With the release of Windows 8 in 2012, the desktop was no longer the default GUI, replaced by the Start Screen. You can access your desktop at any time by pressing Windows key + D to minimize any running applications. From here, you can access the installed programs on your computer from the Start menu, or by double-clicking any application shortcuts you may have on your desktop. When you power on your computer and log in to Windows, the first thing you see is your desktop background, icons, and the taskbar. Your desktop is always in the background, behind any other applications you’re running. It is a space where you can organize applications, folders, and documents, which appear as icons. The desktop is a fundamental part of the default GUI (graphical user interface) in Windows. Cortana has similarities to other voice-activated services, such as Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant, with the added benefit that it can search the information on your computer. Cortana can answer questions, search your computer or Internet, set appointments and reminders, perform online purchases, and more.
#ALL MAC OPERATING SYSTEMS VERSIONS WINDOWS 10#
CortanaĬortana is a virtual assistant introduced in Windows 10 that accepts voice commands. Many of the Control Panel settings are also accessible in the Windows 10 Settings menu. In Windows 10, the Control Panel is located in the Start menu, under Windows System. You can change settings for printers, video, audio, mouse, keyboard, date and time, user accounts, installed applications, network connections, power saving options, and more. The Control Panel is a collection of tools to help you configure and manage the resources on your computer.
To learn more about the features included in Microsoft Windows, click a link below. Microsoft Windows includes a wide array of features, tools, and applications to help get the most out of Windows and your computer. What are the features of Microsoft Windows?