For new workers who cannot use a computer | 10 settings to do before joining the company

Are you worried that "I can use my smartphone, but I can't use my computer..."?

In a 2025 survey, approximately 60% of human resources recruiters responded that they felt that new employees lacked computer skills. It is said that about 70% of the smartphone native generation have never used Word or Excel, and about 20% have never touched a computer in the first place.

But don't worry. As long as you know the initial settings and 10 shortcut keys, you will be able to use your computer properly at work. In this article, we will explain everything you should do before and immediately after joining the company, based on the latest information as of February 2026.

Why are the number of "new working adults who cannot use computers" increasing?

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' communications usage trend survey, the household ownership rate of personal computers has fallen from 87.2% in 2005 to 65.3% in 2023 (Garbage News). According to a survey by the University of Tokyo, 33.6% of teenagers and 30.1% of people in their 20s use the internet only through their smartphones.

In other words, an increasing number of people are entering the workforce without having had the opportunity to use a computer in the first place. Most of the tablets distributed under the GIGA school concept were tablets, and the reality was that most students had little experience of typing on a keyboard. NEC's subsidiary has introduced typing training because ``the typing speed of new employees has been slowing down year by year.''

But this is nothing to be ashamed of. I just didn't have a chance to touch it. If you memorize them in the correct order, you will be able to use them quite a lot within a week.

5 initial settings for Windows 11 that you should do before joining the company

Company PCs are often pre-configured, but some companies may require you to do the initial settings on your home computer or yourself. Set the following five as top priority (as of February 2026, compatible with Windows 11).

1. Update Windows Update

The first thing you should do is update the OS. Please press Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates to update to the latest version. This is an important task to plug security holes.

2. Show file extension

In the initial settings of Windows, extensions such as ".docx" and ".xlsx" are hidden. If this happens, you won't know the file type and it will be confusing.

How to set up: Open Explorer → "View" at the top → "View" → check "File name extensions" (Tanweb).

3. Turn off unnecessary startup apps

Most of the reasons why a computer starts slowly is because unnecessary applications are running together. Go to Settings → Apps → Startup and turn off any apps you don't use. Simply turning off things you don't need, like OneDrive, Cortana, and Teams, can make a huge difference in how fast you feel.

4. Review your privacy settings

In the initial state of Windows 11, usage status is set to be sent to Microsoft. We recommend that you turn off the use of advertising ID and the display of recommended content in Settings → Privacy and Security → General.

5. Display PC/trash icon on desktop

Windows 11 has few icons on the desktop by default. Go to Settings → Personalization → Theme → Desktop Icon Settings and check "Computer" and "Trash". This is the starting point for file operations.

All you need to remember is this! 10 shortcut keys to use at work

It is said that your work speed will be 2 to 3 times slower if you use only the mouse. The following 10 are the ``basics of the basics of work,'' so be sure to memorize them before joining the company.

Shortcut keys	What you can do	When to use
Ctrl + C	Copy	Copy text or files
Ctrl + V	Paste	Paste what you copied
Ctrl + X	Cut	Use when you want to move
Ctrl + Z	Undo (redo)	Savior when you make a mistake
Ctrl + S	Save	Get into the habit of pressing frequently while working
Ctrl + A	Select all	Select entire text or file
Ctrl + F	Search	Search within a document or web page
Alt + Tab	Switch windows	Use to switch between apps
Win + E	Open Explorer	Starting point when searching for files
Win + L	Screen lock	Security measures when away from your desk (required)

Especially Ctrl + S (Save) is the most important. ``Data disappeared because I forgot to save it'' is one of the most common problems faced by working adults. Try to be able to press the button unconsciously once every 5 minutes.

Also, Win + L (screen lock) is often required by company security rules. Get into the habit of locking your door every time you leave your seat.

Is it okay to type slowly? How to practice before joining the company

In an internal survey by NTT Data, it was reported that ``the typing speed of young employees who are used to typing short sentences on LINE and SNS is slowing down.'' As a guideline, it is said that if you can type 60 to 80 characters per minute (in Japanese), your work will not be affected.

If you want to practice typing, we recommend the following free sites.

e-typing — With level judgment, you can understand your ability. First, check your current location here
My Typing — Choose from over 25,000 themes. Have fun practicing with lyrics and anime lines
Playgram Typing — Learn from the home position (placement of fingers). Complete beginners can start here

The important thing is to remember the "home position" first. Place the index finger of your left hand on the "F" key and the index finger of your right hand on the "J" key. These two keys have small protrusions that allow you to locate them without looking at your hands.

If you practice this for 15 minutes a day for two weeks, you will be able to develop the basics of "touch typing" which allows you to type without looking at the keyboard.

You'll make a difference after joining the company! File management basics to remember

On a smartphone, you don't often pay attention to where you save files, but on a computer, ``where you save them'' is extremely important. Nikkei Crosstech (xTECH) points out that the first thing to teach new employees who are unfamiliar with PCs is "the basics of file operations" (Nikkei xTECH).

Be aware of folder hierarchy

For example, "putting all files on the desktop" is a no-no. Divide the folders as shown below.

Document → Company name → Project name → Date_Filename.xlsx

It is basic to include "date" in the file name. It is convenient to put the date in YYYYMMDD format at the beginning, such as "20260401_Minutes.docx", so that it will be in chronological order when sorted.

Difference between "Save As" and "Save"

Ctrl + S = Save (save to same file)
F12 (or Ctrl + Shift + S) = Save As (save as separate file)

If you want to save the modified version separately while keeping the original file, use "Save As". Overwriting and erasing the original file without knowing this is a common mistake made by new employees.

FAQ

Is it okay to join the company without being able to use a computer?

It's okay. Many companies offer computer training for new employees. However, if you practice typing and shortcut keys in advance, you will be able to absorb the training faster.

I don't have my own computer, can I still practice?

You can practice typing on your smartphone's browser, but it's best to practice on your computer if possible. You can also practice on a PC in a library or internet cafe. Another option is to have time to practice on a computer lent to you by your company.

Which should I learn, Mac or Windows?

About 80% of business PCs in Japanese companies are Windows (BCN+R survey). You can't go wrong if you remember Windows first. Some operations are different on Mac, such as using the Command key instead of Ctrl.

How much Excel/Word should I learn before joining the company?

At the bare minimum, you need to be able to "enter into cells, use the SUM function, and create tables" in Excel, and "enter text, change font size, and print settings" in Word. Qualifications such as MOS can be acquired in time even after joining the company.

How many characters do I need to type to pass?

60 to 80 characters (Romaji input) per minute in Japanese is the minimum work requirement. If you get a score of "B+" or higher on e-typing, there is no problem.