Windows 11: An Overview

MIS

Operating system

Software that runs the hardware and programs on your computer.

Lock screen

Displays when you start Windows; shows date/time and hides info when you're away.

Login screen

Shows user name/picture; enter Microsoft account password to log in.

Microsoft account

Used to log in to Windows 10; provides access to OneDrive, Windows Store, and more.

Desktop

Main area of your screen; typically only shows the Recycle Bin by default.

Window

Container that appears on the desktop to display documents, files, or apps.

Taskbar

Bar at the bottom of the screen; provides access to Start menu, open windows, and pinned apps.

Start menu

Access point for apps, commands, and files; opened via the Start button on the taskbar.

Pinning

Permanently adding an app to the Start menu or taskbar.

App

A program designed for a specific purpose (short for “application”).

All apps menu

Lists all installed apps, including those from the Windows Store and other sources.

Window

A self-contained working environment for an app.

Minimize button

Shrinks the app window; when maximized, it’s replaced by the Restore button.

Maximize button

Enlarges the app window to fill the screen; replaced by Restore when active.

Restore button

Resizes the window to allow movement; replaced by Maximize when active.

Close button

Closes the app and removes it from the taskbar.

Title bar

Top bar of a window; shows info like filenames.

Snap

Feature that displays two windows side by side.

Show desktop button

Minimizes all open windows with one click.

Network

Connects multiple computers for communication and resource sharing.

Quick Settings menu

Provides direct access to frequently used settings.

Settings window

Customizes computer behavior (display, devices, network, accounts).

Sign out

Logs you out, closes apps, and shows the Lock screen.

Lock

Displays the Lock screen but keeps apps open.

Sleep

Puts the computer in power-saving mode without turning it off.

Shut Down

Closes all windows/apps without saving work; saves needed files before use.