Start menu Windows 10: How to activate it in Windows 11 as well

Start menu Windows 10: How to activate it in Windows 11 as well

Instead of Windows 10X as the successor to the popular Windows 10 Pro microsoft has come up with something completely new: Windows 11 with new features and, above all, a completely revamped design. But it is precisely this that is already meeting with little approval from some users. Those who are used to the Windows 10 start menu will find the changeover to the Windows 10 successor difficult. But with a few tricks, you can work with the Windows 11 beta version as usual.

This is different from Windows 10 Pro

As early as the end of June 2021, users could download the test builds of Windows 11 via the Windows Insider Programme (the final version is expected to be available by the end of 2021). And anyone who has tried out Windows 11 Beta will quickly realise that many an element has been taken over from Windows 10X. Particularly striking is the start of the Operating system. Unlike the Windows 10 start menu, it floats slightly above the taskbar in the 11 version and can also be placed in the middle of the desktop. The live tiles, which had caused some annoyance, have disappeared. In their place, you will now find the pinned programmes in the upper area of the screen, and the most recently used ones just below them. The controls are also placed there – and everything has elegant rounded corners. Microsoft has retained the light and dark modes in the latest version – but without the conspicuous Windows logo. Another innovation is actually old hat – but a popular one! Because with Windows 11, the widgets return. The small snippets of information with the latest news, weather forecast or share prices are still familiar to users from Windows Vista. Tip: Computers running the current Windows 10 version can be updated to Windows 11 free of charge. The prerequisite for this, however, is that the hardware is suitably fit.

Requirements:

  • Dual-core CPU (1GHz) with 64-bit support
  • 4 GByte RAM
  • 64 GByte memory
  • UEFI firmware
  • Secure Boot with TPM 2.0
  • DirectX 12 compatible graphics card
  • Display with at least 720p resolution

If you prefer to return to the Windows 10 start menu: This is how to do it

Microsoft obviously shows understanding for the habits of its loyal fans. That’s why Windows 11 includes an option that allows users to return to their beloved Windows 10 start menu in the blink of an eye. However, the programmers have hidden this option a little. But searching is supposed to be fun, as they say.

These are the steps to return to the Windows 10 Start menu:

  1. First, right-click on an empty space on the Taskbar on the taskbar.
  2. Then "Taskbar settings activate.
  3. If not set automatically, now in the left-hand bar "Personalisation in the left-hand bar.
  4. Now in the window "Taskbar behaviours or "Taskbar behaviours".
  5. Select the word " left " with the function " Taskbar alignment". This puts the start button, the fold-out start menu and other icons back in the usual place.

Those who like them can also bring back the tiles

Windows 10 Pro has caused a huge amount of displeasure among some users. The reason for the anger were the tiles that housed the apps in the Windows 10 Start menu. Some, however, found this to be more elegant and clear than the old design. Windows 11 does without the „tiling“. However, those who love them can also activate the design with a few steps and a few clicks:

  • Open the registry editor with the search term "regedit".
  • Now enter the command "ComputerHKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerAdvanced" in the navigation bar.
  • Now select "Advanced" in the sidebar with a right mouse click.
  • A context menu appears in which "New - DWORD value (32-bit)" is selected.
  • This new DWORD value is named "Start_ShowClassicMode".
  • Double-click to open this new value, now enter a 1 under the password "Value" and save with "OK".
  • To return to the tile start menu, you now only have to restart the computer.

Header Image: © monticellllo, stock.adobe.com


PowerPoint presentation: How to create a timeline

PowerPoint presentation: How to create a timeline

For years, a good PowerPoint presentation has made the explaining world at schools and universities, in evening classes and at business meetings easier, more colourful, more beautiful. What some don’t know: With Microsoft PowerPoint can also be used to create an excellent timeline, for example, to visualise a chronological sequence of events in such a way that it „sticks“. We show here how to incorporate the timeline in a PowerPoint design and even make it more concise with effects.

Does a timeline make PowerPoint more vivid? YES!

