Southern New Hampshire University

Getting Started with Windows 11

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Disclaimer: Information contained in this article may not be relevant to all employees. Please be aware that images and depictions are provided as a reference and may not represent your exact experience.

Pinning Applications

Windows 11 allows you to pin applications to your taskbar (the bar at the bottom of your desktop) for easy access.

Option 1: If you would like to pin an application to this bar, simply drag and drop any application from your desktop and place it in your taskbar.

Option 2: Open your start menu, which is depicted by a Windows logo in your taskbar, locate the application you'd like in your taskbar, and drag and drop it.

Configuring Displays

Depending on your workstation setup you may need to realign your screens so your mouse moves fluidly from one screen to the other.

  1. Right Click on the desktop
  2. Select "Display Settings"
  3. In the display settings window, click on "Duplicate these Displays"
  4. Change it to "Extend these Displays"
  5. Select "Keep Changes"

Attempt moving your mouse across the screen, if your mouse moves fluidly from one screen to the other you are all set. If your mouse does not move fluidly move across screens, follow the steps below.

  1. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 above to navigate back to the Display Settings screen.
  2. Click "Identify"
  3. Locate the numbers displayed on your screens and take note of their locations
  4. Click and drag the screens in the Display Settings windows to match the layout of your screens
  5. Once your screens are arranged, Select "Apply"

Moving the Start Menu

Windows 11 gives you the option to align the taskbar to the left as it appears in previous versions of Windows. By default your start menu is aligned in the center.  

  1. Right-click on a blank space in the taskbar
  2. Select "Taskbar Settings"
  3. Select "Taskbar behaviors", you may have to scroll down
  4. Locate "Taskbar Alignment"
  5. Change "Center" to "Left"

You will see the taskbar automatically realign.

Changing your Background

Changing your background is an easy way to personalize your computer. If you have an image youd like to use, want to change the windows color or themes, like turning on Dark Mode.

  1. Right click on your Desktop
  2. Select "Personalization"
  3. Select "Background"
  4. Select "Browse Photos"
  5. Navigate to the location of the saved photo you'd like to use
  6. Select "Choose Picture"

You can also choose one the common themes presented, this will adjust the overall color palette Windows uses for your experience. You can also switch to Dark Mode from here as well.

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