Course Overview

Simple Digital Filing with Windows 10 & 11 is a practical, self-paced program designed for small business owners, managers, office administrators, and staff who need to bring an unruly collection of digital business documents under control.

 

The program assumes no previous knowledge of digital filing or Windows file management. Learners build their own working business filing system as they progress through seven practical sections.

 

Section 1: Getting Started with Digital Filing

Learners begin by understanding what a digital filing system is, how files and folders work, where Windows stores documents, and why business documents need a predictable filing location.

 

Topics include:

• What a digital filing system is

• Understanding files and folders

• Common Windows storage locations

• The importance of a primary filing location

• Practice Check: Files, Folders and Locations

 

Section 2: Getting Comfortable with File Explorer

Learners are introduced to File Explorer from the beginning and learn only the Windows navigation skills needed to work confidently with their filing system.

 

Topics include:

• What File Explorer is

• Opening and understanding File Explorer

• Documents, Downloads, Desktop, OneDrive and This PC

• Moving around folders

• Practice Check: Finding Your Way Around

 

Section 3: Building Your Digital Filing System

Learners begin creating the actual filing system they will use in their business.

 

Topics include:

• Planning a simple business filing structure

• Creating the main filing location

• Creating folders and subfolders

• Naming folders clearly

• Practice Check: Build Your First Filing Structure

 

Section 4: Naming and Filing Your Documents

Learners discover how clear, consistent file names and predictable filing habits make business documents easier to identify and retrieve.

 

Topics include:

• Understanding file names

• Creating clear and useful file names

• Renaming files

• Saving documents in the right place

• Moving and copying files

• Practice Check: Name and File Your Documents

 

Section 5: Handling Everyday Documents

This section focuses on the real-world documents and situations encountered in a small business office.

 

Topics include:

• Working with the Downloads folder

• Filing downloaded documents

• Filing scanned documents

• Understanding PDFs and other common file types

• Deleting files and using the Recycle Bin

• What to do when Windows says you do not have permission

• Practice Check: File Some Everyday Documents

 

Section 6: Finding and Maintaining Your Files

Learners practice retrieving documents and develop habits that help keep the filing system organized over time.

 

Topics include:

• Finding a document by browsing folders

• Finding a document with Windows Search

• What to do when you cannot find a file

• Keeping the filing system organized

• Avoiding duplicate files and folders

• Practice Check: Find What You Filed

 

Section 7: Protecting Your Digital Filing System

The final section introduces the importance of protecting business records and helps learners understand the difference between organizing files and backing them up.

 

Topics include:

• What a backup is

• Why filing and backup are not the same thing

• Simple backup options

• What should be backed up

• Final Practical Exercise: Use Your Complete Filing System

 

By the end of the program, learners will have created a practical Windows-based digital filing system for their business and will know how to organize, name, file, find, maintain, and protect the documents they need to run their business effectively.

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Course Length

 

Approximately 3 to 5 hours, self-paced

 

Most learners can expect to complete the course in approximately 3 to 5 hours. The exact time will depend on your comfort level with Windows and how much time you spend completing the practical exercises.

 

This is a hands-on course, so you will not simply read through the material. As you progress, you will create folders, organize documents, practice file naming, work with everyday business files, find documents using Windows, and begin building a filing system you can actually use.

 

Learners who are already comfortable using Windows may complete the course more quickly, while beginners may want to take additional time to practice each step.