It has been more than a month since the arrival of Windows 11. Therefore, you have probably already been able to download it if your computer meets the minimum requirements. Even if your computer is incompatible, you can still download it. So, if you have already installed it, but don’t know how to start using it, then this guide is for you. We will teach you how to take the first steps. Consequently, you will be able to complete its initial setup, and you will be able to start using it. With these steps, you will learn how to set up the system to your liking. So, it will adapt to your needs and the way you want to use it. Certainly, these are steps for novice users. However, they are a guide for any level. Continue reading to see first steps after installing Windows 11.
The useful first steps after installing Windows 11
Make sure you have all the applications
The first thing you need to do is to make sure you have all the applications you need. If you got to Windows 11 as an upgrade, then you should keep all the applications. However, it is advisable to click on the Start menu and then click on All apps to check.
You may also have done an installation from scratch. In that case, we recommend you to check the new store. You will see that it has changed quite a lot compared to Windows 10. Indeed, you will see many new applications, although most of them will be progressive web applications. It is always advisable to check if there are interesting new options. In short, it is the first thing you have to do after installing Windows 11.
Organize the new start menu
One of the things that has changed in Windows 11 is the start menu. Indeed, goodbye to the tiles and back to a reduced size. In addition, it works through applications that you can pin to it. So, a good first step is to spend some time with it. This way, you can configure it to your liking by adding and removing pinned applications. To start, right-click on the apps you want to avoid being displayed. Then select the Unpin from Start option. As a result, the app will remain installed, but will not appear in the startup menu.
It is also possible to pin an application to the start menu. For this purpose, type the name, select All applications option. When you get it, right-click the mouse and then select the option Pin to Start. After you have them there, you can drag and drop them to your preferred location. Below the pinned applications, there is a Recommendations’ section that you can customize. To complete this, go to Windows Settings. From there, go to Personalization and then to Startup. In this section, you can disable the items that you do not want to appear.
In this window, there is also a Folders section. Once there, you can activate shortcuts that appear next to the shutdown button. These will behave as shortcuts to some key folders on the computer.
Pin applications to the taskbar
When you open an application or program, its icon appears in the taskbar. We can also add applications to the taskbar so that the icon remains, even if we are not using it. This element, together with the centered start menu, is slightly reminiscent of macOS. What you have to do is to open any application. When the icon appears on the taskbar, right-click it and choose the Pin to taskbar option.
Change the default applications
Windows 11 has complicated the default application system. You can no longer set an application for a certain function. For example, use a special app for videos or for surfing the internet. Instead, for each file format, you have to assign an application. Consequently, you will have to manually configure AVI, MP4, MKV files, instead of simply all videos. And that’s how it works with all of them. To change the default video player or other default app, you have to go to Windows Settings. Once there, go to Apps. Then look for the Default Apps option. Finally, select the type of file you want to open with the application.
Controls the split-screen system
The Windows 11 split screen system has changed a lot compared to Windows 10. Indeed, it has different split-screen configurations. This depends on whether you want to view two, three or four applications on a single screen. Just hover the mouse pointer over the maximize button on the top bar of any app. Immediately, the different layouts will be displayed. Then, you just have to click on the part you want within a layout to place the application you are in there. Then, the wizard will invite you to fill the other layouts with other open applications.
Manages the notification system
There are also changes in the notifications of Windows 11. Indeed, they now appear when you click on the clock and calendar in the taskbar. In addition, they are displayed on top of the calendar. With these notifications, you can interact with them to reply to messages or archive emails. Likewise, the interactions in the notifications will depend on each application.
You will also be able to configure the Windows 11 Concentration Assistant. This is a new feature of Windows 11. Through it, we will be able to configure moments or hours in which you do not want notifications to appear. Or also to filter the less important ones. You can choose different hours of the day, or deactivate certain applications when doing an action. For example to extend an application or game in full screen.
Customize Windows 11 to your liking
Finally, the system customization options allow you to choose between light or dark mode. It is also possible to set the transparency of the windows and the emphasis color of the application icons. In addition, we can also use themes to change the appearance of the desktop, including the wallpaper and sound effects. Note that there are many custom themes to download from the app store. Ultimately, we have seen the first steps after installing Windows 11. We hope it will help you to make better use of your system. Bye!
