If you are a Windows 11 PC user, there are some essential skills you need to master to keep your system and data secure and ensure you get the most from the operating system. From reinstalling apps to locking down your data online, it’s important to have a solid grasp on ways to get more from your PC and allow the experience to thrive.

Of course, you will need to get a new laptop or desktop computer at some point, but if you maintain these skills and use them regularly, you will get more from your system for years to come by grasping the concept of these essential PC skills.

6 Lock down your online experience

Keep your data, browsing history, and accounts secure while online

When you use your PC to get things done, there are essential steps to take to secure your accounts and data. For instance, you want to ensure data doesn’t get into the wrong hands and protect your account with additional security, encrypted browsing, and more.

Use a password manager to generate and store complex passwords. Also, consider using passkeys where possible. Many of the big sites offer passkeys security technology. Whether you use a password manager or passkeys, step things up a notch by ensuring you are enabling 2FA on all online accounts that offer it. To protect your digital identity, use a VPN with end-to-end encryption.

Also, enable crucial security settings to lock down your browser. For instance, you can implement security settings in Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome privacy settings, or lock down Firefox security. Study the web browsers on your PC, and enable the most essential security settings. Once you correctly utilize these security settings and services, your browsing activity will be locked down and much safer online.

5 Manage Windows Update

Get security updates, bug fixes, and improvements

It is essential to ensure that your Windows 11 PC is up-to-date. Microsoft releases updates on the first Tuesday of each month for security, stability, and bug fixes for the OS. Once a year, it releases a feature update that includes major new features and system updates.

Windows Update runs in the background, but it has the annoyance of restarting when you don’t want it to. Luckily, you can take steps to prevent auto-restarts after updates, and that is one thing you will want to master. It’s also possible to pause updates for up to five weeks, and you can manually check for updates at any time. It’s also worth noting that it’s possible for an update to “break” apps and system features. Windows leaves system updates on your local drive, so you can roll back updates if you experience problems.

4 Master Windows Settings

Learn to do a deep dive into the Settings app

Back in the day, we managed system settings through the classic Control Panel. However, while Control Panel (CPL) isn’t dead quite yet, Microsoft continues to move items from CPL into the Settings app. Still, CPL is all but eliminated from Windows 11 at this point, and it’s time to be able to identify the settings you need. One of the easier methods to find what you need in the Settings app is to do a search and pull up the results you need. However, the search box looks for specific query topics. So, when you have a chance, dig deep into the Settings app and learn where things are located. If you know how to find settings in CPL, open the app and find them in the Windows Settings.

3 Manage your data via OneDrive

Use Microsoft's cloud-based storage feature

OneDrive is built into Windows 11 and allows you to back up, restore, and share files and folders. You can also add your most sensitive data to an encrypted folder and save drive space by utilizing the Files-on-Demand feature.

Even if you prefer to use an alternative like Google Drive, there is a lot going on with OneDrive, and it works seamlessly with Windows 11. Once you are able to expertly utilize OneDrive’s features, you will have better control over your data. It is an essential skill to learn to master.

2 Manage apps on your PC

Uninstall, set defaults, and disable startup apps

Installing apps and other software and forgetting about it is something we all do. After a few years of using your PC, you may have many apps running in the background and hindering performance. Some of them are startup apps which decrease boot time, so your computer is less responsive. You can easily uninstall apps from the Settings app. It’s also worth noting that you can uninstall them from the Control Panel.

Another part of managing apps is ensuring you have the correct default apps. You can manage default apps from the Settings app, so they open specific file or link types. Disabling startup apps through Task Manager on Windows 11 allows your PC to boot up faster. Go through the list and disable the ones you don’t need. Generally, I recommend leaving only the ones you absolutely want to use when you boot up your system. In fact, several people ask me which apps need to launch during startup, and the answer is none.

1 Access the BIOS/UEFI

It doesn’t need access often, but it makes major improvements to your PC

It’s unlikely that you will need to enter your BIOS/UEFI often on your Windows 11 system. However, you will want to know how to access it when needed. For instance, you might need to update the BIOS, make specific security changes, perform a clean install, or adjust hardware settings. Typically, you can open it by pressing Esc, F2, F8, or other keys during the initial part of the boot process. You should see the key that unlocks the BIOS at the bottom of the screen during boot. If you aren't sure how to update the BIOS or make any changes, ensure to check your PC’s documentation first. For example, if you do something wrong in the Registry, making an incorrect setting in the BIOS can lead to an unstable system.

Mastering Windows 11 PC skills provides a better experience

Understanding Windows 11 system skills leads to a better overall experience. Utilizing and managing these important tasks on your system improves security, saves drive space, and allows for easier data management. Above is the list of essential skills that every PC user should master so you are able to get the most from your PC.

It’s not just about keeping your computer system in shape. Everything happens through your computer, and your data flows online. So, it is equally important to master the skills for keeping your data online secure and healthy.