Windows 10 – Amjad Izhar Blog

This extensive document serves as a comprehensive guide to Windows 10, focusing on its various features and functionalities. It covers everything from basic usage and personalization like navigating the Start Menu, Action Center, and File Explorer, to more advanced topics such as security, maintaining and backing up your computer, and installation methods. The text also details how to maximize productivity by managing applications, using built-in tools like Cortana and Office Mobile, and optimizing battery life, while also exploring entertainment aspects like gaming and media consumption, alongside accessibility options for users with different needs.

Podcast

Listen or Download Podcast – Beginning Windows 10: Productivity and Security

Overview of Windows 10 Features

Drawing on the provided sources and our conversation history, here is a discussion of Windows 10 features:

Windows 10 is designed to be a connected operating system (OS) that simplifies and synchronizes life across various devices, including smartphones, Xbox consoles, Raspberry Pi, HoloLens, car systems, and ATMs. Microsoft announced it as the last “major” version of Windows, meaning the core interface is not expected to change dramatically over time. Instead of releasing new major versions every few years, new features and improvements will be delivered via Windows Update, alongside security and stability fixes.

Windows 10 combines aspects from previous versions, bringing back the Start menu welcomed by many users who disliked the Start screen in Windows 8. It also retains successful elements from Windows 8.1, such as Live Tiles and touch features. The user experience is designed to be uniform across different device types, though there are understandable differences based on screen size and usage, such as apps running full screen on small tablets. The book “Beginning Windows 10” guides users through the OS, revealing capabilities and customization options to maximize productivity, enjoyment, and experience.

Here are some of the key features of Windows 10 discussed in the sources:

Key New Features & Enhancements:

Action Center: A central hub for notifications and quick access buttons (like Settings, Airplane mode, Wi-Fi) that pops out from the right side of the desktop or the top of a smartphone screen. Notifications are aggregated, interactive, and sync across devices.
Cortana: A personal assistant integrated into Windows for searching files and the Internet, setting reminders (by time, location, or person), tracking parcels/flights, identifying music, setting alarms, and managing calendar events. She can be activated by typing in the search box or via voice (“Hey Cortana”) and learns from user interaction. Reminders sync across all your Windows 10 devices. Cortana’s Smart File Search can search across local disks, OneDrive, OneDrive for Business, SharePoint, and other file stores.
Continuum: Automatically changes the OS mode (desktop or tablet) based on whether a keyboard and mouse are attached. In Tablet mode, the Start menu and apps can run full screen, and interface elements become larger. On compatible smartphones, it allows running a full Windows 10-like desktop experience when connected to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
Microsoft Edge: The next-generation web browser designed for faster page loading and better compatibility. It includes features for annotating and sharing web pages, a reading mode, and a Hub for favorites, reading lists, history, and downloads.
Multiple Desktop Support: Allows users to create multiple virtual desktop workspaces to organize different running apps and layouts. This helps rationalize open windows and improve focus.
Four-Way Snap: Improves on the Windows 7 Snap feature by allowing up to four windows to be snapped into the corners of the screen. It also suggests apps to fill available space and allows resizing of snapped windows.
Xbox Integration: Includes an Xbox app that manages Xbox Live accounts, allows recording and sharing gameplay with Game DVR, and most notably, permits streaming games directly from an Xbox One console to a Windows 10 PC or tablet to play using an Xbox controller.
Peer-to-Peer Updates: Windows 10 can distribute and obtain Windows updates via a local peer-to-peer network, saving Internet bandwidth, especially in workplaces.
Windows Hello: A biometric sign-in feature that allows unlocking the PC using facial recognition (with a compatible 3D camera) or fingerprint scanning (with a compatible reader).

Interface & User Experience:

Start Menu: Returned to the desktop in Windows 10, combining a traditional app list with Live Tiles. It provides access to user accounts, most used apps, quick links (File Explorer, Settings), power controls (Shut down, Restart, Sleep), and the All Apps list. It can be resized and customized.
Taskbar: Located at the bottom of the screen, it allows pinning programs, viewing taskbar thumbnails, and using Jump Lists for quick access to recent files or program tasks. The system tray on the right shows icons for battery, network, volume, Action Center, and more. It can be customized to hide/show features like the search box or Task View icon.
File Explorer: Uses the Ribbon interface and provides features for organizing, searching, copying, and moving files and folders. It includes a Quick Access Toolbar, Navigation Pane, and Details pane.
Touch Support: Windows 10 fully embraces touch with intuitive gestures like tap, double-tap, drag, swipe from edges (for Action Center and Task View), pinch-zoom, and rotate. An onscreen keyboard is available with different layouts, including standard, split, written input, and full PC layouts.
Task View: Accessible from the taskbar icon or Win+Tab shortcut, it displays large thumbnail images of all running apps, making it easy to switch between or close them.

