How to Use Windows 10

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Windows 10 is the most powerful operating system that Microsoft has ever made, but it's also the most complex. While the user interface is extremely intuitive, you'll have to dig a little deeper to customize your experience, get maximum performance and make the most of features such as the Cortana voice assistant, Edge browser and multiple desktops. 

If you're still using Windows 7 and dread its impending death, then we've put together this helpful guide to ease your transition into Windows 10. 

Below, you'll find over 100 Windows 10 tips and tutorials, split into nine categories and designed to help you learn the basics, disable common annoyances, save storage or be more productive.

Windows 10 Basics

Learn how to install Windows 10, tweak the most important settings, add users and perform key, everyday tasks.

 Customize Windows 10

Tweak the Windows UI so it looks and feels just the way you like it. Change the theme, adjust the icon size, or turn the new OS into a dead ringer for Windows 7.

Fix Annoyances and Problems

We love Windows 10, but like a close relative, sometimes it can overstep boundaries and get on your nerves. Learn how to prevent the operating system from restarting to update without your permission, speed up a slow-opening Downloads folder or disable personalized ads. Also, find out how to fix serious problems by booting into your BIOS, running older programs in compatibility mode or even rotating your screen.

Cortana Tips

Windows 10's built-in digital assistant can help you gather important information, manage your schedule, send messages and more. Find out how to wake Cortana with a voice command, use her to send email, have her ring your phone, change her accent and more.

Edge Browser Tips

The default Microsoft browser is blazing fast and dead simple. Here's how to perform a variety of tasks in Edge, from common actions like blocking pop-ups, managing favorites and clearing cookies to tweaking key settings like the default search engine or crash-recovery options.

Share a Web Page Disable Flash Change Download Folder Send a Web Note Disable or Enable Cookies Stop Restoring Tabs After a Crash Change Search Engine to Google Pin a Website to Windows 10’s Start Menu Enable Do Not Track Set Homepage (or Homepages) Enable Dark Theme Enable Do Not Track in Microsoft Edge Browser Import Favorites into Edge From Another Browser Manage and View PasswordsImport Favorites into Edge From Another Browser Clear Your History and Cookies in Microsoft Edge Print in Microsoft Edge Add a Page to the Reading List in Microsoft Edge Browser Rename a Favorite in Microsoft Edge Browser Add a Favorite Site/Bookmark in Microsoft Edge Open an InPrivate Window in Microsoft Edge Enable Reading Mode in Microsoft Edge Turn On and Use Cortana in Microsoft Edge Block Pop-ups in Microsoft Edge Browser Set Aside Tabs in Edge Browser Increase Privacy in Edge

Performance and Productivity

Make both Windows 10 and yourself faster and more powerful. Configure the operating system to boot faster, mirror your screen to an external monitor, record your Xbox games, or activate the platform's built-in "God Mode."

Security and Networking

Connect your PC to a network or use it as a hotspot while keeping your system secure. Learn how to create limited-privilege guest accounts, password-protected folders and more.

 

Storage and Backup

Find extra space on your hard drive or SSD by making Windows as small as possible, installing apps on an SD card and deleting the unnecessary Windows.old folder. Make the most of Microsoft's OneDrive cloud backup service by controlling which folders you sync, mapping your account as a network drive and more.

Windows File Explorer Tips

Every time you browse through your hard drive, copy files over from a USB Flash drive or organize your photos folder, you're using File Explorer. Make this most of this important utility by taking advantage of all its features and customizing the UI.

Paint 3D Tips

Learn how to make the most of Microsoft's built-in drawing program.

Avram Piltch
Avram Piltch
The official Geeks Geek, as his weekly column is titled, Avram Piltch has guided the editorial and production of Laptopmag.com since 2007. With his technical knowledge and passion for testing, Avram programmed several of LAPTOP's real-world benchmarks, including the LAPTOP Battery Test. He holds a master's degree in English from NYU.