Beginning Windows 10: Do More with Your PC

Beginning Windows 10: Do More with Your PC

Released October 2015
Publisher(s): Apress
ISBN: 9781484210857

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Book description

Beginning Windows 10 takes you through the new features of this amazing new operating system, revealing some of its surprising capabilities, and helping you customize it to suit you. Whether you are new to Windows, or you want to get up to speed with the latest features and changes, this book has everything you need to get started.

Author Mike Halsey shows you how to create an environment for school, work, and play that puts the important things at your fingertips, while combining them in ways you never thought possible. Learn how to carry your personalized Windows experience with you as part of your Microsoft account instead of having it tied to one device, while also keeping everything safe, secure and backed up, so you can enjoy peace of mind with your new PC.

With the right start, your PC can become a tool that works for you, not against you, and leaves more of your time and energy free for the things that matter to you. Beginning Windows 10 shows you how.

Table of contents

  1. Cover
  2. Title
  3. Copyright
  4. Dedication
  5. Contents at a glance
  6. Contents
  7. About the Author
  8. About the Technical reviewer
  9. Introduction
  10. Chapter 1: Introducing Windows 10
    1. There’s an SKU for You
      1. The Encryption Question
      2. 32-Bit (x86) and 64-bit (x64) Windows
    2. Will My PC Run Windows 10?
    3. New Features in Windows 10
      1. Reset
      2. Settings
      3. The Windows Store
      4. Windows To Go
      5. Hyper-V
      6. Storage Spaces
      7. OneDrive and OneDrive for Business Integration
      8. Miracast
      9. Wi-Fi Direct and NFC Printing
      10. Mobile Tethering
      11. Workplace Join and Work Folders
      12. Secure Boot
      13. Cortana and Improved Search
      14. Action Center
      15. Continuum
      16. Microsoft Edge
      17. Multiple Desktop Support
      18. Four-Way Snap
      19. Single Sign-on
      20. Xbox Streaming
      21. End-to-End Encryption and Other Security Features
      22. Peer-to-Peer Updates and Better Update Management
    4. Signing in to Windows 10
      1. Configuring the Windows 10 Lock Screen
      2. Changing Your Password and Sign-in Options
      3. Windows Hello
      4. Creating Strong Passwords
    5. Mastering Touch in Windows 10
    6. Using the Onscreen Keyboard in Windows 10
    7. Summary
  11. Chapter 2: Finding Your Way Around Windows 10
    1. Small Tablets with Screens Less Than 8 Inches
      1. Using Two Apps, Side by Side, on Tablets
    2. Windows 10 Mobile Smartphones
    3. The Start Menu
      1. Resizing and Customizing the Start Menu
      2. Locking the Computer and Signing Out
      3. Shutting Down and Restarting the PC, and Putting It to Sleep
      4. Pinning, Unpinning, and Resizing Live Tiles
      5. Arranging Live Tiles into Groups and Naming the Groups
    4. Using and Managing Apps
      1. Switching Between and Shutting Down Running Apps
      2. Using the Hamburger Menu in Apps
    5. Using the Desktop in Windows 10
      1. The Windows Button
      2. The Taskbar
      3. Viewing Taskbar Thumbnails
      4. Using Taskbar Jump Lists
      5. Managing Windows on the Desktop
      6. Using the Action Center to Manage Notifications
      7. The Windows Administration Menu
      8. Using the Date and Time Dialog Box
    6. Using the Microsoft Edge Web Browser
      1. Using the Address Bar in Edge to Stay Safe Online
      2. Managing and Saving Internet Favorites in Edge
      3. Using the Reading List in Edge
      4. Using Web Notes to Annotate and Share Web Pages
      5. Edge Settings and Options
    7. Preinstalled Windows 10 Apps
    8. Finding and Installing Apps from the Windows Store
    9. Uninstalling Store and win32 Apps
