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Windows 11 Essentials

Modified on: Mon, Sep 29, 2025 10:30 AM

Windows 11 Training Guide

What to expect on your first time logging in

  1. Enter your credentials just as you would have when logging into Windows 10

 

  1. You will receive prompts on your screen welcoming you to the new Windows experience and asking you to wait while the environment is being set up for the new operating system

 

Layout Changes:

            Taskbar:

  1. The News and Weather (left side) will display recent news and the current weather conditions when hovered over. 

 

  1. The Start (windows) Button has moved from the bottom left of the Taskbar to the center. 

 

  1. The Search Bar is now located in the center of the Taskbar and has some additional functionality

 

  1. The Gray Desktop Button (right side of the Search Bar) will display your open windows when hovered over.

 

  1. Pinned and Active Apps will display to the right of the Search Bar

 

  1. Pinned Apps will always show up on the taskbar. 
  2. Opened Apps will show up on the taskbar with a shadow below them. 
  3. Pin an app to the taskbar by right clicking it then selecting the Pin to Taskbar option. 

Graphical user interface, applicationAI-generated content may be incorrect.

 

  1. Hidden Icons (right side of the Taskbar) can be accessed by clicking the drop-down arrow (System Tray).

Graphical user interface, applicationAI-generated content may be incorrect.

 

  1. Click any hidden icon to open the application (i.e. the blue circle with white lines icon to open the Citix Workspace.)

 

  1. The Action Center and Quick Settings (right side of the System Tray) have links to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Airplane mode, Accessibility, Energy saver, and other such settings, as well as access to adjust your audio levels and see your battery life if on a laptop. 

Graphical user interface, applicationAI-generated content may be incorrect.

 

  1. The current Time and Date display as the last options on the taskbar (far right of the Taskbar) 

 

  1. Clicking on the current time and date will bring up your notification panel as well as the calendar. 
  2. Graphical user interface, text, application, chat or text messageAI-generated content may be incorrect.Clicking on the up carrot beside the date will bring up the calendar. 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Notifications will show a history or the pop-up notifications. For example: when you receive an email outlook will pop up a notification

Graphical user interface, text, applicationAI-generated content may be incorrect.

 

  1. TableAI-generated content may be incorrect.Clicking Focus will prevent the pop-up notifications from showing until you End the Session.

Graphical user interface, applicationAI-generated content may be incorrect. 

 

Start Menu:

  • Graphical user interfaceAI-generated content may be incorrect. Click the Start (windows) Button or press the Windows Key to open the Start Menu 

 

  1. The Search Bar will return the same results and functionality as using the Search Bar in the Taskbar.
  2. Pinned Applications displays applications that have been pinned to your Start Menu.
  3. Link to All App List shows all applications that you have available in alphabetical order.
  4. Recommended Items are based off your recently used, and frequently used, files and applications. 
  5. Your Account allows you to view your name and e-mail as well as sign out from the computer if necessary.
  6. Power Options allow you to lock your computer, put it in sleep mode, shut it down, or restart it. 

Graphical user interface, text, applicationAI-generated content may be incorrect.

 

 

File Explorer:

  1. Open File Explorer (Manilla Envelope) from the Start Menu or the Taskbar 

TextAI-generated content may be incorrect.

 

  1. Several sections will appear: (1) Open Tabs, (2) Navigation Bar, (3) Search Bar, (4) Quick Access (5) Recent/Favorites/Shared, and (6) Navigation Panel.
    1. The (1) top section is where your Open Tabs will be. To open an additional tab, click the + button to the right of the currently open tab.
    2. The (2) Navigation Bar is where you currently are within your File Explorer.
    3.  The (3) Search Bar allows you to search for files and folders that you have access to.
    4. The (4) Quick Access section shows your frequently accessed and suggested folders/files.
    5. The (5) Recent section can show your recent files, favorite folders/files, or shared folders/files.
    6. The (6) Navigation Panel allows you to quickly select and explore the file/folder locations on your PC. 

 

  1. In This PC view you can view your available drives and devices. 
    1. (1) This PC will open the list of your available drives 
    2. (2) Shows the drives you have access to 
    3. (3) Devices and Drives shows the drives that are available on your computer
    4. (4) Network Locations shows your shared drives that you have access to over the GRHC network

Graphical user interface, applicationAI-generated content may be incorrect.

 


Please see attached for additional materials. Thank you. 

 

 

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