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Windows 11 For Dummies
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Windows 11 For Dummies
by Andy Rathbone
Windows 11 For Dummies
Cover
Title Page
Copyright
Introduction
Part 1: Windows 11 Stuff Everybody Thinks You Already Know
Part 2: Working with Programs, Apps, and Files
Part 3: Getting Things Done on the Internet
Part 4: Customizing and Upgrading Windows 11
Part 5: Music, Photos, and Videos
Part 6: Help!
Part 7: The Part of Tens
Index
About the Author
Connect with Dummies
End User License Agreement
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Prev
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Title Page
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Introduction
Windows® 11 For Dummies®
To view this book's Cheat Sheet, simply go to
www.dummies.com
and search for “Windows 11 For Dummies Cheat Sheet” in the Search box.
Table of Contents
Cover
Title Page
Copyright
Introduction
About This Book
How to Use This Book
Touchscreen Owners Aren’t Left Out
And What about You?
Icons Used in This Book
Beyond the Book
Where to Go from Here
Part 1: Windows 11 Stuff Everybody Thinks You Already Know
Chapter 1: What Is Windows 11?
What Is Windows, and Why Are You Using It?
What’s New in Windows 11?
What’s Missing from Windows 11?
Why Does Windows 11 Keep Changing?
Can My Current PC Run Windows 11?
The Different Flavors of Windows 11
Chapter 2: Starting with the Start Menu
Being Welcomed to the World of Windows
Figuring Out the Windows 11 Start Menu
Exiting from Windows
Chapter 3: The Traditional Desktop
Finding the Desktop and the Start Menu
Working with the Desktop
Bellying Up to the Taskbar
Setting Up Virtual Desktops
Making Programs Easier to Find
Chapter 4: Basic Desktop Window Mechanics
Dissecting a Typical Desktop Window
Maneuvering Windows Around the Desktop
Chapter 5: Storing and Organizing Files
Browsing the File Explorer File Cabinets
Getting the Lowdown on Folders
Peering into Your Drives, Folders, and Other Media
Creating a New Folder
Renaming a File or Folder
Selecting Bunches of Files or Folders
Getting Rid of a File or Folder
Copying or Moving Files and Folders
Seeing More Information about Files and Folders
Writing to CDs and DVDs
Working with Flash Drives and Memory Cards
OneDrive: Your Cubbyhole in the Clouds
Part 2: Working with Programs, Apps, and Files
Chapter 6: Playing with Programs, Apps, and Documents
Starting an App or Program
Opening a Document
Saving a Document
Choosing Which Program Should Open Which File
Navigating the Microsoft Store
Taking the Lazy Way with a Desktop Shortcut
Absolutely Essential Guide to Cutting, Copying, and Pasting
Chapter 7: Finding the Lost
Finding Currently Running Apps and Programs
Finding Lost Windows on the Desktop
Locating a Missing App, Program, Setting, or File
Finding a Missing File inside a Folder
Finding Lost Photos
Finding Other Computers on a Network
Chapter 8: Printing and Scanning Your Work
Printing from a Start Menu App
Printing Your Masterpiece from the Desktop
Scanning from the Start Menu
Part 3: Getting Things Done on the Internet
Chapter 9: Cruising the Web
What’s an ISP, and Why Do I Need One?
Connecting Wirelessly to the Internet
Browsing the Web with Microsoft Edge
Finding More Information on a Website
Saving Information from the Internet
Chapter 10: Being Social: Mail, Calendar, and Teams Chat
Adding Your Accounts to Windows
Understanding the Mail App
Managing Your Contacts in the People App
Managing Appointments in Calendar
Meeting Online with Teams Chat
Chapter 11: Safe Computing
Understanding Those Annoying Permission Messages
Staying Safe with Windows Security
Part 4: Customizing and Upgrading Windows 11
Chapter 12: Customizing Settings in Windows
Finding the Right Switch
Flipping Switches with the Windows Settings App
Chapter 13: Keeping Windows from Breaking
Backing Up Your Computer with File History
Finding Technical Information about Your Computer
Freeing Up Space on Your Hard Drive
Setting Up Devices That Don’t Work (Fiddling with Drivers)
Chapter 14: Sharing One Computer with Several People
Understanding User Accounts
Changing or Adding User Accounts
Switching Quickly between Users
Changing a User Account’s Picture
Setting Up Passwords and Security
Signing in with Windows Hello
Chapter 15: Connecting Computers with a Network
Understanding a Network’s Parts
Setting Up a Small Network
Sharing Files with Your Networked Computers
Sharing with Nearby Sharing
Part 5: Music, Photos, and Videos
Chapter 16: Playing and Copying Music
Playing Music with the Groove Music App
Handing Music-Playing Chores Back to Windows Media Player
Stocking the Windows Media Player Library
Browsing the Windows Media Player Libraries
Playing Music Files in a Playlist
Controlling Your Now Playing Items
Playing CDs
Playing DVDs
Playing Videos and TV Shows
Creating, Saving, and Editing Playlists
Ripping (Copying) CDs to Your PC
Burning (Creating) Music CDs
Chapter 17: Fiddling with Photos, Videos, and Phones
Dumping Photos from a Phone or Camera to Your Computer
Making Photos and Videos with the Camera App
Grabbing Photos from Your Android Phone through the Your Phone App
Viewing Photos with the Photos App
Part 6: Help!