Productivity, Organization, and Sharing:

OneDrive/OneDrive for Business Integration: Baked into Windows 10 for cloud backup and sync of files, folders, libraries, and settings across devices. Files stored only online can be accessed and opened as needed. Files can be shared directly from OneDrive.
Libraries: Aggregated storage locations for specific content types (Documents, Music, Pictures, etc.) that combine files from multiple folders. Hidden by default but can be shown in File Explorer.
Sharing: Enables sharing content directly between compatible Store apps. Supports sharing files, folders (with specific permissions), optical drives, and streaming media across networks. HomeGroup simplifies sharing on home networks.
Microsoft Office Mobile: Free preinstalled apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote) on Windows 10 devices with screens less than 10 inches, offering touch-optimized productivity with many features. Office 365 subscription is required for creation on larger screens.
Battery Life Management: Includes Battery Saver mode to restrict background tasks when the battery is low, tools to monitor battery usage by apps, and configurable power and sleep settings. Windows Mobility Center provides quick access to mobility-related settings like brightness and battery status.

Security and Privacy:

Security: Windows 10 is considered highly secure, building on features like User Account Control (UAC) from Windows Vista/8. It includes built-in anti-malware with Windows Defender. The Windows Firewall is powerful and configurable to control network traffic. UAC prompts protect against unauthorized changes.
Encryption: Offers Encrypting File System (EFS) for individual files/folders, and BitLocker drive encryption for full disks (available in Pro, Enterprise, and on Mobile/small tablets) which is enhanced by a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip. BitLocker To Go encrypts removable drives.
Biometric Devices: Supports Windows Hello for secure sign-in using face or fingerprint.
Privacy Controls: Extensive options in the Settings app to manage location tracking, advertising ID, access permissions for camera, microphone, account info, contacts, calendar, messaging, radios (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth), background apps, and feedback/diagnostics data shared with Microsoft.

Maintenance, Recovery, and Configuration:

Windows Update: Automatically downloads and installs security/stability updates (Home edition). Pro/Enterprise editions have options to defer feature updates. Apps from the Windows Store are also automatically updated.
Reset: An easy-to-use feature that reinstalls Windows 10, replacing corrupt system files, while keeping personal files, settings, and Store apps intact. It can also be used to return the PC to a factory state (removing all files/accounts).
System Image Backup: Allows creating a complete snapshot of the Windows installation, installed software, settings, and user accounts (accessible from the Control Panel). Can be restored from a recovery drive or installation media.
File History: Provides local file backup and versioning to restore files if they are accidentally changed or deleted. Configurable via Settings and Control Panel.
Settings App: The primary location for day-to-day configuration and management options, consolidating many features previously found only in the Control Panel. Organized into logical categories (System, Devices, Accounts, Personalization, etc.).
Control Panel & Administrative Tools: Still exist for advanced configuration, troubleshooting, and system management. Includes tools like Device Manager, Disk Management, Event Viewer, Task Scheduler, and utilities for managing users, fonts, power options, and more.
Installation: Supports upgrading from Windows 7 or 8.1 (keeping files/settings/apps) or performing a clean install. Product keys are often tied to hardware for automatic activation on reinstall. Installation media can be created (USB/ISO). Cannot upgrade directly from Windows XP or Vista; a clean install is required. Includes partitioning tools during setup.

Accessibility Features:

Windows 10 includes extensive accessibility tools in the Ease of Access settings, accessible from the sign-in screen and the Settings app. Features include:
Narrator: Reads screen elements aloud for visually impaired users, with keyboard and touch gesture support.
Magnifier: Zooms in on the screen.
High Contrast: Provides color schemes to improve visibility for visually impaired or colorblind users.
Keyboard & Mouse Options: Sticky Keys, Filter Keys, Mouse Keys, adjustable pointer size/color/speed, ClickLock, and Snap To assist users with motor skills difficulties.
Speech Recognition: Allows controlling the PC with voice commands.
Visual Alternatives for Sounds: Provides visual cues for system alerts.
Configurable text size and scaling for easier reading.

Features Varying by Edition/Hardware:

Windows To Go and Hyper-V are available only in Pro and Enterprise editions (Hyper-V also requires compatible 64-bit hardware).
Workplace Join and Work Folders are Pro and Enterprise features.
Internet Explorer is included in Pro and Enterprise but not Home.
BitLocker is in Pro, Enterprise, and Mobile, and on tablets with screens larger than 10 inches that have a TPM chip. Device Encryption is on Mobile and small tablets (< 8 inches).
Group Policy is a Pro and Enterprise feature.
Windows Update deferral is available in Pro and Enterprise. LTSB (Long Term Servicing Branch) is Enterprise only.
Specific hardware like a TPM chip is required for full BitLocker encryption, compatible camera/scanner for Windows Hello, and certain features like Miracast and Wi-Fi Direct Printing require specific hardware.
Office Mobile apps are preinstalled on devices with screens smaller than 10 inches.
There is no desktop on tablets with screens smaller than 8 inches.
Many preinstalled apps and Settings options differ between Desktop (Home, Pro, Enterprise) and Mobile editions.

