Windows 11 Bible 2024: Complete and Concise Guide to Seamlessly Navigate Windows 11, for Beginners, Seniors and Professionals

Table of contents :
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OVERVIEW OF THIS BOOK
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION TO WINDOWS 11
Overview of the New Interface
System Requirements and Compatibility
Activity
CHAPTER 2
GETTING STARTED
Setting Up Your Computer
Exploring the Start Menu
Personalizing the Start menu
Moving, removing, and Adding pinned apps
Changing your picture
Adding and removing Start menu folders
Moving the Start menu and taskbar to the left
Using Taskbar and System Tray
Using jumps lists and other taskbar tricks
Pinning apps to the taskbar
Adding and removing taskbar items
Activity
CHAPTER 3
NAVIGATING WINDOWS 11
Navigating around the desktop
Keyboard Shortcuts
File Explorer Basics
Using Windows Search
Start apps swiftly
Filtering search results to locate what you need
Starting apps as admin from a Windows search
Searching the whole PC
Virtual Desktops and Task View
Moving apps between virtual desktops
Activity
CHAPTER 4
PERSONALIZATION AND ACCESSIBILITY
Customizing Your Desktop Background
Background
Changing Desktop Wallpaper
Changing Your Lock Screen Background
Additional Tips
Themes and Accent Colors
Themes
Accent Colors
Accessibility Features for seniors
Activity
CHAPTER 5
WORKING WITH APPS AND PROGRAMS
Installing and Uninstalling Apps
Getting Apps from the Web
Using Microsoft Store
Surfing the Microsoft Store
Installing Apps from the Microsoft Software
Multitasking with Snap Layouts
Snapping Windows
Preset Layouts
Window Management
Multitasking
Customization
Snap Assist
Activity
CHAPTER 6
FILE MANAGEMENT
Organizing Files and Folders
Viewing Hidden Files
Enabling and disabling check boxes for files and folders
Sharing files
Working with ZIP Files
Using File Explorer Features
Navigating File Explorer
Viewing and opening your files and folders
Creating and managing files and folders
Searching for files
Managing External Devices and Storage
Create new volume
Change drive letter
Format Drive
Change volume size
Check drive properties
Check drive health (SSD alone)
Delete the Volume on the Drive
Right-clicking in Windows 11
Activity
CHAPTER 7
INTERNET AND BROWSING
Connecting to the Internet
Connecting a desktop PC to the network
Connecting your laptop or tablet to Wi-Fi
Connecting to Hidden Wi-Fi
Using Microsoft Edge Browser
Getting Familiar with Microsoft Edge
Enabling vertical tabs in Microsoft Edge
InPrivate browsing with Microsoft Edge
Add extensions to Microsoft Edge
Using Other Web Browsers
Changing the default browser
Managing Bookmarks and Tabs
Bookmarks
Managing Tabs
Activity
CHAPTER 8
COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION
Setting Up Email and Calendar
Email programs
Online email
Hybrid systems
Comparing email apps
Comparing calendar apps
Google Calendar
Outlook.com Calendar
Outlook
Using the Mail app
Create an email message
Looking for an email in the Mail app
Adding a new email account
Using Microsoft Teams for Video Calls
Chatting from Windows 11
Starting a meeting from Windows 11
Sharing and Collaborating on Documents
Via the Run App
Using Network Option in File Explorer
Map the Network Drive
Access Shared Folders through Computer Management
Activity
CHAPTER 9
SECURITY AND PRIVACY
What are security threats?
Windows Defender Firewall and Antivirus
Is Windows Defender the Same as Windows Firewall?
