Windows software and features can be overwhelming for new users or those unfamiliar with the operating system. This guide will help you get started with essential Windows software and features, as well as some of the best features in Windows 10. ..
The 6 Essential Software Applications for Windows
Microsoft’s new Windows 10 operating system doesn’t come with a lot of software by default, other than some basic “essentials” like Paint and Edge. ..
To get the most out of your Windows 10 PC, you’ll need to install some additional software. This isn’t an exhaustive list, but here are some of the best Windows software currently available. ..
VLC Media Player
The default Movies & TV app in Windows 10 is easy to use, but it’s light on features and won’t play every type of video file. That’s why you’ll need to consider installing VLC Media Player on every Windows PC you own. VLC is a free download that can be used on any computer.
If your video file isn’t encrypted or corrupt, VLC should not play it. It comes with support for almost every single type of media file imaginable, including live streams and DVDs.
VLC can convert videos to a variety of formats, including MP4, 3GP, and AVI. This is useful if you want to play videos on devices that are picky about the type of content they can play (like smartphones, for instance.) To do this, just click Media > Convert/Save.
You can use VLC to record your desktop or webcam feed (Media > Open Capture Device > Desktop) or to add effects to your custom videos (Tools > Effects & Filters.) ..
Google Chrome
Chrome is a better option for Windows users than Microsoft Edge. It’s simple to use and has a variety of customization options, making it a better choice for many people. ..
If you sign in with your Google Account, you can share your bookmarks, web history and extensions across multiple devices, including between Windows and Android. You can also separate your browsing experience between work and play profiles, thanks to multiple user accounts.
Chrome also includes other useful features, like a built-in password manager, tabbed browsing windows, and “incognito” private browsing to keep certain websites out of your browsing history.
Mozilla Firefox is a popular web browser that is known for its fast speed and user-friendly interface. If you’re not interested in using Chrome, then you could try Mozilla Firefox instead.
Microsoft Office
Microsoft Office is a suite of productivity tools that have been essential to businesses and home offices for over two decades. Whether you’re writing a letter, creating a presentation or sorting out your finances, Office has all of the tools you need to get started. ..
The office is designed to provide a seamless experience for employees. For instance, you could create documents in Word, create a presentation in PowerPoint, then email them to colleagues in Outlook.
There are different Office products available depending on your Office package. For example, if you have an Office 365 subscription, you can purchase the Office suite as a one-off purchase. If you don’t have an Office 365 subscription, then there are other options available like Access for databases. It’s not free and you can either purchase it or subscribe to it with Office 365.
LibreOffice is a free alternative to Microsoft Office, with many of the same tools. To see which is the best option for your needs, check out our LibreOffice vs Microsoft Office comparison.
BleachBit
BleachBit is a powerful tool that can be used to safely wipe junk and potentially sensitive files from your PC as part of your regular PC maintenance. As an open-source project, the chances of BleachBit ever being compromised by malware is very low—unlike CCleaner, which is a commercial product.
Whenever you uninstall software, be sure to trace files left behind. These are the files that BleachBit removes when it scans your PC. It’ll also remove your internet browsing history, including any browser tracking cookies that have been stored on your PC, as well as remove files from your recycle bin and left-over files from Windows updates.
BleachBit is a software that clears items from your computer’s hard drive. It is simple to use and can be accessed from the side menu. ..
To improve the BleachBit software, you can enable the Download and update cleaners from community checkbox. This will add 2400 additional cleaning rules to the software.
7-Zip
Windows 10 can create ZIP files, but they’re not as optimized as they could be for encryption or compression. You’ll need to install 7-Zip if you want to create more complex archive files.
This free, open-source file management tool supports every kind of archive file, including ZIP, GZIP and RAR. It also has its own file type (7Z), which supports AES-256 encryption and a high level of compression to reduce the size of your archive. ..
You can add password protection to your archive files, as well as customize the compression method (choosing fast over security, or vice versa). You can also use 7-Zip as a file manager, letting you view your files and folders.
Dropbox
If you’re looking for a reliable way to store your files in case of a system failure, you should consider using cloud storage. Dropbox is a great option for Windows users, offering 2GB of free storage to help backup your files. ..
If you want to manually back up your files and folders to Dropbox, you can do so by selecting the files and folders you want to back up, and then clicking the Backup Files button on the File Explorer toolbar. ..