    10. Summary
  12. Chapter 3: Connecting to Networks and the Internet
    1. Getting Online with Windows 10
      1. Understanding Public and Home and Work Networks
      2. Connecting to Networks in Windows 10
      3. Managing Cellular Broadband
      4. Connecting to Hidden Wi-Fi Networks
      5. Connecting to a Company or School Workplace
      6. Connecting to a Virtual Private Network (VPN)
      7. Connecting to a Company Domain or Azure Active Directory (AD)
    2. Managing and Deleting Wireless Network Profiles
    3. Managing Network Connections
      1. Network Management Best Practice
      2. Securing Wi-Fi Networks
      3. Managing Internet Data Usage
    4. Using Internet Explorer
      1. Managing Browser Tabs in Internet Explorer
      2. Internet Explorer Safety Features
      3. Using the SmartScreen Filter to Block Malicious Web Sites
      4. Managing Add-ons, Toolbars, and Search Providers
      5. Internet Explorer Options and Configuration
      6. Managing Safety and Privacy in Internet Explorer
    5. Recovering Lost Web Site Usernames and Passwords
    6. What Is InPrivate Mode?
    7. Staying Safe Online
      1. Internet Threats Explained
      2. Identifying Safe and Unsafe Web Sites
      3. Setting Internet Explorer As Your Default Browser
    8. Summary
  13. Chapter 4: Sharing with Family and Friends
    1. Working with User Accounts
      1. Setting Up New User Accounts
      2. Creating a Password Reset Drive
      3. Resetting Your Microsoft Account Password
      4. Managing User Accounts
      5. Managing a Microsoft Account Online
      6. Using Family Safety to Keep Your Children Safe Online
    2. Sharing Files and Folders with HomeGroup
    3. Sharing Files and Folders on a Network
      1. Sharing with Individuals
      2. Sharing with Groups of People
      3. Sharing with Non-Windows Computers
    4. Sharing Files with Windows 10 Tablets, Ultrabooks, and Laptops
    5. Windows 10 and OneDrive File Sync / Backup
      1. Opening Files Stored Only in OneDrive
      2. Using Microsoft OneDrive to Share Files
    6. Sharing Content Within Apps
    7. Sharing Optical Drives
    8. Streaming Music and Videos to Devices and Computers
    9. Changing the Advanced Sharing Settings in Windows 10
    10. Connecting to Network Shared Storage
      1. Why You Might Not See Network Storage on Your Computer
      2. Viewing the Status of Network Drives
    11. Summary
  14. Chapter 5: Organizing and Searching Your PC and the Internet
    1. Cortana
      1. Hey Cortana!
      2. Just a Reminder…
      3. Configuring Cortana
    2. File Explorer
      1. Quick Access Toolbar
      2. The Address Bar
      3. The Navigation Pane
      4. Status Bar and Folder Options
      5. Main Explorer View
      6. Hiding Picture File Names
      7. File Explorer Ribbon
      8. Copying and Moving Files in File Explorer
    3. Using Libraries in Windows 10
      1. Creating a Library
      2. Changing the Way a Library Displays Files
      3. Managing Libraries
      4. Changing the Default Save Location
      5. Adding Network Locations to Libraries
      6. Using Tags and Ratings to Organize Files
      7. Simplify Adding Tags and Ratings with Windows Photo Gallery
      8. Managing Folder Options
    4. Searching in File Explorer
    5. Expanding Libraries with Saved Searches
      1. Saving and Sharing Your Saved Searches
    6. Tagging Files in Microsoft Office
    7. Managing the Search and File Index in Windows 10
      1. Adding Folders to the Index
      2. Changing the Advanced Indexing Options
    8. Searching Network Locations in Windows 10
    9. Using Search Syntax in Edge and Internet Explorer
    10. Summary
  15. Chapter 6: Printing and Managing Printers
    1. Installing Printers
    2. Setting Default Printers
    3. Managing Printer Properties
    4. Managing Color Profiles for Printers and Displays