Features Removed from Windows 10:

Desktop Gadgets (already removed in Windows 8.1).
DVD Playback (now available via a Store app).
Solitaire, Minesweeper, Hearts (now available as Store apps).
The Start Screen and Charms interface from Windows 8/8.1.
Windows Media Center.
XP Mode (already removed in Windows 8.1).

Windows 10 Security and Privacy Features

Windows 10 incorporates significant security and privacy features, building upon previous versions of the operating system. It is designed to be a highly secure platform, though comprehensive security requires a holistic approach, including user actions and third-party software.

Core Security Features

Windows 10 includes built-in tools to help protect your computer:

Windows Defender This is Windows 10’s integrated anti-malware program. It provides real-time protection, constantly scanning for malicious software. It uses cloud-based protection and sample submission to assist Microsoft and the user community by sending information about discovered threats. While some sources suggest third-party anti-malware may be more effective, Windows Defender is described as quite flexible for a lightweight package. It can be managed through the Settings app under Update & Security or the Control Panel applet for more advanced scans (quick, full, custom) and viewing update/history status. You should only turn off Windows Defender if you are using alternative anti-malware software.
Windows Firewall The Windows Firewall is a powerful component designed to control network traffic. It is configured primarily through the Control Panel, not the Settings app. The basic view shows the firewall status for your current network connection. You can allow or block specific applications, choosing whether they are permitted on Private (home/work) or Public (cafes/libraries) networks. You can manually add desktop programs, but not Store apps, to the allowed list. You can also turn the firewall on or off, although this is not recommended unless you are using a different firewall. The advanced firewall settings allow detailed configuration of inbound and outbound rules, connection security rules, and monitoring.
User Account Control (UAC) Introduced in Windows Vista and carried forward, UAC is a primary defense against unauthorized software installations and system changes. When an action requires administrator privileges, UAC switches the desktop to a secure mode and displays a prompt, preventing malware from automatically clicking through. The recommended setting is the default: “Notify me only when apps try to make changes to my computer”. This setting prompts you only when changes affecting other users are attempted. It is important to click “No” if a UAC prompt appears unexpectedly. UAC settings are in the Control Panel, not the Settings app.

Encryption Technologies

Windows 10 offers several methods to encrypt your data:

Encrypting File System (EFS) This allows for the encryption of individual files and folders. While it uses strong encryption, it has limitations. Encrypted file names remain visible, and the author advises against its use due to a perceived flaw and potential issues with backups on non-NTFS drives. EFS requires careful management of encryption keys, which should be backed up and stored securely away from the computer.
BitLocker Drive Encryption Available in Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise editions, BitLocker provides full-disk encryption for entire hard drives. For full hard drive encryption, it typically requires a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip on the motherboard. BitLocker is mandated on Windows 10 laptops and tablets with screens larger than 10 inches. It encrypts the drive in the background and pauses on shutdown. Files copied from a BitLocker-encrypted drive are automatically decrypted. BitLocker keys must be backed up (to a file, USB drive, or OneDrive) and kept in a safe location separate from the PC. It is recommended to decrypt drives before upgrading Windows, moving a disk, or sending a PC for repair. BitLocker does not work with dual-boot systems.
BitLocker To Go This feature, available in Pro and Enterprise editions (but not Home or Mobile), provides full-disk encryption for USB flash drives and external hard disks. It does not require a TPM chip and is compatible with various file formats. Access requires a password.
Device Encryption Found on Windows 10 Mobile and small tablets with screens 8 inches or less, this feature uses BitLocker technology to encrypt the entire device. It is activated with a simple on/off switch in Settings > System > Device Encryption and is considered just as secure as BitLocker.

Encryption is strongly recommended for sensitive data, especially on portable devices which are prone to theft or loss. For businesses, encrypted backups stored offsite and encrypted cloud solutions are endorsed by data protection regulators.