Chapter 18: The Case of the Broken Window
The Magic Fixes in Windows
Windows Keeps Asking Me for Permission
I Need to Retrieve Deleted Files
I Need to Fix Broken Apps
My Settings Are Messed Up
I Forgot My Password
My Computer Is Frozen Solid
Chapter 19: Strange Messages: What You Did Does Not Compute
Add Your Microsoft Account
Calendar Notifications
Choose What Happens with This Device
Deleted Files Are Removed Everywhere
Did You Mean to Switch Apps?
Do You Want to Allow This App to Make Changes to Your Device?
Do You Want to Pin This App to the Taskbar?
Do You Want to Save Changes?
Enter Network Credentials
How Do You Want to Open This File?
Keep These Display Settings?
Let’s Finish Setting Up
No Usable Drive Found
Save to OneDrive
Select to Choose What Happens with Removable Drives
Threats Found
USB Device Not Recognized
Verify Your Identity on This PC
We’re Not Allowed to Find You
You Don’t Currently Have Permission to Access This Folder
Your Privacy Settings Blocked Access to Your Location
Chapter 20: Moving from an Old PC to a New Windows 11 PC
Moving to Windows 11 the Microsoft Way
Hiring a Third Party to Make the Move
Transferring Files Yourself
Chapter 21: Help on the Windows Help System
Getting Started with Windows 11
Contacting Support
Part 7: The Part of Tens
Chapter 22: Ten Things You’ll Hate about Windows 11 (and How to Fix Them)
Knowing Whether Your PC Can Upgrade to Windows 11
There’s No Backup Program!
I Want the Start Button and Menu in the Lower-Left Corner!
Windows 11 Keeps Changing!
I Don’t Want a Microsoft Account
Windows Makes Me Sign in All the Time
I Can’t Line Up Two Windows on the Screen
It Won’t Let Me Do Something Unless I’m an Administrator!
I Don’t Know What Version of Windows I Have
My Print Screen Key Doesn’t Work
Chapter 23: Ten or So Tips for Tablet and Laptop Owners
Using the New Touchscreen Gestures
Switching to Airplane Mode
Connecting to a New Wireless Internet Network
Toggling Your Tablet’s Screen Rotation
Adjusting to Different Locations
Turning on the Traffic Widget
Backing Up Your Laptop Before Traveling
Accessing the Mobility Center
Turning Calculator into a Road Warrior Tool
Index
About the Author
Connect with Dummies
End User License Agreement
List of Tables
Chapter 1
TABLE 1-1 The Windows 11 Hardware Requirements
Chapter 3
TABLE 3-1 Most-Used Taskbar Settings
List of Illustrations
Chapter 1
FIGURE 1-1: Although Windows 11 looks different on different PCs, it usually lo...
FIGURE 1-2: Windows 11 drops the Tablet mode found in Windows 10.
Chapter 2
FIGURE 2-1: To move past this lock screen, press a key on the keyboard or drag ...
FIGURE 2-2: Click your user account name and then type your password or PIN on ...
FIGURE 2-3: Click the Password section and then click the Change button when it...
FIGURE 2-4: You need a Microsoft account to access many Windows features.
FIGURE 2-5: The Start button is always the left-most icon on your taskbar, whic...
FIGURE 2-6: Click the Task View button to see thumbnail views of each of your c...