    5. Managing Shared Printers in Windows 10
    6. Printing from Store and win32 Apps
    7. Managing Printers and Setting Default Options
    8. Working with Wireless Printers in Windows 10
    9. Obtaining the IP Address of a Network Printer
    10. Top Printing Tips
    11. Summary
  16. Chapter 7: Having Fun with Games, Photos, Music, and Video
    1. Windows 10 and Xbox Integration
      1. Adding Games to the Xbox App
      2. Recording and Sharing Your Gameplay with Game DVR
      3. Streaming Games to Your PC from Your Xbox One Console
      4. Other Xbox App Features
    2. Managing Game Ratings for Children
    3. Configuring Windows 10 for the Latest Games
      1. Choosing and Upgrading Your Gaming Hardware
      2. Working with Gaming Peripherals
      3. 3D Gaming and Virtual Reality on Windows 10
    4. Viewing and Editing Photos in Windows 10
      1. Third-Party Photo Editing Packages
      2. Importing Digital Photographs and Videos from a Camera
    5. Manually Adding a Scanner to Windows 10
    6. Playing and Enjoying Music and Video in Windows 10
      1. Creating and Managing Playlists with Groove Music
      2. Audio and Video Codecs in Windows 10
    7. Alternatives to Windows Media Center
    8. Recording Audio Directly to Your PC
    9. Changing the Default Audio Devices on Your PC
    10. Burn CDs and DVDs Directly from the Desktop
    11. Burn Audio CDs in Windows Media Player
    12. Summary
  17. Chapter 8: Maximizing Your Productivity
    1. Managing and Arranging Running Apps on a Tablet
    2. Using Windows Task View to Switch Between Running Apps
    3. Creating and Managing Virtual Desktops
    4. Working with Multiple Apps on the Desktop
      1. Hiding and Restoring All Windows on the Desktop
      2. Minimizing and Restoring Windows Using Shake
      3. Snapping Two, Three, or Four Windows Side by Side
      4. Peeking at and Closing Windows from Thumbnails
      5. Pinning and Arranging Apps on the Taskbar
      6. Maximizing Productivity with Jump Lists
      7. Managing and Hiding Taskbar Features
    5. Maintain Your Concentration with Quiet Hours
    6. Managing Quick Actions Buttons and Notifications
    7. Using Microsoft OneDrive and OneDrive for Business
    8. Using the Windows 10 Spell-Checker
    9. Using Smart File Search in Cortana
    10. Taking Screenshots in Windows 10
      1. Using the Snipping Tool
    11. Using Microsoft Office Mobile
    12. Managing Battery Life in Windows 10
      1. Maximizing Your Battery Life: Top Tips
      2. Monitoring Battery Usage in Windows 10
      3. Using the Windows Battery Saver Mode
      4. Monitoring Battery Usage and Managing Background Apps
      5. Configuring Power and Sleep Settings
    13. Windows Mobility Center and Other Mobility Tools
      1. Managing Battery Life on Laptops, Ultrabooks, and Tablets
      2. Maintaining Productivity Without Electricity/Internet Access
      3. Setting Up a Mobile Broadband Hotspot
      4. Sharing an Internet Connection over a Wired Network
    14. Working with Secondary Displays and Projectors
    15. Synchronizing Files with Other Computers and Devices
      1. Setting Up and Using Work Folders
    16. Working with Multiple Screens and Desktops in Windows 10
      1. Managing Multiple Displays in Windows 10
      2. Using Multimonitor Wallpapers in Windows 10
    17. Creating a Windows To Go Drive Without Windows To Go
    18. Summary
  18. Chapter 9: Personalizing Your Windows Experience
    1. Personalizing Windows 10
      1. Personalizing the Desktop Wallpaper (Background)
      2. Choosing a Custom Color Scheme
      3. Personalizing the Lock Screen and Using a Tablet As a Digital Photo Frame
      4. Using Custom Desktop Themes
      5. Personalizing the Start Menu
      6. Managing Notification “Toasts”
      7. That Syncing Feeling
      8. Personalizing Sounds on the Desktop
      9. Choosing a Screen Saver
