Getting Started with Windows: Your First Steps

Overview #

Welcome to Windows! Whether you’re new to PCs or switching from a Mac, this guide will walk you through the essentials — from using the Start Menu and File Explorer to installing apps, managing settings, and staying organized.

Windows 10 and Windows 11 share the same foundation, so everything here applies to both.
Let’s fix confusion early and get you comfortable with your new computer — step by step.

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Terms & Definitions #

Term	Definition
Start Menu	The central hub for all your apps, search, and shortcuts — found by clicking the Windows icon (bottom-left or center).
Taskbar	The bar along the bottom showing open apps, pinned shortcuts, and the clock.
File Explorer	The tool for browsing and organizing your files and folders.
Settings App	Where you customize how Windows looks, behaves, and connects to devices.
Desktop	The main workspace behind your windows; can hold shortcuts and files.
Action Center / Notifications	The panel that shows notifications and quick settings like Wi-Fi and brightness.

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Steps #

1. Learn the Layout #

When your desktop loads, look for these key areas:

• Start Button (Windows logo) → opens the Start Menu for apps and search.
• Taskbar (bottom bar) → shows open programs and pinned shortcuts.
• System Tray (bottom-right) → shows Wi-Fi, sound, and battery icons.
• Desktop → where you can save or pin files for quick access.

Tip:
Click the Windows icon or press Windows key (⊞) to open the Start Menu instantly.
You can type right away to search for anything — files, apps, or settings.

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2. Open, Switch, and Close Apps #

To open an app:

• Click the Start Menu, then select your app.
• Or press Windows key, type its name, and hit Enter.

To switch between open apps:

• Press Alt + Tab to toggle.
• Or hover over icons in the taskbar.

To close an app:

• Press Alt + F4 or click the X in the top-right corner.

PowerShell Tip:

Start-Process notepad

Opens Notepad instantly — great for testing scripts or files.

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3. Explore File Explorer (Your File Manager) #

File Explorer is where you manage everything you create or download.

Steps:

1. Click the Folder icon on the taskbar (📁).
2. Use the sidebar for Documents, Downloads, Pictures, and This PC.
3. Drag files to move them or Ctrl + C / Ctrl + V to copy/paste.
4. To create a new folder, press Ctrl + Shift + N.

PowerShell Command (Open Folder):

ii $env:USERPROFILE\Documents

Pro Tip:
Right-click any folder → Pin to Quick Access for instant access from the sidebar.

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4. Customize the Start Menu and Taskbar #

You can make Windows feel personal by adjusting your Start Menu and pinned apps.

Steps:

1. Right-click the Taskbar → choose Taskbar settings.
2. Toggle visibility for Search, Widgets, and Task view.
3. To pin an app:
   • Right-click the app → Pin to Start or Pin to Taskbar.

To rearrange:
Drag icons on the Taskbar or tiles in the Start Menu.

PowerShell Command (Pin an App Shortcut):

New-Item -Path "$env:APPDATA\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\User Pinned\TaskBar\Notepad.lnk"

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5. Adjust System Settings #

Settings is your control center for Windows.

Shortcut: Press Windows + I to open instantly.

Explore these sections first:

• System → Display, notifications, power settings.
• Personalization → Backgrounds, colors, and themes.
• Accounts → Add users or sign in with Microsoft.
• Windows Update → Keep your system secure.

Command to Open Specific Setting:

start ms-settings:display

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6. Connect to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and OneDrive #

Steps:

1. Click the Network icon in the system tray → select a Wi-Fi network → click Connect.
2. Turn on Bluetooth from Settings → Bluetooth & devices.
3. Sign in with your Microsoft account to enable OneDrive (cloud storage).

PowerShell (Check Network Info):

Get-NetIPAddress | Select IPAddress, InterfaceAlias

OneDrive syncs your Desktop and Documents folders to the cloud automatically once signed in.

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7. Install and Remove Apps #

You can install apps from the Microsoft Store or download them from trusted websites.

To install from Microsoft Store:

1. Open Microsoft Store from the Start Menu.
2. Search for an app → click Install.

To uninstall:

• Right-click the app in the Start Menu → Uninstall.

PowerShell Commands:

# Install from Store (requires app name)
Get-AppxPackage | Select Name, PackageFullName

# Remove an installed app
Get-AppxPackage *xbox* | Remove-AppxPackage

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8. Use Windows Search and Shortcuts #

The built-in search is powerful — just press the Windows key and start typing.

Examples:

• calc → opens Calculator
• control → opens Control Panel
• winver → shows your Windows version

Common Shortcuts:

Action	Shortcut
Copy / Paste	Ctrl + C / Ctrl + V
Undo / Redo	Ctrl + Z / Ctrl + Y
Screenshot	Windows + Shift + S
Switch Apps	Alt + Tab
Lock Screen	Windows + L
Minimize All	Windows + D
Search	Windows key

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9. Stay Updated and Protected #

Windows automatically updates to keep you secure.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + I → Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. Restart when prompted.

Enable Windows Security → Virus & threat protection for automatic protection.

Command-Line Equivalent:

Get-MpComputerStatus | Select AMServiceEnabled, AntivirusEnabled, RealTimeProtectionEnabled

Windows Defender is built in — no third-party antivirus needed for most users.

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10. Shut Down, Restart, and Sleep #

When you’re done for the day:

• Windows Menu → Power → Shut down / Restart / Sleep
• Shortcut: Press Alt + F4 (on the desktop).

PowerShell Commands:

Stop-Computer     # Shut down
Restart-Computer  # Restart
rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,SetSuspendState 0,1,0  # Sleep

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Conclusion #

You’ve just learned the foundations of Windows — how to navigate, search, customize, and maintain your computer confidently.
Here’s how your experience changes now that you understand the essentials:

• The Start Menu becomes your launch pad. You’ll spend less time searching for apps and more time using them efficiently.
• File Explorer becomes your workspace. You can now organize, rename, and locate files like a pro.
• System Settings gives you control. From brightness to personalization, your PC now feels like your machine.
• Updates and backups run safely. You’ve already set up habits that prevent most future problems.

Behind the scenes, your Mac or Linux-using friends may manage things differently, but Windows offers power through familiarity — it adapts to whatever you need it to be.

If you remember three key points:

1. Windows key = your control center
2. File Explorer = where everything lives
3. Settings = where everything changes

With those mastered, you’re no longer a beginner — you’re ready to move on to intermediate Windows skills like personalization, storage management, and keyboard efficiency.