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Build confidence with Windows

Windows Essentials

Learn how Windows is organized, configure it safely, manage files and apps, maintain performance, and use built-in repair tools without guesswork.

View curriculum
BeginnerDifficulty
3.5 hoursEstimated time
6 modules18 lessons
Practical checksKnowledge check
01
Before you begin

What you need

  • A Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer
  • Permission to change basic settings
  • About 20–30 minutes for each module
02
Step-by-step curriculum

Learning modules

Complete lessons in order or open the module that matches your current goal. Your lesson progress is saved on this device.

01Know Your Windows PCBuild a clear picture of the Windows version, hardware and accounts you are working with.3 lessons
02Files, Folders and StorageLearn the file-management habits that prevent lost files and unnecessary storage problems.3 lessons
03Set Up Windows SafelyConfigure updates, security and recovery before problems happen.3 lessons
04Apps and StartupInstall software safely and control what launches with Windows.3 lessons
05Performance and MaintenanceUse built-in tools for routine maintenance and safer backups.3 lessons
06Troubleshooting EssentialsLearn a safe order for diagnosing Windows issues and using repair tools.3 lessons
04
Knowledge check

Test your understanding

Answer all questions. Results and explanations are calculated instantly in your browser.

1Before following a Windows repair guide, which information should you record first?
2Which combination gives the most useful overview of a PC's hardware capacity?
3Why should daily work normally use a standard account instead of an administrator account?
4Which File Explorer feature is best for returning quickly to frequently used folders?
5Why is it useful to display file name extensions?
6What should you verify before deleting a large folder to free drive space?
7Which Windows Update action is safest when an update requires a restart?
8Where should you check first when Windows reports a security warning?
9What is a restore point designed to help reverse?
10What is the safest source for installing a common Windows application?
11What happens when you change a default app for a file type?
12Which startup app is the best candidate to disable first?
13In Task Manager, what should you compare before ending a process?
14Which action is safer than deleting unknown files manually from Windows system folders?
15How do you verify that a backup is actually usable?
16What information makes an error report most useful?
17When using DISM and SFC for Windows system-file repair, what is the usual order?
18How should Event Viewer errors be interpreted?
19Before changing a driver or major system setting, which two protections are most useful?
20A PC signs in slowly and the disk is nearly full. What is the best first sequence?
05
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