Windows 11 basics: a beginner’s guide for seniors

Windows 11 looks a little different from older versions of Windows. But it works the same basic way. Click the Start button to open apps. Click the Wi-Fi icon to get online. Don’t worry about breaking anything by clicking around. This guide walks through the everyday things that trip people up most.

What is Windows 11 and how is it different from Windows 10?

Windows 11 is the operating system – the software that runs everything – on many laptops and desktop computers. If your computer used to run Windows 10, there’s one big change you’ll notice. The Start menu now sits in the middle of the taskbar at the bottom of the screen, instead of the bottom-left corner. Everything else works in a very similar way once you know where to look.

How do I find my way around the Start menu?

Click the Windows logo (a small four-pane window shape) in the middle of the taskbar. This opens the Start menu. You’ll see your pinned apps at the top, and a row of recently used files below. To find an app that isn’t pinned, just start typing its name. For example, type “mail” to find your email app. Windows will search for it as you type.

How do I open and close a program?

Click an app’s icon once to open it. You don’t need to double-click like on some older computers. To close a program, look for the small X in the very top-right corner of its window and click it. If a program stops responding, press Ctrl, Alt and Delete at the same time. Then choose Task Manager to close it.

How do I connect to Wi-Fi?

Click the small Wi-Fi icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen (it looks like a fan of curved lines). A list of nearby networks will appear. Choose your home network and type in the Wi-Fi password once. Tick “Connect automatically” too, and the computer will remember it – reconnecting on its own every time from then on.

How do I keep Windows 11 updated and secure?

Windows updates itself automatically in the background, so there’s usually nothing you need to do. If you ever see a message asking to restart the computer to finish installing an update, it’s safe to click “Restart now”. It typically takes just a few minutes, and the computer will be back to normal afterwards. Windows also includes built-in antivirus protection, called Windows Security. It runs automatically, so you don’t need to buy separate antivirus software for basic protection.

What should I do if my computer is running slowly?

Restart the computer first. Turning it off and back on again fixes the large majority of slowdowns, because it clears out anything that’s got stuck running in the background. If it’s still slow afterwards, close browser tabs you’re not using – each one uses memory even sitting in the background. Also check for programs that open automatically every time the computer starts.

Where can I get more help?

If you’re shopping for a new machine rather than troubleshooting an existing one, our guide to the best computer for seniors and our best Windows laptops for seniors roundup cover current, tested picks. If it’s really a case of “I just want someone to show me,” our guide on how to teach an older relative to use tech has practical teaching tips that work well for Windows too.

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