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WIN10E2 Student Reference Guide

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12 views321 pages

WIN10E2 Student Reference Guide

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yonastsegay17
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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WINDOWS 10

LEVEL 2

Student Reference Guide

Copyright © 2018 LaunchLife International Inc.


Windows 10 Level 2
Course Code: WIN10E2
Version: v1.0 SEPT18

DISCLAIMER

While Academy of Learning Career College takes great care to ensure the accuracy and quality of these
materials, all material is provided without any warranties or representations of any kind or with respect to use
or performance thereof, whether expressed or implied, statutory or arising from otherwise in law or from a
source of dealing or usage in trade, including but not limited to implied warranties or conditions of
merchantable quality or fitness for the particular purpose of the User.

Trademark Notices: Academy of Learning Career College and the Academy of Learning Career College logo are registered
trademarks of LaunchLife International Inc. Microsoft is a registered trademark, and Windows, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. All other product names and services identified throughout this book are trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective companies. They are used throughout this book in editorial fashion only and for the benefit
of such companies. No such use, or the use of any trade name, is intended to convey endorsement or other affiliation with the book.

Copyright © 2018 LaunchLife International Inc. This publication, or any part thereof, may not be reproduced or transmitted in any
form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, storage in an information retrieval system, or
otherwise, without the prior written permission of Academy of Learning Career College.
Preface Windows 10 Level 2

Preface
Purpose of the Student Reference Guide
This Student Reference Guide follows the structure of the Windows 10 Level 2 online course in myAOLCC. In this
advanced course, you learn about managing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing the Microsoft Windows 10
operating system. All the information required to become proficient at using Windows 10 and to complete the
quizzes and final exam is found within the six modules of the online course. You are also given ample opportunity to
explore and practice these techniques using Let Me Try and Exam Prep exercises. This reference guide has been
created for those learners who wish to have access to an additional source of the theory covered within the online
course.

Theory Covered
Windows 10 is a powerful operating system that builds on previous versions of Windows and improves earlier features
and functionality while providing new and exciting tools.
Lesson 1, Working with Applications & Accessories, introduces you to the variety of tools provided with the Windows
10 Level operating system. You will learn about WordPad and Notepad, which are applications that allow you to work
with and format text, and about the Snipping Tool, which is useful software that allows you to capture screenshots of
items on your display. You will discover how to schedule meetings and events using the Calendar app, and how to use
the various novel features of the Mail app. Cortana, a component introduced in Windows 10, is examined in detail as
are the Photos app, the Movies & TV app, and Windows Media Player, which are tools for working with media files.
Lesson 2, Fixing Annoyances and Problems, examines the methods for accessing and using the tools available for
troubleshooting issues with the operating system. You will explore how to use the Steps Recorder to assess issues,
how to fix boot configuration file errors, and how to roll back a major Windows 10 update. You will learn how to
disable functions that you may not want, including the lock screen, app notifications, personalized ads, Cortana,
automatic driver downloads, and Internet Explorer, to improve your Windows 10 experience, and how to deal with
other issues including program compatibility problems, a slow-opening Downloads folder, locked files, and uninstalling
or restoring built-in apps. The Settings app, which is a user-friendly version of the Control Panel, will be examined in
detail, and you will be introduced to the app’s search function that you can use to look for a particular setting that you
need.
Lesson 3, The Cloud and System Settings, introduces the concept of the cloud and the various features of OneDrive,
Microsoft’s cloud storage solution. In this module, you will also look at changing system settings and personalizing the
Windows environment using the Control Panel and the Settings app, and at using the Windows 10 security features,
including User Account Control, Window Defender, the SmartScreen filter, and the Windows Firewall.
Lesson 4, Performance and Productivity, covers how to improve performance in Windows 10 by speeding up the boot
time, setting the pointer speed, calibrating the display, activating GodMode, defragmenting the hard drive, removing
slow-loading programs from startup, and setting your PC to run the CPU at maximum power. This module also covers
improving productivity through the use of keyboard shortcuts, wirelessly connecting and mirroring your display, and
using copy and paste at the command prompt.
Lesson 5, Security and Networking, focuses on how to preventing unauthorized access in Windows 10, how to restrict
access to data and apps, and how make use of the different networking features in Windows 10. You will learn about
Windows Hello, Dynamic Lock, and Guest accounts. You will then look at how to implement parental controls, how to
use BitLocker, and how to connect to and use Ethernet and Wi-Fi networks.
In Lesson 6, Storage and Backup, you learn how to reclaim storage space using Storage Sense, Disk Cleanup, file
compression, deletion of large, unnecessary files, OneDrive, and portable storage devices. You will also examine how
to back up and restore files using the File History and System Restore features.
Table of Contents i

Contents
Module 1: Working with Applications & Accessories
A: WordPad, Notepad, and Snipping Tool ........................................................................................................................ 1-2
Getting Started with WordPad ..................................................................................................................................... 1-2
Exploring the WordPad Interface ................................................................................................................................. 1-4
Using the Commands on the Home Tab ....................................................................................................................... 1-6
Using the Commands on the View Tab ........................................................................................................................ 1-8
Using Notepad .............................................................................................................................................................. 1-9
Using the Snipping Tool .............................................................................................................................................. 1-10
Keyboard Shortcuts for the Snipping Tool.................................................................................................................. 1-12
Summary ..................................................................................................................................................................... 1-12
B: Getting to Know the Calendar App............................................................................................................................. 1-13
Setting Up a Calendar Account ................................................................................................................................... 1-13
Exploring Calendar Features ....................................................................................................................................... 1-15
Customizing the Calendar ........................................................................................................................................... 1-18
Adding an Event to the Calendar ................................................................................................................................ 1-21
Summary ..................................................................................................................................................................... 1-22
C: Emailing with Windows 10 ......................................................................................................................................... 1-23
Introduction to the Mail App ...................................................................................................................................... 1-23
Sending an Email Using the Mail App ......................................................................................................................... 1-25
Using the Mail App Tools to Sort and Sync Emails ..................................................................................................... 1-27
Adding an Account and Exploring Email Folders ........................................................................................................ 1-28
Configuring Mail App Settings .................................................................................................................................... 1-31
Summary ..................................................................................................................................................................... 1-37
D: Using Cortana ............................................................................................................................................................. 1-38
Setting Up Cortana ..................................................................................................................................................... 1-38
Activating Hey Cortana ............................................................................................................................................... 1-39
Configuring Cortana.................................................................................................................................................... 1-40
Configuring SafeSearch and Notifications .................................................................................................................. 1-43
Summary ..................................................................................................................................................................... 1-45
ii Windows 10 Level 2

E: Photos .........................................................................................................................................................................1-46
Exploring the Photos App............................................................................................................................................1-46
Editing a Photo ............................................................................................................................................................1-48
Creating a Video ..........................................................................................................................................................1-52
Using Select Mode ......................................................................................................................................................1-58
Photos App Settings ....................................................................................................................................................1-59
Summary: ....................................................................................................................................................................1-61
F: Movies & TV App .........................................................................................................................................................1-62
Exploring the Movies & TV App ..................................................................................................................................1-62
Adding a Video Folder .................................................................................................................................................1-63
Video Player Controls and Editing Tools .....................................................................................................................1-64
Summary .....................................................................................................................................................................1-66
G: Windows Media Player...............................................................................................................................................1-67
Exploring Windows Media Player ...............................................................................................................................1-67
Playing a Media File ....................................................................................................................................................1-72
Summary .....................................................................................................................................................................1-72
H: Burning Files to CD .....................................................................................................................................................1-73
Introduction to Burning Files to CDs ...........................................................................................................................1-73
Burning an Audio CD Using Windows Media Player ...................................................................................................1-73
Burning Data CDs or DVDs Using the Built-in Program in Windows 10 ......................................................................1-74
Summary .....................................................................................................................................................................1-75
I: Installing Additional Software ......................................................................................................................................1-76
Installing Software from a CD .....................................................................................................................................1-76
Summary .....................................................................................................................................................................1-77

Module 2: Fixing Annoyances and Problems


A: Troubleshooting Windows 10.......................................................................................................................................2-2
Accessing the Troubleshooting Options .......................................................................................................................2-2
Advanced Options .........................................................................................................................................................2-3
Using Steps Recorder ....................................................................................................................................................2-4
Running a Startup Repair ..............................................................................................................................................2-6
Troubleshooting Using the Bios Settings ......................................................................................................................2-7
Accessing Bios Settings Using the Settings App ............................................................................................................2-8
Fixing a Boot Configuration File Error ...........................................................................................................................2-9
Rolling Back a Major Windows 10 Update ..................................................................................................................2-11
Summary .....................................................................................................................................................................2-12
Table of Contents iii

B: Disabling Unwanted Features in Windows 10............................................................................................................ 2-13


Removing the Lock Screen.......................................................................................................................................... 2-13
Turning Off App Notifications ..................................................................................................................................... 2-17
Disabling Personalized Ads in Microsoft Sites and Apps ............................................................................................ 2-18
Disabling “Hey Cortana” ............................................................................................................................................. 2-20
Disabling Cortana........................................................................................................................................................ 2-20
Disabling Automatic Driver Downloads ...................................................................................................................... 2-24
Disabling Internet Explorer in Windows 10 ................................................................................................................ 2-26
Pausing Windows Updates for Up To 35 Days ........................................................................................................... 2-28
Summary ..................................................................................................................................................................... 2-28
C: Fixing Other Annoyances and Issues in Windows 10 ................................................................................................. 2-29
Running the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter ................................................................................................. 2-29
Running an App in Compatibility Mode...................................................................................................................... 2-33
Checking for Updates ................................................................................................................................................. 2-34
Setting the PC to Restart Outside Active Hours ......................................................................................................... 2-35
Fixing a Slow-Opening Downloads Folder .................................................................................................................. 2-36
Uninstalling Built-in Apps ........................................................................................................................................... 2-38
Uninstalling Built-in Apps ........................................................................................................................................... 2-39
Restoring Built-in Apps ............................................................................................................................................... 2-40
Restoring the Battery Icon .......................................................................................................................................... 2-40
Deleting a Locked File ................................................................................................................................................. 2-42
Restarting Windows 10 without Rebooting ............................................................................................................... 2-43
Summary ..................................................................................................................................................................... 2-44
D: The Settings App ........................................................................................................................................................ 2-45
Opening the New Settings App................................................................................................................................... 2-45
Categories in the New Settings App ........................................................................................................................... 2-46
Finding a Setting Using Search ................................................................................................................................... 2-48
Summary ........................................................................................................................................................................ 49
iv Windows 10 Level 2

Module 3: The Cloud and System Settings


A: Using OneDrive to Store Files on the Cloud .................................................................................................................3-2
What is the Cloud? ........................................................................................................................................................3-2
Setting Up OneDrive on a Windows 10 Computer .......................................................................................................3-2
Creating New Files and Folders in OneDrive.................................................................................................................3-4
Uploading Files to OneDrive .........................................................................................................................................3-6
Deleting and Restoring Files in OneDrive .....................................................................................................................3-7
Checking the Sync Status in OneDrive ..........................................................................................................................3-8
Using the Files On-Demand in OneDrive ......................................................................................................................3-9
File Status in OneDrive ................................................................................................................................................3-11
Sharing Files and Folders on OneDrive .......................................................................................................................3-13
Directly Sharing a File..................................................................................................................................................3-14
Stop Sharing a File .......................................................................................................................................................3-15
Summary .....................................................................................................................................................................3-16
B: Changing System Settings in Windows 10 ..................................................................................................................3-17
Exploring the Control Panel ........................................................................................................................................3-17
Changing the Monitor Resolution ...............................................................................................................................3-23
Summary .....................................................................................................................................................................3-23
C: Security Features in Windows 10 ...............................................................................................................................3-24
Changing User Account Control Settings ....................................................................................................................3-24
Using Windows Defender ...........................................................................................................................................3-25
Running a Scan Manually in Windows Defender ........................................................................................................3-29
Excluding and Including Folders in the Scan ...............................................................................................................3-31
Choosing How Updates Are Installed..........................................................................................................................3-33
Using SmartScreen Filter .............................................................................................................................................3-36
Managing Firewall in Windows 10 ..............................................................................................................................3-37
Summary .....................................................................................................................................................................3-41
Table of Contents v

Module 4: Performance and Productivity


A: Improving Performance in Windows 10....................................................................................................................... 4-2
Speeding Up Windows 10 Boot Time ........................................................................................................................... 4-2
Setting the Pointer Speed Using Windows Settings ..................................................................................................... 4-3
Setting the Pointer Speed Using the Windows Registry............................................................................................... 4-4
Calibrating the Monitor ................................................................................................................................................ 4-6
Activating GodMode ..................................................................................................................................................... 4-8
Defragmenting the Hard Drive ................................................................................................................................... 4-10
Finding Startup Load Times for Programs .................................................................................................................. 4-11
Setting the PC to Use Maximum CPU Power .............................................................................................................. 4-12
Summary ..................................................................................................................................................................... 4-15
B: Improving Productivity in Windows 10 ...................................................................................................................... 4-16
Using Windows 10 Keyboard Shortcuts ..................................................................................................................... 4-16
Mirroring the Screen to a TV or Monitor.................................................................................................................... 4-17
Enabling Copy and Paste for the Command Prompt .................................................................................................. 4-18
Using Copy and Paste at the Command Prompt ........................................................................................................ 4-20
Summary ..................................................................................................................................................................... 4-21

Module 5: Security and Networking


A: Preventing Unauthorized Access in Windows 10......................................................................................................... 5-2
Windows Hello.............................................................................................................................................................. 5-2
Enabling Windows Hello Fingerprint Login .................................................................................................................. 5-3
Setting Up Windows Hello Facial Recognition.............................................................................................................. 5-5
Locking Your PC Automatically with Dynamic Lock ...................................................................................................... 5-7
Creating a Guest Account in Windows 10 .................................................................................................................... 5-9
Summary ..................................................................................................................................................................... 5-11
B: Restricting Access to Data and Apps in Windows 10 ................................................................................................. 5-12
Setting Up a Child Account in Windows 10 ................................................................................................................ 5-12
Managing Safety Settings Using Windows 10 Parental Controls ............................................................................... 5-15
Managing Screen Time Using Windows 10 Parental Control ..................................................................................... 5-18
Allowing Installation of Only Microsoft Store Apps ................................................................................................... 5-21
Using BitLocker to Encrypt Drives............................................................................................................................... 5-22
Encrypting Removable Data Drives with the BitLocker To Go Feature ...................................................................... 5-32
Unlocking a Drive Encrypted with BitLocker .............................................................................................................. 5-36
Turning Off BitLocker .................................................................................................................................................. 5-39
Using BitLocker on a Computer Without a TPM Chip ................................................................................................ 5-40
Summary ..................................................................................................................................................................... 5-42
vi Windows 10 Level 2

C: Networking Features in Windows 10..........................................................................................................................5-43


Connecting to a Network in Windows 10 ...................................................................................................................5-43
Automatically Connecting to a Wi-Fi Network ...........................................................................................................5-44
Enabling a Network Profile in Windows 10 ................................................................................................................5-46
Enabling Printing and Sharing in Windows 10 ............................................................................................................5-48
Using Password Protected Sharing .............................................................................................................................5-49
Sharing the Public Folder ............................................................................................................................................5-51
Finding the MAC Address ............................................................................................................................................5-52
Turning a Windows 10 Computer into a Wi-Fi Hotspot ..............................................................................................5-53
Finding a Saved Wi-Fi Password..................................................................................................................................5-54
Setting Up a Metered Internet Connection ................................................................................................................5-57
Using Remote Assistance ............................................................................................................................................5-58
Summary .....................................................................................................................................................................5-61

Module 6: Storage and Backup


A: Reclaiming Storage Space in Windows 10 ....................................................................................................................6-2
Freeing Up Space with Storage Sense...........................................................................................................................6-2
Configuring Storage Sense ............................................................................................................................................6-3
Freeing Up Space with Disk Cleanup in Windows 10....................................................................................................6-4
Compressing Files and Folders in Windows 10 .............................................................................................................6-7
Unzipping Files in Windows 10 .....................................................................................................................................6-8
Deleting Large, Unnecessary Files in Windows 10......................................................................................................6-10
Uninstalling Apps in Windows 10 ...............................................................................................................................6-11
Turning Off Hibernation in Windows 10 .....................................................................................................................6-13
Changing Virtual Memory Size in Windows 10 ...........................................................................................................6-16
Summary .....................................................................................................................................................................6-19
B: Using OneDrive for Storage ........................................................................................................................................6-20
Turning On Files On-Demand ......................................................................................................................................6-20
Choosing OneDrive Files and Folders to Sync .............................................................................................................6-23
Mapping OneDrive as a Network Drive ......................................................................................................................6-25
Enabling Fetch for OneDrive in Windows 10 ..............................................................................................................6-29
Fetching Files from a Remote Computer with OneDrive ............................................................................................6-31
Summary .....................................................................................................................................................................6-32
Table of Contents vii

C: Working with Portable Storage in Windows 10 ......................................................................................................... 6-33


Installing Apps to an SD Card or USB Drive ................................................................................................................ 6-33
Moving Microsoft Apps to an External Drive.............................................................................................................. 6-35
Formatting an External Hard Drive for Both Windows and MAC ............................................................................... 6-36
Mounting ISO Files ...................................................................................................................................................... 6-38
Unmounting an ISO File .............................................................................................................................................. 6-39
Burning ISO Files ......................................................................................................................................................... 6-39
Summary ..................................................................................................................................................................... 6-40
D: Backup and Restore in Windows 10........................................................................................................................... 6-41
Backing Up Files with File History ............................................................................................................................... 6-41
Restoring Files Using File History................................................................................................................................ 6-45
Using System Restore ................................................................................................................................................. 6-47
Creating a System Restore Point ................................................................................................................................ 6-49
Reverting to a Restore Point with System Restore .................................................................................................... 6-50
Summary ..................................................................................................................................................................... 6-52

Glossary: Windows 10 Key Terms


MODULE #1

Working with Applications & Accessories


WordPad, Notepad, and Snipping Tool

Getting to Know the Calendar App

Emailing with Windows 10

Using Cortana

Photos

Movies & TV App

Windows Media Player

Burning Files to CD

Installing Additional Software


1-2 Windows 10 Level 2

A WordPad, Notepad, and Snipping Tool

Windows 10 includes tools for working with and formatting text and for taking screenshots. These tools include
WordPad, Notepad, and Snipping Tool.
In this section, you will learn about these apps and use them to perform simple text processing tasks and capture
screenshots.
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
• Describe the features of WordPad.
• Format text in WordPad.
• Use Notepad to create a simple text document.
• Use the Snipping Tool to capture an image of the screen.

Getting Started with WordPad


Microsoft WordPad is a basic word processing app available in Windows 10. It was first introduced in Windows 95 as a
replacement for Microsoft Write. WordPad is simpler than Microsoft Word but has more features than Notepad,
which is another basic word processing program available in Windows 10. With Microsoft WordPad, you can format
text by changing the font type, style, size, and color. WordPad does not provide the advanced text processing features
found in Word like tables, hyperlinks, spell check, etc.
Open Microsoft WordPad using the following steps:
• Click in the search box, and enter WordPad.
• In the results, click WordPad.
Module 1: Working with Applications & Accessories 1-3

If you are familiar with Microsoft Word, you will notice that the WordPad interface is quite similar to that of Microsoft
Word.
1-4 Windows 10 Level 2

Exploring the WordPad Interface


Let’s explore the WordPad interface, beginning with the title bar.

In the left corner of the title bar is the Microsoft WordPad icon.
Beside the icon is the Quick Access Toolbar, which contains the Save, Undo, and Redo buttons by default. You can
customize the Quick Access Toolbar by adding or removing buttons. To do so, click the arrow at the end of the toolbar
to display the Customize Quick Access Toolbar list. On the list, choose the buttons you want to add or remove. For
example, the Open button is not currently displayed on the Quick Access Toolbar. To add the Open button to the
Quick Access Toolbar, click the Open option on the list.

The Open command is now available on the Quick Access Toolbar.

In the right corner of the title bar, you will find the Minimize, Maximize and Close buttons.

Below the title bar, you find the Ribbon. The Ribbon consists of a menu bar containing three tabs—File, Home, and
View.
Module 1: Working with Applications & Accessories 1-5

Using the Commands on the File Tab


Clicking the File tab displays the File menu, which has options to manage the files.

You can use the commands on this menu to perform the following actions:
• create a new WordPad document
• open an existing document
• save the active document
• print the current document
• change page layout settings
• send a document as an email attachment
1-6 Windows 10 Level 2

Using the Commands on the Home Tab


Clicking the Home tab displays the Home ribbon.

The Home ribbon includes commands to help you do the following:


• copy and move content
• format content
• change content alignment
• insert pictures and drawings
• insert the date and time
• add objects from other applications
• search and edit the content in the document

The blank page below the Ribbon is known as the work area.
You can insert text into the work area by entering the text directly or by pasting text from another source like another
document or the Internet.
Once you’ve entered text, you can use the commands on the Home tab to modify the text as you wish. To format text,
select it and make the required changes by clicking the appropriate command on the Home tab.
For example, to change the font of the selected text from the default font Calibri, click the arrow in the Font family
box, and select a different font from the drop-down list.
Module 1: Working with Applications & Accessories 1-7

You can change the size of the selected text, by clicking the Grow font and Shrink font buttons, or by clicking the
arrow in the Font size box and selecting a specific size from the drop-down list. You have several other options to
format the text, such as Bold, Italic, Underline, Strikethrough, etc.

You can format paragraphs by aligning the text as left-aligned, centered, right-aligned, or justified. You can also
increase or decrease the indent of the text, add bullets, change the line spacing, etc.

To add pictures and images stored on your computer, use the Picture button.
To add a drawing from the Microsoft Paint application, use the Paint drawing button.
To add the date and time in the document, click Date and time to open the Date and Time dialog box, and then select
the desired format from the list.
If you want to insert files from other applications such as PDF, Worksheet, or PowerPoint files into your WordPad
document, use Insert object.
1-8 Windows 10 Level 2

Using the Commands on the View Tab


The third tab on the Ribbon is the View tab.

• The buttons in the Zoom category on the View ribbon allow you to zoom in and zoom out of the document on
screen.
• WordPad displays a ruler above the document. If you do not want to display the ruler, clear the Ruler checkbox on
the View ribbon.
• Similarly, if you do not want to display the status bar located at the bottom of the document, clear the Status bar
checkbox.
• The options on the Word wrap list change the way the contents of the document display.

o If you select No wrap in the Word wrap list, the text will continue in a single line. The text will move to a new
line only when you press the e key.
o If you select Wrap to window, the text will wrap to the window width.
o If you select Wrap to ruler, text will wrap as per the ruler width.

• If you want to change the ruler units, you can select the desired unit from the Measurement units list.
Module 1: Working with Applications & Accessories 1-9

Using Notepad
Notepad is a basic text-editing program that was first released as a mouse-based MS-DOS program in 1983. It has
been a part of all the versions of Microsoft Windows since Windows 1.0 was released in 1985.
Using Notepad, you can create plain text documents. You cannot insert images, hyperlinks, or tables, perform
spellcheck, or format text as bold or underline or in different font colors. The look and feel of Notepad has not
changed since Windows 3.1.
Notepad supports both left-to-right and right-to-left based languages.
To open Notepad:
• Click in the search box.
• Enter Notepad.
In the results, click Notepad.
The features of Notepad are very similar to WordPad features. You can open Notepad on your computer and explore
all the menus and the features in each menu.
1-10 Windows 10 Level 2

Using the Snipping Tool


You can download images from the internet or import them from a camera or mobile phone to your computer.
However, sometimes you may need to capture a screenshot of the app you are using on your computer. For example,
to report a bug in an app, you may want to share a screenshot of your desktop with tech support. In such an instance,
you can use the Snipping Tool to take the screenshot and save it in an image format.
To open the Snipping Tool:
• Click in the search box.
• Enter Snipping.
• In the search results, click Snipping Tool.

To capture a part of the computer screen or the complete computer screen:


• Click New.
• Click the arrow beside Mode and select one of the following modes from the drop-down list.

o When you select the Free-form Snip, you can draw a free-form shape around an object, which captures the
selected area and opens it in Snipping Tool.
o If you select Rectangular Snip, you can drag the mouse pointer around an object on your screen to form a
rectangle.
o If you select Window Snip, you can select a window on your screen to capture only that window.
o If you select Full-screen Snip, you can capture the entire screen including the taskbar.
Module 1: Working with Applications & Accessories 1-11

Once you’ve created the capture, you are provided with a number of options:

• You can save the image by clicking the Save button.


• If you want to annotate the screenshot, use the Pen or Highlighter.
• To erase the annotation, click Eraser and then click the annotations or highlights you wish to remove.
• You can also email the snip using the Send Snip button.
1-12 Windows 10 Level 2

Keyboard Shortcuts for the Snipping Tool


The following table contains the keyboard shortcuts that you can use with the Snipping Tool.

Keyboard Shortcut Description

Alt + M Choose a snipping mode.

Alt + N Create a new snip in the same mode as the last one.

Shift + arrow keys Move the cursor to select a rectangular snip area.

Alt + D Delay capture by 1–5 seconds.

Ctrl + C Copy the snip to the clipboard.

Ctrl + S Save the snip.

Summary
In this section, we looked at:
• How to use WordPad, Notepad, and the Snipping Tool
In the next section, we will look at how to use the Calendar app in Windows 10.
Module 1: Working with Applications & Accessories 1-13

B Getting to Know the Calendar App

Sometimes we schedule a meeting or an event with our family, friends, or clients and completely forget about it. If you
don’t want to miss important meetings and events, the Calendar feature in Windows 10 can be a life saver. You can
even configure the Calendar app from Google, Outlook, etc., giving you the flexibility to integrate everything in one
place.
In this section, you will learn about Calendar in Windows 10.
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
• Add accounts in Calendar.
• Customize the calendar.
• Add events to the calendar.

Setting Up a Calendar Account


To open the Calendar app in Windows 10, perform the following steps:
• Click in the search box, and enter calendar.
• In the search results, click Calendar.
The Calendar app opens. If it is the first time you’re using it, you’ll be prompted to add an account.
1-14 Windows 10 Level 2

To set up an account, complete the following steps:


• Click Add account.
In the Windows 10 Calendar, you can configure calendars from Outlook, Exchange, Google, etc.

• Click the appropriate account type icon and then enter your username and password.
Windows will seek for permission to access your emails, contacts, and calendars.

• Click Allow to add the account to the calendar app.


• To finish the account setup, click Done.
You can now start using Windows 10 calendar.
Module 1: Working with Applications & Accessories 1-15

Exploring Calendar Features


Once you’ve added an account, you will see your calendar when you open the Calendar app.
1-16 Windows 10 Level 2

You can view your calendar by day, week, month, or year using the buttons in the upper-right corner of the Calendar
window.