While it’s a little tricky to use with, for example Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 to insert a descriptive timeline into the PowerPoint design – but the PowerPoint presentation wins! It turns simple PowerPoint templates into a PowerPoint presentation that concisely shows what happened when and in what order. From birth to school enrolment to wedding and all the way to the adventure trip in South America. Of course, the timeline in a PowerPoint presentation is also invaluable in business. For example, if you want to clearly show when a certain business branch started, when the first highlight took place and when the sales figures went up. Here we show step by step how the timeline enhances PowerPoint.

1: Set timeline with Microsoft PowerPoint

  • With the drawing function "Line" from the corresponding box in the menu bar, you first define the time axis. Created with the shift key held down, the line remains exactly horizontal.
  • In the menu "Draw" menu you can still design the axis. For example, as a coloured line, dotted or in a stronger image.
  • If you click on the line with the right mouse button, you can use the function "Set as standard line function. This will format all other lines in the PowerPoint template accordingly.
  • At the beginning of the timeline, you now define a much shorter vertical starting line and a first marking line - again by holding down the Shift key.

2: No timeline without a peak

  • Again from the box in the menu bar, first select the block arrow. Click on it with the right mouse button, then "edit points select.
  • Right-click on the lower left point of the block arrow and select "Open path" "Open path select. Delete the two points at the bottom left and the one at the top left. What remains is a simple triangle.
  • The same formatting as the time axis is obtained by activating the time axis with a click. Then with the key combination "Control + Shift + C" copy.
  • Next, click on the triangle and select the key combination " Control + Shift + V". This makes the filling of the shape disappear, the remaining lines are formatted in the same way as the time axis and the marking lines.

3: Place timeline in PowerPoint design

  • All previous strokes including the tip are now roughly positioned at the right place in the PowerPoint presentation.
  • To fine-tune the elements in the "Start" tab "Arrange - Align - Centre vertically" select.
  • Now mark the start line and the time axis and "Arrange - Align - Left-aligned" select.
  • For the correct positioning of the tip, select "Arrange - Align - Right-aligned" .

4: The events on the timeline of the PowerPoint presentation

  • Now, of course, the "highlights" should also be visible on the timeline of the PowerPoint presentation according to their occurrence.
  • To do this, first create two text boxes. The first one marks the time of the event, the second one is needed for the actual text.
  • The text box for the time is now positioned roughly above the first marking line, the second below it.
  • Now mark both text boxes as well as the vertical line "Arrange - Align - Centre horizontally" select.
  • In the next step, group the three elements with "Arrange - Group" so that all elements can be copied at the same time or moved by drag and drop.
  • With the commands "Control + C" or "Control + V all elements can now be copied and pasted in any number at the desired position.
  • Before you fill the individual event boxes with text, select all the elements and choose "Arrange - Align - Distribute horizontally" so that all events are displayed at the same distance from each other.

Header Image: © Aleksei, stock.adobe.com


Important information about Windows 11

A new Windows experience that brings you closer to the people and things you care about.

Publication

Microsoft Windows 11 will be the successor to Windows 10 and was announced by Microsoft product manager Panos Panay on 24 June 2021. According to the June 2021 announcement, the new operating system will be released at the end of 2021. What is the difference between Windows 10 and Windows 11? Windows 11 offers all the power and security of Windows 10 with a redesigned and updated look. It also includes new tools, sounds and apps. Every detail is taken care of. It all adds up to a refreshing experience on your PC. When can I buy a PC with Windows 11 pre-installed? PCs with Windows 11 pre-installed will be available later this year. What does a PC with Windows 11 cost? It depends. Many different manufacturing companies will offer a variety of devices running Windows 11, all at different price points. Where can I buy a PC with Windows 11? PCs pre-installed with Windows 11 will be available from a variety of retailers later this year. Details will follow.