Sign-in Security

Windows 10 offers various ways to secure your device access:

Password The standard sign-in method. Strong, secure passwords of at least 12 characters, using a mix of uppercase/lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols are recommended. A password reset disk can be created for local accounts, and Microsoft Account passwords can be reset online. It is always advisable to have a password set.
PIN A numeric code for quicker sign-in. While convenient, it is less secure than a strong password.
Picture password Allows signing in with three gestures on a chosen photograph. Easy-to-guess gestures should be avoided.
Windows Hello A biometric sign-in feature that uses facial recognition (with a compatible 3D camera) or fingerprint scanning (with a compatible reader). It is configured in Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and is considered a very secure and convenient sign-in method.
Ease of Access Options on the sign-in screen allow enabling tools like Narrator, Magnifier, and Sticky Keys before logging in.

Privacy Management

Extensive privacy controls are available primarily in the Settings app under the Privacy section:

General Manage advertising ID, control the SmartScreen filter, and manage sharing handwriting recognition data with Microsoft.
Location Control location tracking (via GPS, cellular, or IP address), clear location history, and manage which Store apps have access to your location.
Camera and Microphone Control which Store apps have access to these devices.
Speech, inking & typing Control data sharing with Microsoft regarding your speech and handwriting to improve recognition (“Stop getting to know me”).
Account info, Contacts, Calendar, Messaging Control which Store apps have access to your account details, contacts, calendar, and text messages (on compatible devices).
Radios and Other devices Control which apps have access to wireless features like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Manage Trusted Devices that your PC has paired with.
Background apps (Mobile only) Choose which apps can run in the background, which can help extend battery life.
Feedback & diagnostics Configure how diagnostic data is sent to Microsoft, with explicit permission required for sending copies of files after a crash.
Notifications Control which apps display pop-up notifications (“toasts”), and manage notifications on the lock screen for privacy. Quiet Hours feature can silence notifications.

Network and Online Safety

Connecting to networks and the Internet requires caution:

Network Types Windows 10 distinguishes between Home, Work, and Public networks. When connecting to a network for the first time, choose the appropriate type. For public places, always select “Public” network and tell Windows not to find other PCs to maximize security.
Router Security On home networks, ensure your router has unique, strong passwords for both Wi-Fi access and the administration interface, different from default settings.
Wi-Fi Security Use strong encryption like WPA2 with a long, complex password for your Wi-Fi network. Avoid WEP and WPA as they are less secure.
Sharing Be mindful of sharing files and folders. HomeGroup simplifies sharing on home networks but is blocked on work/public networks. Advanced sharing settings allow granular control over user permissions. Sharing content directly between compatible apps is easy but carries the risk of accidental public sharing if website privacy settings are not strict.
Browser Safety Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer include features to help identify safe websites (padlock icon, green address bar) and warn against potentially unsafe ones (amber/red address bar). Features like SmartScreen Filter, InPrivate browsing, and options to manage history, cookies, and tracking help enhance online privacy and safety.
Internet Threats Be aware of malware, phishing emails, and compromised websites. Never provide sensitive information in response to unsolicited emails, even if they appear to be from reputable companies.
Compatibility Using Windows 10 on a network with older, unsupported Windows versions like XP or Vista (support ended April 2014 and April 2017 respectively) is risky. XP machines should be completely sandboxed or denied network/Internet access. Be cautious sharing files with PCs running older or less secure operating systems.

Windows 10 File Management and Security

Windows 10 offers a variety of features and tools for managing your files and data, building on traditional methods while introducing new capabilities for organization, searching, and security. With users collecting ever-growing quantities of digital content, including photographs, music, videos, and documents, effective file management is crucial for finding and organizing information.

Historically, organizing files primarily relied on folder structures. While user folders like Documents, Music, Pictures, and Videos still exist, Windows 10 provides more powerful ways to help you organize and access your files.

Organizing Your Files

Windows 10 provides several tools to help you structure and categorize your data:

Folders: The traditional method of organizing files into a hierarchical structure is still supported. You can navigate and manage folders using File Explorer.
Libraries: Although hidden by default in Windows 10, libraries still exist and can be very useful for aggregating files from multiple locations into a single view. You can show libraries in the Navigation pane of File Explorer. You can create your own custom libraries and add folders to them. Libraries can display content in ways that normal folders cannot, such as arranging files by tags.
Tags and Ratings: Tags are descriptive labels you can add to files to help categorize and find them later. Ratings use a one-to-five star system to indicate a file’s significance. Tags and ratings can be viewed and edited in the Details pane of File Explorer. Adding tags to documents as you create them is supported in Microsoft Office 2007 and later. Windows Photo Gallery can simplify adding tags and ratings to photos.