• To see your calendar viewed by day, click Day.


You can also view the calendar for a specific number of days. To do so, click the arrow beside Day, and select the
number of days from the Day drop-down list.

• Click the Week button to display the calendar from Sunday to Saturday.
• Click Month to show the calendar for the full month.
• Click the Year button to show the calendar for the current year.

Once you’ve selected your view, you can click the Today button to navigate to the current day in that view.
You can also use the Go back and Go forward arrows in the left corner of the window to advance or return to a
previous day, week, month or year depending on the selected view.
Module 1: Working with Applications & Accessories 1-17

There are a number of additional options that display when you expand the pane on the left by clicking the Expand
button at the top of the pane.

The current month displays in this pane. Click any day in the month to view it in the calendar.
You can add multiple calendars to your account using the Add calendars option. For example, to add a calendar that
shows the list of holidays for a country:
• Click Add calendars.
• Select Holiday calendars, and then click the country for which you want to add the holiday calendar from the list
that displays.
• Finally, click Close.
The holiday calendar for the selected country will display in the left pane and the holidays will be added to your
calendar.
You can use a different color for each calendar to distinguish your personal calendar from your other calendars.
1-18 Windows 10 Level 2

Customizing the Calendar


With the Windows 10 Calendar, you can add more than one account and customize your calendar settings. To view
the customization options available in Windows Calendar, click Settings in the lower-right corner of the left pane.
The Settings pane displays on the right of the screen.

To add more accounts to the calendar:


• Click Manage Accounts in the Settings pane.
• Then, click Add account.
Module 1: Working with Applications & Accessories 1-19

To personalize your calendar:


• Click Personalization in the Settings pane.

You can use the Colors palette to change the color of your calendar. You can also choose to view your calendar in
Light mode, Dark mode, or my Windows mode.

If you wish, you can choose an image for the background of your calendar. You can choose from the displayed
images or browse and select an image of your choice.
1-20 Windows 10 Level 2

To change the calendar settings:


• Click Calendar Settings in the Settings pane.

You can use the First Day of Week drop-down list to change the day on which your week starts. By default, the
week starts from Sunday in Calendar. However, if you want your work week to start on a different day, you can
configure your calendar to reflect this.

So, for example, if you want your calendar to display Monday as the first day of the week and you want Monday to
Friday as your work week, select Monday from the First Day of Week drop-down list and then select the Monday
and Friday checkboxes in the Days in Work Week list.

You can also configure the working hours using the Start time and End time options at the bottom of the Calendar
Settings pane. For example, if you select the Start time as 9AM and the End time as 5PM, everything outside of
this time period will be shaded on your calendar.
Module 1: Working with Applications & Accessories 1-21

To change the calendar settings:


The header of the calendar displays the weather details if the data is available; you can customize this display as
follows:
• In the Settings pane, click Weather Settings.
• Use the Temperature Scale drop-down list to select the units for temperature.

Adding an Event to the Calendar


You can add an event to your calendar, using the following steps:
• Click the date for which you want to add the event.
• In the window that appears, enter basic details about the event.
1-22 Windows 10 Level 2

• If you want to add further information for the event, click the More details link. This expands the window for
entering the event details within the Calendar window. You can open this window as a separate window by
clicking Open event in a new window.

• Enter the subject of the event in the Event name box at the top.
• Next, add the Location of the event.
• Then, add the date and time.
• You can also add a description of the event in the Event description box at the bottom of the window.
• If you want to invite others to the event, add the email addresses of the people you want to invite in the
Invite someone box.
• You can set a Reminder to get an alert about the event.
• If you want to delete the event from your calendar, click the Delete button.
• To save the event in the calendar, click Save and close.

Summary
In this section, we looked at:
• Setting up a calendar account
• Customizing the calendar
• Adding an event to the calendar
In the next section, we will look at using the Mail app in Windows 10.
Module 1: Working with Applications & Accessories 1-23

C Emailing with Windows 10

You can use the Mail app in Windows 10 to manage your email accounts. To use the Windows 10 Mail app, you do not
need to create a separate email account if either of the following is true:
• You log in to Windows 10 using an Outlook.com, Live, or Hotmail account.
• You have already logged into the Windows 10 Calendar or People app.

In this section, you will learn how to use the Mail app in Windows 10.

By the end of this section, you will be able to:


• Describe the Mail app in Windows 10.
• Send an email in Windows 10.
• Add an account in the Windows 10 Mail app.
• Configure the Windows 10 Mail app using the Settings window.

Introduction to the Mail App


To open the Mail app:
• Click in the search box, and enter Mail.
• In the search results, click Mail.

The Mail app opens. If you are opening the app for the first time, you will be prompted to add an account. Adding
an account follows the same steps as those for adding an account in Calendar described in the previous section.
1-24 Windows 10 Level 2

Once you have created your email account, .the Mail app interface displays. The interface has three sections:

• On the left side of the Mail window is the navigation pane.


The Expand/Collapse toggle in the upper-left corner of the navigation pane is used to show and hide this pane. In
the figure above, the pane is expanded to show its contents.
• The middle section lists the emails in the inbox and other folders. In this example, no emails have been received
yet; therefore, there are no emails listed in the pane.
• On the right is the reading pane. When no email is selected in the middle pain, you will see a background image in
this pane.
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Sending an Email Using the Mail App


To send a new email, complete the following steps:
• In the navigation pane, click New mail.

A blank email opens in the reading pane.

Your e-mail ID is displayed in the From box. If you have configured multiple accounts in the Mail app, you need to
select the account from which you want to send the mail in this box.
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• To open the email in a new window, click the Open message in a new window button at the right corner of the
From box.

The message window contains a number of components:

• Click in the To box and enter the email address of the person to whom you want to send the email. In the right
corner of the To box is the People button, which allows you to choose the recipients of the email from your
contacts. The email addresses you add in the To box are considered the primary recipients of the email.
If you want to send the email to other people you would like to keep in the loop, click Cc & Bcc. This adds more
two text boxes: Cc, which stands for carbon copy, and Bcc, which stands for blind carbon copy. While the email
addresses added in the CC box are visible to all other recipients, the email addresses in the BCC box are not visible
to the other recipients of the email.
• Next, click in the Subject box and enter the subject line of your email.
The subject line must be brief and meaningful to help the recipient understand the content of the email. Although
entering a subject is optional, if you do not enter one, the Mail app will display a message to confirm whether to
send the message without the subject line.
• The rectangular area below Subject is the main body of the email; click in this section and type your message.
In the figure above, you can see the default signature at the bottom. You can change this signature or delete it.
The Mail app allows you to create a custom signature that will appear by default in all the emails you draft. You
will learn more about signatures later in this section.
Module 1: Working with Applications & Accessories 1-27

• You can also insert other elements into your email, and you can format the message text for better readability,
using the options found in the three tabs at the top of the email message window.
o The Format tab is displayed by default. This tab has commands to format the text in the body of the email,
such as Bold, Italic, Underline, Bullets, Styles, etc.
o The Insert tab contains commands for attaching external files to the email and inserting tables, pictures, and
hyperlinks in the email body.
o The Options tab consists of commands that allow you to tag your email as High importance or Low
importance, select a language for proofing, spell-check the email content, zoom in and zoom out of the email
content, and search for specific text in the email content.
• Once you have finished drafting your email, you can either discard the email or send it. If there is no reason to
discard, click Send. This will send the email to its intended recipients.

Using the Mail App Tools to Sort and Sync Emails


The middle section in the Mail app has a number of controls that you can use to search and sort emails:

• You can enter keywords for searching emails in the Search box.
• The Sync button to the right of the Search box helps you sync your emails to display the latest ones.
• When you click the Enter selection mode button in the top right corner, the Delete and Move buttons display.
These buttons allow you to delete and move selected emails.

• The Focused tab only shows the Focused emails, while the Other tab shows other emails. We will look at the
Focused Inbox later in this section.
• The Filter box, below the Enter selection mode button, provides options to filter your emails so only the ones you
are interested in display. Select All to view all the emails received, or apply a filter to show only those that are
unread, are flagged, or contain mentions. You can also use this list to sort emails by date sent or by sender name.
1-28 Windows 10 Level 2

Adding an Account and Exploring Email Folders


If you wish, you can add additional accounts in the Mail app as follows:
• Click Accounts in the navigation pane to open the Manage accounts pane on the right side of the screen.

The Manage accounts pane contains a number of options:


o If you want to edit the existing account, click the account listed and make your changes.
o The Link inboxes option allows you link inboxes of different accounts without actually adding the other
accounts.
o The Add account option allows you to add additional email accounts.
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• Click the Add Account option to open the Add an account window.

• Select the account provider. For example, select Google to add a Gmail account. When you select the provider, a
sign-in window appears.

o Enter the email address of the account and then click Next.

o Enter the password for the account and click Next again.

• A window opens with a request for permission to access the emails, contacts, and calendars in your account. Click
Allow.

• You are then prompted to enter the name you want to use for your email messages. Enter the name and then
click Sign in.

• Finally, click Done. The new email account will display in the Manage accounts pane and in the Navigation pane.
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In addition to listing the accounts in the Accounts section, the navigation pane consists of a number of other options.

• The Folders section that follows the Accounts section includes:


o the Inbox, which contains all received emails,
o other folders like Outbox, Deleted Items, Drafts, Junk Mail, Sent Items, etc., which are displayed when you
click More.
• Buttons at the bottom of the navigation pane allow you to switch between Mail, Calendar, and People, and to
adjust the app settings
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Configuring Mail App Settings


You can configure the Mail app to suit your preferences using the Settings button in the bottom-right corner of the
navigation pane.
Click Settings to open the Settings pane on the right side of the screen. This pane contains a long list of options.

Manage accounts
As you have already learned, Manage accounts allows you to edit an existing account, link inboxes of different
accounts without actually adding the other accounts, or add additional accounts.
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Personalization
The Personalization pane allows you to personalize the reading pane.

It has three sections:


• The Preview section displays the changes made in the pane.
• The Colors section provides a palette of colors for the Mail app interface as well as three ready-to-use color
schemes, Light mode, Dark mode, and Use my Windows mode.
• The Background section provides images that you can use as the background for your mail app. Alternatively, you
can use browse to select an image from your computer. You can also choose whether or not to have the
background fill the entire window.
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Automatic Replies
The Automatic replies feature allows you to send a reply automatically to the emails that you receive.
• To use this feature, select the account for which you wish to send automatic replies from the Select an account
drop-down list.
• Click the Send automatic replies toggle to turn it on.

• You can then define your replies. You can define two sets of replies; one for the emails received from within your
organization and the other for those received from outside the organization.
• Select the Send replies only to my contacts option to include automatic replies only to email received from the
people or organizations listed in your contacts. You will not be able to send an automatic reply to emails from
unknown email IDs.
When you include automatic replies, a message displays indicating that you’re sending automatic replies from that
account.

Focused Inbox
The next option, Focused inbox, allows you to set up your email account so that you can view your most important
emails in a separate Focused inbox.

To enable this feature, complete the following steps:


• From the Select an account drop-down list, select the account.
• Then, turn the Sort messages into Focused and Other option on.
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Message List
The Message list pane contains a number of options for working with your email messages:

The Swipe actions section allows you to configure two frequently used actions to be performed using the gestures
Swipe right and hover for one action and Swipe left and hover for the second action.
• To enable this feature, toggle the Enable swipe actions option on.
• You can limit this feature to emails in a specific account (if you have configured multiple accounts) by selecting the
account from the Select an account drop-down list. Alternatively, you can enable this feature for emails received
in all your accounts by selecting Apply to all accounts.
• Click the Swipe right/hover arrow and select the desired action to be triggered from the list.
• Next, select the action to be triggered for the Swipe left/hover gesture.

• The Organization section lets you choose how to organize the list of emails received in the inbox. You can organize
the messages as Individual messages or Grouped by conversation.
• In the Preview text section, you can select whether to show or hide a preview of the message's text.
• In the Sender pictures section, you can select whether to show or hide the picture in the sender’s profile.
• Finally, in the Image preview section, you can select to show or hide a preview of attached images.
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Reading Pane
The Reading pane contains options for viewing, reading, and opening emails.

Turn the Auto-open next item toggle on to automatically open the next item after you delete or move an email
message.
The Mark item as read section has three options for configuring the read status of an email message.
• If you select the When selection changes option, the previous message will automatically be marked as read when
you select a new message.
• If you select Don’t automatically mark item as read, you will need to manually mark an email as read.
• If you select When viewed in the reading pane, an email will be marked as read if you view it in the reading pane
for the duration specified in the Seconds to wait box. The default value in Seconds to wait is 5 seconds. However,
you can change this value if you want to change how long an email must be viewed before it is marked as read.
Turn the Use the caret to navigate within a message toggle on to navigate within an email message in the Mail app
using caret browsing. Caret browsing allows you to move the cursor in the app using the keyboard.
In the External account section, you can select if an email is downloaded with external images and style formats. You
can enable this feature for a particular account or apply the feature to all the accounts.
1-36 Windows 10 Level 2

Signature
You can include a custom signature to emails that you send as follows:

• You can add a signature for a specific account by selecting it from the Select an account drop-down list, or you can
add it to all the accounts you have configured in Mail.
• Toggle the Use an email signature option to turn it on. A box with the default Signature appears below the toggle.
• Delete the default message in the box to remove it. If you wish, enter a new signature to be added to your emails.

Notifications
With the Notifications option, you can select to receive email-related notifications.

You can enable notifications for a specific account using the Select an account drop-down list or for all accounts
configured in Mail.
If you would like see notifications in the action center, then ensure that the toggle for this feature is turned on.
Enabling Show notifications in the action center displays three options to define the method of getting notified. You
can select any or all of these options:
• Show a notification banner
• Play a sound
• Show notification for folders pinned to Start
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Other Options in Settings


In addition to the features we have looked at, Settings also has the following options:
• Email security - the options available for email security depend on the accounts you have added in the Mail app.
• What’s new – this opens the Microsoft support website to check if any new updates are available.
• Outlook for Android and iOS – this option takes you to the Outlook webpage to help you get the Outlook app for
free.
• Help – Help allows you seek help to resolve technical problems;
• Trust Center
• Feedback
• About

Summary
In this section, we looked at:
• The layout and components of the Windows 10 default mail app
• How to send an email using the Windows 10 mail app
• How to add an account to the Windows 10 mail app
• How to configure the Windows 10 mail app using Settings
In the next section, we will look at how to use Cortana.
1-38 Windows 10 Level 2

D Using Cortana

Cortana is your personal digital assistant in Windows 10. You can ask Cortana questions just as you would a human
being. Cortana recognizes and understands the audio and replies to the questions using information from the Bing
search engine. The core function of Cortana is to help you resolve any challenges you are facing while working with
Windows 10. The name Cortana came from the Halo video game series developed by a subsidiary of Microsoft. In the
game, Cortana is the personal assistant of the main character, Master Chief. She provides tactical information to get
out of many difficult situations.
Cortana was first introduced in Windows 8.1 phones. In Windows 10, it is integrated with the desktop and mobile
devices. Cortana is currently available in English, Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, and Japanese,
depending on the software platform and region in which it is used.
Here are a few things that Cortana can do for you:
• Display reminders based on time, location, or people.
• Track packages, teams, interests, and flights.
• Send emails and text messages.
• Manage your calendar and keep you up to date.
• Create and manage lists.
• Chit chat and play games.
• Find facts, files, places, and other info.
• Open any app on your system.
In this section, you will learn how to set up Cortana as your personal assistant in Windows 10.
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
• Describe Cortana.
• Set up Cortana in Windows 10.

Setting Up Cortana
Cortana is integrated with the search box located on the taskbar. To open Cortana, click in the search box. The blue
circle that displays is a symbolic representation of Cortana in Windows 10.
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To make Cortana listen to your voice commands and to have a personalized experience when using Cortana, you need
to first set up the features. To do so, click the Settings button on the Start menu to open the Talk to Cortana Settings
window.

Checking the Microphone


First, you need to set up how you talk to Cortana. Cortana allows the use of voice commands, for which a microphone
is required.
• To check if the microphone on your computer is working, in the Microphone section, click Check the microphone.
This opens the Speech wizard and helps you resolve any issues related to your speed speech and audio settings.

Activating Hey Cortana


The Talk to Cortana Settings pane also contains a section named Hey Cortana where you can invoke Cortana and
activate your voice commands. If you turn it on, Cortana will respond when you say Hey Cortana. This section displays
a warning message that Cortana uses more battery if Hey Cortana is turned on. This may be a cause for concern when
you are travelling and want to save battery power.
To enable Hey Cortana:
• Click the Let Cortana respond to "Hey Cortana" toggle to turn it on.
Cortana displays a message requesting permission to turn-on the speech recognition feature and to send your
voice input to Microsoft. If you don’t like the idea, you can choose Maybe Later. If you grant the permission by
selecting Sure, you may need to give up some privacy related to your voice history, location, email, etc. You can
read the Microsoft privacy policy with respect to personal information by clicking the Privacy statement.
• Click Sure to continue setting up Cortana and then click the Let Cortana respond to "Hey Cortana" toggle to turn
it on.
1-40 Windows 10 Level 2

When you enable Hey Cortana, you can have Cortana respond to anyone who says Hey Cortana or have Cortana
respond only to you.

To have Cortana recognize how you say Hey Cortana, click Learn how I say “Hey Cortana.”
• If you are not signed in to Windows 10 with a Microsoft account or a local account, then it will prompt you to sign-
in.
• A message then displays that Cortana will give you six phrases to read to get familiar with your voice. You are
advised to find a quiet place to do this. Click Start to begin and follow the instructions. After you finish reading all
the phrases, Cortana will be able to respond when you say Hey Cortana and will now be ready to answer your
questions as your new personal assistant.

Configuring Cortana
The Keyboard shortcut section in the Talk to Cortana Settings pane allows you to activate Cortana using the keyboard
shortcut Windows + C.
• To enable this feature, click the Let Cortana listen for my commands when I press the Windows logo key + C toggle
to turn it on.

The Lock Screen section allows you to enable Cortana even when the computer is locked.
• To allow Cortana to function even when the computer is locked, click the Use Cortana even when my device is
locked toggle to turn it on.

• If you want to receive Cortana tips on your Lock screen, click Lock screen settings. In Lock screen settings, you
need to select Picture or Slideshow as your background to get tips when your screen is locked.
• Select Let Cortana access my calendar, email, messages, and Power BI data when my device is locked to enable
this function.
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The next section in the Talk to Cortana Settings pane is Cortana Language. Cortana works best when the language you
choose matches the region on your device.
• To select a region, click the Choose one drop-down arrow.
• Then, select the preferred region from the list or click the Default language button to enable Cortana to use the
language that works best for the region on your device.

Now, let's look at the options available in Cortana’s Permissions & History pane. In the left pane, click Permissions &
History to view the available settings.
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In the Permissions section, you can do the following:


• Review the activity from all of your Cortana devices by clicking Change what Cortana knows about me in the
cloud. This opens a window with details about your personal information.
• Manage what you permit Cortana to do, see, and use by clicking Manage the information Cortana can access
from this device to display the following options:

o Under Permissions, turn Location on to enable Cortana to collect and use your location details to remind you
at places you choose, help you find directions, and keep you posted on what’s up nearby.
o Turn the Contacts, emails, calendar & communication history option on to allow Cortana to collect and use
this information to help you plan your meetings and activities, suggest reminders, etc.
o Turn Browsing history on to let Cortana collect and use your browsing history. This allows it to offer
personalized suggestions and help you pick up where you left off on Microsoft Edge websites.
Note that you can turn these features off at any time and delete the collected information.
• Click Manage the information Cortana can access from other services to list connected devices and services. You
can click the Add a service option to add more devices and services.
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Configuring SafeSearch and Notifications


The section that follows Permissions in Cortana’s Permissions & History pane is SafeSearch. Windows 10 offers you
three levels of filters to restrict web results showing adult text, images, and videos. Select the filter that best suits your
needs from these options.
The section that follows SafeSearch is Cloud Search. If you enable Windows Cloud Search, you are allowing Cortana to
search in your cloud content.
The final section is History. It has two components — My device history and My search history. By default, both are
turned on.
• My device history enables Cortana to search content on all signed-in devices.
• My search history enables Cortana to access search history from all signed-in devices.
1-44 Windows 10 Level 2

Now, let's look at the Notifications option. This feature allows you to send notifications between devices. To display
the Notifications Settings window, click Notifications in the left pane.
When you toggle this feature on, the Manage notifications link displays.

When you click the Manage notifications link, a pane displays.

This pane has two options:


• Upload notifications from this PC to the cloud is on by default. This prevents the same notification being received
twice.
• If you trust this PC to receive notifications from other devices, then click Trust this PC. The Help us protect your
info window appears, where you can specify how you want to verify your identity when accessing sensitive
information from your account or device or if Windows 10 detects suspicious account activity. You can select how
you would like to receive a security code and then follow the instructions in the window to configure your security
settings.
Module 1: Working with Applications & Accessories 1-45

Now we’ll look at the Settings for the final Cortana option, More details. In this section, you can click links to view the
privacy statement, Windows privacy options, and details on how Cortana works with Bing on searching.

Summary
In this section, we looked at:
• The features of Cortana
• Setting up Cortana in Windows 10
In the next section, we will look at how to use the Photos app in Windows 10.
1-46 Windows 10 Level 2

E Photos

Windows 10 has a new image editing and managing app called Photos. It has more features than its predecessor—
Windows Image Viewer. Photos helps organize and edit images, and share them using social networks and email. It
also allows you to create slideshows using simple formatting tools.
In this section, you will learn how to use Photos in Windows 10.
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
• Use the Photos app in Windows 10.

Exploring the Photos App


To open the Photos app:
• Click in the search box, and enter Photos.
• Click Photos in the search results. The Photos app window displays.
There are four tabs at the top of the window. Let’s begin with the Folders tab.

To add a folder containing photos to your Pictures library, click the Add a folder button.
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The Folder suggestions window opens, listing the folders on your computer that contain photos. Select the folder you
want to import into the Photos app. You can select multiple folders at a time.

Click the Add folders button. The selected folder is added on the Folders tab of the Photos app. To access the photos
in the folder, click the folder.

The Photos app categorizes the pictures by recognizing the objects in the photos. It adds tags to help you find images
using keywords.
1-48 Windows 10 Level 2

On the People tab, you will find groups of images. The app recognizes the faces in the images and categorizes them.

Clicking a category will display all the images in that category.


On the Albums tab, you can organize or group the photos by creating new albums or videos.
The Collection tab lists all the images in the Photos app sorted by date and displays the total number of images added
each month. You can click a month name to navigate to that month.
Above the four tabs is the Search box. You can use the Search feature to search for images. You can search photos
either by people, places, or things.

Editing a Photo
You can edit photos in the Photos app.
In File Explorer, locate the image that you want to edit and open it.
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To zoom in to the image, click the Zoom button. Then, drag the slider.

To delete the image, click the Delete button.


To rotate the image, click the Rotate button. On every click, the image will rotate by 90 degrees.
For advanced editing, click Edit & Create. Click Edit to open the editing panel.
1-50 Windows 10 Level 2

The Enhance tab of the Editing panel contains various options:

• To crop and rotate the image, click the Crop and rotate button. After you have finished cropping and rotating the
image, click Done.
• To enhance your image, apply one of the filters available on the Enhance tab.
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On the Adjust tab, there are several options to improve the image.

You can also draw on the image using Photos drawing tools.
To access the drawing tools, do the following:
• Click Edit & Create.
• Then click Draw.
The drawing tools appear at the top of the screen.

They include the:


• Ballpoint pen
• Pencil
• Calligraphy pen
• Eraser – use this to delete a drawing.
Once you are done with the editing, click Save
1-52 Windows 10 Level 2

Creating a Video
You can create a new video or album using the Create button available when you open the Photos app.
To create a video, click Create, and select Automatic video with music.
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The Create a new video window opens. Here you need to select two or more photos to create the video.
• Select the desired photos from the Collection, People, or Folders tabs.

• Then, click Create.


• Enter a name for the video and click OK.
A video will be created automatically. You can export or share the video or edit it to make changes.
1-54 Windows 10 Level 2

Editing a Video
To make changes to the video, click Edit video.

A new video window opens.


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The window is divided into three panes.


• The pane in the upper-right corner displays a preview of the video.
• The pane in the upper-left corner is the Project library. You can add photos from the library to the video. To
include more photos in the library:
o Click Add photos and videos.
o Select the photos.
o Click Add.
• The bottom pane is the Storyboard. You need to place images you want in the video in the desired sequence in
this pane. To add a photo to Storyboard:
o Drag the photo from the Project library pane to the appropriate place in the Storyboard.

The Storyboard allows you add the amount of time that you want each photo to show in the video using the Duration
button. You can also add filters, as well as text, motion, and 3D effects.
To specify the duration for a photo, do the following:
• Select the appropriate photo in the Storyboard.
• Click Duration and select one of the predefined durations, or enter the number of seconds that the photo should
appear in the video.

To add a filter to a photo, select the photo and click Filters. This opens a window containing the image and a pane
with several filters.

• Preview any of the available filters as well as add text and motion from this window.
• Once you have made the desired changes, click Done.
1-56 Windows 10 Level 2

You can also add text and motion an image in Storyboard.

Add text as follows:


• Click the Text button.
• Type any content you want to add to the image.

In this window, you can also choose an animation style and layout.
• Once you are done with your changes, click Done.
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Add motion to a selected image in Storyboard as follows:


• Click the Motion button.
• Select one of the camera motion styles from those displayed.

• Once you’re satisfied with your modifications, click Done.

Clicking the Remove all button, in the top-right corner of the Storyboard pane, will delete all the images from
Storyboard.
There are a number of additional buttons available at the top of the new video window.

These include the following:


• The Undo and Redo buttons.
• Themes – allows you to apply predefined themes using filters, music, and text styles.
• A Volume button – allows you to set the desired volume level.
• Music – allows you to select the music for the video.
• The Orientation button – allows you select Landscape orientation in one of two predefined sizes, or Portrait
orientation.
Once you are done making your changes, click Export or share, and select any of these export options:
o S, which stands for small, will take the least time to upload and is best for email and small screens.
o M, which stands for medium, takes normal duration to upload and is best for sharing online.
o L, which stands for large, takes the longest to upload and is best for big screens.
1-58 Windows 10 Level 2

Using Select Mode


In the Photos app window, beside the Create button, you will find the Select button.
This button allows you to select images to create a new album or video, or add the selected photos to an existing
video.
• When you click the Select button, the Collection pane displays.
• Select the images by clicking them in this tab.