FIGURE 2-7: Your Start menu may be easier to work with when the Pinned area onl...
FIGURE 2-8: Click your account name near the Start menu’s lower-left corner to ...
FIGURE 2-9: The Power icon’s pop-up menu options include Sleep, Shut Down, and ...
Chapter 3
FIGURE 3-1: Except for the row of icons in the center of the taskbar, the Windo...
FIGURE 3-2: You can launch apps and programs from the Start menu.
FIGURE 3-3: Click the Browse Photos button to choose a photo from another folde...
FIGURE 3-4: Move the mouse pointer over a taskbar icon to see that app’s curren...
FIGURE 3-5: Right-click File Explorer to see a clickable list of recently visit...
FIGURE 3-6: Click the arrow to see the taskbar’s hidden icons.
FIGURE 3-7: Slide the lever to adjust the volume.
FIGURE 3-8: Click the time and date area to see the Notifications pane, which d...
FIGURE 3-9: Click the taskbar’s Widgets icon, and the Widgets panel appears.
FIGURE 3-10: Right-click a blank portion of the taskbar and choose Taskbar Sett...
FIGURE 3-11: Click the taskbar’s Task View icon, and the words New Desktop appe...
FIGURE 3-12: When the thumbnail of the second desktop appears, switch to it wit...
Chapter 4
FIGURE 4-1: Here’s how the ever-precise computer nerds address the different pa...
FIGURE 4-2: A title bar across the top of File Explorer (top) and the Settings ...
FIGURE 4-3: An Address bar.
FIGURE 4-4: The Pictures folder’s Menu bar.
FIGURE 4-5: Click the More icon to see additional options.
FIGURE 4-6: The Navigation pane offers shortcuts to places you visit most frequ...
FIGURE 4-7: Horizontal and vertical scroll bars.
FIGURE 4-8: Click the spot on the grid where the window should position itself.
Chapter 5
FIGURE 5-1: The File Explorer window displays popular storage areas and your mo...
FIGURE 5-2: Click This PC to see your computer’s storage areas, which you can o...
FIGURE 5-3: Windows asks how it should handle newly inserted items.
FIGURE 5-4: Choose how Windows should react the next time you insert that item.
FIGURE 5-5: Click the little arrow after
Music
to jump to any place that appear...
FIGURE 5-6: Right-click where you want a new folder to appear, choose New, and ...
FIGURE 5-7: To move a file or folder from one window to another, drag it there ...
FIGURE 5-8: A file’s Properties window shows which program automatically opens ...
FIGURE 5-9: To see details about files in a folder, click the Layout and View O...
FIGURE 5-10: Place a check mark next to the folders you want to stay on both yo...
FIGURE 5-11: The Microsoft OneDrive Settings window lets you change how OneDriv...
FIGURE 5-12: OneDrive Files On Demand shows the name of every stored file and f...
FIGURE 5-13: You can access your OneDrive files from any computer or device wit...
Chapter 6
FIGURE 6-1: On the Start menu, click the icon for the program you want to open.
FIGURE 6-2: Double-click the filename you want to open.
FIGURE 6-3: Windows lists some programs that opened that type of file in the pa...
FIGURE 6-4: Choose the app you want, and select the check box at the bottom.
FIGURE 6-5: The Microsoft Store app lets you download free, trial, or paid apps...
FIGURE 6-6: Type a keyword in the Search box and press Enter to see relevant ap...
FIGURE 6-7: Windows highlights the selected text, changing its color for easy v...
FIGURE 6-8: To copy information into another window, right-click your selection...
FIGURE 6-9: Throughout Windows 11, look for the new Cut, Copy, and Paste icons ...
Chapter 7
FIGURE 7-1: Click the Task View icon to see all your currently running apps and...
FIGURE 7-2: Hold down the Alt key and press Tab repeatedly to cycle through you...
FIGURE 7-3: The Search box searches for items both on your computer and the int...
FIGURE 7-4: Narrow your search further by limiting it to certain areas.
FIGURE 7-5: Details view lets you sort your files by name, making them easier t...
FIGURE 7-6: To find computers connected to your PC through a network, click the...
Chapter 8
FIGURE 8-1: Choose your print options, or click the More Settings link for addi...
FIGURE 8-2: The Page Setup window allows you to adjust the way your work fits o...
FIGURE 8-3: The Print window lets you choose your printer and adjust its settin...
