KB Category: Windows

This article outlines the main changes in Windows 11 and how to navigate around the system and do some of the most common tasks.

In summary Windows 11 has mostly changed the look and feel of the operating system, the main points are:

1. New look – i.e. Taskbar, rounded windows, new icons.
2. Widgets – to personalise new feed, weather, traffic, sports, stock market, etc.
3. Snap Layouts – select and customise layouts for Windows with the applications you want.
4. Updated Default Apps – e.g. Paint, Photos, Notepad, Media Player, Clock, etc.
5. Redesigned Settings – adds a persistent left menu.
6. Multiple Desktops – set different backgrounds, colors, images and Snap Layouts per virtual desktop.
7. Teams more integrated – e.g. new taskbar.
8. Performance enhancements – quicker updates, better sound, quicker browsing, etc.

The links below give more information on many of the common changes and tasks that relate to supporting applications like Sage.

• Confirm/Set Outlook as the default app for emailing from the pc. – How to Change Default Email App on Windows 11 PC or Laptop (youtube.com)
• Check regional settings. – check regional settings in win 11 – Google Search
• Check screen resolution. – How to Know screen resolution in Windows 11 (youtube.com)
• Install the .NET Framework from Turn windows features on or off – Install .NET Framework 3.5 on Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8 – .NET Framework | Microsoft Learn
• Check windows logon – How to See What Users Are Logged In to Your PC on Windows 11! (youtube.com)
• Check user permissions on files and folders. – How to change File and Folder permissions in Windows 11/10 (youtube.com)
• Access the command prompt – How to Open Command Prompt (Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, etc.) (lifewire.com)
• Check disk space – Find out how much storage your PC has – Microsoft Support
• Check memory (RAM) – How To Check RAM Usage in Windows | Tom’s Hardware (tomshardware.com)
• Find computer name. – Finding the computer name in Windows 11 – University IT (rochester.edu)
• Using File Explorer – Windows 11: File Explorer (youtube.com)
• Access hidden files – How to Find Hidden Files on Windows 11 [Tutorial] (youtube.com)
• Copy/paste files – Into the fold: Advanced layouts | Wix Studio (youtube.com)
• Clear the recycle bin. – Windows 11: How to Empty Recycle Bin (youtube.com)
• Clear the temp folder. How To Delete Your Temporary Files In Windows 11 – Clear Temp Folder (youtube.com)

Check Disk Space Usage

On a windows device the quickest way to check your disk space is through windows “File Explorer”. Click on the “This PC” and it will show you the drives on the pc and their current capacity, as seen below.

If the free capacity is very low (10% or less of total) the blue bar will become red. This indicates that you need to manage your storage, but it is best to keep this under review before this stage. The sections below outline how you can clear space.

To clear space on the system disk on a windows device follow these steps

1. Shut down all apps

2. Use Disk Cleanup

• Right click the disk in File Explore and select Properties – Disk Cleanup
• Click System cleanup first
• Then delete fields – should give options to free up the below areas as part of this.

• • Windows Cleanup
  • Windows temporary file s- Windows\temp folder
  • Downloads folder
  • Temporary Internet files
  • Recycle Bin

3. Search for large files in File Explorer and delete/archive any that are not required.

OneDrive

If you are using OneDrive, some of your files can be copied locally (on your C drive normally). This happens when you open a file or especially if you are “syncing” so that you can access files directly from Windows. You can clear the local copy of these files to free up space as follows:

• Click the OneDrive icon in the task bar.
• Click the Cog to open Help & Settings, then click Settings.
• Click the Settings tab.
• Select “Free up disk space”

This should free up disk space by removing all local copies of files. When you browse these you should see the status of these as “Online” and the Status icon will be a cloud.

As you open OneDrive files they will be downloaded locally again, so you need to keep manage this storage.

You can automatically control this under “Windows – Storage Settings – Storage Sense – Change how we free up space automatically”. Under “Locally available content” on each OneDrive folder set the “online-only” period as required (e.g. 60 days).