Once you have selected the images, you have a number of options:

• Click the Add to button to open the Add this to a creation window. This window contains options to create a new
album or video with music. Alternatively, you can add the images to one of existing videos that are listed in this
window.
• If you want to share the selected photos with others, click the Share button.
• If you wish to print the selected photos, click Print.
• To copy the selected photos, click Copy.
• To delete the photos, click Delete.
• Click Cancel to close Select mode.
Module 1: Working with Applications & Accessories 1-59

In addition to the Create and Select buttons, the Photos app window includes a number of other buttons.

Beside the Select button, you will see the Import button.
You can click this button to display a drop-down menu where you can select to import photos from a folder or from a
USB device.

Beside the Import button is the Sign-in button, which you can use to sign to a Microsoft account or a local account.

The button beside the Sign-in button in the Photos app window is the See more button. When you click this button,
the following options display:
• Refresh – this option allows you to refresh the screen.
• Slideshow – this option allows you to see all the photos in slideshow mode.
• Send feedback – this option allows you to send feedback to Microsoft
• We will look at the final option in this list, Settings, in the next topic.

Photos App Settings


Settings for the Photos app contains a number of different options that you can configure. To open settings, click
See more and select Settings.
1-60 Windows 10 Level 2

The Photos app Settings window contains a number of options.

• The Sources section allows you to add folders in your collection. This section also displays existing sources.
• The Microsoft OneDrive section allows you to choose whether to show your cloud-only content from OneDrive.
• In the Viewing and editing section, you have three options.
o Toggle on the Linked duplicates setting so that exact duplicate files will be shown as a single file.
o Toggle on the People setting to allow naming and grouping of people in your photos and videos through
face detection and recognition
o Select either the View next or previous item option or the Zoom in and out option for the Mouse wheel
setting. When you rotate the mouse wheel while viewing a single item, the selected action will occur.
• The Appearance section allows you to configure the app tile and mode.
• The Preview section allows you to enable an option to help Microsoft test the mobile import over Wi-Fi feature.
• The last section, About this app, provides you with information about the Photos app.
Module 1: Working with Applications & Accessories 1-61

Summary:
In this section, we looked at:
• The features of the Photos app
• Editing a photo
• Creating a video
In the next section, we will look at the Movies and TV app in Windows 10.
1-62 Windows 10 Level 2

F Movies & TV App

The Movies & TV app is a digital video service developed by Microsoft. It offers full HD videos and TV shows for rent or
purchase. The app also lets you play and manage videos in your personal collection. It supports all the latest video
formats such as .m4v, .mp4, .mov, .asf, .avi, .wmv, .m2ts, .3g2, .3gp2, and .3gpp.
In this section, we will look at the Movies & TV app.
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
• Play videos using the Movies & TV app.
• Edit, annotate, and trim videos using the Movies & TV app.

Exploring the Movies & TV App


To open the Movies & TV app:
• Click in the search box and enter Movies & TV
• Then click Movies & TV in the search results.

Let's look at the Personal tab in the Movies & TV app window. The Personal tab consists of three tabs:
• Video folders – On this tab, the video folders that have been added to the Movies & TV app are listed.
• Removable storage – This tab lists the videos from an attached external storage device.
• Media servers – The Media servers tab lists the videos from the media servers connected on the network.
Module 1: Working with Applications & Accessories 1-63

In addition to the options on the three tabs, the Movies & TV window also has a number of other features:
• You can use the Search button to search for specific videos.
• When you click More options, two additional options display.
o Click Send feedback to send feedback to Microsoft.
o Click Settings to open the Settings window.
- In the Settings window, you can select your video folder location by clicking the Choose where to look for
videos option.
- In the Playback section of the Settings window, you can specify if you want to open the video in full
screen.
- In the Mode section, you can define the colors for the app.

Adding a Video Folder


When you open the Personal tab of the Movies & TV app, the Video folders tab is selected by default.

On this tab, the All folders section lists the video folders that have been added to the Movies & TV app. The tab will
not list any video folders or videos until you add a folder.
To add a new folder containing videos, complete the following steps:
• Click Add folders.
This opens a pop-up window that lists the available video folders. You can delete a folder listed in this pop-up
window by clicking the listed folder and closing it.
• Click the plus symbol in the pop-up window.
In the Select Folder dialog box that opens, navigate to and select the folder containing the videos you want to add
to the Movies & TV app.
• Click the Add this folder to Videos button in the Select Folder dialog box.
• The selected folder appears in the pop-up window.
• Click Done to close the window

To play a video, click the video on the Video folders tab.


1-64 Windows 10 Level 2

Video Player Controls and Editing Tools


Once you click a video in the Movies & TV app, the video opens in the app.

Let’s look at the player controls.


• At the right and left side of the screen are the navigate buttons that you use to play the next and previous videos.
• At the bottom left corner of the screen is the Volume button, which allows you to adjust the volume levels.
• You can add subtitles to the video using the Show menu button found to the right of the Volume button.
• In the middle of the controls are the Skip back button, the Play/Pause button, and the Skip forward button.
Module 1: Working with Applications & Accessories 1-65

In the bottom-right corner of the player controls is a pencil icon. When you click this button, the video Edit menu
displays with some tools that you can use to edit the video.

Trim
Click the Trim option on the Edit menu to open the video in a new window that contains a seek-bar with three sliders.

• Use the sliders to trim the video.


The two sliders at the ends of the seek bar allow you to adjust the beginning and ending frames of the section of
the video you want to edit. The middle slider helps you select the frame that displays as the video poster.
• Once you are done with the adjustments, click the Save a copy button. The new trimmed video will be saved in
the same location.
1-66 Windows 10 Level 2

Draw
Next, let’s look at the Draw tool on the Edit menu.
When you click Draw, the video opens in a separate window with a panel of drawing tools.

Click the Ballpoint pen, Pencil, or Calligraphy pen tool.


• Select a color and thickness from the palette that displays.
• Then, using the mouse pointer, draw on the video.

The Erase tool allows you to erase the drawings.


The Attach ink to an object tool allows you to attach your drawing to an object in the video so that the drawing stays
with the object as it moves through the video.
Click Save to store the annotations. The edited video is stored in the same location as the original video.

Additional Options on the Edit Menu


In addition to the Trim and Draw options, the Edit menu also has a few other options:
Create slow motion video allows you to create a slow-motion effect for the video
Save photo from video allows you to save the current frame as a photo.

Beside the pencil icon in the bottom-right corner of the player controls is the Mini view button, which allows you to
open the video in a smaller window.
To the right of the Mini view button is the Full screen button. Click this button to watch the video in full-screen mode.
Finally, beside the Full screen button, you will find More options. When you click More options, a menu of additional
options display:
• Cast to device allows you to watch the same video on another connected device.
• Zoom to fit is used to fit the video to the window.
• Repeat allows you to repeat the video.
• AutoPlay allows you to play the next video in sequence automatically.

Summary
In this section, we looked at:
• Playing videos using the Movies & TV app
• Editing, annotating, and trimming videos using the Movies & TV app
• Creating slow motion videos and saving photos from videos using the Movies & TV app
In the next section, we will look at the Windows Media Player.
Module 1: Working with Applications & Accessories 1-67

G Windows Media Player

You can use the Windows Media Player to play digital media files on your computer and stream media content from
the internet. You can also rip music from audio CDs, burn CDs of your favorite music, sync media files to portable
devices, and purchase content online through online stores.
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
• Discuss the essential elements of Windows Media Player.
• Play media files using Windows Media Player.

Exploring Windows Media Player


Let’s explore Windows Media Player.
To open Windows Media Player, use the following steps:
• Click in the search box and enter Windows Media Player.
• In the search results, click Windows Media Player.
By default, Windows Media Player opens in the Player Library mode. Windows Media Player has another mode called
the Now Playing mode, which we will explore later in this section.
Player Library mode allows you to access and organize your media collection.
1-68 Windows 10 Level 2

• The back and forward buttons in the upper-left corner of the player allow you to move forward and backward in
the player history.
• Beside these buttons is the name of the folder you are currently accessing.

Below, you have several options.


• Click Organize to display a menu of options to help you organize your media collection.

• Click Stream and use the options on the Stream menu to stream media content.

• Click the Create playlist arrow to display a menu of options for creating new playlists, or simply click the
Create playlist button to create a new empty playlist.

• Click the View options arrow to open the View options menu, which provides three choices for viewing files —
Icon, Tile, and Details.

• The Search box allows you to search for media files.


Module 1: Working with Applications & Accessories 1-69

On the left is the navigation pane which has categories like Playlists, Music, Videos, and Pictures. When you select
one of these categories, you can view the content of that category in the Details pane on the right.
Because the Windows Media Player further categorizes the Music category by Artist, Album, and Genre segments,
first click the arrow beside Music to expand it, and then select the folder within Music, such as Artist, to view its
contents. The Details pane shows the media files categorized according by artist.

In the upper-right corner of the Windows Media Player, there are three tabs:
• Play: This tab allows you play the media files.
• Burn: This tab allows you to burn or write media files on CDs or DVDs.
• Sync: This tab allows you to sync media files to and from portable devices.

To play a file:
• Click the Play tab.
The Play tab shows an unsaved playlist.

• Drag files from the Details pane into the unsaved playlist.
• Once you have added the desired files, you can click Save list to save the playlist or click Clear list to remove the
files.
1-70 Windows 10 Level 2

• The Play to button allows you to cast the same media content to other devices.

• The List options button provides options for working with playlists.

The controls at bottom of the Window Media Player window include a seek bar to see the duration and progress of
the media file that is playing.

The controls also includes buttons to:


• turn shuffle on or off
• turn repeat on or off
• stop playing the media content
• rewind the content
• fast-forward
• play and pause the media file
• turn volume on or off
• adjust volume levels
Module 1: Working with Applications & Accessories 1-71

To switch from Player Library mode to the Now Playing mode.


• Click Switch to Now Playing in the lower-right corner of the player.
The Now Playing mode has two options. You can play all music or switch back to the Player Library mode.

To see the options available in the Now Playing mode, right-click in the empty space in the Details pane of the player.
This displays a menu with several options.
• To view the playlist, select Show list from the menu. This displays the same playlist that was available on the Play
tab in Player Library mode. The Previous list and Next list buttons allow you to navigate between your playlists.

In Now Playing mode, Windows media player has the seek bar and the same controls as in Player Library mode.
1-72 Windows 10 Level 2

The Switch to Library button in the upper-right corner of the media player window allows you to switch back to Player
Library mode.
Click View full screen in the lower-right corner to play a media file in full screen mode.

Playing a Media File


Let’s look at how to play an audio file using the Windows Media Player.
• First, open Windows Media Player.
• In the Player Library, browse for the file or search for the item that you want to play using the Search box.
• Once you located the file, do one of the following :
o Double-click the item in the Details pane to begin playing it.
o Click the Play tab, drag the item from the Details pane to the list on the Play tab. The music will begin
playing immediately.
You can drag individual items (such as one or more songs) or collections of items (such as one or more albums, artists,
genres, years, or ratings) to the list on the Play tab. If you drag a collection of items to the list, the first item in the list
will begin playing.

Summary
In this section, we looked at:
• The essential elements of Windows Media Player
• The procedure to play media files in Windows Media Player
In the next section, we will look at how to burn files to CDs.
Module 1: Working with Applications & Accessories 1-73

H Burning Files to CD

Information is stored on CDs or DVDs by burning the files to the discs. Burning is a common term for recording.
Depending on the type of disc, the amount of content to record, and the intended device to play the recorded
content, you need to choose appropriate options when burning files to discs.
In this section, you will learn how to record CDs.
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
• Describe the options to consider before burning a CD.
• Explain the procedure to burn an audio CD and a data CD.

Introduction to Burning Files to CDs


Generally, users create audio CDs and data CDs.

Audio CD
If you want to burn audio files only to play on music players at home, in the car, and on your computer, then use an
audio CD. Windows 10 allows you to create audio CDs using Windows Media Player or the built-in CD burning
program.

Data CD
If you want to store audio, video, documents, photos etc. on a CD, then create a data CD. Use the built-in program in
Windows 10 to create the data CD. Not all media players can recognize and play content from data CDs; so, the
computer is the preferred device to play a data CD.
You can use DVDs instead of CDs to record a large amount of content.

Burning an Audio CD Using Windows Media Player


Let’s look at how to burn an audio CD using Windows Media Player.
• Open Windows Media Player.
• Click the Burn tab.
• Click the Burn options button and select Audio CD from the drop-down menu.
• Insert a blank disc into your CD or DVD burner.
• Drag selected files that you want to burn to the disc from the Details pane to the burn list on the Burn tab.
• Once you have added all the files to the burn list that you want to include on the CD, click Start burn and follow
the instructions.
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Burning Data CDs or DVDs Using the Built-in Program in Windows 10


Let’s now look at how to burn a data CD using the built-in program in Windows 10.
• Insert a blank disc into your CD or DVD burner.
• Open File Explorer.
• Double-click the burner drive icon to open the Burn a disc window.

• Enter a title for the new disc.


• Here, you have two options—Like a USB flash drive and With a CD/DVD player. Determine the option that best
fits the device you’ll be using to play the disc.
o If you select Like a USB flash drive, you can save, edit, and delete files on the disc at any time.
o If you select With a CD / DVD player, the files burned cannot be edited or removed from the disc.
• Select an option and click the Next button to continue. This displays a message to drag files to this folder to add
them to the disc.
• Use the navigation pane to navigate to the folder containing the files to be burned.
• Select the files and then drag them onto the burner drive icon in the navigation pane. File Explorer displays the
files ready to be written to the disc.
Module 1: Working with Applications & Accessories 1-75

• Right-click an empty area in the Details pane and select Burn to disc.

The Burn to Disc window displays.

• Enter the disc title.


• In the Recording speed list, select the recording speed.
• Click Next.
• When the process is complete, click Finish to close the window.

Summary
In this section, we looked at:
• The options to consider before burning a CD
• Burning an audio CD using Windows Media Player
• Burning a data CD using the built-in burning program in Windows 10
In the next section, we will look at methods to install software on a Windows 10 computer.
1-76 Windows 10 Level 2

I Installing Additional Software

In this section, you will learn how to install software on a Windows 10 computer.
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
• Install software from a CD and from the internet.

Installing Software from a CD


Windows Store is one of the major attractions in Windows 10. Here, you can find new programs to install on your
computer. We have already learned how to install a program from Windows Store.
Another method of installing software is using a CD.
• First, insert the CD containing the installation files in the CD-drive.
The program installation should start automatically.
• Follow the instructions on your screen.

If installation doesn't start automatically, do the following:


• Browse the disc to find the program setup file, which is usually called Setup.exe or Install.exe.
• Double-click the file to open and start the installation.

You can also change the AutoPlay settings on your computer to start the automatic installation. To do so:
• Click in the search box.
• Enter AutoPlay settings.
• Click AutoPlay settings in the Search results.
• Ensure that the Use AutoPlay for all media and devices option is toggled on.
Module 1: Working with Applications & Accessories 1-77

Installing Additional Software from the Internet


You can also install software programs from the internet. To do so:
• Search for the software on the internet.
• Download the installation files.
• Double-click the downloaded file.
• Follow the instructions displayed on your screen.

Summary
In this section, we looked at:
• Installing software from a CD
• Installing software from the internet
You have completed all the sections of Module 1.
MODULE #2

Fixing Annoyances and Problems


Troubleshooting Windows 10

Disabling Unwanted Features in Windows 10

Fixing Other Annoyances and Issues in Windows 10

The Settings App


2-2 Windows 10 Level 2

A Troubleshooting Windows 10

When you power on your computer and, after waiting for unusually long time, all you see is a black screen, it means
that Windows has not loaded. One of the common reasons for Windows failing to start is corrupt or missing startup
system files. The computer may also fail to boot because of a faulty file, program, or driver, or because of incorrect
Windows settings. In Windows 10, you can usually fix startup problems quite easily using the Windows 10 built-in
troubleshooting options.
In this section, you will learn about the troubleshooting options available in Windows 10.
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
• Discuss the various methods of accessing the troubleshooting options available in Windows 10.
• Discuss the various troubleshooting options available in Windows 10.
• Run Startup Repair in Windows 10.
• Access your PC’s BIOS settings through the new Settings app.
• Fix a Boot Configuration File error.
• Roll back a major update to Windows 10.

Accessing the Troubleshooting Options


There are several ways to access the troubleshooting options in Windows 10. These include:
• Restarting your computer three times when Windows 10 does not start properly
• Pressing the F11 key when the computer boots
• Pressing the Shift key when the computer restarts
• Using a bootable Windows 10 disk or USB
• Using the Recovery option in the Settings app

Restarting your computer three times when Windows 10 does not start properly
If you start up the computer and find that Windows 10 does not load, you can try to restart the computer by pressing
the power button. Sometimes the issue may get resolved and Windows 10 will load. However, if it doesn't, try
restarting the computer two more times. If your PC does not start properly three times consecutively, Windows 10
automatically launches the Automatic Repair tool. You can click Advanced options on this screen to access the
troubleshooting options.
Pressing the F11 key when the computer boots
You can access the troubleshooting options by keeping the F11 key pressed when you start your computer. This will
display a menu from which you can access the troubleshooting options.
Pressing the Shift key when the computer restarts
You can also get to the menu from which you can access the troubleshooting options by keeping the Shift key pressed
and restarting your computer.
Using a bootable Windows 10 disk or USB
You can start up Windows 10 using an installation disk or USB. In the Windows Setup window, you need to click Repair
your computer to display the menu from which you can access the troubleshooting options.
Using the Recovery option in the Settings app
After you have logged into Windows 10, you can access the troubleshooting options through the Settings app. In
Windows Settings, click Update & Security and then go the Recovery pane and click Restart now. This restarts the
computer and displays the menu from which you can access the troubleshooting options.
Module 2: Fixing Annoyances and Problems 2-3

Advanced Options
All of the methods in the previous section for accessing the troubleshooting options bring you to the Choose an
option screen. From this window, to access the troubleshooting options, click Troubleshoot and then select Advanced
options.
This displays the Advanced options screen. Let's look at the various troubleshooting options available here.

System Restore
Windows 10 allows you to create restore points to which you can restore your computer. This allows you to go back to
a known working version of Windows. You can use the System Restore option on this screen to use one of the restore
points recorded on your PC to restore Windows.

System Image Recovery


You can create a system image of your computer on an external drive. If Windows does not start up, you can use the
System Image Recovery option to recover Windows using the system image you created.
Startup Repair
Startup Repair is the first option you should try to fix problems that prevent Windows from loading.
Command Prompt
If you want to use advanced troubleshooting and directly enter the commands for fixing the issues, Command Prompt
allows you to access an interface that is not a graphical user interface.
UEFI Firmware Settings
Many new PCs use the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) instead of the traditional BIOS as the program
connecting the computer's firmware to the operating system. If your computer has UEFI, then you can access the UEFI
BIOS settings thought the UEFI Firmware Settings option under Advanced options.
Startup Settings
This option allows you to define how Windows starts up.
Go back to the previous build
If you have problems after installing a major Windows Update, you can use this option to roll back to the previous
build.
2-4 Windows 10 Level 2

Using Steps Recorder


Windows 10 includes Step Recorder, a tool that allows you to capture actions made on the computer. Step Recorder
logs the keys pressed and takes screenshots of every action, making it a very useful troubleshooting tool.
To use Steps Recorder:
• Click in the search box and enter Steps Recorder.
• In the search results, click Steps Recorder.
The Steps Recorder window displays. It has three buttons—Start Record, Stop Record, and Add Comment.

• To use the tool, click Start Record.


All the actions you perform on the computer from this point will be recorded.
• You can click Pause Record if you need to pause the recording.

• To add a comment to the recording, click the Add Comment button. Then drag across an area of the screen to
highlight it and add a comment in the text box.
• When you are done, click Stop Record.
All the steps you perform will display with screenshots.

• To save this document, click Save, navigate to the desired location, enter a file name, and click the Save button.
The file will be saved as a ZIP file.
Module 2: Fixing Annoyances and Problems 2-5

Running a Startup Repair


If Windows 10 is not loading on your computer, you should first run the Startup Repair tool. To do so:
• Press the F11 key when your PC is booting.
The Choose an option screen displays.

• Click Troubleshoot and then select Advanced options in the Troubleshoot window.
The Advanced options screen displays.
• Click Startup Repair.
Note that you need to have an administrator account to run Startup Repair.

• On the Startup Repair screen, select your account, enter your password, and then click Continue.
The Startup Repair tool diagnoses and repairs the issue with your computer. If the repairs are successful, Window 10
will load. If not, you will get a message that Startup Repair couldn’t repair your PC. You can shut down the machine or
go to the Advanced options again to try another method to troubleshoot the problem.
2-6 Windows 10 Level 2

Troubleshooting Using the Bios Settings


BIOS is a software component that is built into the motherboard of a computer. It performs a basic check of the
computer hardware and starts the operating system. To troubleshoot certain start up issues like missing boot
configuration files, you may need to access the BIOS settings. You may also need to access the BIOS settings to change
device settings.
In Windows 7 and earlier versions of Windows, you needed to press a key, such as a function key, when the computer
was booting to access the BIOS settings. However, in Windows 8 and Windows 10, you access the troubleshooting
options to go to the BIOS settings.
Module 2: Fixing Annoyances and Problems 2-7

Accessing Bios Settings Using the Settings App


You can access the BIOS settings through the Settings app.
Note: You can do this only if your PC supports it, and there is no way to identify whether your PC supports it without
actually trying it out.
To access the BIOS settings in Windows 10:
• Click Start, click Settings, and then click Update & Security.
• In the navigation pane of the Update & Security Settings window, click Recovery.
• In the Recovery pane, in the Advanced startup section, click Restart now.

• The computer will reboot to the Choose an option screen. Click Troubleshoot.
• In the Troubleshoot screen, click Advanced options.
• In the Advanced options screen, click UEFI Firmware Settings.
• On the UEFI Firmware Settings screen, click Restart.
This restarts the computer and displays the BIOS settings screen where you can configure the PC according to your
requirements.
2-8 Windows 10 Level 2

Fixing a Boot Configuration File Error


If you get a Boot Configuration Data file is missing error, you will not be able to boot the system.

Therefore, you need Windows 10 installation media, like a disk or a USB device, to access the recovery options.
To access the recovery options:
• Insert a bootable DVD into the disk drive or a bootable USB into a corresponding port.
• Select the appropriate option on the Boot Menu, and then press e.

• In the Windows Setup window that displays, click Next.


Module 2: Fixing Annoyances and Problems 2-9

• In the subsequent window, click Repair your computer.

• On the Choose an option screen, click Troubleshoot.


• On the Troubleshoot screen, click Advanced options.
• On the Advanced options screen, click Command Prompt.
• At the command prompt, type Bootrec /fixmbr and press e.
• Then type Bootrec /fixboot and press e.
• Next, type Bootrec /scanos and press e.
• Finally, type Bootrec /rebuildbcd and press e.
• Now, type A to choose all options and press e.
This adds the installation to the boot list.
• Click the Close button of the command prompt window.
Your PC should start normally.
2-10 Windows 10 Level 2

Rolling Back a Major Windows 10 Update


A major update to Windows 10 will upgrade the operating system with many new features and improvements to
existing ones. However, if you find that an upgrade makes your PC run slower than beforehand or that some of your
programs are not compatible with the update, you might want to roll back to the earlier version that was running on
your PC.
To roll back to a prior version of Windows 10:
• Click Start and click Settings.
• In Windows Settings, click Update & Security.
• Click Recovery in the left pane of the Windows Update & Security window.
• In the Go back to the previous version of Windows 10 section, click Get started.

• On the Why are you going back? screen, select the reasons you want to roll back the update, and then click Next.
Module 2: Fixing Annoyances and Problems 2-11

• On the Check for updates? screen, you can check for updates or proceed without checking. Click No, thanks to
proceed to the What you need to know screen.
• After reading the information on the What you need to know screen, click Next to proceed to the Don’t get
locked out screen. This screen informs you that you will not be able to login without the login credentials you used
for the previous build.
• Click Next and then click Go back to earlier build.

The restoration process begins. After your PC restarts, you will be back to the earlier version of Windows.

Summary
In this section, we looked at:
• The various methods of accessing the troubleshooting options available in Windows 10
• The various troubleshooting options available in Windows 10
• Running Startup Repair in Windows 10
• Accessing your PC’s BIOS settings through the Settings app
• Fixing a Boot Configuration File error
• Rolling back a major update to Windows 10
In the next section, we will look at disabling unwanted features in Windows 10.
2-12 Windows 10 Level 2

B Disabling Unwanted Features in Windows 10

You may find that you do not use several features in Windows 10. You may even find these features annoying because
they slow down your computer or send notifications that aren’t important to you. In addition, you may not be
comfortable with your personal information being tracked by some of these features. But there is little cause for
concern as Windows 10 does allow you to disable many of these features.
In this section, you will learn how to turn off some of the features that you do not want.
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
• Remove the lock screen.
• Turn off app notifications.
• Disable personalized ads on Microsoft sites and apps.
• Disable "Hey Cortana" and Cortana.
• Disable automatic driver downloads.
• Completely disable Internet Explorer.
• Pause Windows Updates for up to 35 days.

Removing the Lock Screen


The lock screen is the screen that appears before you log in to the PC. This screen displays a background image. If
configured, it also displays current information from some apps. If you think that this screen does not serve any
particular purpose, and want to go directly to the login screen, you can turn off the Lock screen.
In Windows 10, there are several ways to disable the lock screen. Let's look at how to do it by modifying the registry.
This method of disabling the lock screen works on all editions of Windows 10, whereas some of the other methods
work only with the Professional, Enterprise, and Education editions.
Note that any change made in the Registry Editor window is a change made to the Windows registry, and it directly
impacts how your PC works. Therefore, you need to be extremely careful when working in the Registry Editor. It is also
advisable to back up your registry before you make any changes.
To back up your Registry:
• Click in the search box and enter regedit.
• In the search results, click regedit.
Module 2: Fixing Annoyances and Problems 2-13

• In the User Account Control window asking if you would like this app to make changes to your PC, click Yes.
The Registry Editor window opens.

• Click File.
2-14 Windows 10 Level 2

• Next, click Export to open the Export Registry File dialog box.

• Navigate to the folder to which you want to export the Registry.


• Click the File name box, enter a file name and then click Save.

Now that you have created a backup of your Registry, you can disable the lock screen. To disable the lock screen by
modifying the Registry, you need to do the following:
• Double-click HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE in the navigation pane on the left side of the Registry Editor window.
Module 2: Fixing Annoyances and Problems 2-15

• When the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE folder expands, double-click SOFTWARE.


