How to Use the Settings App in Windows 10

The Settings App in Windows 10

The Settings in Windows 10 provide options for how you set up your computer and how it operates. There are nine main categories of Settings, each of which has a number of sub-categories. The Settings app can be accessed in a number of ways:

1. Click on the Start button

2. Click on the Settings button on the Start menu or the Settings tile on the Start

3. Click on the Notifications button on the Taskbar

4. Click on the All settings button; or

5. Enter Settings into the Search box and click on the Settings button

Hot tip:
Add the Settings app to the Taskbar for quick access. To do this, access it from the Start menu, right-click on it and click on More> Pin to taskbar.

6. In the Settings app, click on one of the main categories to view the options within that category

System Settings

The System Settings provide numerous options to specify how your computer looks and operates. They include:

Display. This contains options for changing the size of items on the screen, the orientation of the screen, and options for adjusting the screen brightness, either manually or automatically.

Apps & features. This contains information about the apps that you have on your computer. This includes their size and installation date. Click on an app and click on the Uninstall button to remove it.

Default apps. This can be used to select default apps for opening certain items, such as music, photos, and videos. It can also be used to specify a default email app.

Don't forget:
Apps can also be uninstalled from within the Control Panel (Programs > Uninstall a program)

Notifications & actions. This contains options for selecting which notification icons appear on the Taskbar, and specify which apps can be used to display notifications, e.g. your calendar and email.

Power & sleep. This contains options for when the screen is turned off when not being used, and when the computer goes to sleep when it is not being used. This ranges from one minute to never.

Battery. This can be used on laptops and displays the charge level of the battery and what is using the battery most. It also has options for saving battery power. hab enable to noizam sad

Storage. This displays how much storage has been taken up on your computer and has options for where you want to save certain types of content. This can be the PC or an external drive, such as a hard drive or a USB flash drive.

Offline maps. This contains options for downloading maps so that you can use them even when you are offline. There is also an option for only downloading maps when you are connected to Wi-Fi, to save any unwanted charges if you have a mobile data plan.

Tablet mode. This can be used on desktop and laptop computers, using a mouse and keyboard to replicate the operation of using a touchscreen device or tablet with Windows 10. This includes expanding the Start menu to full screen.

Multitasking. This contains options for working with windows and desktops. In the Snap section, you can turn on options for arranging windows when they are moved to the edge of the screen, and in the Virtual desktops section, you can specify whether the Taskbar (and Alt + Tab) shows all open windows or just those for the current desktop.

Projecting to this PC. This can be used to allow other Windows 10 devices (computers, tablets, or phones) to project their screens onto your computer so that you can view the screen and also interact with it.

Apps for websites. This can be used to allow compatible apps to open websites, rather than using a browser.

About. This contains information about your computer and the version of Windows that you are using.

Devices Settings

The Devices Settings provide settings for how the hardware connected with your computer operates. They include:

Printers & scanners. This can be used to add new printers or scanners to your computer. These can either be wireless ones or ones that connect via cable. In most cases, the required software will be installed with Windows 10, or if not, it will be downloaded from the internet.

Connected devices. This can be used to add new devices, such as a printer, using the Add a device button.

Bluetooth. This can be used to link your computer to compatible Bluetooth devices so that they can share content over short distances with radiowaves. The two devices have to be paired' initially to be able to share content.

Don't forget:
Printers can also be added through the Control Panel. This is done in the Devices and Printers section, under Hardware and Sound. Click on the Add a printer button and follow the wizard.

Mouse & touchpad. This contains options for customizing the mouse and Home Find a setting Devices Printers & scanners Connected devices # Bluetooth 10 Mouse & touchpad Typing touchpad (for a laptop). These include setting the main button on the mouse (Left by default) and how the scrolling operates with the mouse, such as the number of lines that can be scrolled AutoPlay Mouse USB Select your primary button Left Roll the mouse wheel to scroll Multiple lines at a time Choose how many lines to scroll each time + Scroll inactive windows when I hover over them 0 Touchpad To help prevent the cursor from accidentally moving while you type to change the delay before dicks work Medium delay

Typing. This contains options for correcting your typing as you go. These include autocorrecting misspelled words and highlighting misspelled words.

AutoPlay. This contains options for applying AutoPlay for external devices such as removable drives and memory cards. If AutoPlay is On, the devices will be activated and accessed when they are attached to your computer.