FIGURE 8-4: The Printing Preferences window lets you change settings specific t...
FIGURE 8-5: Use the print queue to cancel a print job.
FIGURE 8-6: Click the Show More link for additional options, or click Preview t...
Chapter 9
FIGURE 9-1: Click the Wi-Fi (or No Network) icon to see the pop-up menu.
FIGURE 9-2: Windows shows the wireless networks within your range.
FIGURE 9-3: Microsoft Edge lets you view several websites, each in its own tab.
FIGURE 9-4: When the mouse pointer becomes a hand, click the word or picture to...
FIGURE 9-5: Click the Use All Open Tabs button.
FIGURE 9-6: Microsoft Edge lets you find information about terms found online.
FIGURE 9-7: Right-click the coveted picture, and choose Save Image As from the ...
Chapter 10
FIGURE 10-1: The Mail app lets you enter email accounts like Gmail, Hotmail, Ou...
FIGURE 10-2: Email accounts and folders appear on the left, emails appear in th...
FIGURE 10-3: The Mail app resizes to adjust to different sized screens and wind...
FIGURE 10-4: Choose a folder, and click Save.
FIGURE 10-5: The People app automatically stocks itself with contacts from your...
FIGURE 10-6: Fill in contact information, and click the Save button.
FIGURE 10-7: The Calendar app displays appointments you add manually and from y...
FIGURE 10-8: Add your appointment’s date, start time, duration, and other detai...
FIGURE 10-9: Click Get Started to load Teams Chat and begin chatting with frien...
FIGURE 10-10: Once you set up and validate your account, you can begin using Te...
FIGURE 10-11: Choose how to invite people to your meeting.
FIGURE 10-12: When video chatting, your own face is reduced to a small square i...
Chapter 11
FIGURE 11-1: Click Don’t Install, Cancel, or No if a message similar to this on...
FIGURE 11-2: The Windows Security suite of apps helps to keep your computer saf...
FIGURE 11-3: Microsoft Defender Antivirus detects and removes an intruder.
FIGURE 11-4: Microsoft Edge warns you when you visit a suspected phishing site.
FIGURE 11-5: Microsoft’s Family Safety website lets you set limits on your chil...
Chapter 12
FIGURE 12-1: The Settings app lets you change your computer’s behavior.
FIGURE 12-2: The Settings app’s System page opens to show the Display settings.
FIGURE 12-3: The Display settings page opens to show that your display is dupli...
FIGURE 12-4: The Notifications settings let you turn off pop-up announcements.
FIGURE 12-5: To add a Bluetooth wireless gadget, click Add Device.
FIGURE 12-6: Connect Windows with your phone to view photos, send messages, and...
FIGURE 12-7: The Personalization category lets you control how Windows looks on...
FIGURE 12-8: Choose a preconfigured theme to change how Windows looks and sound...
FIGURE 12-9: Click an unwanted app or program, and click the Uninstall button.
FIGURE 12-10: The Ease of Access Center provides help for users with physical l...
Chapter 13
FIGURE 13-1: Click the Turn On button to start File History.
FIGURE 13-2: Clicking the System category provides technical information about ...
FIGURE 13-3: The Storage section offers many ways to increase storage space on ...
Chapter 14
FIGURE 14-1: Windows lets users sign in under their own accounts.
FIGURE 14-2: Click the words Family and Other Users to begin creating a new use...
FIGURE 14-3: Choose whether you’re adding a child or adult family member.
FIGURE 14-4: Enter the email address of the person you want to add.
FIGURE 14-5: The Manage Accounts window lets you change the settings of other a...
FIGURE 14-6: The menu lists the names of all user accounts authorized to use th...
FIGURE 14-7: Windows lets each user choose an account picture.
FIGURE 14-8: Choose an option from Windows Hello to sign in without a password.
Chapter 15
FIGURE 15-1: A network resembles a spider, with each computer communicating wit...
FIGURE 15-2: Windows places the strongest available network at the top of the l...
FIGURE 15-3: The Network and Internet page lets you toggle your network between...
FIGURE 15-4: The Advanced Sharing settings page lets you fine-tune your network...
FIGURE 15-5: Choose the people you want to access those folders.
FIGURE 15-6: Choose the people who should have access to your shared items, as ...
FIGURE 15-7: Click Network to see other accessible PCs on your network.
FIGURE 15-8: Click a computer’s name, and its available files appear to the rig...
