Windows 10 and Windows 11 Navigation

This resource is a step-by-step guide to navigating and understanding key tools and features in Windows 10 and 11. It’s designed to help IT support professionals demonstrate their skills in accessing and explaining important system areas, even with limited permissions.

10 Basic Tasks in Windows 10 and Windows 11

Task 1: Settings App

Windows 10 Steps:

  1. Press Win + I to open the Settings App.
  2. Navigate categories like:
    • System: Adjust display, sound, and storage settings.
    • Devices: Manage Bluetooth, printers, and other devices.
    • Network & Internet: Configure Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or VPN connections.
    • Update & Security: Check for updates and troubleshoot issues.

Windows 11 Steps:

  1. Press Win + I to open the Settings App.
  2. Navigate categories, noting their redesigned layout:
    • System: Displays a cleaner, modern design for managing settings like display and power.
    • Bluetooth & Devices: Combines device management and Bluetooth settings.
    • Network & Internet: Includes a streamlined view for network options.
    • Windows Update: Moved to a standalone category for easy access.

Task 2: Control Panel

Windows 10 Steps:

  1. Click the Start Menu and search for Control Panel.
  2. Open it and explore sections like:
    • System and Security: Access tools like System Restore or manage power options.
    • Programs: View and uninstall legacy applications.
    • Devices and Printers: Manage peripherals.

Windows 11 Steps:

  1. Search for Control Panel in the Search Bar (magnifying glass on the taskbar).
  2. Navigate similar sections as Windows 10.
    • Note: The Control Panel is being gradually phased out in Windows 11, so some features redirect to the Settings App.

Task 3: File Explorer

Windows 10 Steps:

  1. Press Win + E to open File Explorer.
  2. Navigate to directories like This PC, Documents, or Downloads.
  3. Use the left-hand navigation pane to access drives, network locations, or shared folders.

Windows 11 Steps:

  1. Press Win + E to open File Explorer.
  2. Explore directories, noting the modernized icons and layout.
  3. Use the streamlined Quick Access feature to find recent files and frequently used folders.

Task 4: Task Manager

Windows 10 Steps:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
  2. Review tabs:
    • Processes: View running apps and services.
    • Performance: Monitor CPU, memory, and disk usage.
    • Startup: Manage startup programs.

Windows 11 Steps:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the redesigned Task Manager.
  2. Explore the updated interface:
    • Color-coded performance metrics for easier identification of resource usage.
    • Similar tabs as Windows 10 but with a more modern look.

Task 5: Network & Internet Settings

Windows 10 Steps:

  1. Open Settings > Network & Internet.
  2. Choose options like:
    • Wi-Fi: View available networks and connect.
    • Status: View connection details and troubleshoot.

Windows 11 Steps:

  1. Open Settings > Network & Internet.
  2. Explore the simplified interface:
    • Wi-Fi: Shows available networks in a more concise view.
    • Advanced Network Settings: Manage adapters and network properties.

Task 6: Device Manager

Windows 10 Steps:

  1. Right-click the Start Menu and select Device Manager.
  2. Browse categories like:
    • Display Adapters: Manage graphics cards.
    • Network Adapters: Troubleshoot internet connectivity issues.

Windows 11 Steps:

  1. Right-click the Start Button or press Win + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Explore hardware categories, which function similarly to Windows 10.

Task 7: Disk Management

Windows 10 Steps:

  1. Press Win + X and select Disk Management.
  2. Review drives, partitions, and unallocated space.
  3. Right-click a drive to view options like formatting or assigning a drive letter.

Windows 11 Steps:

  1. Press Win + X and select Disk Management.
  2. Disk Management remains unchanged from Windows 10 but may appear in a slightly modernized UI.

Task 8: User Account Settings

Windows 10 Steps:

  1. Open Settings > Accounts.
  2. Explore options like:
    • Your Info: View or switch account types.
    • Family & Other Users: Manage user accounts.

Windows 11 Steps:

  1. Open Settings > Accounts.
  2. Navigate similar options as in Windows 10, but with a refreshed layout:
    • Family & Other Users: Focuses on account sharing.

Task 9: Windows Security

Windows 10 Steps:

  1. Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security.
  2. Access tools like:
    • Virus & Threat Protection.
    • Firewall & Network Protection.

Windows 11 Steps:

  1. Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security.
  2. Use similar tools as Windows 10, but now integrated into the new Privacy & Security category.

Task 10: System Information

Windows 10 Steps:

  1. Press Win + Pause/Break or type System Information in the search bar.
  2. View details like OS version, architecture, and RAM.

Windows 11 Steps:

  1. Press Win + Pause/Break or type System Information in the search bar.
  2. The interface remains unchanged from Windows 10.
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Windows 11 For End Users | Tips & Tricks