Searching for Files

Finding specific files among large collections is made easier with Windows 10’s search capabilities:

Cortana: The personal digital assistant can help you find files and content on your PC and online. You can type or speak search queries. Cortana can search across your hard disks, including OneDrive, OneDrive for Business, SharePoint, and company/college file stores. You can refine searches by relevance or recency. Cortana takes your privacy seriously, and you can manage permission for accessing personal information.
File Explorer Search: File Explorer has its own search box in the top right of the window. This search is often contextualized, prioritizing the type of content currently displayed in the window. The Search tab on the ribbon appears automatically when you type in the search box and offers various options to narrow your search. You can also view and clear recent searches here.
Advanced Query Syntax (AQS): For more precise searches in File Explorer, you can use AQS options. This allows filtering by properties such as Kind, Datemodified, Type, Name, Size, and includes Boolean operators like NOT, –, and OR.
File Index: Windows 10 uses an index database to speed up searches on internal storage. By default, it indexes content in your user folders and default libraries. You can add or remove folders and entire hard disks from the index. Advanced indexing options allow indexing of encrypted files. Searches of network locations are not indexed by default and may take longer.
Saved Searches: In File Explorer, you can perform a search and save it. These saved searches can effectively act like dynamic libraries that automatically update when opened. You can save searches and share them with others.

Managing Files and Folders in File Explorer

File Explorer is the primary tool for interacting with your files:

Interface: File Explorer features a ribbon interface with tabs like File, Home, Share, and View. It also has a Quick Access Toolbar, an address bar, and a Navigation pane. The status bar at the bottom provides basic information about the current folder.
Views: You can customize how files and folders are displayed using options on the View tab, including thumbnail sizes, list view, details view, tiles, and content view. You can also sort and group items by various criteria. Options exist to show or hide file extensions and hidden files.
File Operations: Common operations like Cut, Copy, Paste, Move, and Delete are available on the Home tab. The copy/move file dialog in Windows 10 is improved, showing all operations in one window and allowing pausing. The Replace or Skip Files dialog is also simpler to use. When deleting files, they are sent to the Recycle Bin. You can optionally re-enable warnings before deleting files.
Properties: You can view and edit file properties, such as tags and ratings, directly in the Details pane.
Context Menu Customization: You can add custom options to the right-click context menu in File Explorer, such as “Copy to folder” and “Move to folder” by editing the Windows Registry. You can also add a “Defragment” option for hard disks and “Command Prompt” to open a command window in the current folder location.
Drive Letter Display: You can control whether drive letters (C:, D:, etc.) are shown in File Explorer and even set them to appear before the volume name by modifying the Registry.
Adding Network Locations: You can add direct links to FTP sites in File Explorer to manage files as if they were on your local PC.

Storage Management

Managing your computer’s storage is essential for performance and organization:

Hard Disks and Partitions: Windows 10 supports using multiple hard disks and dividing them into partitions. The Disk Management console, accessible via the Win+X menu, allows you to partition drives, shrink/extend partitions, create/delete volumes, and assign/change drive letters. Keeping your files on a separate partition from your Windows installation is recommended for data security.
Storage Spaces: Available in Pro and Enterprise editions, Storage Spaces allows you to pool multiple hard disks into a single large storage location. It can provide built-in resiliency with mirroring or striping of data to prevent data loss. You can add disks of any size to Storage Spaces.
Disk Maintenance: Windows includes tools like Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter to optimize storage. Disk Cleanup removes temporary and unwanted files, including previous Windows installations after an upgrade. Disk Defragmenter organizes files on mechanical hard disks for quicker access. Automatic maintenance includes these tasks.

Backup and Recovery

Protecting your files from loss or corruption is critical:

File History: This built-in tool keeps backup copies of files as you make changes, allowing you to restore previous versions or recover accidentally deleted files. It can be configured via Settings or Control Panel. You can choose which folders to back up and how often copies are saved. Backups can be stored on local internal disks, USB drives, or network locations. File History can be used to restore files after reinstalling Windows or moving to a new PC.
OneDrive: Microsoft’s cloud storage service is integrated into Windows 10. You can synchronize any files and folders on your PC with OneDrive. Files stored in OneDrive are accessible from any device when signed in with the same Microsoft account. You can choose which files and folders to sync locally, which is useful for devices with limited storage. OneDrive for Business offers larger storage capacity and is integrated for work accounts.
System Image Backup: This feature allows you to create a complete snapshot of your Windows 10 installation, including all software and settings. This image can be used to restore your PC to a previous working state if something goes wrong. System images can be stored on another hard disk, DVDs, or a network location.
Sync Center: Manages synchronization partnerships, particularly for keeping offline copies of files from a Windows Server.
Work Folders: A feature in Pro and Enterprise editions, Work Folders allows users to synchronize work files from a compatible Windows Server, storing them in a safe and encrypted container on their PC.

