What do I need to know to get started with Windows 10?

Answer

Windows 10 likely looks familiar in some ways to past Windows users whether they're most familiar with Windows 8, Windows 7, or earlier versions of Windows.

To read about what's new with Windows 10, check the sections below. To learn about Windows 10 and see it in action, you can watch this video:

Desktop and Start menu

When you start your Windows 10 computer, you'll see the desktop. Like in Windows 7 and earlier versions of Windows, you'll see the Start button in the lower-left, which opens the Start menu.

The new Start menu combines aspects of Windows 7's Start menu with Windows 8's Start screen. On the left are important links, including Settings, as well as applications you use often. On the right are Modern UI app tiles. The Start menu also contains a button for power as well as a button to expand the Start menu to a full screen view.

Cortana

Next to the Start button is the Cortana search field. Cortana is a personal assistant that can help you find answers, solve issues, and search for files. You can click in the box to typer to her, click the microphone to speak to her, or press the Cortana button on select Toshiba laptops to speak to her.

You can learn more about Cortana here:  Using Cortana in Windows 10

Action Center

The Action Center can be used to view notifications and access settings quickly.  Hold the Windows key and press the 'A' key to open the Action Center.

Notifications are shown at the top, and toggles for various settings are located at the bottom.

On touchscreen devices, you can swipe in from the right to open the Action Center. The toggles on the bottom are sized so that you can press them with your thumb easily.