      10. Changing the Desktop Icons
      11. Changing the Mouse Settings
      12. Personalizing the Quick Task Buttons
      13. Personalizing the Taskbar
    2. Enabling Recycle Bin Warnings
    3. Changing the Default File Explorer View
    4. Changing Your Region and Language Settings
    5. Personalizing the Power Management Options
      1. Changing the Power Plan
      2. Controlling the Power Button, Power Options, and Password Wakeup
      3. Controlling Sleep and Hibernation
      4. Changing the Advanced Power Settings
    6. Summary
  19. Chapter 10: Making Windows 10 More Accessible and Easier to Use
    1. Accessibility Begins at Sign-In
    2. Making Windows 10 Easier to Use
    3. The Ease of Access Control Panel
    4. Making Text and Windows Easier to Read
    5. Using the Narrator to Read Text Aloud
      1. Controlling the Narrator with Touch
      2. Controlling the Narrator with the Keyboard
    6. Making Your Keyboard and Mouse Easier to Use
    7. Making It Easier to Focus on Tasks
      1. Training Windows 10’s Handwriting Recognition
    8. Using Speech Recognition with Windows 10
      1. Common Speech Recognition Controls
    9. Where to Find Accessibility Help and Support
    10. Summary
  20. Chapter 11: Keeping You, Your Files, and Your Computer Safe
    1. How Secure Is Windows 10 Really?
    2. Maintaining Security When Using Windows 10 with Other Windows Versions
    3. Maintaining Security When Using Windows 10 with Non-Windows Operating Systems
    4. Managing Your Privacy
      1. Managing Advertising and Handwriting
      2. Controlling Location Tracking
      3. Additional Privacy Controls
      4. Speech and Writing
      5. Radios and Other Devices
      6. Feedback and Background Apps
    5. Windows Defender
      1. Configuring and Updating Windows Defender
    6. Finding and Installing Third-Party Anti-Malware Software
      1. Online and Offline Anti-Malware Scanners
    7. Using the Windows Firewall
      1. Configuring and Maintaining the Windows Firewall
      2. Using the Advanced Firewall
    8. User Account Control
    9. Encrypting Files, Folders, and Drives
      1. Encrypting Files and Folders Using the Encrypting File System
      2. Encrypting Drives with BitLocker
      3. Using BitLocker To Go
      4. Encryption Best Practice
    10. Permitting and Blocking File and Folder Access with NTFS Permissions
    11. Using Biometric Devices with Windows 10
    12. Summary
  21. Chapter 12: Maintaining and Backing Up Your Computer and Files
    1. Maintaining a Healthy Computer
      1. What Causes Computers to Become Unstable
      2. How Is Windows 10 Mobile Different?
      3. Using the Windows 10 Security and Maintenance Center
      4. The Windows 10 Task Manager
      5. Using Windows Update
    2. Protecting and Repairing Windows
      1. Creating a Recovery Drive
      2. Backing Up and Recovering Your Windows 10 Installation
      3. Safe Mode and Diagnostic Startup Mode
      4. Using Startup Repair
      5. Restoring Windows 10 to Factory Settings
    3. Backing Up Files and Folders
      1. Where to Store Backups
      2. Remember to Encrypt Business Backups
      3. Backing Up and Syncing Your Files with OneDrive
      4. Keeping Local File Backups with File History
      5. Restoring Backed up and Deleted Files with File History
      6. Safeguarding Your Personal Files
      7. Taking Ownership of Files and Folders
    4. Summary
  22. Chapter 13: Configuring Your PC’s Settings
    1. The Settings App
      1. Front Screen
      2. System
      3. Devices
      4. Network and Internet
      5. Personalization
      6. Accounts
      7. Time & language
      8. Ease of Access
      9. Privacy
      10. Update & security
      11. Extras
    2. Defragment and Optimize Drives
    3. Disk Clean-up
    4. Summary
  23. Chapter 14: Advanced Configuration and Customization
    1. Control Panel
      1. Customizing the Control Panel