• Under SOFTWARE, double-click Microsoft.
• Scroll down and double-click Windows.
• Under Windows, double-click CurrentVersion.
• Under CurrentVersion, double-click Authentication.
• Under Authentication, double-click LogonUI.
• Under LogonUI, double-click SessionData.
• In the right pane, right-click AllowLockScreen, and then, click Modify from the shortcut menu.

The Edit DWORD (32-bit) Value dialog box opens. Note that the Value data box contains the value 1.

• Enter 0.
• Click OK.
The lock screen is disabled. Now, when you unlock your computer, the lock screen will not display and you will be
taken directly to the login screen. If you want to enable the lock screen again, you need to repeat the process and
change the value in the Value data box in the Edit DWORD (32-bit) Value dialog box to 1.
2-16 Windows 10 Level 2

Turning Off App Notifications


The Action Center in your PC’s system tray shows you notifications from the apps installed on your PC. While many of
the notifications are useful, such as a notification of a new message or a new email, some notifications are
unnecessary.
You can turn off notifications for all apps or for selected apps. To do so:
• Click Start and then click Settings.
• In Windows Settings, click System.
• Under System in the left pane, click Notifications & actions.
• In the Notifications & actions pane, scroll to the Get notifications from these senders section.

This section displays the list of apps that can send notifications to the Action Center.
• Use the On/Off toggle next to an app to enable or disable notifications for that app.
For example, click the toggle for AutoPlay to turn it off. Now, notifications for AutoPlay will no longer appear in
the Action Center.
Module 2: Fixing Annoyances and Problems 2-17

Disabling Personalized Ads in Microsoft Sites and Apps


Like a lot of online service providers, Microsoft uses cookies to track and monitor your online behavior. For example, if
you search for new cars, you will begin to see ads for deals on new and used cars. Such targeted ads can be useful
because they help you find deals on items that interest you. However, it also means a loss of your privacy, as your
interests can now be sold by the company to other third-party advertisers. If this makes you uncomfortable, you can
prevent Windows from collecting your personal browsing patterns.
To disable or turn off personalized ads in Microsoft Window sites and apps:
• Click Start and then click Settings.
• In Windows Settings, click Privacy.

• In the General pane, under Change privacy options, you can turn off the items that you don’t want tracked. For
example, turn off the Let apps use advertising ID to make ads more interesting to you based on your app usage
to prevent seeing the personalized apps.
2-18 Windows 10 Level 2

To control the information about you that is stored online, you can specify your privacy settings on your Microsoft
Account page. To do this:
• Click the Manage my info that’s stored in the cloud link in the General pane.
This takes you to the Microsoft Account page.
• On the Microsoft Account page, click Sign in with Microsoft.
• Under Sign in, enter your email, phone, or Skype information to login to your Microsoft account.
• Click Next.
• Enter your password.
• Click Sign in.
This opens the Privacy dashboard page.
• At the bottom of the Privacy dashboard page, click Ad settings.

• Click the Internet-based ads whenever I use my Microsoft account toggle and the Internet-based ads in this
browser toggle to turn these options off.
Note that these settings do not turn off the ads. Microsoft and windows apps may continue to collect your online
activity data too. These settings only ensure that you are not shown ads based on your browsing and app usage.
To completely stop the display of ads and prevent tracking, you need third-party ad-blocker and privacy tools
Module 2: Fixing Annoyances and Problems 2-19

Disabling “Hey Cortana”


Cortana is the voice assistant in Windows 10. You can use Cortana to launch programs, schedule appointments and a
lot more. In Windows 10, you can activate Cortana by saying "Hey Cortana." However, if this feature is enabled, your
computer will use more battery.
You can disable Hey Cortana to avoid wasting the battery on your laptop. To do so:
• Click Start and then click Settings.
• In Windows Settings, click Cortana.
• In the Talk to Cortana pane under Hey Cortana, click the Let Cortana respond to "Hey Cortana" toggle to turn it
off.

This partially disables Cortana. You can still use the voice assistance provided by Cortana, but Cortana is not
automatically activated when you say "Hey Cortana."

Disabling Cortana
You can turn off Cortana if you have concerns about the data being tracked by Cortana. However, turning off Cortana
involves making a change to the registry. As you have learned before, you need to be very careful when making any
change to the Windows registry as it directly impacts how your PC functions. It is advisable to export the current
working version of the registry before you make any change to it.
To disable Cortana:
• Click in the Cortana search box, and enter regedit.
• In the search results, click regedit.
• In the User Account Control window asking if you would like this app to make changes to your PC, click Yes.
The Registry Editor window opens.
• In the navigation pane, double-click HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE to expand the node.
• Double-click SOFTWARE.
• Under SOFTWARE, double-click Policies.
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• Under Policies, double-click Microsoft.


• Under Microsoft, double-click Windows.

You need to open the Windows Search folder in the Windows folder. However, if the Windows folder does not
contain Windows Search, you need to create a new key named Windows Search.
Module 2: Fixing Annoyances and Problems 2-21

To create the key:


• Right-click Windows.
• Click New on the shortcut menu, and then click Key on the submenu.

A new key is added in the Windows folder.

• Rename the new key as Windows Search.


• Right-click Windows Search.
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• On the shortcut menu, click New, and then select DWORD (32-bit) Value from the submenu.

A new listing appears in the right pane.

• Rename the new listing as AllowCortana.


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• Double-click AllowCortana.
The Edit DWORD (32-bit) Value window opens. Note that the Value data box contains the value 0. When the value
is set to 0, Cortana is turned off.

• Click OK.
• Click the Close button of the Registry Editor window to close it.
The Cortana search box will no longer be available on the taskbar.

Note: You can enable Cortana again by navigating to the Windows Search key and changing the value in the Edit
DWORD (32-bit) Value window for AllowCortana to 1.

Disabling Automatic Driver Downloads


Windows automatically downloads updates to hardware drivers as part of Windows Updates. It is a good idea to let
Windows download any new updates for your hardware drivers. However, if you are using hardware that requires
specific settings to work properly, you may not want Windows to download and apply updates automatically. To turn
off automatic driver downloads:
• Click in the search box and enter control panel.
• In the search results, click Control Panel.
• In Control Panel, open System and Security.
• In System and Security, click System.
• In the navigation pane, click Advanced system settings.
The System Properties dialog box opens.
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• Click the Hardware tab, and click Device Installation Settings.

• In the Device installation settings window, select No.

• Click Save Changes, and then click OK.


Windows will stop downloading hardware driver updates as part of Windows Updates.
Module 2: Fixing Annoyances and Problems 2-25

Disabling Internet Explorer in Windows 10


You may want to keep Internet Explorer on your PC if you have some legacy apps that require Internet Explorer to run.
If not, there really is no good reason to have it on your system and you can remove it completely. To disable Internet
Explorer on your PC:
• Click in the search box and enter control panel.
• In the search results, click Control Panel.
• In Control Panel, click Programs and then select Programs and Features.
• In the navigation pane, click Turn Windows features on or off.

The Windows Features dialog box opens.


• In the list of Windows features, clear the Internet Explorer 11 check box.
2-26 Windows 10 Level 2

• In the message warning that turning off Internet Explorer 11 might affect other Windows features and programs,
click Yes.
• Click OK, and then click Restart now.
When your computer restarts, Internet Explorer will be disabled.
Now, when you search for Internet Explorer, you’ll see that it is no longer available on your computer.
Module 2: Fixing Annoyances and Problems 2-27

Pausing Windows Updates for Up To 35 Days


While it is not a good idea to turn off or put off applying Windows Updates, on occasion you might have to turn them
off temporarily. To do so:
• Click Start and then click Settings.
• In Windows Settings, click Update & Security.
• In the Windows Update pane, click Advanced options.
• Under Pause Updates, click the Temporarily pause updates from being installed on this device for up to 35 days
toggle to turn it on.

Windows Updates will be paused for the next 35 days.

Summary
In this section, we looked at:
• Removing the lock screen in Windows 10
• Turning off app notifications
• Disabling personalized ads on Microsoft sites and apps
• Disabling "Hey Cortana"
• Disabling Cortana
• Disabling automatic driver downloads
• Disabling Internet Explorer
• Pausing Windows Updates for up to 35 days
In the next section, we will look at fixing other annoyances and issues in Windows 10.
2-28 Windows 10 Level 2

C Fixing Other Annoyances and Issues in Windows 10

In addition to disabling unwanted features, there are more fixes available in Windows 10 for common issues you
might encounter.
In this section, you will learn how to fix some additional annoyances and issues in Windows 10.
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
• Fix compatibility issues using the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter.
• Run an app in compatibility mode.
• Check for updates.
• Set the PC to restart outside active hours.
• Fix a slow-loading Downloads folder.
• Uninstall built-in apps in Windows 10.
• Restore built-in apps in Windows 10.
• Restore the battery icon to the system tray.
• Delete a locked file.
• Restart Windows 10 without rebooting.

Running the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter


If you have an app that is meant to be installed on an earlier version of Windows, it may not run properly in Windows
10. You can resolve such compatibility issues by running the app in compatibility mode.
For example, if you have an older version of the browser, Chrome, on your computer and it is not running properly,
you can try and fix the compatibility issues of this app with Windows 10 by running the Program Compatibility
Troubleshooter to automatically fix compatibility issues.
To do so:
• Click in the search box and enter chrome.
• Right-click Chrome in the search results.
Module 2: Fixing Annoyances and Problems 2-29

• Click Open file location on the shortcut menu.


File Explorer opens, and the Google Chrome shortcut is selected in the right pane.

• Right-click the shortcut, and select Properties.


The Google Chrome Properties dialog box opens.
• Click the Compatibility tab of the Google Chrome Properties dialog box.
• Click Run compatibility troubleshooter.

The Program Compatibility Troubleshooter window opens.


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• Under Select troubleshooting option, choose one of the options. You can select to test run the app using
recommended compatibility settings or you can troubleshoot by choosing compatibility settings based on the
problems you have noticed.

• In the example shown here, the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter automatically detects the compatible
version of Windows for this app and advises that you need to test the program to ensure the problem is fixed.

• Click Test the program.


The app opens, and you can test if the app is working.
• When you have finished testing, close the app.
Module 2: Fixing Annoyances and Problems 2-31

• In the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter, click Next.


The Program Compatibility Troubleshooter indicates that troubleshooting has been completed. If the problem is
fixed, you can save the settings. If not, you can try different settings or report the problem to Microsoft and try
online for a different solution.

• If you click Yes, save these settings for the program, the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter displays that the
incompatible program issue is fixed.

• Click Close the troubleshooter.


Windows 10 will now run the app as though it is running in an older, compatible version of Windows.
2-32 Windows 10 Level 2

Running an App in Compatibility Mode


Instead of running the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter, you can directly run an app in compatibility mode. You
may need also to do this if you find that the Windows version detected by the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter
has not fully resolved the compatibility issues. For example, if you are having problems running Chrome, you can
change the compatibility settings for Chrome as follows:
• Click in the search box and enter chrome.
• In the search results, right-click Google Chrome.
• Click Open file location from the shortcut menu.
File Explorer opens and the Google Chrome shortcut is selected.
• Right-click the Chrome shortcut and click Properties from the shortcut menu.
• In the Google Chrome Properties dialog box that opens, select the Compatibility tab.
• Select the Run this program in compatibility mode for checkbox.
Module 2: Fixing Annoyances and Problems 2-33

• Click the Run this program in compatibility mode for drop-down arrow.

Note, using the list that displays, you can set compatibility as far back as Windows 95.
• Select the version of Windows that is compatible with the version of your app.
• Click OK.
You have now manually set the compatibility mode for your app. At this point, you should open the app and test if
the compatibility issues have been resolved.

Checking for Updates


By default, Windows 10 is set up to check for, download, and install updates automatically. But it is always a good idea
to check for updates manually and apply any new updates to your PC.
To manually check for updates:
• Click Start and then click Settings.
• In Windows Settings, click Update & Security.
• Ensure Windows Update is selected in the left pane of the Settings window.
The Windows Update pane displays the last time that Windows had checked for updates.
2-34 Windows 10 Level 2

• To manually check for new updates, click Check for updates.


Windows will connect to the Microsoft servers to check for any updates that have not been applied to your PC. If
it finds any uninstalled updates, it prompts you to download and install them.

Remember that you must be connected to the internet to check for and to download updates.

Setting the PC to Restart Outside Active Hours


You can specify when your computer is in active use so that Windows Update does not restart your computer during
these hours. To do so:
• Click Start and then click Settings.
• In Windows Settings, click Update & Security.
• Ensure Windows Update is selected in the left pane of the Settings window.
• In the right pane, under Update Settings, click Change active hours.
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• Specify the start time and end time of your working day.
The maximum active length of time you can set is 18 hours.

• Click Save.
Now, when Windows downloads a new update, it will apply the update and restart your PC outside the working hours
you specified.

Fixing a Slow-Opening Downloads Folder


You may find that the Windows Downloads folder takes a long to open, especially if it contains a lot of files. You can fix
a slow-opening Downloads folder by changing the settings for the folder. To do so:
• Open File Explorer on the taskbar.
• In File Explorer, right-click the Downloads folder and select Properties to open the Downloads Properties dialog
box.
2-36 Windows 10 Level 2

• Display the Customize tab. On this tab, you can see that the Optimize this folder for list displays Pictures. This
causes Windows 10 to generate thumbnails for all files in this folder, which in turn results in the delay in opening
the folder. You need to optimize the folder for general items to prevent Windows 10 from generating thumbnails
for all files in this folder.

• Click the Optimize this folder for drop-down arrow, and select General items from the menu that displays.

• Select the Also apply this template to all subfolders checkbox.


• Click Apply.
• Click OK to close the dialog box.
Now the folder will load quickly since Windows will not try to search for thumbnails for each file in the folder.
Module 2: Fixing Annoyances and Problems 2-37

Uninstalling Built-in Apps


Windows 10 comes with a set of preinstalled apps. Some of these apps you may find useful and others not so much.
Some of the popular built-in apps are—Calculator, Maps, Alarms & Clock, OneNote, Bing, Phone, and Windows
Store.
There is no easy way to uninstall the built-in apps in Windows 10. You have to do this through the PowerShell
interface, which is the scripting interface in Windows 10.
To access the PowerShell interface:
• Click in the search box.
• Enter powershell.
• In the search results, right-click Windows PowerShell.
• Select Run as administrator from the shortcut menu.
• In the User Account Control window asking if you would like this app to make changes to your PC, click Yes.
The Windows PowerShell interface opens with administrator rights. You need to enter the command to uninstall
an app at the command prompt. The commands in PowerShell are known as cmdlets, which are pronounced
commandlets. Each cmdlet has a verb and a noun.
The format of the command for uninstalling a built-in app is the following:
Get-AppxPackage *name of app* \ Remove-AppxPackage
In this case, the verb is Get and the noun is AppxPackage. You need to replace name of app in the command with
the Windows name for the app you want to uninstall.

For example, let's look at how to uninstall Voice Recorder. The Windows name for this app is soundrecorder.
• In Windows PowerShell, at the command prompt, type
Get-AppxPackage *soundrecorder* \ Remove-AppxPackage
• Press e and close the Windows PowerShell window.

If you search for Voice Recorder, you will see that it is no longer be installed on your computer.

The See web results note below Voice Recorder in the search results indicates that the app is not installed on the
computer.
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Uninstalling Built-in Apps


You have seen how to uninstall the built-in app, Voice Recorder. However, not all built-in apps can be removed. The
built-in apps that cannot be removed include Cortana, Microsoft Edge, Contact Support, and Windows Feedback. It is
also not advisable to uninstall Microsoft Store.
To uninstall the other built-in apps, you need to ensure that you enter the correct Windows name of the app. The
built-in apps that can be removed and their Windows names are listed in the following table:

App Windows name of the app

3D Builder 3dbuilder

Alarms & Clock Alarms

Calculator Calculator

Calendar & Mail Communicationsapps

Camera Camera

Films & TV Zunevideo

Get Office Officehub

Get Skype Skypeapp

Get Started Getstarted

Groove Music Zunemusic

Maps Maps

Messaging Messaging

Microsoft Solitaire Collection Solitaire

Money Bingfinance

News Bingnews

Onenote Onenote

Photos Photos

Sports Bingsports

Weather Bingweather

Xbox Xbox

Note: You need to enter the command to uninstall each built-in app in order to uninstall all of them.
Module 2: Fixing Annoyances and Problems 2-39

Restoring Built-in Apps


After you have uninstalled apps from Windows 10, you can restore them using PowerShell cmdlets.
The cmdlet for restoring all built-in apps is the following:
Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers| Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register
"$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

To reinstall all built-in apps:


• Click in the search box and enter powershell.
• In the search results, right-click Windows PowerShell.
• Select Run as administrator from the shortcut menu.
• In the User Account Control window asking if you would like this app to make changes to your PC, click Yes.
• Type the restore cmdlet and press Enter.
This reinstalls all the built-in apps in Windows 10.

Restoring the Battery Icon


The system tray is usually found at the right-hand corner of the taskbar. It is a collection of icons for apps that are
running in the background. Some of the icons that you see in the system tray are Clock, Location, Volume, and Action
Center. If a button that is usually displayed in the system tray is not visible in the taskbar, click the Show hidden icons
arrow next to the System tray and check if the button is available in the hidden icons. If it is not available, you can
easily restore the icon to the system tray.

For example, if the battery icon is missing from the system tray, you can restore it as follows:
• Right-click the taskbar and select Taskbar settings.
2-40 Windows 10 Level 2

• In the Taskbar Settings window, scroll down to the Notification area section, and click Turn system icons on or
off.

• Click the Power toggle to turn the battery icon on.

The battery icon will now display in the system tray.


Module 2: Fixing Annoyances and Problems 2-41

Deleting a Locked File


If you have a locked file on your PC, it usually means that it is in use by another application. Sometimes, even after you
close the application, the file remains in the locked state and you cannot access the data in the file or delete the file.
Sometimes all it requires to unlock a file is to restart the PC. But if that doesn’t work, you can start the PC in
Safe Mode to be able to access the file in question.
If the file you wish to delete is locked, you can delete it using the following steps:
• Click Start and then click Settings.
• In Windows Settings, click Update & Security.
• In the left pane of the Update & Security Settings window, click Recovery.
• In the Recovery pane, under Advanced startup, click Restart now.
Remember to save any open documents before you perform this step so that you don’t lose any unsaved work.
The computer reboots to display the Choose an option screen.
• On this screen, click Troubleshoot, and then select Advanced options.
• On the Advanced options screen, click Startup Settings.
• Now click Restart.
The Startup Settings screen displays a list of the actions performed by the function keys F1 to F9. To restart the PC
in Safe Mode Safe Mode, press the F4 key.

• Once the computer restarts in safe mode, login and then click File Explorer on the taskbar.
• In File Explorer, navigate to the locked file and press the Delete key.
Remember that this process is used to delete a locked file. If you still want to use the locked file, you can try to unlock
it using the Process Explorer tool, which you can find on the Microsoft website.
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Restarting Windows 10 without Rebooting


You may be required to restart Windows 10 after installing updates and apps. Therefore, you would restart the
computer, which reboots and restarts Windows 10. If you find rebooting your computer during installations annoying,
you can restart Windows 10 without rebooting. To do this:
• Right-click the taskbar.
• Select Task Manager from the menu.
The Task Manager displays a list of all active applications on your PC.
• Right-click Windows Explorer, and click Restart from the shortcut menu.

Your desktop will refresh, and Windows will continue as though you have restarted the PC.
Module 2: Fixing Annoyances and Problems 2-43

Summary
In this section, we looked at:
• Fixing compatibility issues using the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter
• Running an app in compatibility mode
• Checking for updates
• Setting the PC to restart outside active hours
• Fixing a slow-loading Downloads folder
• Uninstalling built-in apps in Windows 10
• Restoring built-in apps in Windows 10
• Restoring the battery icon to the system tray
• Deleting a locked file
• Restarting Windows 10 without rebooting
In the next section, we will look at the new settings app in Windows 10 PC.
2-44 Windows 10 Level 2

D The Settings App

The Settings app in Windows 10 is your one-stop-shop to access the systems settings for your PC. Settings is a more
touch-friendly and easier-to-use version of Control Panel. Control Panel, although still available, has more or less been
replaced by Settings in the recent versions of Windows.
In this section, you will look at how to use the Settings app to access the various system settings.
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
• Describe the categories in the new Settings app.
• Describe how to find a setting using the Search functionality.

Opening the New Settings App


You can open the Settings app in one of the following ways:
• Click Start, and then click the Settings button.

• Right-click Start, and click Settings on the shortcut menu.


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• Click in the search box, enter settings, and then click Settings in the search results.

Whichever method you use, the Windows Settings window opens, displaying a number of categories.

Categories in the New Settings App


In the Settings app, the various system settings are organized into the following categories:
2-46 Windows 10 Level 2

System
You can use the System settings to determine how your device works. The options in this category allow you to change
the settings for display, notifications and actions, power and sleep, battery, storage, tablet mode, multitasking,
projecting to this PC, shared experiences, and remote desktop. Clicking an item in the navigation pane, displays the
pane containing the settings for that item.

Devices
The Devices settings allow you to access the settings for the devices connected to the computer including Bluetooth
and other devices, printers and scanners, mouse, touchpad, typing, pen and Windows ink, AutoPlay, and USB.

Phone
You can use the Phone settings to link your Android phones or iPhones to the computer. This will enable you to use
the apps on your phone and continue working on these apps on your computer immediately.

Network & Internet


The Network & Internet settings allow you to connect to a network and the internet. This category provides
information on your network status and the available networks. It also allows you to change the settings for Wi-Fi,
Ethernet, and dial-up networks, VPN, airplane mode, mobile hotspot, data usage, and proxy.

Personalization
The Personalization settings allow you to customize the computer's background, colors, lock screen, themes, Start,
and taskbar.

Apps
You can use the Apps settings to view installed apps and change the settings for installing apps and features. You can
also access the settings for default apps, offline maps, apps for websites, and video playback.

Accounts
In the Accounts settings, you can manage billing info, family settings, subscriptions, and security settings for your
Microsoft account. You can also access settings for adding email and app accounts, setting up sign-in options,
accessing school or work networks, adding and managing accounts of other people, and syncing your settings.

Time & Language


The Time and Language settings allow you to change the time zone, date and time, date and time formats, and region
and language. You can also set up speech language, Text-to-speech voice and speed, and microphone for speech
recognition.

Gaming
The Gaming settings allow you to manage the settings for controlling how your game is opened and recognized by the
game bar, your game screenshots and game clips are captured through Game DVR, and your game appears when you
broadcast. The Gaming settings also allow you to view and modify your settings for Game Mode, TruePlay, and Xbox
networking.

Ease of Access
The Ease of Access settings allow you to make your computer accessible. You can enable and change the settings for
the narrator, magnifier, color and high contrast, closed captions, keyboard, mouse, and visual and audio options.

Cortana
The Cortana settings allow you to determine how you talk to Cortana, manage permissions, history, and notifications,
and view information about Cortana such as the privacy statement, Windows privacy options, and how Cortana works
with Bing on searching.
Module 2: Fixing Annoyances and Problems 2-47

Privacy
The Privacy settings allow you to control your general privacy as well as the privacy options related to your location,
camera, microphone, notifications, and speech, inking, and typing. You can also manage the privacy options for your
account info, contacts, calendar, call history, email, tasks, messaging, radios, other devices, feedback and diagnostics,
background apps, app diagnostics, and automatic file downloads.

Update & Security


The Update & Security settings allow you to access the settings for Windows Updates, Windows Defender, backing up
your files, troubleshooting problems with your PC, and recovery options for Windows. You can also access the settings
for the activation of Windows, tracking your device, developer features, and joining the Windows Insider Program.
Note that you can click a category to view and edit a setting that belongs in that category. Alternatively, you can use
the Search box in Windows Settings to search for the specific setting you want to alter.

Finding a Setting Using Search


Let's look at how to access a specific setting using the Settings app search box. For example, to access mouse settings:
• Click Start.
• Click Settings.
Windows Settings opens.
• Click in the Search box and enter mouse.
2-48 Windows 10 Level 2

• In the autocomplete list that appears, click Mouse settings.


The Mouse settings page opens. Here you can view the settings for the mouse buttons and wheel, and change
these settings as required.

Summary
In this section, we looked at:
• The categories in the new Settings app in Windows 10
• Finding a setting using the Search functionality in Windows 10
You have completed all the sections of Module 2.
MODULE #3

The Cloud and System Settings


Using OneDrive to Store Files on the Cloud

Changing System Settings in Windows 10

Security Features in Windows 10


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A Using OneDrive to Store Files on the Cloud

With cloud computing, you store and access your data and programs on the internet instead of your computer. There
are several cloud storage and computing applications available for personal and business use. One such example is
Microsoft's OneDrive, which is a cloud storage solution that helps store and sync your data across platforms, services,
and applications.
In this section, you will learn how to use OneDrive to store files on the cloud.
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
• Describe cloud storage.
• Set up OneDrive in Windows 10.
• Describe how to manage files and folders in OneDrive.
• Share files and folders in OneDrive.

What is the Cloud?


The cloud is basically another word for the internet. When you store and access data and programs on the internet
instead of the hard disk of your computer, it is called cloud computing. As a result, with an internet connection, cloud
computing can be done anywhere, anytime.
Cloud computing comes with both advantages and disadvantages. The main advantage is that you can access your
data on any device, anywhere. All you need in an internet connection.
A disadvantage is that since your data is online, it risks getting hacked. You risk losing data if your computer is hacked
or your password is compromised.
There are several cloud storage and computing applications available for personal and business use. Windows 10
comes integrated with OneDrive, enabling easy access to cloud storage. You can have personal as well as work
accounts in OneDrive. All demonstrations in this section will use a personal OneDrive account.

Setting Up OneDrive on a Windows 10 Computer


Setting up OneDrive on your Windows 10 PC is simple and easy. If you signed into Windows 10 using a Microsoft
account, OneDrive in Windows 10 automatically uses those account details. If you have only a local account, then you
need to provide your Microsoft account details to set up OneDrive on your computer.
To set up OneDrive on Windows 10:
• Click in the search box and enter OneDrive.
• In the results, click OneDrive.
• Sign in with your Microsoft Outlook email address and password.
Module 3: The Cloud and System Settings 3-3

• Once you have signed in, you can begin setting up OneDrive. If you wish to use a location other than the default
location for the OneDrive folder, click Change location.

• Click Next to move to the Sync your OneDrive files to this PC window. By default, the Sync all files and folders in
OneDrive option is selected.

• Select the folders that you wish to sync, and then click Next.
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• Click Not now in the Premium OneDrive window that opens to use the free version of OneDrive.
• In the You’re good to go! Window, click Open my OneDrive folder.
File Explorer opens, and OneDrive is shown as a folder in it. The OneDrive folder on your computer will contain the
folders and files that you chose to sync. The contents of these folders are available only to you, unless you choose
to share them.

