Windows 11 For Dummies. Andy Rathbone

keep in mind that this book is a reference. It’s not designed to teach you how to use Windows like an expert, heaven forbid. Instead, this book dishes out enough bite-sized chunks of information so that you don’t have to learn Windows.

Touchscreen Owners Aren’t Left Out

      Although Windows 11 comes preinstalled on all new Windows desktop PCs and laptops, Microsoft also aims Windows 11 at owners of touchscreens. Tablets, some laptops, and desktop monitors come with screens you can control by touching them with your fingers.

      If you’re a new touchscreen owner, don’t worry. This book explains where you need to touch, slide, or tap your fingers in all the appropriate places.

      If you find yourself scratching your head over explanations aimed at mouse owners, remember these three touchscreen rules:

       When told to click, you should tap. Quickly touching and releasing your finger on a button is the same as clicking it with a mouse.

       When told to double-click, tap twice. Two touches in rapid succession does the trick.

       When told to right-click something, hold down your finger on the item. Then, when an icon appears, lift your finger. The right-click menu appears onscreen. (That’s what would have happened if you’d right-clicked the item with a mouse.) While you’re looking at the pop-up menu, tap any of its listed items to have Windows carry out your bidding.

If you find touchscreens to be cumbersome while you’re sitting at a desk, you can always add a mouse and keyboard to your touchscreen tablet. They work just fine. In fact, a mouse and keyboard almost always work better than fingers on the Windows desktop, even in Windows 11. (They’re almost mandatory on small Windows tablets.)

And What about You?

      Chances are good that you already own Windows 11. You know what you want to do with your computer. The problem lies in making the computer do what you want it to do. You’ve gotten by one way or another, perhaps with the help of a computer guru — for instance, a friend at the office, a relative, or perhaps a neighbor’s teenager.

      But when your computer guru isn’t around, this book can be a substitute during your times of need.

Icons Used in This Book

      It just takes a glance at Windows to notice its icons, which are little push-button pictures for starting various programs. The icons in this book fit right in. They’re even a little easier to figure out.

      

Watch out! This signpost warns you that pointless technical information is coming around the bend. Swerve away from this icon to stay safe from awful technical drivel.

      

This icon alerts you about juicy information that makes computing easier: a new method for keeping the cat from sleeping on top of your tablet, for example.

      

Don’t forget to remember these important points (or at least dog-ear the pages so that you can look them up again a few days later).

      

The computer won’t explode while you’re performing the delicate operations associated with this icon. Still, wearing gloves and proceeding with caution is a good idea.

This icon alerts you to areas where Windows 11 behaves quite differently from the previous version, Windows 10.

Beyond the Book

      Like every Windows For Dummies book, this one comes with a free Cheat Sheet that brings together some of the most commonly needed information for people struggling with Windows. It describes how Microsoft changes Windows 11 after its release, and it offers keyboard shortcuts as well as tips on using Windows 11 on a touchscreen. To get the Cheat Sheet, head for www.dummies.com and, using the Search box, search for Windows 11 For Dummies Cheat Sheet.

Where to Go from Here

      Now you’re ready for action. Give the pages a quick flip and scan a section or two that you know you’ll need later. Please remember, this is your book — your weapon against the computer nerds who’ve inflicted this whole complicated computer concept on you. Please circle any paragraphs you find useful, highlight key concepts, add your own sticky notes, and doodle in the margins next to the complicated stuff.

      

The more you mark up your book, the easier it will be for you to find all the good stuff again.

Part 1

      Windows 11 Stuff Everybody Thinks You Already Know

IN THIS PART …

      Understand the changes in Windows 11.

      Navigate and customize the new Start menu.

      Store files in the cloud with OneDrive.

Chapter 1

      What Is Windows 11?

      IN THIS CHAPTER

      

Getting to know Windows 11

      

Discovering the new features in Windows 11

      

Figuring out what’s missing from Windows 11

      

Keeping up with updates to Windows 11 and its apps

      

Understanding why Windows 11 often changes

      

Deciding whether your PC is powerful enough to run Windows 11

      

Knowing which version of Windows 11 you need

      Chances are good that you’ve heard about Windows: the boxes and windows that greet you whenever you turn on your computer. In fact, millions of people worldwide are puzzling over Windows as you read this book. Most new computers and laptops sold today come with Windows preinstalled, ready to toss colorful boxes onto the screen.

      This chapter helps you understand why Windows lives inside your computer, and I introduce Microsoft’s latest Windows version, Windows 11. I explain how Windows 11 differs from previous Windows versions, and why parts of Windows 11 and its gang of apps can change behind your back.