FIGURE 15-9: Click the Nearby Sharing toggle to My Devices Only or Everyone Nea...
FIGURE 15-10: Click the name of the computer that should receive the file.
Chapter 16
FIGURE 16-1: The Groove Music app plays music stored on your PC.
FIGURE 16-2: Choose Windows Media Player to let it play your music.
FIGURE 16-3: Click the Add button and browse to a new folder you want Windows M...
FIGURE 16-4: Click an item from the left to see its contents on the right.
FIGURE 16-5: Click the type of media you’re interested in browsing from the Nav...
FIGURE 16-6: The window’s bottom buttons work much like the buttons on a CD pla...
FIGURE 16-7: Move the mouse over the video to make the controls appear along th...
FIGURE 16-8: Drag and drop albums and songs onto the Playlist pane.
Chapter 17
FIGURE 17-1: When Windows recognizes your camera, it offers to copy its photos ...
FIGURE 17-2: The Photos app displays groups of pictures based on the time and d...
FIGURE 17-3: Choose your camera’s options, and click the Camera icon for a snap...
FIGURE 17-4: When linked with your PC, the Your Phone app opens to display your...
FIGURE 17-5: The Photos app displays photos stored on your computer and on OneD...
FIGURE 17-6: Click any of these places to do different tasks while viewing a ph...
FIGURE 17-7: Click Albums to see your photos sorted by session.
FIGURE 17-8: Click a date to see your best photos from that day’s photo-shootin...
Chapter 18
FIGURE 18-1: Unless you have a very good reason, choose Keep My Files.
FIGURE 18-2: The File History program lets you restore backups from any of your...
FIGURE 18-3: Click the left or right arrow along the bottom to see newer and ol...
FIGURE 18-4: Choose whether to replace the existing file, skip the file, or whi...
FIGURE 18-5: The Windows permission screen pops up when a program tries to chan...
Chapter 19
FIGURE 19-1: To take advantage of some Windows features, you must create a Micr...
FIGURE 19-2: Choose between the offered options.
FIGURE 19-3: Click to tell Windows how to react whenever you connect that devic...
FIGURE 19-4: Tell Windows what to do with the item you’ve just inserted into yo...
FIGURE 19-5: Deleting files from OneDrive removes them from the OneDrive folder...
FIGURE 19-6: Click Yes unless you think the app is trying something sneaky.
FIGURE 19-7: Do you think this software is safe?
FIGURE 19-8: Should this app be allowed to appear on the taskbar?
FIGURE 19-9: Do you want to save your work?
FIGURE 19-10: Enter your user account and password to continue.
FIGURE 19-11: Windows doesn’t know what program should open this file.
FIGURE 19-12: Windows wants to make sure your recent display changes worked cor...
FIGURE 19-13: Windows 11 wants to finish introducing its new features.
FIGURE 19-14: Your backup drive or card isn’t plugged in to your computer.
FIGURE 19-15: Do you want to save your screenshots to OneDrive?
FIGURE 19-16: Windows wants to know what to do with a new drive.
FIGURE 19-17: Microsoft Defender Antivirus has found and removed a potentially ...
FIGURE 19-18: Windows doesn’t recognize what’s in your PC’s USB port.
FIGURE 19-19: Windows wants to make sure you’re really you.
FIGURE 19-20: Click Settings and give the app permission to know your location.
FIGURE 19-21: Find somebody with an Administrator account to open the folder or...
FIGURE 19-22: Click Settings and give the app permission to know your location.
Chapter 20
FIGURE 20-1: Laplink’s PCmover helps you move from an old PC to a new one.
FIGURE 20-2: Tell Windows to use your new drive to back up your files.
FIGURE 20-3: Choose the backup you'd like to restore.
FIGURE 20-4: Click the green button to restore the files and folders.
Chapter 21
FIGURE 21-1: The new Tips app offers a short introduction to Windows 11.
FIGURE 21-2: The Windows 11 Get Help program tries to guide you to an answer.
FIGURE 21-3: The Microsoft Answers online forum provides free tech support.
FIGURE 21-4: Type a subject for your question.
Chapter 23
FIGURE 23-1: The Mobility Center places laptop and tablet settings in one easy-...
FIGURE 23-2: The Calculator app lets you convert foreign currency rates and met...
Guide
Cover
Title Page
Copyright
Table of Contents
Begin Reading
Index
About the Author
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