Dropbox offers a secure way to store files, as well as commenting on them and sharing them with others.
You can expand your initial 2GB of free storage with additional paid plans, from 2TB to 5TB, or unlimited storage for businesses. ..
The 5 Essential Features in Windows
Windows 10 is a major update that brings many new features and improvements to the Windows experience. It’s designed to make your work and life easier, so you can focus on what you do best.
Windows 10 will include a new Start Menu, which will be more organized and user-friendly than the current one. It will also include a search bar at the top, as well as a list of recent apps and files. The operating system will also include features that make it easier to connect to the internet, such as an improved network connection indicator and faster speeds when using online services.
Multitasking With Virtual Desktops
With Windows 10, Microsoft added a new feature called “multiple virtual desktops.” This feature allows you to have multiple desktops open at the same time, so you can work on different tasks on one desktop and then move onto another task on another desktop when you’re ready. This is a great way to save space on your screen and keep your work organized.
Windows 10 virtual desktops allow users to work with multiple open windows on a single desktop, which can be more productive than switching between open windows on a single desktop. ..
You can create as many virtual desktops as you like, to give you more space while you work.
To create a new virtual desktop in Windows 10, open the Windows + Tab keys on your keyboard and click New Desktop. Your existing desktops will appear in the sliding menu at the top. Just click on a virtual desktop to switch to it.
You can use the Windows + Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow keys to switch between the two windows.
A New and Improved Smart Menu
The Smart Menu has been a staple of almost every major Windows release since 1995. A disastrous attempt to remove it in Windows 8 led to a new and improved revival with Windows 10, where it is now more than just a list of your installed software. ..
The Start Menu is a great way to get access to your apps and settings on your Windows PC. It’s a great way to keep your computer organized and easy to use.
The right-hand section is a list of your installed hardware, with recently installed hardware listed at the top. It also provides you with quick-access buttons to access your files and photos, as well as to bring up your PC’s power menu. ..
The live tiles section of the app is customizable to show content from your favorite apps, as well as for updates on the latest news and on your unreal emails. You can also add shortcuts to your favorite files and folders. The categorization of these tiles into different sections makes it easier to find what you’re looking for.
The Windows 10 Start Menu lets you search your PC or the internet. You can also quickly access important system tools, like PowerShell and Disk Management, by right-clicking the Start Menu button.
Built-In Malware Protection
Windows Defender is a program that is built into Windows. It helps to protect users from malware and other threats.
Windows security is enabled by default on any Windows PC that doesn’t have third-party antivirus protection installed. If Windows security detects other antivirus software, it’ll mostly disable itself to prevent interference. ..
Windows Security is designed to protect your Windows 10 installation from threats as soon as you turn it on. It protects your PC by running scheduled scans for the latest malware and viruses, with regular updates to keep your protection up-to-date. ..
Windows Security includes features to protect your computer from viruses, unrecognized apps, system performance tools, and parental controls. To check out Windows Security, right-click the Start Menu button and click Settings. From here, click Update & Security > Windows Security.
Voice Control With Cortana
Cortana is a voice-activated assistant that lets you do things like search for information, set reminders and timers, launch and control other apps, access files, control other smart devices, and more.
You can set Cortana to activate with the phrase “Hey Cortana” from the Cortana settings menu (Settings > Cortana), or by clicking the circular Cortana button in your Windows taskbar.
Disable Cortana on your computer if you have concerns about Microsoft’s privacy policy.
Integrated Xbox Streaming
The Xbox Console Companion app is a great way to keep your Xbox in top condition. It lets you download games, speak to your friends, and check out your gaming achievements.
Xbox game streaming is a great feature for Xbox players who want to keep their games close at hand, without having to leave their computer. It lets you play your Xbox games in full-screen mode or in a smaller window that’s easy to use.
The Xbox Companion app provides a more flexible and convenient way to play your favorite games on your Xbox. You need a wired connection for best results, but you can reduce the quality of the connection for acceptable gameplay over a WiFi network.
Making the Most Of Windows
When setting up a new PC, there are a few essential software and features you’ll want to use. Windows is designed to be customizable, letting you use the apps and settings that work best for you. ..
Windows 10 comes with a lot of pre-installed apps, but some people find them unnecessary and want to remove them. Here are five apps you can uninstall to make your new Windows 10 PC run faster. ..
