Ever since Microsoft announced the end-of-support for Windows 7, numerous organizations and regular Windows 7 users have been updating their system to Windows 10. Remember, even if you have Windows 7 FixMeStick will still be compatible, but Microsoft will no longer release security updates for Windows 7 so you’ll want to use your FixMeStick regularly. Learn more about the change here. Keep reading for our best Windows 10 tips!
How To Tell If You Have Windows 10?
The easiest way to find out if your computer is on Windows 10 is to look at the bottom of your screen for a black bar. This is called the Taskbar. You can place, or “pin” commonly used programs like Microsoft Edge or File Explorer in here for easy access.
FixMeTip: To pin a program here, simply find the program under your applications list, then drag and drop it directly onto the Taskbar.
On the left-hand corner of this taskbar, you should see four squares colored in white. This is the Windows logo and it also serves as your Start Menu button. If your computer has four white squares here, then your computer is running on Windows 10.
If you’re not sure what version of Windows you have, click here to find out.
Comparison of Windows 7 and Windows 10
Compared to Windows 8, Windows 7 and Windows 10 are more similar to each other. The main similarity is the distinctive ‘Start Menu’ button on the bottom left corner of the home screen which brings up a list of applications when you left-click once on it.
Next to the ‘Start Menu’ button on Windows 10 is a new additional feature called the Search Bar. Previously on Windows 7, the search bar was only able to look up programs and files, but on the Windows 10, the search bar can help you look for folders, applications, as well as files on your computer. It also works as a search engine that can search the web for answers to your questions!
Besides updating and adding programs (‘Paint’ is now called Paint 3D!), Windows 10 also has a built-in digital assistant called Cortana, which you can learn more about in the next section.
How To Use Cortana?
Cortana is a built-in assistant on Windows 10. You may recognize it when you click into the search bar at the bottom left-hand corner of your screen. It shows up as a blue circle asking you questions such as “Hi! How can I help you?”.
You can instruct Cortana to perform various tasks using voice commands. Some tasks it can do for you include sending email messages, managing your schedule, or looking up information.
Activating Cortana
To use Cortana, you must first activate it. By default, Cortana is activated every time you click into the search box at the bottom left corner of your screen. However, you can also change its settings so that it will wake up every time you say the words “Hey Cortana”.
To do that, click into the search box on the bottom left-hand corner of your screen and type in the word “settings”. A “Settings” icon will appear, left click on it and a window will open up. Click on “Cortana” to open its settings, then under the section – Let Cortana respond to “Hey Cortana”, click on the circular dot to toggle this function on and follow the on-screen instructions to set it up.
Using Cortana
Cortana can do many things for you, including setting a reminder for your meetings and appointments, telling you the local weather, answering random questions you have, such as “What is the current price of gold?”, and more.
To illustrate, try setting up a reminder for yourself to get lunch in an hour by either typing into the search box or by saying out loud: “Hey Cortana, remind me to go get lunch in an hour”. Then, follow the instructions on your screen to set up this reminder accordingly.
What is the Difference Between Edge and Explorer?
Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer are internet browsers you can use to go on websites. Both were created by Microsoft and are recognizable by their distinctive blue lowercase ‘e’ logo, but Internet Explorer is the older browser whereas Microsoft Edge is a new and updated internet browser for Windows 10 computers.
If you were previously using Windows 7, you probably had Internet Explorer. If you have switched to Windows 10, you may still have Internet Explorer installed, but it is highly recommended that you switch to using Microsoft Edge to go on the internet. It is faster and more secure than Internet Explorer and will provide you with a better browsing experience.
File Explorer Tips
The File Explorer is marked by a distinctive yellow folder icon and it is the place where your files, such as PDFs, word documents, and pictures are stored. If you have been using FixMeStick for some time, you may know that one way to open the FixMeStick application is via the File Explorer.
When you open your File Explorer, check the very top of the window where you should see four tabs – File, Home, Share, and View. Under the Home tab, you can change the properties on your files and perform simple tasks such as renaming, deleting, or opening a file. Under the Share tab, you can create ZIP versions of your files to share them with other people. Under the View tab, you can toggle how your files are displayed in your File Explorer.
Do you have any cool tips you like to use when navigating Windows 10?
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