How to set up a senior-friendly Windows computer

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Key insights

  • Adjust display settings for better visibility
  • Simplify navigation by organizing the taskbar and shortcuts
  • Optimize mouse and keyboard settings
  • Adjust security and update settings



Computers can be overwhelming for seniors, especially with all the settings and features that may not feel intuitive at first. Fortunately, there are numerous settings you can adjust when setting up a Windows computer for use by a senior.

Windows 11 activation page

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4 Adjust the display for better visibility

Screenshot showing the Windows 11 startup and taskbar with a black theme

Seniors need a display that is easy on their eyes. Ideally, the screen should be positioned so that you don't have to constantly squint or strain to see what's on it. Fortunately, most display settings are widely customizable, allowing you to make using the system more comfortable.

Adjust the text size

Increasing text size is one of the easiest ways to get started. This makes everything from desktop icons to menus and notifications appear larger.


To adjust text size:

  1. Press the button Win + I Keys together to open this Settings app.
  2. Navigate to accessibility > Text size.
  3. In the window that opens, move the slider to the right to enlarge the text. You will notice that the preview updates in real time, showing you exactly how the text will look after application.
    Change text size on Windows

  4. Once you find a size that feels comfortable, click Apply to save the changes.

Beyond text size, we also recommend adjusting the overall size of the elements on your screen. When you increase this scale, everything (windows, icons, buttons, and even the taskbar) becomes larger, not just the text. To do this, open the Settings app again and navigate to system > Advertisement.

Under the Scale and layout In the Scale section, you will see the Scale option that allows you to change the size of text, apps, and other elements. Choose a scaling option like 125% or 150%, depending on how much larger you want everything to appear.

Adjust scaling settings in Windows


Change the screen resolution

Screen resolution is essentially the number of pixels displayed on your screen, which determines how sharp and clear images and text are displayed. While higher resolutions provide sharper images, they can sometimes make everything on the screen – like icons, text and buttons – smaller and harder to see, which may not be ideal if you value comfort and ease of use.

To customize this option:

  1. Open that Settings App by pressing the button Win + I key together.
  2. Navigate to system > Advertisement.
  3. Expand the drop-down menu for Screen resolution to view the available resolution options.
  4. Choose a lower resolution to make items on the screen appear larger, or choose a higher resolution for sharper images.
    Change screen resolution in Windows

  5. After selecting a resolution, a preview appears. If it feels comfortable, click Maintain changes.
  6. If not, you can click Reset to return to the previous resolution.
  7. Experiment with different settings until you find the resolution that best suits your needs.

While you're at it, you might also want to try out the high contrast mode, which can further improve visibility for those who may have difficulty distinguishing certain colors or reading text against light backgrounds. In the Settings app, go to accessibility > contrast Topics. You can choose from several high-contrast themes, each designed to improve readability by highlighting text and minimizing background distractions.


3 Simplify navigation​​​​

Windows 11 Dark Mode on Parallels

For someone who is not used to navigating the various programs and settings, computers can seem cluttered and confusing. For convenience, it's a good idea to organize frequently used apps and files so they're easy to find and use. One way to do this is to personalize your taskbar and start menu.

Pin programs to the taskbar

We recommend pinning all important programs to the taskbar or Start menu for quick access. This can include important apps like email, web browsers, video calling platforms, or any other software that is used frequently.

Additionally, you may want to disable any unnecessary startup programs that run automatically when you turn on your computer to ensure a cleaner experience.


Create desktop shortcuts

If there are documents or folders that the older user is likely to access regularly, such as family photos, important medical records, or favorite websites, you can create shortcuts to them on the desktop.

To create a desktop shortcut, right-click an empty space on the desktop and select New > abbreviation. Enter the location of the item you want to add, or browse the computer to find it using Browse Then click on the button Next > Finish.

Create a desktop shortcut in Windows

2 Optimize mouse and keyboard

Capture of the keyboard and mouse included in the Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 8


Sometimes the default mouse and keyboard settings may not be optimal.

For example, if the mouse pointer feels too small or moves too quickly across the screen, you can adjust its size and speed to suit your needs. You can even change the color of the pointer to a brighter or more visible color, which can be especially helpful for anyone who has difficulty tracking the pointer on a full screen.

To make these changes, go to Bluetooth and devices > Mouse. Here you will find several customizable options. You can experiment with these settings until you find a combination that feels just right for you.

Mouse settings in Windows


You can also make your work easier on the keyboard side by activating functions that make typing easier. If pressing multiple keys at the same time is difficult, such as with keyboard shortcuts, enabling Sticky Keys can really help. You can access it by navigating to accessibility > Keyboard > Sticky keys in the settings window.

Sticky keys in Windows

This feature allows you to press one key at a time to execute a command instead of having to press them all at once.

1 Adjust security settings

hacker

Source: Unsplash


Hackers have become increasingly malicious and seniors are often seen as easy targets for online scams and scams.

To protect your loved ones and their online activities, first install trustworthy antivirus software. It runs quietly in the background and continuously scans for harmful threats such as viruses or malware. If the user visits a suspicious website or tries to download something risky, they will be warned.

In addition to antivirus software, enabling built-in security tools like Windows Defender and a firewall provides another layer of protection. These features are great for blocking unwanted programs and protecting personal information from potential hackers.

You can view your current security settings in the Windows Security app. Check out the different sections such as: Virus and threat protection, Firewall and network protectionAnd App and browser controlto make sure everything is turned on and working properly.


Windows security settings

It's also a good idea to set your computer to install updates automatically. These updates often contain critical security patches that address vulnerabilities and ensure that the computer remains protected from the latest cyberattacks.

The Windows updates The section in the Settings app has a Get the latest updates as soon as they become available Option that you can activate for this.

Help seniors embrace technology

Technology doesn't have to be complicated. Small adjustments like these can have a big impact on the overall experience. Aside from the tips listed above, you can also try turning on voice access or setting reminders to improve the experience even further.

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