Antivirus
Choosing the best antivirus for Windows 11
Privacy Settings and Permissions
Diagnostics & Feedback
Preventing unsafe actions with User Account Control
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Activity
CHAPTER 10
TROUBLESHOOTING AND MAINTENANCE
System Updates and Windows Update
Quality updates
Feature updates
Servicing stack updates
Driver updates
Microsoft Defender Antivirus security intelligence updates
Malicious Software Removal Tool
Deciding when and how updates are installed
Deferring and Delaying Updates
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Creating System Restore Points
Recover Windows 11 with the system restore point
Activity
CHAPTER 11
ADVANCED CUSTOMIZATION
Customizing Taskbar and Start Menu
Change Windows 11 Taskbar Icons Alignment
Personalize Windows 11 Taskbar Using Settings App
Move the Taskbar to the Top or Side on Windows 11
Resize the Taskbar in Windows 11
Ungroup Windows 11 Taskbar Icons
Group Policies and Power User Settings
With the use of the Search Window
With the use of the Run Command
With the use of Command Prompt
From Control Panel
Power User Settings
Battery Saver and other power management options
Registry Tweak (for advanced users)
Revert to Windows 10-Style Context Menu
Add an App to the Windows 11 Context Menu
Adjust the Size of Taskbar Icons to Your Preference
Disable the Windows 11 Lock Screen
Change the Icon Spacing on the Desktop
Move the Taskbar to Left, Right, Top, or Bottom
Disable Bing in the Start Menu
Restore Windows Photo Viewer
Open the Last Opened Window in Any App
Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Configuration
Accessing the Linux files from the Windows Subsystem for Linux
Launching applications from the Windows Subsystem for Linux
Major differences between the Windows and Linux versions of the Windows Subsystem for Linux
What is the performance difference between the Windows and Linux versions of the Windows Subsystem for Linux?
What are the various limitations of the Windows Subsystem for Linux?
What are some of the best practices for making use of the Windows Subsystem for Linux?
Activity
CHAPTER 12
MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT
Playing Music and Videos
Groove Music
Selecting where Groove Music searches for music
Creating playlists in Groove Music
Windows Media Player
Getting Music from Your Old CDs
Spotify
Using the Photo App
Search
Toolbar
Pictures
Hide OneDrive
Show OneDrive
Add a folder
Remove a folder
How to Import Images from External Sources in the Photos App
Change color mode
Connecting iCloud to the Photos App
Viewing and Editing an Image in the Photos App
Creating Videos
Movies & TV App
Gaming on Windows 11
Searching the Microsoft Store for Games
Enabling Game Mode
Using the Xbox Game Bar
Advanced Graphics Settings and Optimization
Turn on Game Mode
Use Auto HDR
Turn Off Enhanced Pointer Precision
Update Your GPU’s Drivers
Activity
CHAPTER 13
SENIOR-FRIENDLY FEATURES
Enlarging Text and Icons
Enlarging Text
Enlarge Icon
Using shortcuts
Voice Control and Cortana
Setting up Cortana
Turning on Voice Activation for Cortana
Using Cortana
Exploring Cortana’s Settings
Activity
CHAPTER 14
TIPS AND TRICKS
Keyboard Shortcuts for Efficiency
More Windows keyboard shortcuts for productivity
Time-Saving Gestures on Touchscreen Devices
Touch gestures
Touchpad
Windows 11 Hidden Gems
Minimize windows you are not using
Use the secret Start menu
Take a screenshot on Windows 11
Access pinned items from your Taskbar with keyboard shortcuts
Clean up space-hogging apps
Save battery by closing background apps
Use background scrolling for multiple windows
Show file extensions in File Explorer
Use Focus Assist to help reduce distractions
Activity
CHAPTER 15
BACKUP AND DATA RECOVERY
Backup Your Files
Checking if the File History backs up your data
Restoring data from File History
Using Windows Backup and Restore
Creating Recovery Drives
Activity
CHAPTER 16
NETWORKING AND CONNECTIVITY
Connecting to Wi-Fi Networks
Checking network status
Connecting to a wireless network
Settings up VPNs for Privacy
Sharing Files and Printers
Configuring your network for sharing
Shared files and folders
Sharing a printer
Setting print server properties
Activity
CHAPTER 17
PERFORMANCE OPTIMIZATION
What often causes performance problems?
