Windows 10 Basic Settings

Windows 10 has so-called standard programs. A certain file always opens in such a program. For example, text documents always open in Word. Or clicking a web link in an email opens the default Internet program. Prefer a different standard program? Which can! You only have a choice of software that is installed. If the Internet program Edge is your default, but you prefer to use Google Chrome or Internet Explorer, you can set this as the default program. Arrange it like this:

• Click the Start button.
• click on Institutions > apps.
• Click on the left Default apps.
• An overview of apps that are used by default opens. At ‘E-mail’ you will find your own program. If this is not correct, adjust it here. To do this, click on the set program and then on the desired program.

The new Start menu is very handy. It provides quick access to programs and settings. This Start menu can be set up completely according to your own wishes. You can set the size of the Start menu yourself.

• Click the Start button to open the Start menu.
• Move the mouse to the edge of the top of the menu.
• The mouse pointer changes to two arrows. Click and hold the mouse button while moving the mouse up. Release the mouse button once the window is large enough.

Tip: You can also perform these steps from the right side of the menu.

On the left side of the Start menu are several buttons, such as ‘Power’ and ‘Settings’. Add options if necessary.

• Click the Start button > Institutions > Personal settings.
• Click on the tab Start.
• You will now see a number of options. We explain them briefly:
  • Show more tiles in Home
    Enable this option to add more tiles to the Start menu.
  • Show list of apps in Start menu
    This option is turned on automatically and is very useful. This feature allows you to see all apps on the PC in alphabetical order in the Start menu.
  • Show recently added apps
    You will see programs that you have newly installed in the Start menu if this option is enabled.
  • View most used apps
    Turn this option on if you want the programs you use most often to appear on the left side of the Start menu.
  • Occasionally show suggestions in Home
    When this option is on, you will sometimes see recommended apps in the Start menu.
  • Using Start in full screen
    If this option is enabled, you will see a full-screen Start menu after you click on the ‘Start’ button.
  • Show recently opened items in jumplists in Start or on the taskbar
• click on the link Choose which folders appear in Start.
• A list of different options opens. You definitely want to keep seeing the ‘Settings’ button in the Start menu. So leave this on. You will also see the options ‘Explorer’, ‘Documents’ and ‘Downloads’. If you want to see these in the Start menu, turn on the options.
• Finally, click on the cross at the top right to close the settings.

Tiles are on the right side of the Start menu. These are buttons to different parts, for example apps. The special thing about tiles is that they can also show current information from the app. For example, a weather app shows the current temperature. You decide which tiles appear in the Start menu and what they look like.

Add a tile

• click on Start.
• Scroll to the app you want to pin to the Start menu and right-click on the app.
• click on Pin to Start.

Not all apps are so easy to add to the start menu, some apps are not suitable for this. Then you can often add them to the taskbar.

Move a tile

A new tile is automatically added to the bottom of the Start menu. However, you can move the tiles.

• click on Start.
• Click on a tile and hold down the mouse button.
• Drag the tile to the desired location.
• Release the mouse button as soon as the tile is in the right place.

Customize a tile

The size of a tile can also be adjusted.

• click on Start.
• Right click on a tile.
• Move the mouse pointer to ‘Resize’.
• A drop-down menu will appear. Click here on the desired format.

Delete a tile

It is also possible to remove a tile.

• click on Start.
• Right click on a tile.
• click on Unpin from Start.

That old trusty Windows Explorer is a rock in the branding for every PC user. By default, the Ribbon (the menu options at the top) is collapsed. If you always want to keep it open, take the following steps:

• Open the Explorer.
• Click on the up arrow at the top right. It’s the icon for ‘Minimize the ribbon’.

Another feature is the ‘Quick access’ option. Here you will find frequently used folders and recently opened files. By default, File Explorer opens with this option. Previously, the File Explorer was opened by default with the ‘Computer’ option. You will then see an overview of all disk drives, devices and network locations. If you want to return to this view, do the following:

• click on File.
• click on Change folder and search options.
• Click behind ‘Open explorer in’ on Quick access > This PC.
• click on OK.