10 Essential Windows Navigation Skills Every User Should Know

This is the fourth lesson in my series covering 50 useful Microsoft Windows skills every computer user should know.

In the previous lessons, I explained basic Windows commands, file management, and how to organize your files and folders. Now we are going to look at the main parts of Windows and how to move around your computer more efficiently.

Many people use Windows every day without fully understanding the Start menu, taskbar, desktop, File Explorer, Settings, and other important areas. Once you understand what each part does, Windows becomes much easier to use.

In the accompanying video, I will demonstrate each of these navigation skills step by step so you can follow along on your own computer.

The exact appearance of some menus and buttons may vary slightly depending on your version of Windows, but the basic functions are generally the same.

1. Understand the Windows Desktop

The desktop is the main screen you see after signing in to Windows.

It may contain:

• Program shortcuts

• Files and folders

• The Recycle Bin

• The taskbar

• Your desktop background

Think of the desktop as the top of a physical desk. It is a convenient place to keep things you use regularly, but it can become cluttered if you save everything there.

Double-click a shortcut, file, or folder to open it.

You can also right-click an empty area of the desktop to change the view, sort icons, create a new folder, or open display and personalization settings.

2. Use the Start Menu

The Start menu is one of the main ways to access programs, settings, files, and Windows features.

Click the Start button, which is normally located on the taskbar, or press the Windows key on your keyboard.

From the Start menu, you can:

• Open installed programs

• Search for files and applications

• Access Windows Settings

• View recently used items

• Open your user account options

• Shut down or restart the computer

You can also pin programs you use frequently to the Start menu so they are easier to find.

3. Search for Programs, Files, and Settings

You do not always need to remember where something is located.

Open the Start menu and begin typing the name of the program, file, folder, or Windows setting you need.

For example, you can search for:

• Calculator

• Notepad

• Printers

• Display settings

• Windows Security

• File Explorer

• A document name

Windows Search can often locate an item faster than clicking through several menus.

When you are unsure where a Windows feature is located, searching for it is usually a good place to start.

4. Use the Taskbar

The taskbar normally appears along the bottom of the screen.

It contains the Start button, pinned applications, open programs, and the notification area.

A program icon with a line or indicator underneath it usually means that the program is currently open.

You can use the taskbar to:

• Open a pinned program

• Switch between open programs

• Preview open windows

• Pin frequently used applications

• Close a program

• Check notifications and system status

To pin a program, right-click its taskbar icon and select Pin to taskbar.

To remove it later, right-click the icon and select Unpin from taskbar.

5. Understand the Notification Area and Quick Settings

The notification area is usually located on the right side of the taskbar near the clock.

It may display icons for:

• Wi-Fi or network access

• Sound volume

• Battery status

• Windows Security

• OneDrive

• Bluetooth

• Background programs

Clicking the network, sound, or battery area opens Quick Settings on many Windows computers.

Quick Settings may allow you to control:

• Wi-Fi

• Bluetooth

• Airplane mode

• Volume

• Screen brightness

• Battery-saving features

• Accessibility options

Some icons may be hidden behind a small arrow. Click the arrow to see additional programs running in the background.

6. Navigate with File Explorer

File Explorer is the main tool used to browse files, folders, drives, USB devices, and network locations.

You can open it by:

• Clicking the folder icon on the taskbar

• Searching for File Explorer

• Pressing Windows key+E

The left side of File Explorer normally provides quick access to locations such as:

• Desktop

• Documents

• Downloads

• Pictures

• OneDrive

• This PC

• USB drives

• Network locations

The address bar near the top shows your current location.

You can use the Back, Forward, and Up buttons to move between folders. You can also click a folder name in the address bar to return directly to that location.

7. Use Windows Settings

The Settings application is where you manage most modern Windows options.

You can open it from the Start menu or by pressing Windows key+I.

Settings includes categories for things such as:

• System and display

• Bluetooth and devices

• Network and internet

• Personalization

• Applications

• User accounts

• Time and language

• Accessibility

• Privacy and security

• Windows Update

You can use the search box inside Settings when you do not know which category contains the option you need.

For example, you can search for:

• Change screen resolution

• Add a printer

• Remove a program

• Change the mouse pointer

• Check for updates

8. Know When to Use Control Panel

The Control Panel is an older part of Windows that is still used for certain settings and administrative tools.

Many options that were once found only in Control Panel have been moved into the Settings application. However, some tools and advanced options may still open through Control Panel.

You can find it by opening the Start menu and searching for Control Panel.

Control Panel may be useful for managing:

• Programs and features

• Devices and printers

• Power options

• User accounts

• Network settings

• Sound options

• Backup and recovery tools

For most everyday changes, begin with Windows Settings. Use Control Panel when a setting is not available there or when instructions specifically direct you to it.

9. Manage Open Windows

Windows allows you to have several programs and documents open at the same time.

Each window normally includes three buttons in the upper-right corner:

Minimize hides the window without closing the program.

Maximize expands the window to fill the screen.

Restore Down returns a maximized window to a smaller size.

Close shuts the window or program.

You can also drag a window by its title bar to move it around the screen.

Dragging a window to the side or corner of the screen may automatically resize it. This feature is useful when you want to view two programs side by side.

For example, you could watch the instructional video on one side of the screen while practicing the lesson on the other.

10. Use Navigation Shortcuts

A few keyboard shortcuts can make moving around Windows much faster.

Windows Key

Opens or closes the Start menu.

Windows Key+E

Opens File Explorer.

Windows Key+I

Opens Windows Settings.

Windows Key+D

Shows the desktop. Press it again to restore your open windows.

Alt+Tab

Switches between open programs and windows.

Hold down Alt, press Tab, and continue pressing Tab until the window you want is selected.

Windows Key+L

Locks the computer without shutting it down.

This is especially useful when stepping away from your computer and you do not want someone else accessing your files.

Right-Click When You Need More Options

One of the most useful Windows navigation habits is learning to right-click.

Right-clicking an item normally opens a menu of actions that can be performed on it.

Depending on what you right-click, the menu may allow you to:

• Open the item

• Copy or move it

• Rename it

• Delete it

• Pin it to the taskbar

• View its properties

• Change settings

• Open additional options

When you are unsure what you can do with a file, folder, program, desktop icon, or taskbar button, try right-clicking it.

Practice Moving Around Windows

The best way to become comfortable with Windows navigation is to explore it.

Practice opening the Start menu, searching for a program, switching between windows, browsing folders in File Explorer, and opening Settings.

You are unlikely to damage anything simply by looking through menus. Just avoid changing settings you do not understand until you learn what they control.

The more familiar you become with the main parts of Windows, the faster and more confident you will be when using your computer.

Watch the Step-by-Step Video

In the accompanying video, I demonstrate how to:

• Use the Windows desktop

• Open and navigate the Start menu

• Search for programs and settings

• Use and customize the taskbar

• Understand the notification area

• Browse files with File Explorer

• Find options in Windows Settings

• Open and use Control Panel

• Manage multiple open windows

• Use helpful navigation shortcuts

You can pause the video, practice each skill on your own computer, and replay any section you need to see again.

Learning how to navigate Windows is one of the most important steps toward becoming a more capable and confident computer user.

If you found this lesson helpful, please leave a comment, sign up for ExtraHelp.us email updates, and share it with someone who may need a little extra computer help.

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