Windows 11 looks a little different to older versions of Windows, and that alone can be enough to knock your confidence. This guide walks through the basics in plain English, no assumed knowledge, so you can use your computer with a bit more confidence, at your own pace.
Getting Started With Windows 11
Understanding the Start Menu
The Start Menu is the heart of Windows 11. Click the Windows icon in the middle of the taskbar, the bar along the bottom of your screen, to open it. From there you'll see your pinned apps, and a search bar at the top where you can type the name of anything you're looking for.
Finding Your Apps
If you can't see an app on the Start Menu, click "All apps" in the top right of the Start Menu to see everything installed on your computer, or simply click the Start button and start typing the app's name, Windows will search as you type.
Making Text Easier to Read
Increase Font Size
Go to Settings, the gear icon in the Start Menu, then Accessibility, then Text size, and drag the slider to make text larger across the whole computer, no need to change it in each individual program.
Display Scaling
In Settings, then System, then Display, you'll find a "Scale" option. Increasing this makes everything on screen, icons, buttons and menus, larger and easier to see, not just the text.
Accessibility Settings
Windows 11's Accessibility settings also include options for high contrast colours, a magnifier that zooms in on parts of the screen, and text-to-speech, worth exploring if reading the screen is ever tiring.
Staying Safe Online
Recognising Scams
The same warning signs apply on your computer as anywhere else: unexpected pop-ups claiming your computer is infected, emails asking you to click a link urgently, or callers asking for remote access, are all common warning signs worth taking seriously.
Safe Browsing Habits
Stick to websites you know, be cautious with anything asking you to download software you weren't looking for, and if a website looks unfamiliar or asks for unusual personal details, it's fine to simply close it and search for what you need another way.
Windows Security
Windows 11 comes with built-in protection called Windows Security, sometimes called Microsoft Defender, which runs automatically in the background. You can check it's active by searching "Windows Security" in the Start Menu, it should show a green tick.
Managing Passwords
Creating Strong Passwords
A good password is long rather than complicated, a short phrase with a couple of numbers is often stronger and easier to remember than a jumble of random characters. Avoid using the same password for your email and your banking.
Using a Password Manager
A password manager remembers your passwords for you, so you only need to remember one master password. Many web browsers have one built in already, or you can use a dedicated app. It's one of the simplest ways to stay both secure and stress-free.
Keeping Your Computer Updated
Why Updates Matter
Updates aren't just new features, most importantly they fix security weaknesses that scammers and malware rely on. Keeping your computer updated is one of the single best things you can do to stay protected.
How to Check for Updates
Go to Settings, then Windows Update, and click "Check for updates". If any are available, click "Download and install". It's worth checking every week or two, or simply restarting your computer regularly, which often installs updates automatically.
Organising Photos and Documents
Creating Folders
Right-click on the desktop or inside File Explorer and choose "New", then "Folder", to create a named folder for things like "Family Photos" or "Important Documents", keeping everything easy to find later.
Finding Files Easily
The search bar in File Explorer, or the Start Menu, can find a file by typing part of its name, even if you can't remember exactly which folder you saved it in.
Video Calling With Family
Zoom
Zoom is free to download and popular for family calls. Download it from zoom.us, create a free account, and family can send you a link to click at call time, no need to remember anything else.
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams often comes pre-installed on Windows 11 and works similarly to Zoom, useful if family members already use it for work.
FaceTime Alternatives
FaceTime is an Apple product and doesn't work on Windows computers, but Zoom, Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp video calling and Google Meet all do the same job and work well between different types of devices.
When to Ask for Help
Signs You Need Technical Support
If something feels wrong, unusually slow, strange pop-ups, or you're just not sure, it's always fine to ask for help rather than guessing. There's no such thing as a silly question when it comes to your own computer.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
The most common mistake isn't clicking the wrong button, it's feeling too embarrassed to ask. A quick check from a patient, local technician is often far simpler, and cheaper, than trying to fix something uncertain alone.