Welcome to this free beginner computer course – a friendly, step-by-step guide to using a Windows PC at home. Whether you’ve never touched a computer before, you’re a senior getting started, or you’re simply brushing up after a long break, this course will walk you through everything you need to know.
I’ve tried to make the course as easy to use as possible, there aren’t any confusing tech terms, no rushing, and no cost. Work through the lessons at your own pace, in your own time, and come back to any section whenever you like.
By the end of this free course you’ll be able to:
Set up and personalise your Windows PC
Browse the web safely
Keep your computer safe from viruses
Use a mouse and keyboard with confidence
Send and receive email
Back up your important files
Find, open, move and organise your files
Install and uninstall programs
Part 1: Getting Comfortable with Your Windows PC
Lesson 1
Mouse and Keyboard
Change pointer size and double click speed. Find important keys on your keyboard.
Lesson 2
Setup the Start Menu
Get the Start Menu working for you by removing the apps you don’t use and adding the ones you do.
Lesson 3
The Windows Taskbar
The Taskbar is the best place to keep your most used applications. But it gets full quickly.
Lesson 4
Desktop Icons
Your Desktop is a great place to keep items that you need, but a messy desktop doesn’t work.
Lesson 5
Make It Bigger
Hi-Def computer screens make everything appear small. Change the size of icons and text to easily.
Part 2: Finding and Saving Your Files
Lesson 6
Move and Resize Windows
How to use Maximise, Minimise and Restore Down. Move program windows around your screen.
Lesson 7
Windows File Explorer
File Explorer is the way in which you store and then retrieve your files. Never lose a file again.
Lesson 8
All About Folders
Folders are containers for your files. Pictures, documents, videos etc are stored in a folder.
Lesson 9
Saving a File
How to save a file on a Windows PC. Save your documents, pictures etc to any folder so that you can find it later.
Lesson 10
How to Open Files
Files of any sort aren’t really much use if you can’t open them when you want them. Open files in any program/app.
Part 3: Working with Files
Lesson 11
Copy and Paste
How to copy and paste files and folders.
Lesson 12
Cut and Paste
Use Cut and Paste to move files quickly.
Lesson 13
Copy and Paste Text
Copy text from one document to another.
Lesson 14
Select Multiple Files
Select more than 1 file at a time
Lesson 15
Copy to USB Device
Store files on a USB flash drive
Lesson 16
Zip Files
How to use zip files.
Lesson 17
Screenshots
Capture what’s on your screen.
Part 4: Getting Online
Lesson 18
Microsoft Edge
Edge ships with every Windows PC. It’s there and it works.
Lesson 19
Favourites
Save your web pages as a favorite to return quickly and easily
Lesson 20
Change Search Engine
You can use any search engine you want to.
Lesson 21
Downloading a File
How to download files from the internet.
Part 5: Programs
Lesson 22
Windows Programs
What’s already on your PC. Programs and apps on your PC
Lesson 23
Installing Programs
When Windows doesn’t have a program, you’ll need to install one.
Lesson 24
Uninstalling Programs
Removing old and no longer used programs and apps
Part 6: Email
Lesson 25
Email for Beginners
Getting started with using email.
Lesson 26
Email Attachments
We all get them.
Lesson 27
Printing Email
Keeping a hard copy of your emails
Part 7: Staying Safe
Lesson 28
Windows Security
Your PC has its own built in anti virus. How to use it.
Lesson 29
Edge Password Manager
Microsoft Edge has its own built in password manager.
Lesson 30
Spot Scam Emails
Don’t get caught out by scam emails. We’re all in danger.
Lesson 31
Update Windows
Keeping Windows updated is your best protection against malware.
Part 8: Looking After It
Lesson 32
Turn Off Your PC
How to turn of, sleep and hibernate your computer.
Lesson 33
System Restore
When things go wrong you can use System Restore.
Lesson 34
Windows User Accounts
Learn what the different levels of account are.
Lesson 35
Add a New User
Add new user accounts on your computer.
Lesson 36
What are Backups
There are many different types of backup that you could use.
Lesson 37
What is OneDrive?
Every Windows PC has OneDrive, but what is it?
Frequently Asked Questions About This Computer Course
Is this computer course really free?
Yes, completely. There is no charge, no sign-up and no hidden fees of any kind. Every single lesson is available to read on this website for free.
Do I need any experience to start?
Not at all. The course begins at the very beginning — including how to use a mouse — and builds up gently. If you’ve never used a computer before, this is the right place to start.
Is this course suitable for seniors and older adults?
Absolutely. The whole course was written with non-techies in mind, including seniors and older adults who are new to computers or who haven’t used one for a while. Everything is written in plain English — no jargon, no rushing.
Does this course work for Windows 10 and Windows 11?
Yes. The lessons cover both Windows 10 and Windows 11, with screenshots and step-by-step instructions for both versions wherever they differ.
How long does the course take to complete?
There are 37 lessons in total. Most people work through a few at a time, so it typically takes a few hours spread over several sessions. There are no deadlines — you can go at whatever pace suits you and return to any lesson at any time.
Do I need to sign up or create an account?
No. You can start Lesson 1 right now without signing up for anything. The newsletter is optional — it’s just a way to hear about new guides as they’re published.