File and Folder Security

Windows 10 provides several methods to protect your files:

NTFS Permissions: You can control access to individual files and folders by setting permissions for specific users or groups. Permissions include Full Control, Modify, Read & Execute, List Folder Contents, Read, and Write. Advanced settings allow controlling inheritance of permissions and viewing effective access for a user. You can also manually take ownership of files or folders.
Encrypting File System (EFS): This allows encrypting individual files and folders using strong encryption. EFS is tied to your Windows user account on a specific PC and requires careful management and backup of encryption keys. Encrypted file names remain visible, and EFS requires NTFS-formatted drives, which can cause issues with backups on other file systems.
BitLocker Drive Encryption: Available in Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise editions, BitLocker provides full-disk encryption for entire hard drives. For internal drives, it typically requires a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip. BitLocker keys must be backed up securely. Files copied from a BitLocker-encrypted drive are automatically decrypted. It’s recommended to decrypt drives before upgrading Windows, moving a disk, or sending a PC for repair.
BitLocker To Go: A feature of Pro and Enterprise editions, this provides full-disk encryption for external drives like USB flash drives. Access requires a password.
Device Encryption: Available on Windows 10 Mobile and small tablets (8 inches or less). It uses BitLocker technology to encrypt the entire device and is activated with a simple switch in Settings.

Windows 10 provides extensive capabilities for file management, from organizing and searching to securing and backing up your data, accommodating various user needs and technical abilities.

Windows 10 Settings App Explained

Drawing on the sources, we can discuss the System Settings within Windows 10, primarily focusing on the Settings app, which serves as the central location for configuring your PC’s settings.

The Settings App: A Central Hub for Configuration

The Settings app, refined in Windows 10 from its Windows 8 predecessor, is designed to contain most of the configuration and management options needed for day-to-day use. It presents these options in an easy-to-use, easy-to-navigate app format, suitable for casual or nontechnical users. While the traditional Control Panel still exists for more advanced configuration, the Settings app is intended as the primary interface for common settings adjustments.

The app features an easy-to-read front screen with icons for different settings categories and includes a search box to help you find specific settings quickly. You can navigate back to previous pages within the app using a back button. The layout and category icons are generally consistent between the desktop version of Windows 10 and Windows 10 Mobile smartphones, although specific settings may vary by device type.

The Settings app is organized into several key categories, each containing various configuration options:

System: This category contains settings related directly to the Windows operating system itself. It includes options for managing notifications, apps, and power settings. You can also find information about your PC and its installed copy of Windows 10 here. Specific settings include:

Display (screen resolution, scaling text and apps).
Notifications and actions (quick action buttons, system tray icons, app notifications).
Phone (Mobile-only, e.g., auto-SMS replies).
Messaging (Mobile-only, e.g., text message backup).
Optional features (features available for your Windows version).
Multi-tasking (PC-only, e.g., Windows snap features).
Battery Saver (Mobile/Laptops/Tablets, restrict background activity).
Power & sleep (Desktops/Laptops/Tablets, screen timeout, sleep settings).
Storage (All devices, view drive fullness, change default save locations for new content). Note that changing save locations here does not move existing files or apps; you need to do that manually or uninstall/reinstall.
Device Encryption (Smartphones/small tablets only, full device encryption).
Default apps (Choose apps for common file types and protocols like email, photos, web browsing).
About (PC information, rename PC, join domain/Azure AD, links to admin tools).

Devices: This section manages hardware devices connected to your PC. It offers a simpler way to manage devices compared to the full Device Manager. Settings include:

Printers and Scanners (Install/manage local and network printers/scanners). You can also control device updates over metered connections.
Connected Devices (Lists non-printer/scanner devices like Bluetooth or USB, allows removing them). Includes control for driver updates over metered connections.
Bluetooth (Manage Bluetooth connections, discovery, alerts). Additional options are available via a link to a separate applet.
NFC (If available, on/off switch, app permissions, tap-to-pay options).
Mouse/Mouse & touchpad (Primary button, scroll speed, additional accessibility options).
Typing (PC-only, autocorrect and spell-checker on/off).
AutoPlay (PC-only, choose what happens when media or devices are inserted). This can also be controlled more finely in the Control Panel.

Network and Internet: This category handles network connections and settings:

Cellular & SIM (Mobile/SIM devices, manage data connections).
WiFi (All devices, list available networks, connect, Wi-Fi Sense for password sharing/auto-connecting, manage known networks).
Flight mode (Mobile/Laptops/Tablets, turn off all radio activity).
Data usage (All devices, monitor data usage by connection type and app).
VPN (Pro/Enterprise/Mobile, set up VPN connections).
Dial-up (Desktops/Laptops, modem settings, define connections).
Ethernet (Desktops/Laptops, view adapter properties).
Proxy (All devices, set proxy settings).