Creating New Files and Folders in OneDrive


Using File Explorer to work with OneDrive, you can manage your files and folders just as you would the files and
folders on your computer. You can edit, copy, delete, rename, move, or work with files and folders in OneDrive. You
can even create new files and folders in OneDrive. If you are connected to OneDrive with the same Microsoft account
on other computers or devices, you can access all the files and folders in the OneDrive folder on your computer on
those devices too.
Let’s look at how to create folders and files in OneDrive. As an example, we will create a folder in the Documents
folder in OneDrive and then a Microsoft Word document in the folder we’ve created.
To create a new folder in the Documents folder in OneDrive:
• Open File Explorer.
• In the navigation pane of File Explorer, click the Documents folder in OneDrive.
• Right-click an empty area in the file list, point to New on the shortcut menu, and then select Folder on the
submenu.

• Type the folder name and then press e.


Module 3: The Cloud and System Settings 3-5

To create a file in this folder:


• Double-click the folder to open it.
• Right-click an empty area in the right pane, point to New on the shortcut menu, and select Microsoft Word
Document from the submenu.

• Enter a file name for the new document.


A blank Word document is created in the newly created folder within the Documents folder in OneDrive. Both the
new folder and new file are automatically synced with the OneDrive cloud account.
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Uploading Files to OneDrive


You can also upload files to OneDrive from other folders on your computer. As OneDrive is integrated with File
Explorer, uploading files is a straightforward process.
Uploading Files to OneDrive Using Copy and Paste
To upload a file to OneDrive:
• Open File Explorer.
• In File Explorer, right-click the file you want to copy.
• Select Copy from the shortcut menu.
• In the navigation pane of File Explorer, click the arrow to the right of the OneDrive folder.

• Then, navigate to the OneDrive folder to which you want to upload the file.
• Right-click an empty area in the right pane, and select Paste from the shortcut menu.
The file is copied to the OneDrive folder on your computer. All files and folders in the OneDrive folder
automatically sync with your OneDrive cloud account.

Uploading Files to OneDrive by Dragging


You can also upload files to the OneDrive folder by dragging them. To do so:
• In File Explorer, select the files you want to copy.
• Press c and drag the files from the source folder to the OneDrive folder to which you want to upload the file.
Any file that is copied to a OneDrive folder is uploaded to the OneDrive cloud account.
Module 3: The Cloud and System Settings 3-7

Deleting and Restoring Files in OneDrive


You can delete files in the OneDrive folder on your computer just like you would delete files in the other folders in File
Explorer. Remember that when you delete a file from your OneDrive folder, it goes to the Recycle Bin of your local
computer. When your local OneDrive folder syncs with your OneDrive cloud storage, the file also goes to the OneDrive
Recycle bin.
Let's look at the OneDrive Recycle bin. To view deleted OneDrive files in the OneDrive Recycle bin:
• Open File Explorer.
• In File Explorer, right-click OneDrive.
• Select View Online from the shortcut menu.

• Sign into OneDrive using your Microsoft Outlook email address and password.
• In the navigation pane, select Recycle bin.
The right pane displays the deleted files in the Recycle bin.

The files in the OneDrive Recycle bin are automatically deleted after 30 days for personal OneDrive accounts. The
files may be available for up to 93 days for work or school accounts. You can restore deleted files as long as they
are available in the OneDrive Recycle bin.
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To restore a file in the OneDrive Recycle bin:


• Point to the file you want to restore in the right pane of the OneDrive Recycle bin.
• Click the circle that appears next to it.

• Then, click Restore.


The files you restore in OneDrive will be restored on your computer too when OneDrive syncs with your online
account.

Checking the Sync Status in OneDrive


You can check the sync status of the files in the OneDrive folder on your computer by looking at the OneDrive icon on
your taskbar.

A solid white cloud icon denotes that the OneDrive is working without problems and sync is up-to-
date.

A solid blue cloud icon shows that a OneDrive for Business account is configured. Here too, OneDrive
is working without problems and sync is up-to-date.

A solid grey cloud icon shows that OneDrive is not connected to any account. You are signed out of
the account; however, OneDrive is active.

A cloud icon with arrows forming a circle shows that OneDrive is downloading or uploading content
to the cloud.

A solid red with a white X icon shows that even though OneDrive is active, there are issues with
syncing.
Module 3: The Cloud and System Settings 3-9

Using the Files On-Demand in OneDrive


If you don’t want to download all your files and folders to your computer, you can use the Files On-Demand feature of
OneDrive.
To turn on Files On-Demand:
• Click the OneDrive button in the notification area on the right side of the taskbar and, then, click the three-dotted
menu button.
• Click Settings, and select the Settings tab in the Microsoft OneDrive dialog box.
• Under Files on Demand, select Save space and download files as you use them.

• Then, click OK.


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Once you’ve turned on Files On-Demand, new status icons are visible next to each of the OneDrive files in File
Explorer

If you wish, you can make a file an online-only file as follows:


• Right-click the file.
• Select Free up space from the shortcut menu.

A white cloud with blue borders icon will now display in the Status for the file. This icon indicates that the file is only
available online and not stored on your computer.
Module 3: The Cloud and System Settings 3-11

File Status in OneDrive


Online-only files do not take up space on your computer; however, they are available only when you are connected.
As you have seen, online-only files display an icon consisting of a white cloud with a blue border.

When you open an online-only file, it gets downloaded to your device and can be accessed even if you are not online.
Such a file displays a white circular icon with green border and green check mark, indicating that it is a locally available
file.

You can change a locally available file back into an online-only file. To do so:
• Right-click the file.
• Select Free up space.
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To make sure that a file is always available, even when you are offline:
• Right-click the file.
• Select Always keep on this device.

This displays a solid green icon with a white check mark in the Status for the file. This icon indicates that this
file is always available and takes up space on your computer.

Other icons that indicate the status of files and folders on OneDrive include:
• Solid red circle with a white X, which indicates that there is a problem in syncing the file or folder.
• Cloud with arrows forming a circle, which indicates that a file is currently in syncing mode.
Module 3: The Cloud and System Settings 3-13

Sharing Files and Folders on OneDrive


Another useful feature of OneDrive is the ability to easily share files and folders with family, friends, and co-workers.
This can be done by creating a secure link for the file, which can then be shared with others to allow access to the file.
To share a link to a file in OneDrive:
• Open File Explorer and navigate to the location of the file you want to share.
• Right-click the file and click Share a OneDrive link on the shortcut menu that displays.

A unique link to the file or folder is created and copied to the Clipboard. You can provide this link to anyone with
whom you would like to share the file.
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Directly Sharing a File


You can also directly share a file rather than sharing through a secure link.
To directly share the file with someone:
• Open File Explorer and navigate to the location of the file you want to share.
• Right-click the file and click More OneDrive sharing options on the shortcut menu that displays.
This opens OneDrive in a web browser and shows the options available for sharing the file.

o By default, the Allow editing option is always on. You need to turn this option off if you want others to only
view the file and not make any changes in it.
o If you wish, you can set an expiration date for the share. When you select this option, sharing will expire will
occur 30 days from the day you select it. You can change this expiration date if you wish.
o You can share the file through a link or email.
To share the file through an email, click Email.
Enter the email address of the person you want to share the file with, add an optional message, and select
Share to send the email.
The person you shared the file with will receive an email giving access to the shared file. That person can click
the file name in the email to open the document in OneDrive.
To view more sharing options, click More. This displays options for sharing the file on social media sites such
as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Sina Weibo.
Module 3: The Cloud and System Settings 3-15

Stop Sharing a File


You can stop sharing a file or folder that you have shared with others, if necessary.
To stop sharing a file:
• Open File Explorer and navigate to the location of the file you want to stop sharing.
• Right-click the file and click More OneDrive sharing options on the shortcut menu that displays.
• In the Share window, click More, and then click Manage permissions to open the Manage Access pane for the file.

Manage Access lists the links shared as well as the people who have access to the file. Below each person with access
to the file, the type of access that person has to the file is listed. If Can View is displayed, the person cannot edit the
file; if Can Edit is shown, the person can make changes to the file.
• To remove a shared link, click Remove link next to the link.

Now, no one can access the file using the link.


• To stop sharing a directly shared file with someone, click the drop-down arrow below the person to whom you
want to deny access.
Select Stop Sharing.

Now, that person will not be able to access the file anymore.
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Summary
In this section, we looked at:
• Cloud storage
• Setting up OneDrive in Windows 10
• Managing files in OneDrive
• Sharing files and folders in OneDrive
In the next section, we will look at changing some system settings in Windows 10.
Module 3: The Cloud and System Settings 3-17

B Changing System Settings in Windows 10

In Windows 10, you can change the various system settings and personalize Windows through the Control Panel and
Settings. Many of the commands are featured in both Settings as well as the Control Panel and selecting an option in
the Control Panel will most likely take you to that feature in Settings.
In this section, you will learn about the components of the Control Panel. You will also learn how to change the
resolution of your monitor using Settings.
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
• Describe the features available in the Windows 10 Control Panel.
• Change the screen resolution in Windows 10.

Exploring the Control Panel


Let's look at the settings that you can change through the Control Panel.
To open the Control Panel:
• Click in the search box and enter Control Panel.
• In the search results, click Control Panel.
The Control Panel has several applets, or small programs, that you can use to adjust the settings of the computer.

Category View of the Control Panel


In the Category view of Control Panel, the components are organized into categories:
3-18 Windows 10 Level 2

System and Security


The System and Security applets allow you to view and change settings related to the computer system and computer
security. These include applets to:
• View and change security and maintenance settings.
• Check Windows Defender firewall status and select apps to be allowed through the firewall.
• View system information and use remote access.
• Specify power options, including battery settings, power button functions, and the computer’s sleep and display
settings.
• Enable file history and restore files with file history.
• Use the Windows 7 Backup and Restore option and restore files from backup.
• Manage BitLocker.
• Manage storage spaces and work folders.
• Use administrative tools.

User Accounts
The User Accounts applets allow you to:
• Add and remove user accounts on your computer and change the settings for user accounts.
• Use Credential Manager to manage Web Credentials and Windows Credentials.
• Manage mail profiles.

Network and Internet


The Network and Internet applets allow you to View and change your network status and settings as follows:
• Open the Network and Sharing Center to view your basic network information, set up network connections, and
troubleshoot network issues.
• Manage HomeGroup settings to specify how you share files and network resources with other computers on your
home network.
• Manage your browser settings related to the homepage, browser add-ons, and browsing history and cookies.
• Manage infrared settings including settings for sending and receiving files using infrared.

Appearance and Personalization


The Appearance and Personalization applets allow you to:
• Change or customize the appearance of Windows as follows:
• Customize the taskbar properties to specify whether it is displayed or hidden, where it is displayed, how icons are
displayed on the taskbar, etc.
• Use the Ease of Access Center to make your computer accessible with tools like the screen reader, magnifier, and
closed captions and by changing the settings for the keyboard, mouse, and visual display.
• Specify the File Explorer settings.
• Manage the fonts installed on the computer.
Module 3: The Cloud and System Settings 3-19

Hardware and Sound


The Hardware and Sound category contains applets that allow you to:
• Manage the devices and printers connected to your computer, and access the Device Manager.
• Specify AutoPlay and other settings for each type of media and device.
• Use the sound settings to change the system sounds, adjust system volume, and manage audio devices.
• Set the power options, including the power plan and screen brightness, in addition to battery settings, power
button functions, and the computer’s sleep and display settings.
• Configure infrared file transfer, image transfer, and hardware settings.

Clock, Language, and Region


The Clock, Language, and Region category has applets that allow you to:
• Change the date, time, and time zone on your computer and add clocks for different time zones.
• Set your language preferences.
• Change your location and customize region settings.

Ease of Access
The Ease of Access category contains applets that allow you to:
• Adjust the settings for mobility, vision, hearing, and speech recognition.
This category contains the Ease of Access Center, which is also available in the Appearance and Personalization
category.

Programs
The Programs category contains applets that allow you to:
• Change, repair, and uninstall programs installed on your computer, and turn Windows features on or off.
• Select the programs Windows uses by default.
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Other Control Panel Views


You can also view the components in the Control Panel as individual applets, instead of categorized into groups. To
view all the components in the Control Panel as large icons, click the View by drop-down arrow and select Large icons
from the list.

You can also select Small icons from the View by list to see the list of all the Control Panel components with smaller
icons.
Module 3: The Cloud and System Settings 3-21

Now let’s see how to use the Control Panel to personalize the taskbar.
To display the icons on the task bar as small icons:
• Click Appearance and Personalization in the Control Panel.
• In Appearance and Personalization, click Taskbar and Navigation.
Note that the Settings window for the taskbar opens. As Windows 10 uses both Settings and the Control Panel to
change settings, some options in the Control Panel take you automatically to Settings.

• Click the Use small taskbar buttons toggle to turn it on.


The buttons on the taskbar become smaller.
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Next, let’s see how to view the fonts on the computer. To view the fonts available on the computer:
• Click Appearance and Personalization in the Control Panel.
• In Appearance and Personalization, click Fonts.
The installed fonts are displayed. Note that this feature is still available in Control Panel and you are not taken to
Settings when you select Fonts in Control Panel.
Module 3: The Cloud and System Settings 3-23

Changing the Monitor Resolution


Let’s look at how to change screen resolution. The screen resolution determines the amount of information Windows
displays on your computer screen.
To change the screen resolution:
• Click Start.
• Click Settings.
• In Windows Settings, click System and ensure Display is selected in the pane on the left.
• In the Display pane, click the Resolution drop-down arrow.

• Select the desired resolution.


• If you want to keep the new display settings, click Keep Changes.
If you do not want to keep the changes, click Revert.
If you do not click either button, Windows will revert the changes automatically in a few seconds.

Summary
In this section, we looked at:
• The various categories of applets in Control Panel
• Changing the screen resolution
In the next section, we will look at the security features in Windows 10.
3-24 Windows 10 Level 2

C Security Features in Windows 10

Windows 10 has built-in security features that prevent malicious or unauthorized applications from running on the
computer.
In this section, you will learn about some of the security features in Windows 10.
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
• Change user account control settings.
• Schedule a scan in Windows Defender.
• Run a Windows Defender scan manually.
• Add and remove exclusions from a Windows Defender scan.
• Check for and configure Windows Updates.
• Use the SmartScreen Filter in Microsoft Edge.
• Enable and disable Windows Defender Firewall.
• Block and allow apps and features through Windows Defender Firewall.

Changing User Account Control Settings


Windows 10 provides a security feature called User Account Control (UAC) to prevent unauthorized changes to your
computer or device. With UAC, apps and tasks run by default with non-administrator permissions.
If a system change is required, such as for the installation of a new app or when there is a change in a system file,
administrator permissions are required. When this occurs, UAC displays a message asking for permission to continue.
You can give permission only if you have administrator user rights.
If you have logged in as a standard user, you need to enter the password for an administrator account. Without
administrator approval, the app or task cannot make the system change. UAC thus helps prevent unauthorized
changes by viruses and other malware.
Depending on your user rights and the networking rules of your organization, you may be able to configure the UAC
settings. To do so:
• In the search box, enter UAC.
• In the search results, click Change User Account Control settings.
• In the User Account Control Settings, drag the slider to the desired level.
Module 3: The Cloud and System Settings 3-25

• If you select Always notify, you will be notified whenever apps try to install software or make changes to the
computer or when a user makes changes to the Windows settings. You can also choose to be notified only when
apps make changes to the computer or never to be notified.

Using Windows Defender


Windows Defender is an antivirus program that runs by default in Windows 10. By installing Windows Updates, you
can ensure that the malware list in Windows Defender is up to date. Windows Defender provides real-time protection
by scanning all files that are downloaded, installed, or copied from external drives.

Setting Up a Recurring Scan Schedule


Windows Defender is always running in the background and automatically scans your system at regular intervals. You
can set up your own scan schedule if you wish.
To schedule a recurring scan in Windows Defender:
• Click in the search box.
• Enter Schedule tasks.
3-26 Windows 10 Level 2

• In the search results, click Schedule tasks.


The Task Scheduler window opens:

• In the left pane of Task Scheduler, expand Task Scheduler Library.


• Expand Microsoft.
• Then, expand Windows.
• Scroll down and click the Windows Defender folder.
• In the top section of the center pane of Task Scheduler, double-click Windows Defender Scheduled Scan.

• In the Windows Defender Scheduled Scan Properties dialog box that opens, click the Triggers tab.
Module 3: The Cloud and System Settings 3-27

• Click New.

• You can now create the settings for your own scan schedule. For example, to schedule Windows Defender to run
every Sunday at 12 pm:
o In the New Trigger dialog box that opens, under Settings, select Weekly.
o Next to Start, enter 12:00:00 as the time.
o For the day that the scan will occur, select Sunday.

Once you’ve set up a schedule, click OK to close the New Trigger dialog box, and then OK to close the Windows
Defender Scheduled Scan Properties dialog box, and apply the changes.
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Viewing and Updating the Threat Protection Settings for Windows Defender
You can view and update the threat protection settings for Windows Defender.
To view these settings:
• Click in the search box and enter Defender.
• In the search results, click Windows Defender Security Center.
• In the Windows Defender Security Center window, click Virus & threat protection.
The Virus & threat protection window opens:

• In the Virus & threat protection window, click Virus & threat protection settings.
When real-time protection is turned on, your computer is protected by Windows Defender. If you turn real-time
protection off, it will automatically be turned on again after some time.
Module 3: The Cloud and System Settings 3-29

Running a Scan Manually in Windows Defender


You can also run a Windows Defender scan manually.
To run a scan manually:
• Click in the search box and enter Defender.
• In the search results, click Windows Defender Security Center.
• In the Windows Defender Security Center window, click Virus & threat protection.
• In Virus & threat protection, click Advanced scan.

• The Advanced scan options display. Select to run a Full scan, or choose Custom scan to scan specific files or
locations. Alternatively, select the Windows Defender Offline scan to detect and remove malicious software that
are difficult to remove.
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• Click Scan now.


If you’ve selected Custom scan, the Select Folder dialog box opens. Click the folders that you want scanned, and
then click the Select Folder button.
Windows Defender scans the selected folders and displays the number of threats found and the number of files
scanned.
Module 3: The Cloud and System Settings 3-31

Excluding and Including Folders in the Scan

Excluding Folders from a Scan


You can configure the virus and threat protection settings to exclude specific files, folders, file types, and processes
from the scan.
For example, to exclude a folder from the scan:
• Click in the search box and enter Defender.
• In the search results, click Windows Defender Security Center.
• In the Windows Defender Security Center window, click Virus & threat protection.
• In Virus & threat protection, click Virus & threat protection settings.
• In Virus & threat protection settings, scroll down to Exclusions, and click the Add or remove exclusions link.
• Under Exclusions in the Windows Defender Security Center window, click the + next to Add an exclusion and
select Folder from the drop-down list.

• In the Select Folder dialog box that opens, click the folder to be excluded, and then click Select Folder.
• In the User Account Control window that displays to confirm that you want to allow Windows Defender to make
changes to the system, click Yes.
The excluded folder now displays under Exclusions.
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Including Folders in a Scan


To include a folder excluded from the Windows Defender scan:
• Under Exclusions, click the folder you want to remove from the exclusions.

• Click Remove.
• In the User Account Control window that displays to confirm that you want to allow Windows Defender to make
changes to the system, click Yes.
The folder will no longer be displayed under Exclusions and it will now be scanned by Windows Defender.

Choosing How Updates Are Installed


You can choose how updates are installed as follows:
• Click Start and then, click Settings.
• In Windows Settings, click Update & Security.
Module 3: The Cloud and System Settings 3-33

• Ensure Windows Update is selected in the navigation pane, and click Advanced options.

• In the Advanced Options Settings window that displays, ensure that the default option, Automatic, is selected for
Choose how updates are installed. This ensures that updates are automatically downloaded and installed, and the
computer will restart if you are not using it.
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• To be informed before the computer is restarted after an update installation, click the arrow beside Automatic,
and select Notify to schedule restart from the drop-down menu. In this case, when your computer needs to
restart after an update has been installed, you will get a notification. You can use the Restart options in Windows
Update to schedule the restart.

• If you prefer, you can select the Defer upgrades option in the Choose how updates are installed section to
temporarily pause major non-security updates.
Module 3: The Cloud and System Settings 3-35

Using SmartScreen Filter


The security features of Windows 10 include the SmartScreen Filter, which is used to detect phishing websites. When
you go to a website using Microsoft Edge, SmartScreen Filter monitors the site for suspicious activity and warns you to
proceed with caution on suspicious websites. It checks the site against reported phishing and malicious software sites,
and blocks the site if it is a known phishing or malicious software site. SmartScreen Filter also checks the files you
download and warns you if a file is not one that is known to be safe to download.
SmartScreen Filter is enabled by default in Microsoft Edge.
To turn off SmartScreen Filter:
• Open Microsoft Edge.
• In Microsoft Edge, click Settings and more in the upper-right corner.

• Scroll down and click Settings.


• In the Settings pane, scroll to Advanced settings, and click View advanced settings.

• In Advanced settings, scroll down and click the Help protect me from malicious sites and downloads with
SmartScreen toggle to turn it off.

You can turn on SmartScreen Filter at any time simply by clicking the toggle again to turn it back on.
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Managing Firewall in Windows 10


Windows Defender Firewall available in Windows 10 prevents unauthorized data transfer to and from your computer.
It helps protect the data and information on the computer from network security threats.
To view the Windows Defender Firewall settings:
• Click in the search box and enter Windows Defender Firewall.
• In the search results, click Windows Defender Firewall.
• In the Windows Defender Firewall window, you can see the firewall settings for your private and public networks.
To view the firewall details for the Private networks, click the arrow next to Connected.
You can see the Windows Defender Firewall state for this network. You can also see how the firewall is configured
for incoming connections, the active private networks, and when you will receive notifications.
Module 3: The Cloud and System Settings 3-37

You can turn the Windows Defender Firewall off, if desired, although it is not advisable to do so.
To disable Windows Defender Firewall for the private network:
• In the left pane of the Windows Defender Firewall window, click Turn Windows Firewall on or off.

• In the Customize Settings window, under Private network settings, select Turn off Windows Defender Firewall
(not recommended).
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• Click OK.
Note that Private networks in the Windows Defender Firewall window has a red shield with a cross next to it,
indicating that the network is not protected.

To enable the firewall again:


• In the left pane of the Windows Defender Firewall window, click Turn Windows Firewall on or off.
• In the Customize Settings window, under Private network settings, select Turn on Windows Defender Firewall.

• Click OK.
Private networks in the Windows Defender Firewall window now has a green shield with a checkmark next to it,
indicating that the network is protected.
Module 3: The Cloud and System Settings 3-39

You can also configure the firewall to block or allow specific apps or features.
To block an app using the firewall:
• In the left pane of the Windows Defender Firewall window, click Allow an app or feature through Windows
Defender Firewall.

• In Allowed apps, click Change Settings.

• Enter an administrator password if prompted.


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• Locate the app you want to block and clear the check box next to it.
Note that this clears both the Private and Public check boxes for the app.

• Click OK.
The app is now blocked on both the private and public networks.

To allow the app through the firewall again:


• In the left pane of the Windows Defender Firewall window, click Allow an app or feature through Windows
Defender Firewall.
• In Allowed apps, click Change Settings.
• Enter an administrator password if prompted.
• Locate the program you want to allow.
• To allow the app on both networks, select the check box to the left of the app.
Note that you can allow the app on only one of the networks if desired. For example, you can allow the app only
on the Private network by selecting only the Private check box for the app.
• Click OK.
The app will now be allowed through the firewall.

Summary
In this section, we looked at:
• Changing User Account Control settings
• Scheduling a scan in Windows Defender
• Running a Windows Defender scan manually
• Adding and removing exclusions from a Windows Defender scan
• Checking for and configuring Windows Updates
• Using the Windows SmartScreen Filter
• Enabling and disabling Windows Defender Firewall
• Blocking and allowing apps and features through Windows Defender Firewall
You have completed all the sections of Module 3.
MODULE #4

Performance and Productivity


Improving Performance in Windows 10

Improving Productivity in Windows 10


4-2 Windows 10 Level 2

A Improving Performance in Windows 10

No matter what configuration your personal computer has, it is quite likely that you will want it to perform a bit faster
and better. You may find that Windows seems to take too long to load, or that the mouse pointer is too slow. Your
files may also take too long to open.
In this section, you will learn about the tools offered in Windows 10 to speed up your PC and improve its performance.
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
• Speed up the Windows 10 boot time.
• Set pointer speed using the Settings app.
• Set pointer speed using regedit.
• Calibrate your monitor.
• Activate GodMode in Windows 10.
• Defragment your hard drive.
• Find the time it takes programs to load at startup.
• Set the PC to use maximum CPU power.

Speeding Up Windows 10 Boot Time


Booting up the PC is always a chore. However, one of the many features that Microsoft has implemented in Windows
10 is the ability to improve the time your PC takes to boot up.
Usually, when you shut down your PC, all the data in Random-Access Memory, or RAM, is cleaned out. So, the next
time you start up the PC, Windows needs to reload itself and other settings before you can use the computer.
Windows 10 has a nifty little feature that stores an image of the RAM in a file instead of cleaning it out on shutdown.
The next time you start up your PC, it simply loads that file into the RAM and you are good to go.
To activate fast startup in Windows 10:
• Click in the search box, and enter control panel.
• In the search results, click Control Panel to open the Control Panel window.
• Click the Hardware and Sound category, and then click Power Options.
• In the navigation pane, click Choose what the power button does.
• In the Shutdown settings section, select Turn on fast startup and then click the Save changes button.

Selecting the Turn on fast startup option speeds up the Windows 10 boot time.
Module 4: Performance and Productivity 4-3

Setting the Pointer Speed Using Windows Settings


If you find that the speed of your mouse pointer is not the best speed for you, you can change it. You can do so using
either the Settings app or through the registry and Control Panel.
Let's first look at how to increase the pointer speed with the Settings app. To do so:
• Click Start and then click Settings.
• In Windows Settings, click Devices.
• In the navigation pane, under Devices, click Mouse.
• In the right pane, under Related settings, click Additional mouse options to open the Mouse Properties dialog
box.
• Select the Pointer Options tab, and then, in the Motion section, drag the Select a pointer speed slider towards
the right to make the pointer speed faster, or towards the left to make the pointer speed slower.

• Click OK to apply the change.


