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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