Windows 10 is the latest and most powerful operating system from Microsoft yet. However, it is also the most complex to use. The learning curve may seem a little bit steeper if you are past the age of 50, but it is never too old to learn. If you’re looking for online training to get you through various hurdles along the way, the following Windows 10 tutorial will help you perform some of the basic, everyday tasks on this new operating system.
How to upgrade to windows 10
If your computer is already running on a legitimate earlier version of windows, you are eligible for a free upgrade to windows 10. Upgrading might take a bit of your time, but it won’t take much effort or require special expertise. Ideally, the upgrading process should run without a hitch. But like in all systems, there’s always the possibility that something might go wrong. Before you kick-start the process, make sure all your files are backed up.
- Visit the link https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
- Look for the “Download Tool now” button and click it
- Launch the download tool
- Select the “upgrade this PC now” option
- Wait as the software is downloaded. The process may take a while depending on the speed of your internet connection, so be patient.
- Click accept when the license terms screen pops up
- Be patient as the program checks for updates
- Click the install button
- Wait for almost half an hour as your computer copies the files. Your PC will reboot several times during this process.
- Click next on the login screen
- Click Use Express Settings
- Click next when the “New apps for the new Windows” screen appears
- After finalizing your settings, the computer will take you to the windows 10 lock screen. Log in as you always do.
- Wait for a few minutes as the PC does an initial set up after which it will take you back to your windows desktop
How to add a user
If you share your computer with co-workers and family members, it is advisable that each person have their own logins.
- Click on settings from the start menu
- Click accounts
- On the left window pane, click Family & Other Users
- You can either click “Add a family member” or the other option below it, “Add someone else to this PC.”
- You will be prompted to type in the person’s email. Ensure the address is tied to their Microsoft account.
- Click next
- Click finish
How to change your password
Your password is essential especially if you want to protect your files and documents from unauthorized persons. If you suspect that someone else has your password or feel like changing your password for any other reason, there are three different options to achieve this.
To change or set a password
- Click on settings on the start menu
- Select accounts
- Click sign in options
- Under change your account password, click change
- Enter your old password in the box and click sign in
- Microsoft will send a code to the phone number linked to your account
- You will be prompted to verify your phone number by filling the last four digits
- Enter the code you will receive on your phone
- Type in your old password and enter a new one
Change your password to a pin
- Follow step one to three above
- Under the sign in options click on Add under PIN
- Enter your current Microsoft password and click sign in
- Type in a new pin in the first box and reenter it in the box below it
Use a picture password
- Follow step one to three under “to change or set a password.”
- Under the sign in options click on Add under picture password
- Enter your current Microsoft password and click OK
- Click on choose picture and choose a photo from your files
- Click on use this picture
- Drag the picture to your desired position
- Draw three gestures on the picture using any combination of taps, straight lines and circles
- Note the size, position and direction of these gestures plus the order in which you used them
How to create a restore point
Sometimes you can install defective drivers or a bad piece of software causing your computer to act strangely. When this happens, you can turn back the clock to a time when all the programs, drivers and settings worked perfectly. But this is only possible if you had created a restore point before. To protect yourself, follow the instructions below to create a restore point now.
- Go to the windows search box and search for “restore point.”
- From the results, click “create a restore point.”
- Select drive C (system drive) and click configure
- Under restore settings, select ‘Turn on system protection.”
- Move the slider to set the maximum disk space usage under disk space usage. Set it to 2 or 3%
- Click create
- You will be prompted to name the restore point
- Click close
How to change your default browser
The moment you upgraded to Windows 10, Microsoft Edge became your default browser. Although it might be fast, it may not possess the level of extensibility that Firefox or Chrome offer. If you prefer Chrome or Firefox, you can follow the simple steps below.
- Go to settings
- Click system
- On the left panel, click on default apps
- Under the “Web browser” header, click on the Microsoft Edge icon
- Select your preferred browser
Learning basic computer and Internet skills will not only give you access to information but also help you keep in touch with family members. Most people at the age of 50 may fear the computer, but learning computer skills is not as hard as some people imagine. If you would like a Windows 10 tutorial or to learn any other basic computer skills, you can get an online training course.