Now, when the mouse is moved, the pointer will move at the adjusted speed.
4-4 Windows 10 Level 2

Setting the Pointer Speed Using the Windows Registry


While the Settings app allows you to increase the speed of the mouse pointer, you can increase it even further if you
change it through the Windows registry using the regedit tool. However, remember that you need to be cautious
when using this tool as it makes changes to the Windows registry, and this can directly impact how your PC works.
To increase the pointer speed using the Windows registry:
• Click in the search box and enter regedit.
• In the results, click regedit.
• In the User Account Control window that displays asking if you would like this app to make changes to your PC,
click Yes.
The Registry Editor window opens.
• Double-click HKEY_CURRENT_USER to expand it.
• Now, double-click the Control Panel folder.
• Select Mouse.
Module 4: Performance and Productivity 4-5

• Double-click MouseSpeed to open the MouseSpeed Edit String dialog box.


Here you can change the MouseSpeed value. This value is a multiplier for the Mouse Threshold1 and Mouse
Threshold2 values, which we will access in the next steps.
MouseSpeed can have a value between 0 and 2:
o A value of 0 means that the cursor speed will be limited to the basic speed.
o A value of 1 doubles the cursor speed when the mouse speed reaches Mouse Threshold 1 value, but cursor
speed will not be affected by the Mouse Threshold 2 value.
o A value of 2 doubles the cursor speed when the mouse speed reaches the Mouse Threshold 1 value and
quadruples the cursor speed when the mouse speed reaches Mouse Threshold 2 value. If MouseSpeed is set
to 2, the Mouse Threshold 2 value needs to be higher than the Mouse Threshold 1 value.

• Set the value data to the desired value between 0 and 2 and click OK.
• Now double-click Mouse Threshold1 to open the Mouse Threshold1 Edit String dialog box. When the mouse
speed reaches Mouse Threshold 1, the cursor speed will be accelerated depending on the value of MouseSpeed.
The value of Mouse Threshold 1 can range from 0 to 10. The default value is 6. A value of 0 prevents the
acceleration of the cursor speed. A lower value (closer to 1) causes the mouse speed to increase sooner.

• Set the value data to the desired value between 0 and 10, and then click OK. Therefore, when the mouse speed
reaches this value, the cursor speed will double.
• Double-click Mouse Threshold2 to open the Mouse Threshold2 Edit String dialog box. At the MouseSpeed value
selected, the cursor speed will increase further depending on the value set in this dialog box.
The value of Mouse Threshold 2 can also range from 0 to 10 with a lower value (closer to 1) causing the mouse
speed to increase sooner. The default value is 10.
4-6 Windows 10 Level 2

• Set the value data to the desired value between 0 and 10, and then click OK. Therefore, when the mouse speed
reaches this value, the cursor speed will quadruple.
• Click the Close button of the Registry Editor window.
The pointer speed will now reflect the changes made in the registry.

Calibrating the Monitor


You may find that your photo prints do not look quite like they did on your computer. Or maybe the videos you edit on
your computer differ in brightness and contrast when you view them on another device. Your photos and videos may
differ from how they look on your computer because your monitor may not show colors accurately. You can fix this
issue by calibrating your monitor.
The Display Color Calibration tool in Windows 10 allows you to calibrate your monitor to show pictures and videos in
the sharpest color possible. To calibrate the monitor:
• Click in the search box and enter display color calibration.
In the search results, click Calibrate display color.
The Display Color Calibration window opens.
The first screen contains a link to information on calibrating the display. Click the link to read the information, or
click Next to proceed.

• Read the instructions on the Set basic color settings screen if desired, and then click Next.
Module 4: Performance and Productivity 4-7

• The How to adjust gamma screen displays. This screen consists of a definition of gamma and instructions on how
to adjust it on your monitor. Read these instructions if desired, and then click Next to display the Adjust gamma
slider.
In the Adjust gamma screen, adjust the slider as necessary, and click Next.

• In the screen that displays, read the instructions on how to find the brightness and contrast controls for your
monitor if necessary, and then click Next to move to the next window for instructions on adjusting brightness.
• Once you’ve read these instructions, click Next to display an image that you can use to gauge your brightness
adjustments. Note that these adjustments must be made using the controls on your monitor, and not the settings
available in the Display Color Calibration window.
• Make the desired brightness changes using the controls on your monitor and click Next to move to the following
screen.
• Read the instructions on how to adjust contrast, and click Next to display an image that you can use to gauge your
contrast adjustments.
• Adjust the contrast settings using the controls on your monitor, and click Next.
4-8 Windows 10 Level 2

• Read the instructions on how to adjust color balance, and then click Next to display red, green, and blue sliders
that can be used to correct any color imbalance.
Adjust the sliders as necessary, and click Next.

• You now have the opportunity to compare the current calibration with the previous calibration before applying
your changes. To do so, click the Previous calibration button and then click the Current calibration button. Note,
any adjustments that you made using the controls on the monitor will not be reversed if you decide to select
Previous calibration.
• You can now click Cancel to return to the previous calibration or click Finish to retain the new calibration settings.

Activating GodMode
GodMode is a hidden folder that contains links to useful operating system settings. The GodMode folder lists all the
settings that you can control in your PC.
You can easily access most of the settings in the GodMode folder through the Settings and the Control Panel apps;
however, a few of the other settings are somewhat more difficult to reach. You should be careful when making any
changes using the tools in the GodMode folder as they affect how your PC works.
To activate GodMode:
• Right-click an empty space on your desktop.
• Point to New.
• Click Folder to create a new folder.
Module 4: Performance and Productivity 4-9

• Type Godmode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C} as the name of the folder.


Note: You can replace the name GodMode with any name you want; however, you must ensure that that the
name you give is followed by a period and then the string of characters shown on your screen.

• Press Enter.
The folder icon changes to the GodMode icon.

• Double-click the GodMode folder to open it.


The folder opens in File Explorer and lists all the settings to control your PC.
4-10 Windows 10 Level 2

Defragmenting the Hard Drive


Over time, the files on your hard drive get fragmented because the changes you make to a file are often stored in
another location. That is, instead of one file being stored in a contiguous set of memory, it is broken up and stored in
different locations. When a drive is too fragmented, it affects the performance of the PC.
Windows 10 automatically defragments your hard disk once a week. However, if you feel your PC is taking too long to
load files, you may want to check and defragment the drive manually.
To do so:
• Click in the search box and enter defragment.
• In the search results, click Defragment and Optimize Drives to open the Optimize Drives window.
• Select the drive that you wish to analyze and then click the Analyze button.

• Wait while the tool analyzes how fragmented the drive is.
• To defragment the drive, click Optimize and then wait while the tool completes defragmenting the drive.
• Click Close once defragmentation is done.
Note that if you are using a Solid-State Drive (SSD), the Analyze option will not be available; only the Optimize option
will be available.
Module 4: Performance and Productivity 4-11

Finding Startup Load Times for Programs


If your PC is taking a long time to start up, it could be because certain programs are taking a long time to load.
Once you know which programs are slowing down your startup, you can remove them from startup to speed up your
PC’s boot time.
To find out the startup load times of programs on your computer:
• Right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager from the shortcut menu to open the Task Manager window.
• Click the Startup tab in the Task Manager window.
A table containing the apps that load at startup is displayed on the tab.
• Right-click a column header and select CPU at startup from the shortcut menu.

A CPU at startup column is added to the table.


• Click the CPU at startup column header to sort the programs in the table by the time taken to load. The programs
that take the most time are listed at the top.
4-12 Windows 10 Level 2

Setting the PC to Use Maximum CPU Power


If you are a hardcore gamer or someone who works on apps that require lots of power, you can set your PC to run the
CPU at maximum power.
Typically, Windows is set up to run in an optimal manner. This means that to let the battery run for longer, the CPU
does not run at maximum power. However, you can change this to make your CPU run in a more power-hungry mode.
To set your PC to run the CPU at maximum power:
• Click in the search box and enter control panel.
• In the search results, click Control Panel.
• Click Hardware and Sound in the Control Panel window and then select Choose a power plan in the Power
Options section.

• In the Power Options window, click the Change plan settings link.
Module 4: Performance and Productivity 4-13

• In the Edit Plan Settings window that opens, click Change advanced power settings to open the Power Options
dialog box.

• In the Power Options dialog box, scroll to Processor power management and click the + sign beside it.

• Double-click Minimum processor state and then click the On battery option.
4-14 Windows 10 Level 2

• Double-click in the box that displays for On battery and enter 100.

• Click Plugged in and then double-click in the box that displays for Plugged in.
• Enter 100 and click the OK button.

Note that when the CPU runs at maximum power, it will generate a lot of heat and the battery will drain out much
faster than normal.
Module 4: Performance and Productivity 4-15

Summary
In this section, we looked at:
• Speeding up the Windows 10 boot time
• Setting the pointer speed using the Settings app
• Setting the pointer speed using regedit
• Calibrating your monitor
• Activating GodMode
• Defragmenting your hard drive
• Finding the time it takes programs to load at startup
• Setting the PC to use maximum CPU power
In the next section, we will look at how to improve productivity in Windows 10.
4-16 Windows 10 Level 2

B Improving Productivity in Windows 10

In this section, you will learn how to improve your productivity using a variety of tools offered with Windows 10.
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
• Use common Windows 10 keyboard shortcuts.
• Enable the copy/paste feature for the command prompt.
• Mirror your screen to a TV or monitor.
• Use the copy and paste commands at the command prompt.

Using Windows 10 Keyboard Shortcuts


Keyboard shortcuts let you perform actions that you use repeatedly, without having to move your hands from your
keyboard to your mouse. Windows 10 has a whole new set of keyboard shortcuts that let you easily perform these
actions to increase your productivity.
The table lists commonly used Windows 10 shortcuts.

Shortcut Description
Windows + Tab Displays Task View, which allows you to jump to any open window

Windows + A Opens the Action Center

Windows + C Opens Cortana with speech

Windows + D Minimizes all open windows and shows the desktop

Windows + E Opens File Explorer

Windows + G Displays the Xbox game bar, which allows you to record from the screen or
take screenshots

Windows + H Activates the Share feature

Windows + I Opens the new Settings app

Windows + K Starts the Connect feature, which lets you stream to audio-video devices

Windows + L Locks your PC

Windows + P Projects to a screen

Windows + R Opens the Run dialog box, where you can run commands

Windows + S Opens Cortana

Windows + X Opens the shortcut (right-click) menu for the Start button

Windows + an arrow key Snaps the current window to the indicated side of the screen
Module 4: Performance and Productivity 4-17

Windows + Ctrl + D Creates a new virtual desktop

Windows + Ctrl + F4 Closes the current virtual desktop

Windows + Ctrl + left/right arrow keys Switches from one virtual desktop to another

Windows + Shift + left/right arrow Moves an app from one monitor to another

Windows + 1/2/3… Opens applications pinned to the taskbar

The first app maps to 1, the second to 2, and so on.

Mirroring the Screen to a TV or Monitor


The mirroring feature in Windows 10 lets you wirelessly connect to and mirror your PC screen on any device
compatible with Miracast wireless technology. These devices include TVs, monitors, projectors, etc. When mirroring a
computer screen to a TV or a monitor, both the TV and your PC must be on the same Wi-Fi network.
Before you can mirror your screen to a TV or monitor, you need to add the device to your PC.
To do so:
• Click Start.
• Click Settings.
• In Windows Settings, click Devices.
• In the Bluetooth & other devices pane, click Add Bluetooth or other device.
• In the Add a device window, click Wireless display or dock.
The PC will now search for compatible devices on your network.

• In the list of devices that displays, click the device you want to connect.
4-18 Windows 10 Level 2

Once the device has been added, you can connect to the device whenever you want. To do this:
• In the system tray, click Action Center.
• Click Connect.

• In the list of devices that displays, click the device that you wish to connect to.
This connects you to the selected device.

Enabling Copy and Paste for the Command Prompt


The command prompt (or CUI) is a character user interface in Windows that lets you type commands to your PC. One
of the improvements in Windows 10 is that you can now use the copy/paste feature at the command prompt.
Unlike other windows, the Command Prompt window does not have a menu or ribbon with a collection of commands.
In fact, before the release of the Windows 8 version, you could not select, copy, or paste text that you type at the
command prompt.
To enable copy and paste at the command prompt:
• Click in the search box and enter command prompt.
• In the search results, click Command Prompt to open the Command Prompt window.

• Right-click the title bar of the Command Prompt window and select Properties from the shortcut menu to open
the "Command Prompt" Properties dialog box.
Module 4: Performance and Productivity 4-19

• On the Options tab, clear the Use legacy console option.

• Then in the Edit Options section, select the Enable Ctrl key shortcuts option.

• Click OK and then click the Close button of the Command Prompt window.
Now you can use the copy and paste shortcut key commands for the command prompt.
4-20 Windows 10 Level 2

Using Copy and Paste at the Command Prompt


Once you have enabled Ctrl key shortcuts, you can now copy and paste text at the command prompt.
To do so, in the Command Prompt window:
• Drag over the text to be selected using the mouse. For example, here we are selecting the command, ver, which is
used to display the version of Windows installed on the computer.

• Press c + C on the keyboard to copy the selected text.


• Now press c + V to paste the copied text at the command prompt.

• Since the copied information in this example is a command, when e is pressed, the command is applied and
the version information displays on the screen.
Module 4: Performance and Productivity 4-21

Summary
In this section, we looked at:
• Using Windows 10 keyboard shortcuts
• Mirroring a screen to a TV or monitor
• Enabling the copy/paste feature for the command prompt
• Using the copy and paste commands at the command prompt
You have completed all the sections of Module 4.
MODULE #5

Security and Networking


Preventing Unauthorized Access in Windows 10

Restricting Access to Data and Apps in Windows 10

Networking Features in Windows 10


5-2 Windows 10 Level 2

A Preventing Unauthorized Access in Windows 10

The data on your computer and network needs to be protected from unauthorized access. Windows 10 allows you to
do this with various access control processes, one of which is Windows Hello.
In this section, you will learn how to prevent unauthorized access on a Windows 10 computer.
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
• Enable Windows Hello fingerprint login.
• Set up Windows Hello facial recognition.
• Lock your PC automatically with Dynamic Lock.
• Create a guest account in Windows 10.

Windows Hello
Windows Hello enables users to sign in to their devices, apps, internet, and networks using biometric technology
instead of the traditional password. It has a host of new features like fingerprint login, facial recognition, dynamic
lock, etc.

While these new features are considered to be quite user-friendly, Windows Hello is also a highly secure and reliable
technique to safeguard critical data and devices.
Module 5: Security and Networking 5-3

Enabling Windows Hello Fingerprint Login


Windows 10 users can enable Windows Hello in the sign-in options in Account settings. You can enable a fingerprint
scan, a facial scan, or an iris scan.
Let’s look at how you enable the Windows Hello fingerprint login on your computer.
• To begin, click Start and then click Settings.
• In Windows Settings, click Accounts and then click Sign-in options in the left pane.
Sign-in options has a Windows Hello section.
5-4 Windows 10 Level 2

• Click the Fingerprint Set Up button in the Windows Hello section to display the Windows Hello setup window,
and then select the Get started button.

A Windows Security message displays asking for your PIN for validation.
• In the Windows Security message, enter your PIN.
Once you’ve entered your pin, you can now begin the fingerprint scan.
• Swipe your finger on the fingerprint reader as directed. You may need to scan your fingerprint a few times to set
up Windows Hello.
• To scan another finger, repeat the process by clicking Add another finger.

• Finally, click Close.


You will now be able to use the Windows Hello fingerprint login on your computer.
Module 5: Security and Networking 5-5

Setting Up Windows Hello Facial Recognition


Facial recognition allows you to login to your Windows 10 device just by looking at your webcam. Windows Hello uses
the device’s built-in webcam to scan and recognize your face and allow you access to the system. However, not all
webcams are compatible with Hello.
To check if your webcam supports Windows Hello and to activate facial recognition:
• Click in the search box and enter sign-in options.
• In the search results, click Sign-in options.

The Set up button under Face Recognition will be active only if your webcam supports face recognition. The
button may also be grayed out if you do not have a system password; if this is the case, you need to get the
password by clicking Add under Picture password.
Note: If Windows Hello is not available on your computer, a message will display stating this.
• Click the Set up button to get started.
5-6 Windows 10 Level 2

• Next, click the Get started button in the Welcome to Windows Hello screen.

Now, your webcam will start taking your pictures. This will require you to keep looking directly at your camera
while your face is authenticated.
• Next, click Improve recognition. This is recommended, especially if you wear glasses.
Module 5: Security and Networking 5-7

• Finally, you need to set up a PIN which you can use if Windows Hello is not available for some reason. For this, you
need to enter your system password, followed by a PIN that cannot be the same as your password.

Once you have gone through this process, you will be able to use Window Hello facial recognition to login to your
computer.

Locking Your PC Automatically with Dynamic Lock


Did you forget to lock your PC before heading out for lunch? Windows Hello Dynamic Lock can automatically lock it for
you with a phone that is paired with your PC. When you walk away from your computer and the Bluetooth phone
moves out of range, your computer will be locked automatically.
To enable the Dynamic Lock feature, you need to turn on Bluetooth and pair you PC with your phone first.
To do this:
• Click Start and then click Settings.
• In Windows Settings, click Devices and select Bluetooth & other devices in the left pane if necessary.
5-8 Windows 10 Level 2

• Click the Bluetooth toggle to turn it on and then click Add Bluetooth or other device.

• In the Add a device window, click Bluetooth.

• Make sure that your phone is discoverable and then choose your device from the list.
• Accept the prompts that appear on both your phone and PC.
Module 5: Security and Networking 5-9

Now that you have enabled Bluetooth on your computer and paired your phone, you can activate Dynamic Lock.
• Begin by clicking Start and then Settings.
• In Windows Settings, click Accounts and then select Sign-in options in the left pane.
• Under Dynamic Lock, select Allow Windows to detect when you’re away and automatically lock the device.

Dynamic Lock will now be activated and your computer will automatically lock when you move out of Bluetooth range.

Creating a Guest Account in Windows 10


If you need to give someone temporary access to your computer, it makes sense to create a guest account for that
purpose. However, the Guest user account type, which was available in earlier versions of Windows, is not available in
Windows 10 through either the Control Panel or Settings. However, in Windows Professional, you can use the Local
Users and Groups dialog box to create a guest account.
If you have the Windows 10 Professional version installed:
• Enter lusrmgr.msc in the search box.
• In the search results, click lusrmgr.msc (Microsoft Common Console Document).
• In the dialog box, under Local Users and Groups, click Users, and then right-click Guest In the middle pane.
5-10 Windows 10 Level 2

• Select Properties from the shortcut menu.

• In the Guest Properties dialog box, enter the name of the user and clear the Account is disabled option.

• Click Apply and then click OK to create the guest account.


To protect your computer, you should disable this account when it is no longer required.
Module 5: Security and Networking 5-11

Summary
In this section, we looked at:
• Enabling Windows Hello fingerprint login
• Setting up Windows Hello facial recognition
• Locking your PC automatically with Dynamic Lock
• Creating a guest account in windows 10
In the next section, we will look at restricting access to data and apps in Windows 10.
5-12 Windows 10 Level 2

B Restricting Access to Data and Apps in Windows 10

Windows 10 offers several options to restrict access to data and apps.


There are parental controls to restrict access to apps, games, and web browsing. You can even restrict screen time for
your child.
In Windows 10, you can also restrict access to apps that are not from Microsoft Store as well as encrypt your drives to
restrict access to the data on the drive.
In this section, you will learn how to use Windows 10 to restrict access and to secure information on your computer.
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
• Use the Windows 10 parental controls.
• Allow installation of Windows Store apps only.
• Use BitLocker to encrypt drives.

Setting Up a Child Account in Windows 10


Windows 10 allows you to set up a user account for a child so that you can limit access to websites and apps, and
restrict the time that the child spends on the computer.
To set up parental controls, you need to log in using a Microsoft account and not a local account. The child account
also needs to be a Microsoft account.

Creating a Child Account


To create a child account in Windows 10:
• Click Start and then click Settings.
• In Windows Settings, click Accounts.
• In the left pane of the Accounts Settings window, click Family & other users.
Module 5: Security and Networking 5-13

• In the Your family section, click Add a family member and then select Add a child in the Add a child or an adult
window.

At this point, you need to provide the Microsoft account information or create a Microsoft account for the child.
• To create a new Microsoft account for the child, click the The person I want to add doesn’t have an email address
link.
• Enter the desired email address. If that address is not available, you will see a message asking you to try another
name.

• Enter the other details needed like password, country, and date of birth of the child.
• Click Next and then enter a phone number.
• This phone number will be used to recover a password and protect the account.
5-14 Windows 10 Level 2

• Click Next and then use the settings on this page to choose if the child's account information can be used to
determine search results, or for advertising and promotional offers that the child will see.

• Click Next and then click Close.


The new child account will now be visible in the Your family section.
Module 5: Security and Networking 5-15

Managing Safety Settings Using Windows 10 Parental Controls


Now that you have set up a child account, you can manage the safety settings for this account through the Family
Safety website.
To go to the Family Safety website:
• Click Start and then Settings.
• In the Settings window, click Accounts.
• In the left pane of the Accounts Settings window, click Family & other users.
• In Your Family, click the Manage family settings online link.

The Microsoft account portal opens in your browser and displays the settings for your family user accounts. All
child accounts that you have created will be visible on this page.
5-16 Windows 10 Level 2

Restricting Content
To view the options for restricting content for a child account, click the Content restrictions link for that child account.

The Content restrictions page has three sections—Ask a parent; Apps, games & media; and Web browsing.
• The controls in the Ask a parent section allow you to monitor and restrict what the child buys in the Microsoft
store.
Module 5: Security and Networking 5-17

• The controls in the Apps, games & media section allow you to set an age limit to block inappropriate apps, games,
and media. Apps, games, and media available through Microsoft Store are rated for different age groups based on
their content. When you create a child account, the Block inappropriate apps, games, & media toggle is turned on
by default, and the Allow apps and games rated for age reflects the age of your child based on the information
you entered when you created the account. You can change the age group to allow your child access to apps and
games appropriate for a different age group by clicking the Allow apps and games rated for arrow and selecting a
different age from the list.
You can also allow or block specific apps and games.
5-18 Windows 10 Level 2

• In the Web browsing section, the Block inappropriate websites toggle is turned on by default. This ensures that
adult content is blocked and that the SafeSearch feature is on.
You can choose to always allow specific websites if you wish by entering the website URL in the Add a website you
want to allow box. The URL you added will appear in the Always allowed list. You can restrict the access for the
account to only those websites found in this list by selecting the Only allow these websites checkbox.
You can also select to always block a website by entering the URL for the website in the Add a website you want
to block box. The URL will be displayed in the Always blocked list and the child account will not have access to this
website.

Managing Screen Time Using Windows 10 Parental Control


In addition to restricting content, you can also restrict the child's screen time.
To manage your child's screen time:
• Click Start and then click Settings.
• In the Settings window, click Accounts and select Family & other users in the left pane.
• In the Your family pane, click Manage family settings online.
• For the child account, click the Screen time link.
Module 5: Security and Networking 5-19

• Click the Use one screen time schedule toggle to turn it on.

• The screen time for all devices displays with default values. The blue blocks in the chart indicate the time slots
when screen time is allowed. You can schedule the screen time for each day of the week.

• To schedule the screen time for a specific day, click the Hours allowed arrow and select the amount of allowed
time from the list.
5-20 Windows 10 Level 2

• Then, click the chart. A window displays allowing you to specify the times for the Screen time schedule.

• To remove the current screen time schedule, click the Remove button.
• Select the new times in which screen time will be allowed using the From and To boxes.
• Then, click Add and finally Save.
The new settings for that day will be applied. You can set the screen time for every day of the week.

Restricting Spending
You can also monitor and restrict how much your child spends in the Microsoft store and Xbox store.
To view the purchase and spending settings for the child account:
• Click Spending at the top of the settings page for the child account.

You can add money to the child's Microsoft account, which the child can then spend in the Microsoft store. You
can monitor all purchases, which will be listed in the Purchase history section.
Module 5: Security and Networking 5-21

Allowing Installation of Only Microsoft Store Apps


If you prefer, you can ensure that only Microsoft Store apps can be installed on your computer as follows:
• Click Start.
• Click Settings.
• In Windows Settings, click Apps.
• In the Apps & features pane, click the arrow below Installing apps, and select Allow apps from the Store only
from the drop-down list.

Using BitLocker to Encrypt Drives


In the Windows 10 Professional edition, you can protect the data in your computer by using BitLocker to encrypt your
hard drive. The data can be decrypted only by providing the right encryption key.
BitLocker works best on a computer that has a Trusted Platform Module (TPM). A TPM is a chip that checks your
computer and boots it in a restricted mode if an unauthorized change is detected. For a Windows 10 computer, you
need TPM version 1.2 or later to enable BitLocker.

Checking If Your Computer Has a TPM


To check if your computer has a TPM:
• Right-click Start.
• Select Device Manager.
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• In Device Manager, expand Security devices. If your device has a TPM chip, it will be listed under Security devices.

Activating TPM
Once you've confirmed that your computer has a TPM, you can use BitLocker. The first step involves activating the
TPM if it is off.
• For example, if you wish to use BitLocker to encrypt the C: drive, which is the drive that holds the operating
system, activate the TPM using the following steps:
• Click in the search box and enter Control Panel.
• In the search results, click Control Panel.
• In Control Panel, click System and Security.
• In System and Security, click BitLocker Drive Encryption.
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• In the BitLocker Drive Encryption window, under Operating system drive, the fixed data drive is listed. For C:
drive, BitLocker is turned off. Click Turn on BitLocker.

• In BitLocker Drive Encryption setup, you are informed that, when you turn on BitLocker, your computer turns on
TPM and encrypts the drive. Click Next.
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• In the Turn on the TPM security hardware window that displays, you will see instructions to remove any CDs,
DVDs, or USB drives from the computer. Ensure that these are removed and then click the Shutdown button.

• After shutdown, restart your computer and follow the manufacturer-specific steps to enable the TPM. Restart
your computer again if required. The BitLocker setup wizard resumes automatically. The green check mark next to
Turn on TPM security hardware indicates that TPM is now enabled on the computer.
Module 5: Security and Networking 5-25

Encrypting the Fixed Drive


Now that the TPM security hardware has been turned on, you can encrypt the drive. When BitLocker is used to
encrypt a fixed drive in a computer with a compatible TPM, you can start up the computer without additional keys.
However, you can also set up a personal identification number (PIN) or startup key on a USB drive for every start up, if
desired. For example, to set a PIN that would need to be entered before the computer can start up, you would
completer the following steps:
• In the BitLocker Drive Encryption setup window, click Next.

