Adding Windows components, also known as "optional features," in Windows 10 allows you to install extra tools and functionalities that aren't included by default in your Windows installation. This process is managed through the Settings app.
Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Optional Features
Here's how to install additional Windows components on your Windows 10 PC:
- Open the Settings app. You can do this by clicking the Start button and selecting the gear icon, or by pressing
Windows Key + I. - Click on Apps.
- In the left-hand menu, select Apps & features.
- Under "Apps & features", find and click on Optional features.
- Next to "Add an optional feature", select the View features button. This opens a new window listing available features.
- In the Add an optional feature window that opens: Find the desired feature to add by scrolling through the list or using the search bar at the top. Then select the box next to the feature to add it.
- Click Next at the bottom of the window.
- Click Install to begin the installation process.
Windows will download and install the selected feature. You might see the status change to "Pending" or "Installing."
What are Optional Features?
Optional features are parts of Windows that you can add or remove based on your needs. They range from simple utilities to more complex functionalities.
- Examples include:
- Fax and Scan
- Windows Media Player (though often pre-installed)
- Internet Explorer 11
- Specific language resources (like handwriting recognition or text-to-speech)
- OpenSSH Client/Server
- RSAT (Remote Server Administration Tools)
- Graphical tools for BitLocker
Important Considerations
- You will typically need an active internet connection to download the optional features.
- Installing some features may require administrator privileges.
- In some cases, you might be prompted to restart your computer for the changes to take full effect.
By following these steps, you can customize your Windows 10 installation by adding the specific components you need.
