may also use styluses to interact with apps and the system; in addition, an Action Center offers notifications and settings updates such as Wi-Fi connectivity, tablet mode, updates etc. Additionally, Linux distributions can run with assistance from Windows Subsystem for Linux.
Cortana
Cortana is Microsoft’s digital assistant designed to allow users to manage their devices using voice control. It can perform various organizational tasks, such as setting reminders or scheduling calendar events; answering queries; performing simple calculations; using microphone button on device or saying, “Hey Cortana;” pressing Windows Key + C simultaneously or by uttering, “Hey Cortana;” or using location and privacy settings limiting what information the assistant can access.
Cortana, similar to Apple’s Siri, can understand natural language and respond appropriately. It can respond to commands or queries such as what is the capital of Mexico or give current/past game statistics for Minnesota Vikings games as well as provide weather forecast information. Furthermore, it can assist with simple computer tasks like searching online or sending emails.
It can also serve as an encyclopedia, almanac, dictionary and thesaurus and can respond to real world questions like what’s another word for intelligent (or whatever you say). Bing search engine provides the answers; when available on screen the assistant reads them back; otherwise it opens a web browser to show relevant results.
Cortana works best if it is linked to your Microsoft account and can leverage the address book to easily identify people and places it knows about, making setting reminders easier. Cortana can also send text messages or compose emails without opening a mail app, while offering more complex tasks like scheduling calendar invites or booking flights (if the user possesses the necessary skills).
The Windows Store
The Windows Store is Microsoft’s one-stop shop for apps, games, movies and music. Available with Windows 10 and 8, and also accessible online via their visual tile design UI – users can quickly browse an expansive range of apps, games, movies and music while using Cortana as a personal digital assistant to get what they need!
This app includes tabs for Gaming, Entertainment and Productivity as well as a search bar. Each tab leads to an online store-style page where they can select different categories of apps – be they games or entertainment-focused – plus recommendations based on browsing and download histories.
Windows Store goes beyond providing music, movies and TV programming by offering software and hardware such as PCs, Surface devices, Xbox systems and virtual reality (VR) hardware. Furthermore, its collection of apps and tools offers solutions for developers, IT administrators and business professionals.
The Windows Store is an indispensable component of any Windows device and offers many options to enhance functionality and enhance versatility of operating systems like Windows. Installation is straightforward but does require a compatible device with enough system requirements; before downloading any software be sure to verify these specs to ensure correct functioning of software download. Furthermore, staying up-to-date ensures security features remain current; for optimal functioning it is also recommended having access to stable internet service provider.
Action Center
The Action Center is a central location to view notifications and take actions to keep Windows running smoothly. You can access it by tapping or clicking the notification area at the far right of your taskbar; any time there’s an alert here it needs your attention!
The taskbar notification area informs you of critical system events and alerts generated by both traditional Windows apps as well as modern apps, as well as your customized quick actions – such as airplane mode, all settings, Connect, Display, Tablet mode and VPN – quickly. It also shows personalized quick actions which you can quickly toggle on or off, such as Airplane mode, All Settings Connect Display Tablet Mode VPN etc.
To access the Action Center, look for an icon resembling a speech bubble at the bottom right of your taskbar or use Windows logo key + A as a keyboard shortcut. From there you can customize its quick actions by dragging and dropping them into their desired order within your notification area; or go directly into Settings to view them all under System > Notifications & Actions.
Action Center features include settings (e.g. adjusting screen brightness or managing audio devices) as well as troubleshooting options if your computer encounters issues; when this occurs, the Action Center will notify you and allow you to review all potential solutions.
Remove notification clutter by disabling them in Action Center or using Focus Assist to set how many app notifications should appear at once. Furthermore, reduce clutter by only viewing important notifications and dismissing them after reviewing or reading them.
Gaming
Gaming is a beloved pastime among PC enthusiasts who take great pride in optimizing their experience and performance. Windows 10 provides many features designed to help gamers maximize their experiences with their systems – such as supporting DirectX 11, which enables games to communicate with both processors and graphics cards, or its Game Bar feature which lets users quickly access functions like taking screenshots, streaming gameplay recordings or recording gameplay sessions.
Game Mode, available to early Windows 10 users, aims to prioritize a computer’s resources for gaming in order to avoid unexpected shutdowns or low frame rates during gameplay. According to Microsoft, it should also allow gamers to reduce how long their system spends performing tasks like installing updates and maintenance tasks.
Gamers can activate Game Mode by opening the Settings app (Win + I) and selecting Gaming category, and activating switch in right sidebar. However, be mindful that not all games automatically work with Game Mode; Microsoft does not appear to provide any public lists of supported titles.
Other features designed to make PCs more suitable for gaming include support for larger touch targets and visual cues for resizing and moving windows, multiple virtual desktops that users can toggle between for gaming, personal, and business use, Auto HDR which helps improve how videogames process colors better, as well as multiple virtual desktops which users can set up and toggle between for different gaming purposes.