• In the Set BitLocker startup preferences window that displays, there are three options: Use BitLocker without
additional keys, Require a PIN at every startup, and Require a Startup key at every startup. To use a PIN, select
Require a PIN at every startup.
• Enter a PIN that is 8 to 20 characters long and confirm it.
• Then, click Set Pin.
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• In the How do you want to back up your recovery key? window, you are provided with several options for saving
a recovery key that you can use to access your files and folders if you have problems unlocking the encrypted
drive. You can save the recovery key to your Microsoft account, save it on a USB drive or in a file, or even print it.
To use the print option, click Print the recovery key.

• The Print dialog box will display. Click the Print button to print the recovery key. Once you've printed the
information, click Next to continue.
• While all new files saved to the encrypted drive will automatically be encrypted, you can specify what you want
encrypted of existing files. In the Choose how much of your hard drive to encrypt window that displays, ensure
that Encrypt used disk space only is selected for a faster process, and then click Next.
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• In Choose which encryption mode to use, select New encryption mode, which is the mode that is best for fixed
drives, and then click Next.

• In the Are you ready to encrypt this file? window, ensure Run BitLocker system check is selected. This ensures
that the BitLocker can read the recovery and encryption keys before it encrypts the drive.

• Click Continue.
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• Restart your computer. When the computer reboots, BitLocker prompts you to enter the PIN.
• Enter the PIN to unlock the drive. Windows now begins the encryption process. You can tell that encryption is
occurring by checking the BitLocker Drive Encryption window.
To open this window again, do the following:
o Click in the search box and enter Control Panel.
o In the search results, click Control Panel.
o In Control Panel, click System and Security.
o In System and Security, click BitLocker Drive Encryption.
Here, you will see that the encryption is in progress. You can continue to work on your computer, while the
hard disk is being encrypted.
When the encryption is complete, you will get a message.

o Click Close.
In the BitLocker Drive Encryption window, you will see that BitLocker is now turned on for the C: drive.

You will need to provide the PIN every time you open the drive or start your computer.
Module 5: Security and Networking 5-29

Encrypting Removable Data Drives with the BitLocker To Go Feature


You can also encrypt removable data drives using the Windows 10 BitLocker To Go feature.
To encrypt a removable drive:
• Click in the search box and enter Control Panel.
• Click Control Panel in the search results.
• Click System and Security and then click BitLocker Drive Encryption.
• In the BitLocker Drive Encryption window, under Removable data drive – BitLocker To Go, click the arrow if
necessary, and then click Turn-on BitLocker for the removable drive.
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• In the Choose how you want to unlock this drive section, you can choose to use a password or a smart card to
unlock the drive.

• If you wish to use the password option, select Use a password to unlock the drive.
• Enter a password to unlock the drive and reenter it in the box below to confirm it.
• Click Next.
• In the How do you want to back up your recovery key? section, select Save to a file or Print the recovery key.
Module 5: Security and Networking 5-31

• If you select Save to a file, the Save BitLocker recovery key as dialog box opens. Select the location where you
want to save the recovery key and click Save.

• Click Next, and then select either Encrypt used disk space only or Encrypt entire drive.
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• Select an option and then click Next. In Choose which encryption mode to use, select Compatible mode, which is
the best mode for removable drives.

• Click Next to display the Are you ready to encrypt this file? section, and click the Start encrypting button.
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• When the encryption is complete, a message displays. Click Close.

Once the removable drive is encrypted, all data that is added to the drive is automatically encrypted.

Unlocking a Drive Encrypted with BitLocker


Once you’ve encrypted a drive, you can access it as follows:
• Open File Explorer and navigate to the encrypted drive; the encrypted drive displays a gold lock on the icon.

To access any drive encrypted with BitLocker, you need to unlock it.
o If the operating system drive is encrypted, you do not need to provide any authentication if you used TPM-
enabled BitLocker and chose not to have any additional keys for authentication. If you chose to use a
password or PIN, you need to enter it every time you start up the computer.
o If you encrypted a non-system, fixed drive or a removable drive, you will need to unlock the drive to access
its contents.
• For example, to unlock an encrypted removable drive, double-click the drive In File Explorer.
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• In the BitLocker window, enter the password, and then click Unlock.

In File Explorer a gray, open lock displays on the drive icon. You can now open the drive in File Explorer to view its
contents.

Note: You can quickly access the BitLocker Drive Encryption window by right-clicking the encrypted drive in File
Explorer and selecting Manage BitLocker.
Module 5: Security and Networking 5-35

Changing the BitLocker Pin or Password


Windows 10 allows you to change the PIN or password for unlocking an encrypted drive. To change the password of a
non-system or a removable drive, you will first need to unlock the drive.
• Once the drive is unlocked, open the Control Panel.
• In the Control Panel window, click System and Security, and then select BitLocker Drive Encryption.
• In the BitLocker Drive Encryption window, in the Removable data drives – BitLocker To Go section, select Change
password for the removable drive.

• Enter the old and new passwords as directed and then click Change password.
5-36 Windows 10 Level 2

Turning Off BitLocker


You can turn off BitLocker if you no longer want your drive encrypted.
To decrypt a drive that has been encrypted using BitLocker:
• Open the Control Panel.
• In Control Panel, click System and Security, and then select BitLocker Drive Encryption.
• In the BitLocker Drive Encryption window, click Turn off BitLocker for the drive you want to decrypt.

• In the message informing you that the drive will be decrypted, click Turn off BitLocker.

• When the decryption process is complete, you get a message notifying you that the drive is no longer encrypted.
Module 5: Security and Networking 5-37

Using BitLocker on a Computer Without a TPM Chip


You can use BitLocker even if your device does not have a compatible TPM chip. If such a case, you need to use the
Local Group Policy Editor to enable BitLocker.

Enabling BitLocker in a Device Without a TPM Chip


To enable BitLocker in a device without a TPM chip:
• Press Windows + R.
• In the Run window, in the Open textbox, enter gpedit.msc and click OK.

• In the Local Group Policy Editor window, under Computer Configuration, expand Administrative Templates, then
expand Windows Components.
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• In Windows Components, expand BitLocker Drive Encryption, and then select Operating System Drives.

• In the right pane, double-click Require additional authentication at startup.


• In the Require additional authentication at startup dialog box that opens, select the Enabled option.
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• Ensure that the Allow BitLocker without a compatible TPM (requires a password or a startup key on a USB flash
drive) option is selected.

• Click Apply and then click OK.

Now you can use BitLocker even if your computer does not have a compatible TPM.
The procedure to encrypt an operating system drive without TPM is very similar to the procedure for encrypting an
operating system drive with TPM, which was described earlier in this module. To encrypt a drive without TPM, you
need to access the BitLocker Drive Encryption window and click Turn on BitLocker for the drive you want to encrypt.
While the procedure to encrypt an operating system drive without TPM is very similar to the procedure to encrypt an
operating system drive with TPM, you will not have to enable TPM. You will also not get the choice of using BitLocker
without additional keys or using a PIN at startup. You will need to insert a USB flash drive or enter a password to
unlock your drive at startup.

Summary
In this section, we looked at:
• Using Windows 10 parental controls
• Allowing installation of Windows Store apps only
• Using BitLocker to encrypt drives
In the next section, we will look at networking features in Windows 10.
5-40 Windows 10 Level 2

C Networking Features in Windows 10

Windows 10 allows you to easily connect to wired and Wi-Fi networks and share files, folders, and printers on the
network. You can easily configure your network to use the host of features available in Windows 10.
In this section, you will learn about the different networking features in Windows 10.
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
• Connect to a network in Windows 10.
• Enable sharing in a network.
• Find your MAC address.
• Turn your Windows 10 computer into a Wi-Fi hotspot.
• Find a saved Wi-Fi password.
• Set up a metered internet connection.
• Use Remote Assistance.

Connecting to a Network in Windows 10


Windows 10 allows you to easily connect to a Wi-Fi network. To connect a laptop to a Wi-Fi network:
• Click Start and then click Settings.
• In Windows Settings, click Network & Internet.
• Under Network & Internet, click Wi-Fi.
• Ensure that the Wi-Fi toggle is turned on.
• Select an available network and click Connect.
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• In the Enter the network security key box, enter the password to the network and then click Next to connect the
computer to the Wi-Fi network.

Automatically Connecting to a Wi-Fi Network


You can also connect automatically to a Wi-Fi network when in range.
To do so:
• Click the wireless icon on the taskbar.

• Under your current Wi-Fi network, click Properties to open the Settings window for the connection.
5-42 Windows 10 Level 2

• In the Settings window, click the Connect automatically when in range toggle to turn it on.

Now, you will automatically connect to this network whenever you are in range.

To disconnect your computer from the Wi-Fi network:


• On the taskbar, click the wireless icon.
• Under your current Wi-Fi network, click Disconnect.

Your computer will no longer be connected to the Wi-Fi network.


Module 5: Security and Networking 5-43

Enabling a Network Profile in Windows 10


When you are connected to an Ethernet or a Wi-Fi network, you can share resources such as printers and files and
folders on the network. To share resources, your computer should be discoverable on the network.

Making a Computer Connected to an Ethernet Connection Discoverable


If your Windows 10 computer is connected to an Ethernet connection but you are unable to view other computers on
the network, your network profile is probably set to Public. To change your network profile to Private, do the
following:
• Click Start and then Settings.
• In Windows Settings, click Network & Internet.
• Click Ethernet in the left pane and then click your current connection In the Ethernet window.

• In the Settings window for the current connection, select Private in the Network profile section.

Your computer can now be discovered by other computers on the network. Remember that you should select a
Private profile only when you are connected to a trusted network like a home or work network. If you are connected
to a network in a public place, you need to select the Public profile to keep your computer hidden on the network.
5-44 Windows 10 Level 2

Making a Computer Connected Through a Wi-Fi Connection Discoverable


You can change the profile for your Wi-Fi networks in a similar way using the Wi-Fi settings in the Network & Internet
Settings window.
If you have selected a Private profile, but still cannot find the other computers on the network, check if network
discovery is enabled. To enable network discovery for a Wi-Fi network:
• Click Wi-Fi in the Network & Internet Settings window.
• In the right pane, under Related settings, click Change advanced sharing options.

• In Advanced sharing settings, the Private profile details will be visible if this is the current profile selected.
Module 5: Security and Networking 5-45

• If necessary, select the Turn on network discovery option in the Network discovery section, and then save the
changes.

This will ensure that you can connect to other computers on the network. Remember, however, that it is not advisable
to enable network discovery for a public profile.

Enabling Printing and Sharing in Windows 10


To share files, folders, and printers with other computers on the network, you need to enable printing and sharing. To
enable printing and sharing for a Wi-Fi connection:
• Click Start and then Settings.
• In Windows Settings, click Network & Internet.
• In the Network & Internet Settings window, click Wi-Fi in the left pane, and then click the Change advanced
sharing options link.
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• In the Advanced sharing settings window, select Turn on file and printer sharing in the File and printer sharing
section for the current profile.

With this option selected, you will be able to share resources and access shared resources on the network.

Using Password Protected Sharing


Windows 10 allows you to restrict sharing to users who have an account on your computer or network using password
protected sharing. Password protected sharing is turned on by default. To check if this setting is enabled:
• Click Start and then click Settings.
• Click Network & Internet and select Wi-Fi in the left pane
• In Wi-Fi settings, in the right pane, click Change advanced sharing options.
Module 5: Security and Networking 5-47

• Click the arrow for All Networks to expand the section,

• Under Password protected sharing, note that Turn on password protected sharing is selected by default.

Note: If you wish to give access to people who do not have an account on your computer or domain, you need to
select the Turn off password protected sharing option.
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Sharing the Public Folder


You can share the Public folder of your user account with all the other computers on the network.
To enable Public folder sharing:
• Click Start and then click Settings.
• Click Network & Internet.
• In the left pane, click Wi-Fi, and then select Change advanced sharing options in the right pane.
• Click the arrow beside All Networks to expand this section.
• In the All Networks section, select Turn on sharing so anyone with network access can read and write files in the
Public folders.

Now your Public folder will be accessible not only to other users on your computer, but also to other users on your
network.
Module 5: Security and Networking 5-49

Finding the MAC Address


Every network device or interface has a unique Media Access Control (MAC) address that is assigned to it by the
manufacturer for identification. For example, your laptop’s Wi-Fi adapter will have a MAC address assigned to it. You
may need to find your MAC address if you have problems connecting to the router.
To find the MAC address of your Wi-Fi in Windows 10:
• Click Start and then Settings.
• Click Network & Internet and select Wi-Fi in the left pane.
• In the Wi-Fi Settings window, click Hardware properties.

The network connection properties display. The physical address or MAC is listed in the properties.
5-50 Windows 10 Level 2

Turning a Windows 10 Computer into a Wi-Fi Hotspot


You can share your internet connection with other devices by turning your Windows 10 computer into a Wi-Fi hotspot.
This is a useful option when you want to share your wired or USB internet connection, or you do not want to share
login details for your internet connection.
To use your Windows 10 computer as a mobile hotspot:
• Click Start and then click Settings.
• In Windows Settings, click Network & Internet.
• In the left pane, click Mobile hotspot.
• In the Mobile hotspot Settings window, click the arrow for the Share my Internet Connection from setting and
select the internet connection that you wish to use for the hotspot.

• To edit the network name and password, click the Edit button, enter a new network name and a password, and
then click Save.
Module 5: Security and Networking 5-51

• Finally, in Mobile hotspot, click the Mobile hotspot toggle to turn it on.

You have created a mobile hotspot. You can connect up to 8 devices on this network.

Finding a Saved Wi-Fi Password


Windows 10 assists you in finding saved Wi-Fi passwords, which is useful if you have forgotten your password and
want to connect another device to the Wi-Fi. To find a saved Wi-Fi password:
• Click Start and then Settings.
• Click Network & Internet and select Wi-Fi in the left pane.
• In the right pane, under Related settings, click Change adaptor options.
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• In the Network Connections window that opens, right-click your Wi-Fi connection and select Status from the
shortcut menu.

• In the Wi-Fi status dialog box, click the Wireless Properties button to open the Wireless Network Properties dialog
box.
Module 5: Security and Networking 5-53

• On the Security tab, select the Show characters option.

The Wi-Fi password displays in the Network security key box.


5-54 Windows 10 Level 2

Setting Up a Metered Internet Connection


If you have a metered data plan with a data limit, you can set your network connection to metered in Windows 10.
This will limit the internet data you use. To set up a metered internet connection:
• Click Start and then Settings.
• Click Network & Internet, and then click Wi-Fi in the left pane.
• Click the current Wi-Fi connection.

• In the Settings window for the current connection, scroll down to the Metered connection section, and click the
Set as metered connection toggle to turn it on.
Module 5: Security and Networking 5-55

The data usage of your Wi-Fi connection will be restricted.


Note: In a metered connection, to limit data transfer:
• Only priority Windows Updates will be downloaded,
• Downloads from Microsoft Store may be paused,
• Start screen tiles may stop updating,
• And automatic sync of offline files may be paused.
You can set up a metered internet connection only for Wi-Fi connections and mobile broadband. You cannot set up a
metered connection for an Ethernet connection.

Using Remote Assistance


Windows Remote Assistance in Windows 10 allows you to give control of your computer to someone in another
location. This is useful for troubleshooting; however, you must ensure that you give control only to someone you
trust.

Setting Up Remote Assistance


To set up Windows Remote Assistance in Windows 10:
• Search for Remote assistance.
• Then click Allow Remote Assistance invitations to be sent from this computer in the search results.
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• In the System Properties dialog box that opens, select the Allow Remote Assistance connections to this computer
option, and click OK.
Module 5: Security and Networking 5-57

Accessing Remote Assistance


Once you’ve set up Remote Assistance, you need to access the remote assistance. To do so,
• Search for Remote assistance and click Invite someone to connect to your PC and help you, or offer to help
someone in the search results.
This opens the Windows Remote Assistance dialog box. In this dialog box, click Invite someone you trust to help
you.

• In the next window, select one of the available options.

• If you select the Save this invitation as a file option, you can save the file to a desired location and then send the
invitation as an attachment in your email to a trusted helper. The helper will need to double-click the attachment
and enter the code to connect to and control your computer.
5-58 Windows 10 Level 2

Summary
In this section, we looked at:
• Connecting to a network
• Enabling sharing in Windows 10
• Finding your MAC address
• Turning your Windows 10 computer into a Wi-Fi Hotspot
• Finding a saved Wi-Fi password
• Setting up a metered internet connection
• Using Remote Assistance
You have completed all of the sections of Module 5.
MODULE #6

Storage and Backup


Reclaiming Storage Space in Windows 10

Using OneDrive for Storage

Working with Portable Storage in Windows 10

Backup and Restore in Windows 10


6-2 Windows 10 Level 2

A Reclaiming Storage Space in Windows 10

At times you may find the storage space running low on one of your computer’s drives. To prevent this from occurring,
Windows 10 includes Storage Sense, which automatically cleans the drives on your computer based on your settings.
There are also several other methods for manually cleaning up the drives and freeing up disk space.
In this section, you will learn about the various methods for reclaiming storage space in Windows 10.
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
• Free up space with Storage Sense.
• Free up space with Disk Cleanup.
• Compress files and folders.
• Delete large, unnecessary files.
• Uninstall apps.
• Turn off hibernation.
• Change the virtual memory size.

Freeing Up Space with Storage Sense


Storage Sense in Windows 10 monitors and frees up space on your device automatically. It deletes files that have
been in the Recycle Bin for more than 30 days. It also deletes files in the Downloads folder that have remained
unchanged for more than 30 days. Storage Sense is disabled by default when Windows 10 is installed.
To enable this feature:
• Click Start and then click Settings.
• In Windows Settings, click System, and then select Storage.
• Click the toggle under Storage sense to turn it on.
Module 6: Storage and Backup 6-3

Configuring Storage Sense


Once you’ve enabled Storage Sense, you can configure or customize the settings to suit your purposes. To do so,
access the Storage Settings window by:
• Clicking Start and then Settings.
• In Windows Settings, click System and then select Storage in the left pane.
• Under Storage Sense, click the Change how we free up space link.
6-4 Windows 10 Level 2

• Under Temporary Files, there are three settings that you can enable.

You can select to:


o Delete temporary files that my apps aren't using
o Delete files that have been in the recycle bin for over 30 days
o Delete files in the Downloads folder that haven't changed in 30 days
• Select any or all of these options as desired.
• In the Free up space now section, you can choose to free up space immediately based on the selections you made
in the Temporary Files section. To do so, click Clean now.
If you only want to set up Storage Sense, close the Settings app without clicking Clean now. Storage sense will
automatically clean up your drives based on the options selected.

Freeing Up Space with Disk Cleanup in Windows 10


If you are running out of storage space on your computer, you can try some manual methods of freeing up hard disk
space. Cleaning up the Windows.old folder, which saves previous versions of Windows when you upgrade to a new
version, can help reclaim a lot of hard disk space. Another system file that tends to be very large is the WinSxS folder,
which stores old DLL and system files. These folders should not be deleted; however, you can manage the size of these
system folders in Windows 10 using Disk Cleanup.
The Disk Cleanup app is a Windows utility used to clear the clutter on the hard drives of your computer. This tool,
which is available in Windows 7 and Windows 8 too, helps remove unwanted files such as old installation and
Windows Update files and outdated device drivers.
To use this app:
• Click in the search box, and enter Disk Cleanup.
• In the search results, click Disk Cleanup.
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• In the Disk Cleanup : Drive Selection dialog box that opens, select the hard drive to be cleaned. In this example,
the C Drive is selected.

• Click OK to begin the process.


When the process is complete the Disk Cleanup dialog box opens. The Disk Cleanup tab displays the various types
of files that can be deleted and the amount of space that will be freed up when the file is removed.
6-6 Windows 10 Level 2

• Some of the files will already be selected. You can select additional files in the list to free up more space. For
example, to clean up old installation files and unwanted system files, click Temporary files.
Disk Cleanup calculates and displays the amount of space that will be freed up on the drive when the selected files
are removed.

• When you’ve finished selecting the files to be deleted, click OK.


• Click Delete Files to confirm.

• Disk Cleanup begins cleaning up the selected drive. If a warning message appears, click Yes to continue.
Disk Cleanup will delete all the files in the selected categories. The time taken for this process depends on the
amount of storage space being freed up.
Module 6: Storage and Backup 6-7

Compressing Files and Folders in Windows 10


Compressing or zipping files is one of the simplest and most popular ways to reduce the storage space occupied by
files and folders. Compressing files is particularly useful when you need to send files or folders as attachments in
emails, or when you want to copy several files to a USB flash drive.
To zip files and folders directly in File Explorer:
• Open File Explorer, navigate to the folder containing the files you want to zip, and then select the files.
• Right-click the selected files, point to Send to, and click the Compressed (zipped) folder option on the shortcut
menu.

• A zipped folder is created with the name highlighted. You can either use the suggested name, which is the name of
the last file included in the zipped group, or you can enter a new name for the zipped folder.

• Finally, press Enter to create the zipped folder. This folder will be smaller in size than the original files. You can
also zip one or more folders in the same way.

If necessary, you can add more files or folders to an existing zipped folder.
To do so:
• Select the files or folders you want to add.
• Drag the selected items onto the zipped folder.
6-8 Windows 10 Level 2

Unzipping Files in Windows 10


To view and edit the compressed files in a zipped folder, you need to extract them.
To do so:
• Open File Explorer and navigate to the folder containing the zipped folder.
• Right-click the zipped folder, and select Extract All on the shortcut menu.
Module 6: Storage and Backup 6-9

The Extract Compressed Folders window displays. The Show extracted files when complete option is selected by
default in this window.

By default, the compressed files will extract to the same location as the zipped folder. To extract the files to a new
location, click Browse, navigate to and select the folder you want to extract the files to, and then click Select
Folder. The Extract Compressed Folders window displays again with the selected folder displayed.
• Click Extract. Once extraction is complete, a new File Explorer window opens displaying the extracted files.

You can also unzip individual files or folders in a zipped folder without extracting all of the compressed files.
To unzip a single file or folder from a zipped folder:
• Double-click the zipped folder to open it.
• Drag the file or folder you wish to extract to a new location. The file or folder will be copied to the new location.
6-10 Windows 10 Level 2

Deleting Large, Unnecessary Files in Windows 10


If you do not have space on your hard drive, you should check to see if there are any large, unnecessary files on your
hard disk and delete them to free up space.
To delete such files:
• In File Explorer, click This PC.
• In Search This PC at the upper right corner, type Size: and then press Enter. Ensure that you enter the colon or the
size options will not display.

• Select Gigantic from the drop-down list.


• Once the search is over, click the View tab and ensure Details is selected.

• Then click the Size column to sort the files by size.


• Check the list of files. If you find a file you do not need, right-click the file and select Delete.
Program installers, ISO files, and temporary files can be safely deleted. If you are in doubt about a file, do not
delete it.
Module 6: Storage and Backup 6-11

You should also check the Downloads folder and delete any files that you do not need.

Uninstalling Apps in Windows 10


Another way to free up space on your hard disk is to uninstall apps and games that you do not use. There may be
several default Windows 10 apps and games on your computer that you never use.
To do this:
• Click Start and then Settings.
• In Windows Settings, click Apps.
• Ensure that Apps & Features is selected in the left pane. The Apps & Features Settings window lists all the apps
installed on your computer.
6-12 Windows 10 Level 2

• To view the apps installed on a specific drive, click the Filter by list and select the appropriate drive.

You can also filter installed apps by size to find the apps that take up the most space on your hard disk.

• Select an app you wish to uninstall, and then, click Uninstall.

• In the confirmation message, click Uninstall.


Module 6: Storage and Backup 6-13

Turning Off Hibernation in Windows 10


Windows computers have a hibernate mode to save power. In this mode, open files and running applications are
saved to the hard disk and the computer turns off and uses zero power. When you turn the computer on again, your
session resumes where you left off.
Although hibernation is a useful feature, it creates a large system file called hyberfil.sys to which the contents of the
RAM are saved. This uses up a lot of space on the hard disk, even when the computer is not in hibernation. By default,
hibernation is not enabled in Windows 10 and the hibernate option does not display in the shutdown settings.
However, when trying to reclaim disk space, check if this feature is enabled and turn it off if it is.

Checking if Hibernation Is Enabled


To check if hibernation is enabled:
• Click Start and then click Settings.
• In Windows Settings, click System and then select Power & sleep in the left pane.

• In the right pane, under Related settings, click the Additional power settings link to display the Power Options
window.
6-14 Windows 10 Level 2

• In the left pane of the window, click Choose what the power button does.

If Hibernate is displayed in the When I press the power button box in the Power button settings section, or is
selected in the Shutdown settings section of the window, hibernation has been enabled on the computer.
Module 6: Storage and Backup 6-15

Disabling Hibernation
To disable hibernation:
• Click in the search box and enter command prompt.
• In the search results, right-click Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator to open the Command Prompt
window.

• In the Command Prompt window, type the powercfg.exe /h off and press e.

This deletes the hyberfil.sys file, freeing up space on your hard disk.
6-16 Windows 10 Level 2

Changing Virtual Memory Size in Windows 10


Virtual memory reduces the workload of the RAM and allows the computer to perform smoothly. When RAM cannot
accommodate more applications, the programs already present in RAM get shifted to the virtual memory, to the
pagefile.sys file.
By default, Windows 10 automatically manages virtual memory depending on your computer’s configuration and its
RAM. However, you can reduce the size of the virtual memory manually if you need to free up disk space on your
computer.
To manually manage the size of virtual memory in Windows 10:
• Search for and open the Control Panel.
• In the Control Panel window, click System and Security.
• In System and Security, click System.

• In the left pane of the System window, click Advanced system settings to open the System Properties dialog box.
Module 6: Storage and Backup 6-17

• On the Advanced tab of the System Properties dialog box, under Performance, click the Settings button.

• In the Performance Options dialog box that opens, click the Advanced tab and then click Change in the Virtual
Memory section.
6-18 Windows 10 Level 2

• In the Virtual Memory dialog box, clear the Automatically manage paging file size for all drives option.

• In the Paging file size for each drive table, ensure that the drive on which Windows 10 is installed is selected, and
then select the Custom size option below the table.
Module 6: Storage and Backup 6-19

• In the boxes that are now enabled, enter the minimum and maximum size of the virtual memory in megabytes
(MB) according to the physical memory present in your computer. The initial paging file size cannot be less than
16 MB. Keep in mind that, if it is less than 400 MB, Windows might not record details needed to identify problems
if the system crashes.

• Click Set and then, click OK.


• In the message informing that you need to restart the computer for the changes to take effect, click OK.
• Close the open dialog boxes and then click Restart Now in the message that displays.

When the computer restarts, the size of pagefile.sys will be reduced as per your preferences. Remember that
changing the size of the virtual memory will affect the performance of your computer. Generally it’s best to allow
Windows to manage the size of virtual memory.

