Windows 11 All-in-One For Dummies. Ciprian Adrian Rusen

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Introduction

      Welcome to Windows 11 All-in-One For Dummies, one of the most complete books you can find about the latest version of Windows. It’s large and heavy because it has a lot to teach you.

      This book is a great guide if you’re upgrading to Windows 11 from Windows 10 or an older version such as Windows 7. And it’s especially great if you’re new to Windows. You’ll learn everything you need to know about this operating system — and a bit more than most people. You won’t become a tech support expert by the end of it, but you’ll surely know enough to help others as well, especially when they’re puzzled about the things Windows 11 can and can’t do.

About This Book

      Windows 11 All-in-One For Dummies takes you through the Land of the Dummies — with introductory material and stuff your grandmother can (and should!) understand — and then continues the journey into more advanced areas, where you can truly put Windows to work every day.

      I start with the basics about navigating Windows 11: turning it on and off, signing in, notifications, user accounts, and permissions. Then I dig into the desktop and the Start menu and take you through all the important pieces, one by one, in detail.

      I don’t dwell much on technical mumbo jumbo, and I keep the jargon to a minimum. At the same time, I tackle the problems you’re likely to encounter, show you the major road signs, and give help where you need it the most.

      Whether you want to get two or more email accounts set up to work simultaneously, personalize your Start menu, or learn the best way to protect your PC from viruses, this is your book. Or should I say ten books? I’ve broken out the topics into ten minibooks, so you’ll find it easy to hop around to a topic — and a level of coverage — that feels comfortable. I didn’t design this book to be read from front to back. It’s a reference. Each chapter and each of its sections focus on solving a particular problem or describing a specific technique.

Windows 11 All-in-One For Dummies should be your reference of first resort, before you look for help online, on Google or Bing. You’ll see that most topics of interest are already covered, and where there’s more you can find online, I also give you references to articles and places that can help.

Foolish Assumptions

      I don’t make many assumptions about you, dear reader, except to acknowledge that you’re obviously intelligent, well-informed, discerning, and of impeccable taste. That’s why you chose this book, right?

      Okay, okay. The least I can do is butter you up a bit. Here’s the straight scoop: If you’ve never used Windows, bribe your neighbor (or, better, your neighbor’s kid) to teach you how to do four things:

       Play a game with your fingers (if you have a touchscreen) or with a mouse (if you’re finger-challenged). Any game that ships with Windows 11 or any free game in the Microsoft Store will do. If your neighbor’s kid doesn’t have a different recommendation, try the new Microsoft Solitaire Collection.

       Start File Explorer.

       Get on the web with Microsoft Edge, Chrome, or whatever you prefer.

       Use the Start menu to turn Windows 11 off and then turn it back on.

      That covers it. If you can play a game, you know how to turn on your computer, log in if necessary, click and drag (or tap and hold down). If you run File Explorer, you know how to click or tap a taskbar icon. After you’re on the web, well, it’s a great starting point for almost anything. And if you know that you need to use the Start menu, you’re well on your way to achieving Windows 11 enlightenment. And that begins with Book 1, Chapter 1.

Icons Used in This Book

      Some of the points in Windows 11 All-in-One For Dummies merit your special attention. I set off these points with icons.

When I’m jumping up and down on one foot with an idea so cool that I can’t stand it anymore, I stick a tip icon in the margin. You can browse any chapter and hit its highest points by jumping from tip to tip.

      

You don’t need to memorize the information marked with this icon, but you should try to remember that something special is lurking.

      

Anywhere that you see a warning icon, you can be sure that it’s important. Pay attention and don’t do the opposite of what I recommend unless you want to get into trouble.

      

Okay, so I’m a geek. I admit it. Sure, I love to poke fun at geeks. But I’m a modern, New Age, sensitive guy, in touch with my inner geekiness. Sometimes, I just can’t help but let it out, you know? That’s where the technical stuff icon comes in. If you get all tied up in knots about techie-type stuff, skip these paragraphs. (For the record, I managed to write this entire book without telling you that an IPv4 address consists of a unique 32-bit combination of network ID and host ID, expressed as a set of four decimal numbers with each octet separated by periods. See? I can restrain myself sometimes.)

Beyond the Book

      When I wrote this book, I covered the initial release of Windows 11, dated October 5, 2021. Microsoft promises to keep Windows 11 updated each year. For details about significant updates or changes that occur between editions of this book, go to www.dummies.com, search for Windows 11 All-in-One For Dummies, and view this book’s dedicated page.

      In addition, the cheat sheet for this book has handy Windows shortcuts and tips on other cool features worth checking out. To get to the cheat sheet, go to www.dummies.com,