Speeding Up Startup and Shutdown
Replace HDD with SSD
Disable unneeded startup programs and services
Avoid installing too many programs on the system partition
Ensure that your C drive has enough free space, 20GB or more
Use Efficiency Mode
Use automatic Windows Maintenance
Change your power settings
Managing Background Apps
Monitoring System Resources
Resource Monitor App
Viewing Overall System Resource Usage
Analyzing CPU Usage
Keep in mind that the tool has several hidden columns.
Checking Memory Usage
Checking Disk Usage
Analyzing Network Usage
Overclocking and Hardware Tuning
Enabling Overclocking
Advanced Startup
Restart Now.
Activity
CHAPTER 18
ADVANCED TROUBLESHOOTING
Using Windows Performance Analyzer
Use the Analysis Assistant
Highlighting a time interval
Zoom, Search, and Filter
Viewing Data
Graphs
Data Tables
Customization
Command Prompt and PowerShell Tricks
Use Ctrl + C to Abort a Command
View a Command's Results One Page (or Line) at a Time
Run Command Prompt as an Administrator Automatically
Become a Command Prompt Power User with Function Keys
Change the Prompt Text
Save a Command’s Output to a File
View a Drive’s Entire Directory Structure
Copy Text from the Command Prompt
Open the Command Prompt from any Location
Diagnosing Hardware and Driver Issues
Identify Symptoms
Check Device Manager
Check for Windows Updates
Run Windows Hardware Troubleshooter
Use Safe Mode
Check for Overheating
Perform Hardware Diagnostics
Update BIOS/UEFI
Activity
CHAPTER 19
DEVELOPING ON WINDOWS 11
Installing Development Tools
Windows App Development
Activity
CHAPTER 20
VIRTUALIZATION AND HYPER-V
Setting up Virtual Machines
Creating an instant VM with Windows Sandbox
Building a custom VM with the New Virtual Machine Wizard
Running a virtual machine
Using Hyper-V Testing and Development
Activity
CHAPTER 21
ADVANCED NETWORKING AND SECURITY
Firewall Configuration and Rules
Network List Manager Policies and Group Security
Policy settings for Network List Manager Policies
Unidentified Networks
Identifying Networks
All Networks
Implementing Encryption and Secure Boot
Turn on standard BitLocker encryption
Bitlocker drive encryption.
Secure Boot
Enable TPM 2.0 in BIOS for Windows 11
Activity
CHAPTER 22
CLOUD INTEGRATION AND ONE DRIVE
OneDrive and OneDrive for Business Work
Setting UpOneDrive for Cloud Storage
Collaborative Editing with OneDrive
Files On-Demand and Offline Access
OneDrive Security and Privacy Features
Threat monitoring
Breach prevention
Data recovery
Some other security recommendations
Make use of a strong password
Enable encryption on mobile devices
Train your employees
Control access permissions and privileges
Activity
CHAPTER 23
WINDOWS SUBSYSTEM FOR LINUX (WSL)
Advanced WSL Configuration and Tips
The 8-second rule
Configurations settings for wsl. conf
Running GUI Applications in WSL
Integrating WSL with Development Workflows
Activity
CHAPTER 24
WINDOWS 11 DEPLOYMENT AND MANAGEMENT
Enterprise Deployment Strategies
Windows Autopilot and Modern Deployment
Managing Windows 11 with Intune
Group Policy Updates and Best Practices
Activity
CHAPTER 25
DATA PROTECTION AND BITLOCKER
Using BitLocker for Drive Encryption
BitLocker to Go for Removable Storage
Advanced BitLocker Configuration and Recovery
Recovery
Causes of recovery
Activity
CHAPTER 26
POWERSHELL SCRIPTING AND AUTOMATION
Introduction to PowerShell
Getting the most from PowerShell
Working with cmdlets
Get-Process -Name explorer
Get-Process
Making use of the Pipeline
Get - Service
Generating an interactive graphical table
Filtering output
Sorting output
Simplify keyboard entry with the use of PowerShell features
Using and creating aliases
Recalling commands from the command history
Working with the file system
Writing PowerShell Scripts for Automation
Identify the Task to Automate
Write the PowerShell Script
Creating a PowerShell Script
Test the PowerShell Script
Schedule the PowerShell Script
Managing Windows 11 with PowerShell
Activity
CHAPTER 27
ADVANCED SECURITY AND WINDOWS HELLO
Windows Hello Biometric Authentication
FIDO2 Security Keys and Authentication
Windows Hello for Business
Registration
Provisioning
Why use the Windows Hello Business tool?