Personalization: As discussed in Chapter 9, this section allows you to customize the appearance of Windows 10, including the Start menu, desktop background, color scheme, sounds (Mobile), themes, lock screen, and account picture.
Accounts: This category manages user accounts and related settings:

Your account (Switch between Microsoft and Local accounts, change avatar, view linked accounts).
Sign-in options (Change password, set up PIN, Picture Password, Windows Hello).
Work access (Connect to workplace/school networks for BYOD).
Sync your settings (Choose which settings sync across your Windows 10 devices using a Microsoft account, e.g., theme, passwords, language).
Family & other users (PC/Laptops/Tablets, create/manage additional users, access Family Safety features).
Kid’s Corner (Mobile, custom Start screen for children).
Apps Corner (Mobile, custom Start screen for adults/demos), corresponding to Assigned Access on PCs.

Time & language: This section configures settings related to time, date, region, language, and speech:

Date & time (Set time/date, number formats, enable auto-set). Additional format settings available via a link to the Control Panel.
Language/Region/Region & language (Choose region, add language packs, keyboard layouts). Covered in Chapter 9.
Keyboard (Mobile, add language packs).
Speech (Text-to-speech and speech recognition settings, used by Cortana). Includes options for recognizing non-native accents.

Ease of Access: This category provides features to make Windows 10 easier to use, beneficial for people with disabilities or anyone seeking customization. Settings include:

Narrator (Text-to-speech).
Magnifier (Magnifies the screen).
High Contrast (Adjusts colors for better visibility).
Closed captioning (Video subtitles).
Keyboard (PC-only, sticky keys, onscreen keyboard).
Mouse (PC-only, pointer size/color, keyboard mouse control).
More options/Other options (Turn off desktop background/animations, control notification duration). Detailed accessibility features are in Chapter 10.

Privacy: This section allows you to manage personal information and data sharing:

General (PC-only, advertising ID, SmartScreen).
Location (Control tracking for PC/apps).
Camera and Microphone (Control app access to camera/mic).
Motion (Mobile/some tablets, control app access to sensors).
Speech, inking, and typing (Control data shared with Microsoft for recognition improvement, option to stop tracking).
Account info, Contacts, Calendar, Messaging (Control app access to this data).
Radios (Control app access to Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, denying access can save battery).
Background apps (Mobile, choose which apps run in background to save battery).
Accessory apps (Control notifications/data for accessory apps).
Other devices (Includes Trusted Devices list of paired devices, allows disabling trust).
Feedback & diagnostics (Decide if/how diagnostic data is sent to Microsoft, explicit permission for file requests). Privacy features are detailed in Chapter 11.

Update & security: This category manages Windows updates, security, and recovery:

Windows Update (Automatically installs updates in Home edition; Pro/Enterprise offer options to defer upgrades). Updates for Store apps come through the Store, not Windows Update.
Windows Defender (Built-in anti-malware controls).
Backup.
Recovery (Options to Reset your PC, access Advanced start-up). Reset allows reinstalling Windows while keeping or removing files and accounts.
Activation (Check status, change product key, link to Store for upgrades).
For developers (Tools for side-loading apps).

Extras: This category includes optional features and maintenance tools:

Defragment and Optimize Drives (Manages defragmentation schedule for hard disks). You can exclude SSDs.
Disk Clean-up (Removes temporary and unwanted files, including previous Windows installations after an upgrade). Useful for freeing up space, especially on devices with limited storage.

Overall, the Settings app in Windows 10 provides a comprehensive, user-friendly interface for managing most system settings, covering everything from basic personalization and device management to more involved privacy and update configurations.

Windows 10 Hardware and Performance Management

Based on the sources and our conversation, we can discuss Hardware and Performance in Windows 10, focusing on management tools, performance monitoring, system maintenance, and hardware considerations.

Managing Hardware

Windows 10 provides several ways to manage hardware devices connected to your PC, ranging from a simplified interface in the Settings app to more advanced tools.

The Devices section of the Settings app allows you to install and manage local and network printers and scanners, listing both USB and network-connected devices. You can also manage other connected devices like Bluetooth or USB peripherals here. Settings for Bluetooth, NFC (if available), mouse/touchpad, typing features (autocorrect/spell-checker), and AutoPlay for various media and devices are also found in the Devices settings. You can control if device updates are downloaded over metered connections from this section.
The traditional Control Panel still exists and offers more advanced configuration options compared to the Settings app. For hardware, the Control Panel includes items like AutoPlay options with finer control than the Settings app, default program settings for file types and protocols, and font management.
For in-depth hardware management and troubleshooting, the Device Manager is the primary tool. Accessible from the Administrative Tools or Control Panel, Device Manager shows a hierarchical list of all installed hardware devices. It highlights devices that are not properly installed, configured, or enabled with warning icons. Device Manager allows you to:
View system resources being used by hardware, such as I/O ports and IRQs, which can help identify conflicts.
View hidden devices, including system drivers and some hardware-related hidden devices.
Scan for hardware changes to detect new or reconnected devices.
Install, update, uninstall, disable, and roll back drivers for devices. This is crucial for resolving problems caused by faulty or incompatible drivers, which are a common cause of Windows instability.

