There are so many features in Windows 10 that can make you more productive, more efficient, or just easier. Some Windows 10 tips can get these features to the front of your mind so they can become second nature. Unfortunately, many people are still unaware that the features exist or how to use them.
Every Monday we put out a quick tech tip on our Facebook page. The feedback on these tips are that they are great, but people are interested in a bit more in-depth explanations on how to use the features.
Here are our top 10 Windows 10 tips:
Disk Cleanup
Sometimes files can be left behind by various programs, especially when you uninstall the application. Disk Cleanup is a simple way to delete files and to ensure your Recycle Bin is cleared out. On Windows 10, type “disk cleanup” into your taskbar where it says, “Type here to search”. Next, click on Disk Cleanup app that appears in the search results. Put a check mark next to each folder you want to be deleted, such as temporary files, and then click “Clean up system files”. That’s all there is to it!
Secret Start Menu
You know that to get to the Start menu, you hit the Windows icon at the bottom left of the screen or on your keyboard. But Windows 10 includes a lesser-known second Start menu that makes accessing important features like the Command Prompt, the Control Panel and the Task Manager much easier. You can access it two different ways, either by pressing the Windows key + X, or right clicking the Windows icon/Start button.
Show Desktop
When you have so many windows open, and you just need to get back to your desktop really quickly to find a file that is stored there. There is a super simple button you can push in Windows 10. All the way to the far bottom right corner of your taskbar there is a small vertical rectangle. Push it and all of your windows will minimize, revealing your desktop. push it again and it will bring all your windows back.
Screenshots
Taking a screenshot has been built into Windows 10 for a while as the “snipping tool”. They recently improved this and changed the name. If you are used to using the snipping tool, check out “Snip and Sketch”. This new tool has a lot more options for you! Next time you need a screenshot try out the Snip and Sketch tool instead of the Snipping Tool and see how you like it
Dark Mode
If you love dark themes, did you know Windows supports them as well? This Windows 10 tip will show you how to enable it. Just go to Start – Settings – Personalization – Color and select “Dark” under “choose your default app mode”
View History
Have you ever forgotten what you were in the middle of yesterday when you left for the day? Did you know Windows keeps a timeline of your activities so you can look back and pick back up where you left off! Just hold the Windows key on your keyboard and press the “tab” key. Scroll down and you’ll see the the timeline.
Secret Application Menus
Right-click on apps pinned to the taskbar to bring up lots of hidden options for various applications.
Clipboard History
Make “copy and paste”-ing several things at once a snap by enabling Clipboard history and use Windows Key+V to access multiple items on your clipboard. To enable it, search “Clipboard” on your PC and select Clipboard Settings.
Easily Lock Your Computer
Lock your computer when you are away. Use Dynamic lock to automatically lock your computer when you walk away from it with your phone. Search for it on your PC by typing in Dynamic Lock in the search bar. Click on the checkbox as shown in the screenshot below. Or just quickly press the Windows key and the “L” key at the same time when you walk away.
Search Bar
The Windows search bar is a very easy way to get to whatever you are looking for. Whether it’s an application like Word or a file you’ve been working on. Just start typing the name of what you want and it will pop right up!
Let us know if any of these have saved you time and effort during your day! We’d love to hear about it on our social platforms.