Deploying Windows Hello for Business
Activity
CHAPTER 28
PERFORMANCE MONITORING ANALYSIS
The major cause of performance problems
Resource Monitor and Task Manager Advanced Features
Resource Monitor
Task Manager
Using Windows Performance Monitor
How to monitor CPU usage using Windows 11 Performance Monitor?
Monitoring Memory usage with Windows 11 Performance Monitor
Monitoring disk usage with Windows 11 Performance Monitor
How to monitor network activity with the Windows 11 Performance monitor?
Diagnosing Performance Bottlenecks
Activity
CHAPTER 29
GAMING AND GRAPHICS OPTIMIZATION
DirectX 12 Ultimate Features
Variable Rate Shading
DirectX Raytracing (DXR)
Check with the Xbox Game Bar
NVIDIA DLSS and AMD Fidelity FX Super Resolution
Nvidia DLSS
AMD Fidelity FX Super Resolution
Advanced Graphics Settings for Gamers
Enabling advanced graphics in Windows 11?
Activity
CHAPTER 30
ADVANCED NETWORKING AND REMOTE DESKTOP
Configuring Network Policies
Creating Network Policies for Dial-Up or VPN with a Wizard
Create Network Policies for 802.1X Wired or Wireless with a Wizard
Configure a Network Policy for VLANs
Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) Security
Advantages of RDP in networking
Use Cases for RDP
Remote Desktop Service and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)
Remote Desktop Service
Uses of RDS
Key benefits of RDS
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure
How VDI works
Activity
CHAPTER 31
WINDOWS 11 FOR IOT AND EMBEDDED SYSTEMS
Windows 11 IoT Editions Overview
Windows IoT Enterprise
Windows Server IoT 2022
Windows IoT Core
Developing Applications for IoT
Define the requirements for the application
Choosing the Right Hardware
Find the right connectivity protocols
Ensure the firmware is well-equipped
Choose the right cloud platform
Note
Deploying Applications for IoT
Deploying Windows 11 on Embedded Devices
Activity
CHAPTER 32
WINDOWS 11 FOR ACCESSIBILITY
Assistive Technologies and Features
Narrator
Magnifier
High Contrast Mode
Speech Recognition
Using Narrator with Braille support
Eye Control
Mono Audio
Flash Screen for Notifications
Captions
Third-Party Accessibility Software
NVDA
ChromeVox (Chrome)
JAWS
Accessibility Testing and Best Practices
Disabilities to Consider
WCAG Compliance
Testing Tools
Keyboard Navigation
Semantic HTML
Alternative Text
Text Contrast
Text-to-Speech Compatibility
Video and Audio Accessibility
Activity
CHAPTER 33
EDGE COMPUTING AND WINDOWS CONTAINERS
Introduction to Windows Containers
Container Users
Developers
IT Professionals
Orchestration
Deploying Microservices with Containers
Kubernetes and Container Orchestration
Kubernetes
Activity
CHAPTER 34
ADVANCED DISK MANAGEMENT
Dynamic Disks and RAID Configurations
Volume Types
Volume Expansion
Volume Shrinking
Resilience
RAID Configurations
RAID 0 (Striping)
RAID 1 (Mirroring)
RAID 5
RAID 10 (1+0)
RAID 6
RAID 50
Disk Cleanup and Optimization
Temporary Internet Files
Downloaded Program Files
System Error Memory Dump Files
Recycle Bin
Temporary Files
Thumbnails
Windows Update Cleanup
Resizing and Managing Partitions
Activity
CHAPTER 35
DATA RECOVERY AND FORENSICS
Windows File History and Previous Versions
Previous Versions