      2. Choosing AutoPlay Options
      3. Setting Default Programs
      4. Managing Fonts in Windows 10
    2. Configuring the Windows 10 Advanced System Settings
      1. Managing Virtual Memory Settings
      2. Managing Data Execution Prevention
      3. Configuring and Managing System Protection
    3. Using and Configuring Storage Spaces
    4. Working with Hardware Devices
      1. Device Manager
      2. Manually Connecting to Networks
    5. Windows 10 Administrative Tools
      1. Computer Management Console
      2. Event Viewer
      3. Local Security Policy
      4. Performance Monitor
      5. Resource Monitor
      6. Services
      7. System Configuration
      8. System Information
      9. Task Scheduler
      10. Windows Memory Diagnostic
    6. Further Customizing Windows 10
      1. Disabling the Windows 10 Lock Screen
      2. Automatically Signing in to Windows 10
      3. Useful Windows Registry Hacks
    7. Summary
  24. Chapter 15: Getting Started with Virtualization
    1. What Is Virtualization?
    2. When Should You Use a Virtual Machine?
    3. Can’t Find Hyper-V on Your PC?
    4. Installing an Operating System in Hyper-V
      1. Setting Up Networking with Hyper-V
      2. Saving VM Checkpoints
      3. Importing and Exporting Virtual Machines in Hyper-V
      4. Integrating Additional Services into a VM
      5. Connecting to a Virtual Machine Using Remote Desktop
    5. Using Virtual Hard Disks
      1. Creating a VHD in Windows 10
      2. Booting Windows from a VHD
    6. Summary
  25. Chapter 16: Installing Windows 10 on Your Computer
    1. Back Up Your Files and Documents First!
    2. Windows 10 Edition Differences
      1. Windows 10 Differences by Screen Size
    3. Deciding How to Install Windows 10 on an Existing Computer
      1. Windows 10 Product Keys and Activation
      2. When Is an Upgrade Also a Clean Install?
      3. When You Should Perform a Clean Install
    4. Acquiring a Windows 10 Installer
    5. Preparing to Install Windows 10
      1. Migrating to Windows 10 Using Zinstall WinWin
      2. Upgrading from Windows XP and Windows Vista
      3. Upgrading from Windows 7
      4. Upgrading from Windows 8.1
      5. Rolling Back Windows and Deleting the Windows.old Folder
      6. Moving from 32-bit (x86) to 64-bit (x64) Windows
      7. Windows 10 Minimum Hardware Requirements
      8. Installing Windows 10 on Small Tablets and Low Storage Laptops
    6. Performing a Clean Install of Windows 10
      1. Best Practices for Installing Windows 10
    7. Summary
  26. Appendix A: Windows 10 Touch and Trackpad Gestures
    1. Narrator Touch Gestures
    2. Trackpad Gestures
  27. Appendix B: Windows 10 Shortcut Keys
  28. Appendix C: Advanced Query Syntax for Search
    1. Data Store Location
    2. Common File Kinds
    3. Properties by File Type
    4. Filter by Size
    5. Boolean Operators
    6. Boolean Properties
    7. Dates
    8. Attachments
    9. Contacts
    10. Communications
    11. Calendar
    12. Documents
    13. Presentations
    14. Music
    15. Pictures
    16. Video
  29. Appendix D: Windows 10 Features by Edition
    1. Features Removed from Windows 10
  30. Appendix E: Upgrading Your Computer
    1. Choosing a New Windows 10 Computer
      1. Do You Need a New Computer?
      2. Choosing the Right Desktop PC
      3. Choosing the Right Laptop or Ultrabook
      4. Choosing the Right Tablet
    2. Windows 10 and OEM Installation Discs
    3. Adding More Memory to a PC or Laptop
    4. Changing or Adding a Hard Disk
    5. Changing or Adding a Graphics Card
    6. Changing the Power Supply in Your PC
    7. Safely Working with Your PC, Laptop, or Tablet
    8. Upgrading Windows 10
    9. Summary
  31. Index

Product information

  • Title: Beginning Windows 10: Do More with Your PC
  • Author(s):
  • Release date: October 2015
  • Publisher(s): Apress
  • ISBN: 9781484210857