USB. This can be used to flag any issues with connected USB devices.

Network & Internet Settings

The Network & Internet Settings provide settings related to connecting to networks, usually for accessing the internet. They include:

Status. This displays the current Wi-Fi status, i.e. whether the computer is connected to the internet or not.

Don't forget:
If Wi-Fi is turned On in the Wi-Fi settings, any routers in range should be recognized. A password will probably then be required to connect to the router.

Wi-Fi. This contains options for connecting to the internet via your Wi-Fi router (or public hotspots). There is also an option for managing your Wi-Fi networks.

Ethernet. This can be used if you are connecting to the internet with an Ethernet cable. This connects to the Ethernet port on your computer and internet access is delivered through the use of your telephone line.

Dial-up. This can be used if you have a dial-up modem for connecting to the internet. This is not common these days but is still a valid means of internet access.

VPN. This can be used to connect to a corporate network over VPN (Virtual Private Network). If you are doing this you will need certain settings and details from your network administrator.

Airplane mode. This can be used to turn off wireless communication when you are on a plane so that you can still use your computer (laptop) safely.

Mobile hotspot. This can be used to determine how the computer interacts with mobile hotspots for connecting to shared public networks.

Data usage. This displays how much data has been downloaded over any networks that you are using. The most common one is Wi-Fi which displays your usage over a 30-day period.

Proxy. This contains options for using a proxy server for Ethernet or Wi-Fi connections.

👉Read also: Change notification settings in Windows-10

Personalization Settings

The Personalization Settings provide options for customizing the look and feel of Windows 10. They include:

Background. This can be used to change the Desktop background in Windows 10. You can select images from the pictures provided, solid colors, a slideshow, or your own photos (using the Browse button). You can also choose how the background fits the screen (the default is Fill).

Colors. This contains options for selecting a color for borders, buttons, the Taskbar, and the Start menu background.

Lock screen. This can be used to select a background for the Lock screen. You can use the images provided and also select your own photos (using the Browse button). You can also select apps that display relevant information on the Lock screen, such as email notifications or calendar events.

Hot tip:
In the Colors section, there is also an option for making the Start menu, Taskbar, and Action Center (Notifications) transparent. This is accessed beneath the color chart for selecting an accent color.

Themes. This contains a link to the Control Panel, where color themes can be applied for several elements within the Windows 10 interface.

Start. This contains options for how the Start menu operates. It can be used to view the Start menu in full-screen mode and also display recently used items in the Start menu.

Taskbar. This contains options for locking the Taskbar, automatically hiding it, changing the icon size, and specifying its screen location (left, top, right, or bottom).

Accounts Settings

The Accounts Settings provide options for adding new online accounts (such as a new email account, or an online storage and sharing service such as Dropbox). They include:

Don't forget:
The Accounts Settings can be used to switch between a Microsoft Account and a Local account for signing in to your PC.

Your info. This displays information about your current account, which will either be the one you signed into using your Microsoft Account details, or a Local account, which has no online presence. You can also swap between accounts here.

Email & app accounts. This can be used to add email accounts and also add a Microsoft Account.

Sign-in options. This contains security options for signing in to your account. You can create a PIN, Password, or Picture password. Whichever method you choose, this will be required when you sign in to your account from the Lock screen.

Access work or school. This can be used to connect to a workplace network, where you can share certain items. To do this you will need to contact the network administrator in order to obtain the correct settings to connect to the network.

Family & other people. This can be used to set up accounts on your computer for other family members, or friends. They will be able to set their own sign-in options and you will be able to switch users by clicking on the Start button and then clicking on the icon of the current user.

Sync your settings. This can be used to sync the settings you have on your computer with any other Windows 10 devices that you have. For instance, if you have a desktop computer using Windows 10 you will be able to sync settings and apps with another Windows 10 device, such as a Surface tablet.

Time & Language Settings

The Time & Language Settings provide options for the time zone used by your computer and the format for these items. They include:

Date & time. This can be used to set the date and time, either manually, or automatically, using the Time zone drop-down menu. There is also a link to Related settings in the Control Panel, where formatting options can be applied.

Don't forget:
The date and time can be set within the Clock, Language, and Region section of the Control Panel, under the Date and Time heading.

Region & language. This can be used to select the language that is used by your computer, e.g. English (United States). You can also add new languages.

Speech. This contains options for how the speech function operates when using Windows 10. This includes the language to use when you are using speech, and also the default voice if using apps that speak text from the screen.