Performance Monitoring and Optimization

Windows 10 provides several tools to monitor system performance and perform maintenance to keep your PC running smoothly.

The Task Manager is a versatile tool for monitoring running processes, apps, and resource usage. The Processes tab provides a heat-mapped display of current processor, memory, disk, and network usage, allowing you to quickly identify resource-hogging applications. The Performance tab shows live graphs for CPU, memory, hard disk(s), and network connections, offering a general overview of performance information. Task Manager also allows you to manage startup apps, showing their impact on boot time.
The Performance Monitor offers much more detailed live metrics about Windows and your hardware than Task Manager. You can add hundreds of counters to track specific aspects of system performance, helping to diagnose bottlenecks or issues.
The Resource Monitor provides even more granular real-time information about processes, including details on CPU, memory, disk, and network activity, which can be filtered to focus on specific items.
System Maintenance tools help keep the PC healthy, which impacts performance. Automatic Maintenance runs on a schedule to perform tasks like deleting temporary files, defragmenting hard disks, and installing updates.
The Disk Defragmenter and Optimize Drives tool helps improve hard disk access speed by consolidating file fragments. It’s set to run automatically but you can manage the schedule and exclude drives like SSDs, where defragmentation isn’t beneficial and can cause wear.
The Disk Clean-up tool removes temporary and unnecessary files, freeing up storage space which can improve performance, especially on drives with limited capacity. This tool can also delete previous Windows installations after an upgrade.
The Windows Memory Diagnostic tool can be used to check if your computer’s physical memory (RAM) has faults, which can cause instability and performance issues.
Managing Virtual Memory settings in the Advanced System Settings can impact performance, particularly on older PCs or those with limited RAM or SSDs. Manually setting the paging file size can prevent defragmentation on mechanical drives.

Hardware Requirements and Feature Dependencies

Windows 10 has relatively low minimum hardware requirements:

Processor: 1GHz or faster
Memory (RAM): 1GB (32-bit) or 2GB (64-bit)
Hard disk space: 16GB (32-bit) or 20GB (64-bit)
Graphics card: DirectX9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver
Display: 800×600 pixels or greater (though 1024×600 is also mentioned).

However, many Windows 10 features require specific hardware:

Windows Hello needs a compatible infrared camera or fingerprint scanner.
Device Guard requires newer hardware like a UEFI secure boot system, TPM 2.0 chip, and virtualization support.
Hyper-V requires processor virtualization support and is available only in 64-bit Pro and Enterprise editions.
BitLocker drive encryption often requires a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip, which is mandated by Microsoft on Windows 10 laptops and tablets with screens larger than 10 inches.
Miracast wireless display and Wi-Fi Direct/NFC Printing require compatible hardware on both the PC/device and the receiving display/printer.
Secure Boot requires UEFI firmware.
Instant Go and touch features require specific hardware.
Running 64-bit Windows is necessary to utilize more than ~4GB of RAM (including graphics memory).
3D gaming and Virtual Reality require a screen with a high refresh rate (e.g., 120Hz) and a compatible graphics card.

Battery Life Management (Performance on Mobile Hardware)

For laptops, Ultrabooks, tablets, and smartphones, managing battery life is crucial and directly relates to hardware usage and performance. Windows 10 includes features to help:

Battery Saver mode restricts background app activity when the battery level drops below a certain percentage.
You can monitor battery usage to see which apps and services consume the most power.
Tips for maximizing battery life include adjusting screen brightness, using Battery Saver mode, disabling unnecessary startup apps/services, using Store apps instead of win32 apps (as Store apps suspend in the background), and adjusting power/sleep settings.
Turning off search indexing can sometimes significantly increase battery life on SSDs, especially on tablets.
The Windows Mobility Center provides quick access to settings like brightness and battery status. Advanced power settings in the Control Panel allow fine-tuning options like hard disk power down, USB selective suspend, and adaptive brightness.

In summary, Windows 10 offers comprehensive tools for managing hardware and monitoring performance, from user-friendly Settings to powerful Administrative Tools like Device Manager, Task Manager, and Performance Monitor. While minimum requirements are low, many advanced features depend on specific underlying hardware capabilities. Effective management of drivers, system maintenance, and battery settings (on mobile devices) are key to ensuring stable and optimal performance.

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By Amjad Izhar
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Category: Windows 10

Beginning Windows 10: Productivity and Security