Will my accessories work with Windows 11? If your accessory runs on Windows 10 and meets the requirements of Windows 11, it should run on Windows 11. If you want to be sure, please contact the manufacturer of your accessory. I want to buy a PC now. Can I install Windows 11 later? Most Windows 10 PCs currently sold can be upgraded to Windows 11. In order for the PC to be upgraded to Windows 11, it must meet the minimum hardware requirements and some features require specific hardware. The timeline for the rollout of the update is being finalised and is expected to begin in late 2021 and continue through 2022. The specific time frame varies depending on the device. How do I know if a new Windows 10 PC meets the minimum requirements? There are a few ways to find out. If you’re in the process of shopping for a new PC, look for the „Free Upgrade to Windows 11“ notice on the fact label. You can also ask your dealer for confirmation. When can I upgrade to Windows 11 on my Windows 10 device? If your existing Windows 10 PC is running the latest version of Windows 10 and meets the minimum hardware requirements, you can upgrade to Windows 11. The release schedule for the upgrade is still being determined, but for most devices already in use today, it is expected to be ready in early 2022. Not all Windows 10 PCs that are eligible for an upgrade to Windows 11 can be upgraded at the same time. To determine if your PC is eligible for an upgrade, download and run the PC Integrity Check app. Once the update rollout has started, you can check if the update is ready for your device under Settings > Windows Update. What if my PC does not meet the minimum hardware specifications? Can I stay with Windows 10? Yes. Windows 10 continues to be a great version of Windows. We are committed to supporting Windows 10 until 14 October 2025.

How do I know when the upgrade is available for my Windows 10 PC? Updates for Windows 11 will begin in late 2021 and continue through 2022. During this time, we will be doing some behind-the-scenes testing and validation for your specific PC. Windows Update will indicate if and when your PC is eligible. You can check this by going to „Settings“ > „Windows Update“. How much does it cost to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11? It is free of charge. However, only Windows 10 PCs that are running the latest version of Windows 10 and meet the minimum hardware requirements can be upgraded. You can check whether you have the latest updates for Windows 10 under „Settings“ > „Windows Update“. What is the difference between upgrade and update? An update can consist of bug fixes, security fixes and new features in a version of Windows. Updates are usually made during the course of the year. An upgrade takes place when you change versions, for example from Windows 10 to Windows 11 or editions from Windows Home to Windows Pro. How long is the free upgrade available? The free upgrade offer has no specific end date for eligible systems. However, Microsoft reserves the right to end support for the free offer. This end date will be no earlier than one year after general availability. Can I continue to use Windows 10? Yes. There is no need to upgrade to Windows 11. We will continue to support Windows 10 until 14 October 2025.

Does Windows 11 take up more space on my PC than Windows 10? Windows 11 and Windows 10 require approximately the same amount of storage space. However, additional storage space is required during the upgrade process. Windows deletes this extra space about 10 days after the upgrade is complete. Is Windows 11 a replacement for Windows 10? Windows 11 is the latest version of Windows. However, we will continue to support Windows 10 until October 2025. What happens to my files when I upgrade to Windows 11? By default, all your files and data will be transferred. However, we recommend that you back up your files before installation. Can I return to Windows 10 after the upgrade if I don’t like Windows 11? Yes. After installing the Windows 11 update, there is a 10-day period during which you can return to Windows 10, keeping the files and data you brought with you. At the end of the 10 days, you will need to back up your data and perform a „reinstall“ to return to Windows 10. How long does the installation of Windows 11 take? Downloading and installing Windows 11 will most likely take longer than a typical Windows 10 feature update. You can use your PC while downloading Windows 11 and then have the option to schedule the installation to take place at a time when you do not want to use your PC. Can I upgrade my Windows 10 PC to Windows 11 when I run S Mode? If your PC meets the minimum hardware specifications, Windows 10 Home Edition in S mode can be upgraded to Windows 11 Home Edition in S mode. If your Windows 10 PC is running Pro Edition in S mode, you must exit S mode to upgrade to Windows 11 Pro. Windows 11 Pro Edition is not available in S mode. Can a really old PC run Windows 11? You can use the PC Integrity Check app to see if your machine is ready to upgrade to Windows 11. Many PCs that are less than four years old can be upgraded to Windows 11. They must be running the latest version of Windows 10 and meet the minimum hardware requirements.

Important note

Windows 10 and Windows 11 will continue to run in parallel. Windows 10 will be supported until October 2025. This is probably also because Windows 11 increases the hardware requirements. If your system is not ready for Windows 11, you still have a few years. Even if you don’t like the look of Windows 11, you can just stick with Windows 10. It’s still unclear whether Microsoft will continue to release two feature updates a year for Windows 10. Either way, Windows 10 21H2 should be available in autumn, and of course there will be a security update every day.