Simplified Windows Desktop Settings
Windows has a good deal of functionality that many people find confusing and are unlikely to use.
- Drag & Drop
- Minimize / Maximize
- Double Click & Right Click
- Menus upon menus and settings...
When setting up Windows for my mother, the things I would consider simple are often the most challenging for her. A good example is the Right-Click menu and the Double-Click(launch) vs. Single click(select). My mom really just wants to read and write e-mail, and all the other features in Windows end up causing her grief.
Git rid of Windows distractions that cause confusion and disable or simplify features.
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Restrict the User account(NonAdmin) - Don't let applications be installed
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Don't Require a Login Password - Not good security practice though...
- For this to work, a local account may be required (Not a MS Cloud Account)
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Set Windows Task bar to AutoHide
Right Click empty area of taskbar and select "Taskbar Settings" => "Automatically Hide Taskbar in Desktop Mode"
- Install Nexus Program Launcher
- Remove Default Icons
- Drag & Drop Limited Set Of Programs To Launcher (Email/Web/Remote Support)
- Set Position Left Side (Preferences Position)
- Always on Top (Preferences Behavior)
- Lock Icons And Prevent Dragging (Behavior)
Multiple open windows can be very confusing for seniors. This is especially true if the program was opened by accident. By reducing the number of programs the user can choose from, this problem can be reduced. If we go a step further and maximize each of the programs and then close it, Windows will remember that setting. The next time the program is opened it will be maximized.
Google makes an easy to use remote desktop solution. The chrome browser is required at both ends. The user sharing there desktop generates an access code that is shared with the person connecting.
- Drag Remote Desktop URL To Desktop
- Drag Icon to Nexus Launcher
These are a source of confusion and disarray. Turn off desktop icons. Add anything that is actually required to the Nexus launcher and make sure it is started maximized.
- Right Click Desktop
- View -> Show Icons (Toggle)
Combined with the Nexus launcher settings, the user will be presented with a maximized instance of each program they launch. The desktop will be clean and free of distractions.
The above customizations may be enough, but here are some more that may be useful.
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Change Drag & Drop Threshold
- Open Registry Editor
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop- DragHeight 100
- DragWidth 100
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Change Mouse Hover Threshold
- Open Registry
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Mouse- MouseHoverHeight 100
- MouseHoverWidth 100
This will make Windows less sensitive to accidental drag operations by increasing the number of pixels traversed.
- Disable Double Click To Start A Program
- Open File Manager
- File -> Options -> General Tab -> Single Click To Open An Item
Now, programs are started with a single click. No more adjusting double click speed or explaining what a double click even is.
- Install Microsoft Power Toys
- Disable All But "Power Toys Run"
- ALT-Spacebar (Spotlight) , This will give a Mac Spotlight Like Experience. Maybe too complex for some people, but I like it...
- One of the updates messed up the video driver which resulted in slow mouse stuttering
- The solution was to update using the HP video drivers for the model laptop