Windows 10 Operating System
The Windows 10 client is the preferred operation system for faculty and staff computers. Performance is improved, you will experience enhanced searching and see refreshed icons and graphics. If you have not upgraded to Windows 10, submit an ITS Request and your C-Tech will coordinate the process. Going forward, all new faculty and staff computers that are part of the refresh/currency program will feature Windows 10 (unless there is a conflict with an application you are required to run).
Windows 10 is familiar and easy to use. The Start Menu features an expanded form, consisting of pinned apps and favorites allowing for easier access and use. It starts up and resumes fast, with more built-in security to help keep the computer safe. Combining the strengths of Windows 8 with Windows 7, Windows 10 is designed to work with software and hardware already accessible on the computer.
In addition to the new Start Menu, Windows 10 also features the new digital assistant Cortana and the ability to run new Universal Windows Apps.
Microsoft's support for Windows 7 ended on Jan. 14, 2020. ITS will offer limited support for the Windows 7 operating system for a short period of time.
Learn the lingo for your new computer
Taskbar: The Windows 10 taskbar across the bottom of your screen now includes a search function. From left to right: Start button, Cortana/search, plus other familiar icons for frequently used software.
Start Button: The white Windows flag symbol Start icon is your Start button. This will launch the Start menu.
Search: The fastest way to find your apps, files, and programs is to use search. Simply type the name and you will see it appear in the Start menu where you can click the tile to open it. This is also a quick way to find information on the web.
Start menu: The Windows 10 Start menu shows a list of most used applications and folders on the left side and tiles that are important to you on the right. Tiles can be installed applications or live tiles that stream information from the web. The Start menu can be customized to suit your needs.
All apps: You can click on "All apps" from the Start menu to see all the installed applications. This replaces the "All Programs" that was part of Windows 7. The view is a list with icons and alphabetical separations. If you use an app often, right click on the application and select "Pin to Taskbar" or "Pin to Start" for quick access.
Frequently Asked Questions
More tutorials and features available on Microsoft's Windows 10 How-to webpage.
How to restart or shut down?
- Click the Start button Start icon
- Select the Power button in the lower left
How to Lock or Sign out?
Use Lock or Sign Out if you are leaving your computer, but don't wish for it to shut down completely.
- Click the Start button Start icon
- Click on your account name at the Top
- Select lock or sign out from the options
How to add a tile to the Start menu?
- Click the Start button Start icon
- Click All apps
- Look for the app you would like to add to the Start menu
- Right-click on the app
- Select one of the four options:
- Open
- Uninstall
- Pin to start
- Pin to taskbar
You can also click and drag any app on the left under "Most used" into the right-side of your Start menu for quick access.
How to remove a tile from Start menu?
- Click the Start button Start icon
- Right-click a specific tile you'd like to remove
- Select one of the choices:
- Unpin from Start
- Pin to taskbar
- Resize
- Turn Live tile on (only for Live tiles)
- Turn Live tile off (only for Live tiles)
How to resize a tile on Start menu?
- Click the Start button Start icon
- Right-click on the app you'd like to resize
- Hover over Resize >
- Select between Small, Medium, Wide and Large
How to customize the Start menu?
To make Start full screen and see everything in one view:
- Select the Start Start icon button
- Select Settings
- Select Personalization
- Select Start
- Then turn on Use Start full screen.
- Select the Menu in the top left corner of the screen to get to your account picture, the All apps and Most used list, and the power button.
To resize the start menu:
- If you just want resize the Start menu a bit to make it taller or wider, select the top or side border and drag it.