Ease of Access Settings

The Ease of Access Settings contains a range of options to help users who have visual or motor issues when using a computer. They include:

Narrator. This can be used to activate a screen reader so text, buttons, and toolbars can be read out loud. You can choose a voice style for the narrator and the speed and pitch of reading.

Magnifier. This can be used to magnify what is being viewed on the screen. The amount of magnification can be increased by up to 1600% of the standard view. The color of the screen can also be inverted.

High contrast. This contains options for applying high contrast themes for Windows 10, to make certain elements more pronounced. This can be useful for users with dyslexia.

Closed captions. This can be used by hearing-impaired users to provide text subtitles for items such as movies or multimedia content. The captioning is included in the media and the settings enable you to select color, size, and effects for the subtitles.

Keyboard. This can be used to enable the on-screen keyboard and options for keyboard shortcuts and keyboard sounds for when certain keys are pressed, e.g. Caps Lock and Number Lock.

Mouse. This contains options for setting the size of the mouse pointer and also its color.

Other options. This contains options for turning Off animations and Windows backgrounds, to make the screen less distracting, and also options for showing notifications.

Privacy Settings

The Privacy Settings can be used to allow or deny certain apps access to your location. This can make them operate more efficiently, but you may not want all of your apps to function in this way. They include:

General. This contains options for allowing or denying apps access to some of your personal information (such as name, picture, and account info), using a SmartScreen Filter to check web pages used by certain apps, sending Microsoft information about your typing, and allowing websites to provide you with local information based on your default language being used.

Location. This can be used to turn On or Off the location services, to allow or deny apps the use of your current location.

Notifications. This can be used to specify which apps can be used to show notifications in the Action Center and also on the Lock screen.

The following options can be used to allow or deny apps access to these specific functions: Camera, Microphone, Contacts, Calendar, Call history, Messaging, and Radios.

Beware:
The more access you give in terms of your own information and allowing apps to share your location, the more unwanted information you may be sent.

Speech, inking & typing. This can be used to train Windows and the Personal Digital Assistant, Cortana, to your writing and speaking styles, so that they can operate more efficiently.

Account info. This can be used to allow apps access to your name, picture, and account info.

Email. This can be used to specify which apps can access email, e.g. the People app for using Contacts.

Other devices. This can be used to view external devices, such as an Xbox, which have access to your apps.

Feedback & diagnostics. This contains options for how feedback is requested by Microsoft. It can be set to automatically, or for a specific time period, e.g. once a week.

👉Read also: How to use Multiple Desktops in Windows-10

Background apps. This can be used to specify which apps can receive notifications and updates even when not in use. This includes Mail and the Microsoft Edge browser.

Update & security

The Update & security Settings provide options for installing updates to Windows and also backing up and recovering the data on your computer. They include:

Windows Update. This can be used to install system updates, such as those to Windows 10, and also important security updates. They can be set to be checked for and installed automatically (using the Advanced options button) or manually using the Check for updates button. For some updates, your computer will shut down and restart automatically.

Don't forget:
Because of the nature of Windows 10, e.g. it is designed as an online service, there will be regular updates. Check the Windows Update section regularly, even if you have set updates to be installed automatically, as you will be able to view the details of installed updates.

Windows Defender. This contains options for protecting your computer with the Windows Defender app, including real-time protection and also Cloud protection for items that are stored online, such as in OneDrive.

Backup. This can be used to back up your important files and documents. It is best if this is done to an external hard drive that is kept separately from your computer. Connect an external hard drive and click on the Add a back-up location on this PC button to start the process.

Recovery. This can be used if you encounter problems with the way that Windows 10 is operating. You can select to refresh your computer and keep all of your files intact (although they should always be backed up first), reinstall Windows completely, which will reset it completely and you will lose all of your files and any apps you have downloaded; or return to an earlier version of Windows that was on your computer, without losing any files.

Activation. This can be used to activate your copy of Windows 10, to confirm that it is an authorized version. Activation can be done online.

Find My Device. This can be used to set up Find My Device for locating a lost device, via the website at: account.microsoft.com/devices

For developers. This contains options for advanced users involved in programming and app development.

Windows Insider Program. This can be used to gain access to the Insider Program, for downloading preview versions of the latest Windows 10 updates.

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How to Use the Settings App in Windows 10

The Settings App in Windows 10