Summary
In this section, we looked at:
• Freeing up space with Storage Sense
• Freeing up space with Disk Cleanup
• Compressing files and folders
• Deleting large, unnecessary files
• Uninstalling apps
• Turning off hibernation
• Changing the virtual memory size
In the next section, we will look at using OneDrive for storage in Windows 10.
6-20 Windows 10 Level 2

B Using OneDrive for Storage

OneDrive is Microsoft's cloud storage service that you can use to store files and folders on your local machine and the
cloud. OneDrive offers several options to save your hard disk space, while having easy access to your files. OneDrive
also allows you to remotely access files and folders from any Windows 10 computer linked to the OneDrive account.
In this section, you will learn about the optimal usage of OneDrive for storage in Windows 10.
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
• Turn on Files On-Demand.
• Select OneDrive files and folders to sync.
• Map OneDrive as a network drive.
• Fetch files on a remote computer with OneDrive.

Turning On Files On-Demand


You can use the cloud storage available on OneDrive to save space on your computer. As you have learned in a
previous module, OneDrive’s Files On-Demand allows you to download files when needed. When you enable Files On-
Demand, you can view the files in OneDrive and download only the ones you require.
Let's look at how to turn on the OneDrive Files On-Demand feature.
• To begin, right-click the OneDrive cloud icon in the notification area of the taskbar and select Settings from the
shortcut menu.
Module 6: Storage and Backup 6-21

• On the Settings tab of the Microsoft OneDrive dialog box that opens, under Files On-Demand, select Save space
and download files as you use them.

• Click OK.
6-22 Windows 10 Level 2

Making a File an Online-only File


Now that Files On-Demand is turned on, you can make a file an online-only file. An online-only file is not downloaded
to your computer and does not take up space on your hard disk.
To make a file an online-only file:
• First, in File Explorer, move the file in question from its current location to OneDrive.

As you can see, the file has a solid green icon with a white check mark in the Status column, indicating that it is
always available and takes up space on the computer.
• Now, right-click the file in OneDrive, and select Free up space from the shortcut menu.

The file now has a white cloud with a blue border in the Status column, indicating that it is only available online
and is not stored on your computer.

Opening an Online-only File


If you are connected to the internet, you can open an online-only file as easily as you can open a downloaded file.
Simply double-click the file in File Explorer. The file is downloaded to your computer and becomes a locally available
file. When the file is open on your computer, it will display in File Explorer with a white circular icon with a green
border and a green check mark. This icon indicates that the file is locally available and takes up storage space on the
computer.
Module 6: Storage and Backup 6-23

Choosing OneDrive Files and Folders to Sync


OneDrive also allows you to save space on your computer by letting you choose the folders you want to sync between
the online OneDrive and the local OneDrive folder. The folders you select will be available on demand.
To choose the OneDrive files and folders you want to sync:
• Right-click the OneDrive cloud icon in the notification area of the taskbar and select Settings.

• On the Account tab of the Microsoft OneDrive dialog box, click Choose folders.
6-24 Windows 10 Level 2

• In Choose folders, clear the Make all files available checkbox.

• Then, select the folders you want available on your computer.


• If you want to sync files that are not in a folder, select the Files not in a folder option.
• Click OK to close the dialog boxes.
Only the files and folders you selected will now be available in the OneDrive folder on your computer. You can make
these files and folders always available, online-only, or locally available. The files and folders that you choose not to
sync are not shown in your local OneDrive folder.
Module 6: Storage and Backup 6-25

Mapping OneDrive as a Network Drive


As you just saw, when you choose to sync only some folders between OneDrive online and the OneDrive folder on
your computer to save space on your computer, the folders that you do not choose to sync cannot be seen in the
OneDrive folder in File Explorer. However, you can access all the files in OneDrive without using any space on your
computer by mapping OneDrive as a network drive. Mapping OneDrive as a network drive also makes files more easily
accessible in apps other than OneDrive and File Explorer.
To map OneDrive as a network drive:
• Open File Explorer and then right-click OneDrive and select View online from the shortcut menu.
6-26 Windows 10 Level 2

• The OneDrive page opens in the web browser.

• Sign in with your Microsoft Outlook email address and password.


• Copy the CID number in the address bar. These are the digits and letters following the “cid=”part of the URL.
Module 6: Storage and Backup 6-27

• Open File Explorer, right-click This PC in the left pane of File Explorer, and then select Map network drive from the
shortcut menu.

• In the Map Network Drive window that displays, enter the URL, https://d.docs.live.net/, followed by the CID
number copied from the OneDrive URL.

• Select the Connect using different credentials option and then click Finish.
6-28 Windows 10 Level 2

• In the Windows Security window that opens, enter your OneDrive user name and password and click OK.

A new drive is visible with all the files in your online OneDrive. You can rename this drive name if you wish to do
so. Remember that this drive will be available only when you are connected to the internet.
Module 6: Storage and Backup 6-29

Enabling Fetch for OneDrive in Windows 10


Using OneDrive, you can also remotely access files from a Windows 10 computer, even if the files are not saved in
OneDrive. To fetch files using OneDrive, you need to enable this feature on your Windows 10 computer.
To turn on Fetch:
• Right-click the OneDrive cloud icon in the notification area of the taskbar and select Settings.
• Click the Settings tab in the Microsoft OneDrive dialog box and select Let me use OneDrive to fetch any of my
files on this PC.

• Click OK.
6-30 Windows 10 Level 2

You need to restart OneDrive to complete the process. To do so:


• Right-click the OneDrive cloud icon on the taskbar and click Quit OneDrive on the shortcut menu.

• In the message that displays, click Close OneDrive.

• Now reopen OneDrive searching for OneDrive and selecting the OneDrive search result.
OneDrive restarts, and the Fetch feature is now enabled for the computer.
Module 6: Storage and Backup 6-31

Fetching Files from a Remote Computer with OneDrive


Once you've enabled the Fetch feature on your computer, you can access files and folders located on that computer,
remotely from another computer, an iPhone, an iPad, or an Android device.
In order to fetch a file, the PC that you want to access must be turned on, connected to the internet, and have
OneDrive running. If these conditions are met, fetching files is as easy as opening a web browser on your other device.
To fetch a file:
• From the device that needs to access the file, log in to https://onedrive.live.com/ in the web browser.

• In the left pane of the OneDrive webpage, click PCs.


6-32 Windows 10 Level 2

• All the PCs linked to that account, which have the OneDrive fetch feature enabled, will be listed. From the list of
available PCs, select the computer you want to access.

• You may need a security code to verify your identity. Depending on your Microsoft account settings, you will get
the security code as a text message or by email.
• Complete the steps for verification.
The files and folders on your linked PC will now be visible on the OneDrive page. You can browse and download
any of these files.

Summary
In this section, we looked at:
• Selecting OneDrive files and folders to sync
• Mapping OneDrive as a network drive
• Fetching files on a remote computer with OneDrive
In the next section, we will look at working with portable storage in Windows 10.
Module 6: Storage and Backup 6-33

C Working with Portable Storage in Windows 10

Windows 10 allows you to easily use portable storage for different purposes.
In this section, you will learn about working with portable storage in Windows 10.
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
• Install and move apps to an SD Card or USB Drive.
• Format a portable storage device for both Windows and Mac.
• Mount and burn ISO files.

Installing Apps to an SD Card or USB Drive


If you have space constraints on your hard disk, you can install apps from Microsoft Store to a separate external drive
in Windows 10.
To install apps to an external location:
• Connect the external storage to your computer; then click Start.
• Click Settings and then select System.
• Click Storage in the left pane and then select the Change where new content is saved link.
6-34 Windows 10 Level 2

• For the New apps will save to option, select the external drive, and click the Apply button.

Any new apps from Microsoft Store will now be installed in the external drive. These apps will only work if the
external drive is connected to the computer.
Module 6: Storage and Backup 6-35

Moving Microsoft Apps to an External Drive


You can also move Microsoft Store apps that are already installed on your computer to an external drive. To move
installed apps to an SD card or USB Drive:
• Click Start and then click Settings.
• Click Apps in Windows Settings.
• Select Apps & features in the left pane of the Apps Settings window.
• Click the Microsoft Store app that you want to move, and then click Move.

• In the Select a drive to move the app to box of the message that opens, select the external drive.

• Finally click Move.


The app will be moved to the external drive. You cannot move apps that are not from the Microsoft Store to an
external drive.
6-36 Windows 10 Level 2

Formatting an External Hard Drive for Both Windows and MAC


Windows and MAC use different files systems that are not compatible with each other so, if you format an external
drive for Windows, you cannot use it in MAC and vice versa. However, the exFAT and FAT32 file systems are
compatible with both Windows and MAC. Therefore, an external drive formatted to either of these file systems can be
used on both Windows and MAC. However, FAT32 has some limitations including a maximum size of 4 GB per file.
Therefore, it is better to use exFAT to format drives that will be used with both Windows and MAC operating systems.
To format an external drive to exFAT:
• Connect the drive to the computer.
• Once the drive is connected, open File Explorer and select This PC.
• In This PC, right-click the external drive and select Format from the drop-down menu.
Module 6: Storage and Backup 6-37

• In the Format dialog box that opens, click the File system arrow and select exFAT from the drop-down list.

• Click Start to begin the formatting process.


• In the message warning that all data on the disk will be erased, click OK.

The formatting then proceeds.


• In the message that the formatting is complete, click OK.
The drive can now be used with both Windows and MAC machines.
6-38 Windows 10 Level 2

Mounting ISO Files


Software is often distributed as ISO files, which are exact replicas of DVDs or CDs. To install the software, you have
two options—you can burn the ISO file on a disk or you can open or mount the file and use it like a physical disk.
In Windows 10, you can mount and burn ISO files without any external utility. To mount an ISO file:
• Open File Explorer, navigate to the ISO file, and then select it.

• Select the Disc Image Tools Manage tab that displays and click Mount.

The ISO image will appear as a virtual DVD drive in File Explorer. You can open the virtual drive and browse its
contents just like you would with any another drive.
Module 6: Storage and Backup 6-39

Unmounting an ISO File


When you have finished working with the ISO file, you can unmount it.
To unmount the ISO file:
• In File Explorer, right-click the virtual drive.
• Select Eject from the shortcut menu.

Burning ISO Files


In Windows 10, you can burn an ISO file without an external utility.
To burn an ISO image file:
• Insert a blank disk into the drive on your computer.
• Open File Explorer, navigate to ISO file, and then select it.

• Select the Disc Image Tools Manage tab and click Burn.
6-40 Windows 10 Level 2

• In the Windows Disc Image Burner dialog box, click the Disc Burner arrow and select the DVD drive.

• Select the Verify disc after burning option and then click the Burn button.
Once the process is complete, the Status section displays that the disc image has been successfully burned to the
disk.
• Click Close.
You can now use this disk in a compatible drive.

Summary
In this section, we looked at:
• Installing and moving apps to an SD card or USB drive
• Formatting a hard drive for both Windows and Mac
• Mounting and burning ISO files
In the next section, we will look at backup and restore in Windows 10.
Module 6: Storage and Backup 6-41

D Backup and Restore in Windows 10

Windows 10 offers easy options to back up and restore your personal files and system files.
File History in Windows 10 allows you to back up versions of your personal files and folders to an external drive. You
can restore to any version of the files and folders in the backup.
Windows 10 also includes System Restore, which allows you to revert your system files to a previous known working
version.
In this section, you will learn about backing up files with File History, and using System Restore.
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
• Back up and restore files and folders using File History.
• Create a restore point using System Restore.
• Revert to a restore point using System Restore.

Backing Up Files with File History


You can use File History to back up the files in the Documents, Music, Pictures, Videos, and Desktop folders on your
Windows 10 computer to an external drive or a network drive. File History saves various versions of the files and
folders to the external drive, allowing access to a previous version of a file while creating a backup of the folders.
To enable File History:
• Connect an external drive to your computer.
• Click Start and select Settings.
• In Windows Settings, click Update & Security.
• In the left pane, click Backup.
• In the Back up using File History section, click Add a drive.
6-42 Windows 10 Level 2

• In the Select a drive window that opens, select the external drive to which you want to back up.

The Automatically back up my files toggle is displayed and is in the On position.


Module 6: Storage and Backup 6-43

• You can configure the backup to include or exclude folders and you can set when you want to back up and
how long you want to keep the backups. To customize your backup, click the More options link.
The Backup Options Settings window displays.

• In the Backup Options Settings window, click the Back up my files arrow and select the time interval for backing
up your files from the drop-down list that displays.
• Click the Keep my backups arrow and then select an option for retaining the backups from the list.
• The folders that are included in the backup are listed under Back up these folders. To remove a folder included in
the list, click the folder in the list and then click Remove.
• You can include another folder in the backup by clicking Add a folder but you can backup only the folders in the
default folder linked to your user account. So, if you want to back up other files or folders, you need to copy them
to your user folder.
6-44 Windows 10 Level 2

• If you do not want to include a subfolder located within one of the included folders in the backup, you can add it
in the Exclude these folders located at the bottom of the window.

• To start the process of backing up the selected files and folders to the external drive, click the Back up now
button.
Module 6: Storage and Backup 6-45

Restoring Files Using File History


Let's look at how to restore a file from a File History backup.
• Begin by clicking Start and then Settings.
• In Windows Settings, click Update & Security.
• Select Backup in the left pane, and then click the More options link.

• Scroll down in the Backup options window and click Restore files from a current backup.
6-46 Windows 10 Level 2

The File History window opens. File History displays the latest version of the folders that have been backed up.

• Use the left and right arrows at the bottom of the screen to view different versions of the folders.
• Select a file you want to restore, and then click the green Restore to original location button.
• If the original location has a file with the same name, you need to choose if you want to replace the file, skip the
file, or compare info for both files.

• Click an option to restore the file


• If you select Replace the file in the destination, the version of the file you selected is downloaded to the original
location overwriting the existing file.
Module 6: Storage and Backup 6-47

Using System Restore


Installing new software or changing system settings can sometimes cause problems. System Restore is a feature
available in Windows that allows you to revert to the last working state if your system crashes and you want to undo
the system changes. Although available in previous versions of Windows, System Restore is disabled in Windows 10 by
default. You can enable it to create restore points.
To enable System Restore for a drive:
• Search for Create a restore point and select the Create a restore point the search result.
The System Properties dialog box opens.
• On the System Protection tab, under Protection Settings, select the drive for which you want to enable System
Restore.

• Click Configure.
The System Protection dialog box opens.
6-48 Windows 10 Level 2

• In the System Protection dialog box, select Turn on system protection, then click Apply and OK.

System Restore will now be enabled. Windows 10 automatically creates restore points before any major changes to
the system.
Module 6: Storage and Backup 6-49

Creating a System Restore Point


Although Windows automatically creates restore points, you can also manually create a restore point.
To create a restore point for a drive:
• Search for Create a restore point and select the Create a restore point the search result.
The System Properties dialog box opens.
• On the System Protection tab, under Protection Settings, select the drive for which you want to create a restore
point.

• Click Create.
A System Protection window opens.
• In the Create a restore point section of the System Protection window, type a description for the restore point,
and then click Create.
6-50 Windows 10 Level 2

• Once the restore point has been created, close the windows.

It is advisable to create a restore point for the operating system drive before making any system changes.

Reverting to a Restore Point with System Restore


If you experience trouble with your computer after making system changes, you can roll back the changes to a
previous restore point.
To do so:
• Search for Create a restore point and select the Create a restore point the search result.
The Systems Properties dialog box opens.
• On the System Protection tab, click the System Restore button
Module 6: Storage and Backup 6-51

• In the System Restore window, click Next.

• Select the restore point to which you want to restore your computer.

• To see the affected programs and drivers, click Scan for affected programs and then click Close once you’ve seen
the list.
• Click Next and then Finish to revert to the previous state selected.
6-52 Windows 10 Level 2

Summary
In this section, we looked at:
• Backing up files and folders with File History
• Restoring files and folders using File History
• Creating a restore point using System Restore
• Reverting to a restore point using System Restore
You have completed all the sections of Module 6 and, with this, you have completed Level 2 of Windows 10.
Glossary

Windows 10 Level 2
Key Terms
Key Terms Glossary i

Windows 10 Level 2 Key Terms Glossary


Terms Definitions

Active hours The hours when the computer is generally used.

Advanced text processing An editing function such as auto correct, spell check, and grammar check, etc.
feature

Antivirus program A computer program used to prevent, detect, and remove malware.

Applet An application (or utility program) designed and developed to perform a


specific set of functions.

Automatic reply A prearranged reply that is generated by the software program for incoming
messages.

AutoPlay A functionality that causes a video, audio file, etc. to proceed automatically
without any action from the user.

Basic text-editing program A computer program that allows a user to perform basic text editing functions
such as copy, paste etc.

Bcc In an email, BCC (Blind Carbon Copy) is a copy of a message sent to a recipient
who is concealed from other recipients of the email.

BIOS A basic input/output system (BIOS) is a preinstalled program that starts the
computer system when the computer is turned on.

BitLocker A drive encryption feature in Windows 10.

Block a site Restrict viewing of a website that likely includes objectionable material.

Bluetooth A wireless technology that can be used to transfer data to fixed and mobile
electronic devices over short distances.

Boot A process that loads the operating system into the main memory.

Browser add-on A software extension that adds extra features to a web browser.

Browsing history A list of web pages that have been visited recently.

Bullet A symbol that precedes an item in a list, instead of numbers.

Burn Burn is a term to describe writing content to a CD, DVD, or other recordable
disc.

Calibrate display color Color calibration of a monitor is to ensure colors are displayed accurately.

Caret browsing A feature in Web browsers that allows the user to select or highlight specific
parts of the text using the vertical text cursor or caret and the keyboard rather
than the mouse.
ii Windows 10 Level 2

Terms Definitions

Cast to device This is a new feature incorporated in Windows 10 that enables Miracast or
DLNA devices to stream media contents directly.

Cc In an email, CC (Carbon Copy) is a copy of a message sent to a recipient who is


not the main recipient of the email.

CD A CD (Compact Disc) is a portable storage medium used to record, store, and


play back audio (audio CD), video (video CD) and other data (data CD) in digital
form.

Character user interface The Character user interface is a user interface where one has to type in
(CUI) commands rather than selecting graphic buttons or commands from a menu or
ribbon.

Clipboard A temporary storage space used to store cut or copied material for pasting into
a file.

Color palette A range of colors that can be selected.

Compatibility mode Compatibility mode is a mechanism that allows incompatible software or files
to run properly without conflict.

Content restriction A restriction preventing access to a particular type of content.

Control Panel A feature in of the Windows operating system that allows a user to view and
modify system settings.

Cookie A cookie is a small amount of data about you generated by a website and
saved by the web browser.

Digital assistant A software agent that can perform tasks or services for an individual.

Digital media file A digital media file is any media that is encoded in a machine-readable format,
such as music, documents, pictures etc.

Disc Image A disc image is a single file that contains the contents and structure of a disk
volume, or an entire data storage device that holds a replica of all data on a
storage medium or device, such as a CD, DVD, hard drive, floppy disk, tape
drive.

Disk Cleanup app The Disk Cleanup app is a program that helps free up disk space on a hard
drive.

DLL file A DLL (Dynamic Link Library) file is a file that contains library of functions and
other information that can be accessed by a Windows program.

DVD A type of Compact Disc (CD) able to store a much larger amount of data.

DVD RW Drive A drive that has the ability to record on a ReWritable DVD (a type of Compact
Disk).

Dynamic lock A security feature that allows one to automatically lock devices based on the
proximity of a phone paired using Bluetooth.
Key Terms Glossary iii

Terms Definitions

Ease of Access A feature of the Windows operating system that enables physically challenged
users to use the computer with ease.

Email account A dedicated resource to receive and send electronic mails.

Email ID A unique identity or address for an account that is used to receive or send
electronic mails.

Email signature A block of text appended to the end of an email message. It often contains the
sender's name and contact information.

Email subject-line A single line of text that introduces the content of the email.

Encrypt a drive Conceal the contents of a drive using sophisticated mathematical functions.

Event A planned activity that is scheduled to take place on a particular day, date, and
time.

exFAT file system A FAT (File Allocation Table) file system is a table on the hard disk that an
operating system maintains to provide a map of clusters in which files have
been stored. exFAT is an enhanced version of the FAT file system from
Microsoft that uses less overhead than NTFS.

FAT32 file system A FAT (File Allocation Table) file system is a table on the hard disk that an
operating system maintains to provide a map of clusters in which files have
been stored.
FAT32 is a 32-bit version of the File Allocation Table (FAT) file system.

File system A method and data structure that is used by an operating system to keep track
of files on a disk or partition.

Files On-Demand A feature of OneDrive that allows users to access synced files without using
storage on a device.

First day of week A day after a common holiday is marked as the first working day of a week.

Focused Inbox A new email feature that displays the more important emails received.

Font family A font family is a set of fonts that have a common design.

Full HD video Full HD (High Definition) is the term used to describe television display
technology. It actually refers to the video quality and sharpness. Images with a
resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels can be defined as Full HD.

Hard drive defragmentation The process of locating non-contiguous fragments of data and consolidating
them on the hard drive.

Hibernate mode Similar to sleep mode, it is a power management mode that powers down the
computer while maintaining its previous state.
iv Windows 10 Level 2

Terms Definitions

HomeGroup A homegroup is a group of PCs on a home network created to allow sharing of


files and printers thus making the work process easier. Homegroups can be
password protected.

Hover Position the cursor, using a mouse or other device, over a clickable element
(without clicking) such as a button to cause a program to respond.

Inbox An electronic folder within an email account that stores received emails.

Infrared A wireless technology that conveys data through infrared (IR) radiation.

ISO file A file that contains the complete image of a CD, DVD, etc.

Java A general purpose high-level programming language designed to produce


programs that can run on any computer.

Junk mail Email regarded as unwanted or unsolicited.

Linked duplicate A new object that is created with all of its data linked to the original object.
When one of the linked objects is changed in edit mode, all linked copies are
modified.

Local Group Policy Editor A tool that helps one manage policy settings in Microsoft Management
Console (MMC) snap-ins.

MAC address The unique hardware number used for identification on a network.

Mail app An application used to receive and send electronic mail.

Malicious software site A website that downloads or installs malicious (harmful) software programs
onto a computer.

Malware A software program designed to disrupt, damage, or gain authorized access to


a computer system.

Metered internet An internet connection where data usage is measured.


connection

Microsoft OneDrive A file hosting service in the "cloud" that is offered by Microsoft as part of its
suite of Office Online Services.

Miracast wireless Miracast is a standard for wireless connections from devices to displays.
technology

Mobile hotspot A device that creates Wi-Fi coverage for a small area to allow other Wi-Fi
devices to connect and access the internet.

Mount an ISO file An ISO image is a virtual copy of an optical disk (CD or DVD). To mount an ISO
file is to access its contents as if it were recorded on a physical medium and
then inserted in the optical drive.
Key Terms Glossary v

Terms Definitions

OneNote A program that allows multiple users to gather notes, drawings, screen
clippings, and audio commentaries, and to share these with other OneNote
users over the internet.

Online-only file A file only stored online thereby saving disc space on the computer. When
needed, these files can be accessed using Files On-Demand.

PDF PFD (Portable Document Format) is used to create documents in such a


manner that they are accessed independent of application software,
hardware, and operating system.

Phishing website A website that tries to steal confidential information such as a bank account
password by tricking users into believing that they are on a legitimate website.

Playlist A list of selected songs, music, or movies to play.

PowerShell interface Shell is an interface that gives access to various services of an operating
system. Likewise, PowerShell is a graphic user interface developed by
Microsoft to assist in task automation and configuration management.

Real-time protection Protection of a computer while data is coming into the computer or when a file
is already open on the computer.

regedit The Registration editor that enables users to modify registry entries.

Remote Assistance A feature that allows someone to temporarily view or control a computer and
work on it over a network or the internet to resolve issues.

Rotate button Used to rotate an object.

Ruler A straight strip typically marked at regular intervals seen at the top and left
hand side of an open document, spreadsheet, or presentation. The ruler serves
as a guide for aligning text and graphic elements.

Safe Mode An alternate method to boot an operating system and diagnose any problems
related to it.

SD Card Secure Digital Card is small size flash memory card typically used in digital
cameras and other portable devices.

Search engine A search engine is a software program that allows internet users to search for
content via the World Wide Web (WWW).

Setup.exe or Install.exe A program that installs software on the computer's hard disk.

SmartScreen Filter A tool to detect and block suspicious and malicious sites, applications, and
files.

Solid-State Drive (SSD) A storage device that uses an array of semiconductor memory organized as a
disk drive. This device uses integrated circuits unlike traditional hard drives
that consists of spinning disks.
vi Windows 10 Level 2

Terms Definitions

Speech recognition The ability of a computer to recognize and respond to sounds produced by
human speech.

Storage Sense A feature that, when enabled, will proactively delete temporary files.

Swipe right/left To move a finger from right to left or left to right across a touch screen in order
to perform a function.

System Restore A feature that allows users to restore computers to a previous state without
losing their personal data files.

Temporary files Files that are created to hold data temporarily.

This PC My Computer is termed ‘This PC’ in Windows 10. This PC represents the
complete hard drive of the computer.

Time zone An area where the time is calculated as being a particular number of hours
behind or ahead of GMT.

TPM chip TPM (Trusted Platform Module) is basically a computer chip that stores
passwords, certificates, or encryption keys that may be required to
authenticate the PC or laptop.

Troubleshooting Analyzing and solving problems.

USB device A peripheral device that plugs into the computer via the Universal Serial Bus
(USB) port.

User Account Control (UAC) A feature designed to prevent unauthorized changes to a computer.

Virtual memory size A feature that enables one to compensate physical memory shortage by
transferring pages of data from random access memory to disk storage.

Virus & threat protection A feature in Windows Defender Security Center to help users scan for threats
on a device.

VPN VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates a safe and encrypted private network
across a less secure public network and enables its users to share data safely
and securely across shared or public networks such as the internet.

Windows 10 Parental A feature that, if turned on, offers options for guardians to ensure children are
Control protected from harmful or adult sites when they are online.

Windows Defender firewall A program that prevents unauthorized users from gaining access to the
computer through the internet.

Windows Hello fingerprint A biometric authentication feature that helps in verifying users using Windows
10 compatible devices such as fingerprint scanners and iris scanners.

Windows Mobility Center A group of settings that allows laptop and other mobile users quick access to
the most common mobile features.
Key Terms Glossary vii

Terms Definitions

Windows.old folder The Windows.old folder contains the important files from an older version of
Windows that was previously installed on the computer.

WinSxS folder A folder containing information required for reliable running and updating of
Windows. The WinSxS folder also contains older Windows updates, which can
be deleted by the built in Windows 10 Disk Cleanup tool to increase storage
space on the computer.

Xbox A video game console developed by Microsoft.

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