Using Data Recovery Software
Digital Forensics Basics on Windows 11
Activity
CHAPTER 36
ENHANCING PRODUCTIVITY WITH POWERTOYS
Overview of PowerToys Utilities
Always On Top
Awake: Keep Your PC from Falling Asleep
Color Picker: Capture On-Screen Colors
FancyZones: Create Custom Desktop Layouts
File LockSmith: See Which Processes Are Locking a File
File Explorer Add-Ons: View More File Formats
Image Resizer: Easily Resize Photos
Keyboard Manager: Remap Keys and Shortcuts
Mouse Utilities: Find Your Mouse Cursor Faster
Customizing keyboard Shortcuts
Boosting Efficiency with FancyZone and Run Launcher
Using the editor
Run Launcher
Activity
CHAPTER 37
MANAGING USER ACCOUNTS AND FAMILY SAFETY
User Account Control (UAC) Customization
Family Safety Features and Parental Controls
How to Use Parental Controls in Windows 11 to Block Websites and More
Setting up Child Accounts
Activity
CHAPTER 38
ADVANCED FILE SHARING AND PERMISSIONS
Shared Folders and Advanced Sharing Options
File Sharing
Managing NTFS Permissions
Access Control List (ACLs) Explained
Activity
CHAPTER 39
WINDOWS UPDATE STRATEGIES AND WSUS
Windows Update for Business
Types of updates managed by Windows Update for Business
Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)
Deferring Updates and Quality vs. Features Updates
Pause an update
Activity
CHAPTER 40
WINDOWS 11 FOR 2-IN-1 DEVICES
Optimizing Touch and Pen Input
Tablet Mode and Continuum
Tablet Mode
Continuum
Gesture Controls and Hybrid Usage
Gesture Controls
Hybrid Usage
Activity
CHAPTER 41
CUSTOMIZATION SYSTEM SOUNDS AND NOTIFICATION
Managing System Sounds
Customizing Notification Settings
Syncing Notifications across Devices
Activity
CHAPTER 42
POWERSHELL DESIRED STATE CONFIGURATION (DSC)
Introduction to DSC
Native Cmdlets
Managed Object Format File
Local Configuration Manager
Local Push Mode
Remote Push Mode
Writing DSC Configuration Scripts
Activity
CHAPTER 43
WINDOWS 11 SECURITY BEYOND BASICS
Application Control Policies (AppLocker)
When to use AppLocker
Installation
Credential Guard and Device Guard
System requirements
Hardware and Software Requirements
Credential Guard in virtual machines
Application requirements
How Credential Guard works
Enabling Credential Guard
Verify if Credential Guard is enabled
Exploit Protection and Windows Defender ATP
Windows Defender ATP
Activity
CHAPTER 44
WINDOWS 11 FOR CONTENT CREATORS
Using Windows Ink Workspace for Creative Work
Advanced Photo and Video Editing Tools
Clipchamp
OpenShot
Shotcut
VSDC Free Video Editor
Color Management and Calibrating Display
Activity
CHAPTER 45
WINDOWS 11 AND INTERNET OF THINGS (IOT)
Integrating Windows 11 with IoT Devices
IoT Core and Windows 11 IoT Enterprise
Prototyping IoT Solutions with Windows 11
Activity
CHAPTER 46
AUTOMATING TASKS WITH TASK SCHEDULER
Creating Advanced Scheduled Tasks
Using Triggers and Actions Effectively
Monitoring Task Scheduler Logs
Activity
CHAPTER 47
EXTENDING WINDOWS 11 WITH EXTENSION
Microsoft Edge Extensions
Developing Extensions for Windows 11
Activity
CHAPTER 48
ENHANCING BATTERY LIFE AND POWER MANAGEMENT
Advanced Power Options
Battery Saver Mode and Power Plans
Managing Background Process and Battery Drain
Battery usage.
Activity
Conclusion
INDEX