The Definitive Guide to Mastering Windows 10
As avid Windows users ourselves, we know that Windows 10 offers a treasure trove of handy features waiting to be uncovered. After consulting numerous forum discussions and technology sites, we’ve compiled the most insightful tips and tricks to optimize your Windows experience. From customizing the interface to boosting performance, this definitive guide has everything you need to master Windows 10.
Personalizing the Look and Feel of Windows 10
One of the best aspects of Windows 10 is its flexibility – you can tweak the interface to match your style. Here are some simple yet powerful customizations to try:
- Change the default system font for a unique look. Open the Settings app >Personalization >Fonts.
- Adjust icon size for accessibility. Right-click the desktop >Display settings >change the slider under Scale and layout.
- Select a custom theme. Use the Settings app >Personalization >Themes & choose from the available options.
- Modify the taskbar position and size. Right-click the taskbar >Select Lock the taskbar to toggle positioning/resizing.
Small touch-ups like these let you control the look and feel of Windows. We especially recommend perusing the Personalization settings – the possibilities are endless!
How to move desktop files in Windows 10?
Right click the Desktop folder and select Properties. In Properties, go to the Location tab, and click on the Move button. In the folder browse dialog, select the new folder that you want to store your Desktop files. Click on the OK button to make the change. Click on Yes to move all your files from the old location to the new folder when prompted.
How do I change the desktop folder location in Windows 10?
Press Win+R, type regedit.exe and press Enter. In the registry editor window, browse to the below location: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders Double click the Desktop key in the right pane. Modify the value data using the new Desktop folder location.
Boosting Speed and Performance
Over time, Windows 10 can slow down from residual files and settings. Luckily, optimizations are easy with these performance-enhancing tips:
- Disable visual effects. Open System >Advanced system settings >Advanced tab >Settings under Performance >Adjust for best performance.
- Reduce startup programs. Type ‘Task Manager’ in the search bar >Startup tab. Disable unnecessary programs.
- Update drivers. Open Device Manager >double click devices to update drivers.
- Clean up hard drive. Open Storage settings >click on drive >Remove temporary files.
- Adjust virtual memory. Open System >Advanced system settings >Advanced tab >under Performance click Settings >Advanced tab >change paging file size.
With a few quick adjustments, you’ll boost speed and reclaim valuable hard drive space. Pro tip: check Task Manager regularly to monitor resource usage and optimize as needed.
Enhancing Privacy and Security
Protecting your privacy is vital. Windows 10 makes it easy with built-in tools:
- Review privacy settings. Use the Settings app >Privacy to limit data collection.
- Turn off location tracking. Open Settings >Privacy >Location and toggle off location access.
- Use Firewall and Defender. Enable these security features under Windows Security in Settings.
- Be selective with app permissions. Configure privileges carefully under Settings >Privacy >General.
Checking permissions and controlling access prevents your data from being compromised. For maximum safety, enable encryption under Device encryption in Settings > Update & Security > Device encryption.
Can I move my personal desktop folder to another folder?
So, yes, if you want to move your personal desktop folder location to another folder, you can easily do that. Let’s see how. Step 1: Press the Windows key + R together on your keyboard to open the Run box. Simply add a (.) in the search box and hit Enter. Step 2: It will open the default folders location of your PC.
Where are the default folders located on Windows 10?
By default, all of these folders are located on the same partition as your system partition, which is usually C. The path is normally C:\Users\username\foldername. If you need extra space on your main partition for applications or something else, then it’s not very difficult to move those default folders to a new location.
Must-Have Accessibility Features
Windows 10 shines with built-in accessibility options:
- Magnifier enlarges sections of the screen for those with visual impairments.
- Narrator reads text aloud and describes interface elements.
- High Contrast maximizes color contrast for improved readability.
- Audio Description details visual elements for blind or low-vision users.
Activate these tools under Ease of Access in Settings. Additional options include a screen reader, text resizing, color inversion, focus tracking and more. Windows 10’s accessibility features open computing to everyone.
Useful Power User Tools
For seasoned Windows experts, advanced tools unearth bonus capabilities:
- Task Scheduler automates tasks on a set schedule.
- Resource Monitor provides real-time performance/usage data.
- Services fine-tunes background services.
- Registry Editor enables low-level tweaks. Use carefully!
These power tools provide granular control – but exercise caution, as missteps can cause system instability. Enable viewing of hidden files to access the Registry Editor and other advanced utilities.
How to change desktop folder location Windows 10?
Click on the Select Folder button once done. Click on Apply. In the confirmation prompt that appears, click on Yes. This will change the Windows 10 desktop folder location. Similarly, you can change the folder location of many other User folders like Documents, Favorites, Music, Videos, etc.
How to change default folder in Windows 10?
Let’s see how. Step 1: Press the Windows key + R together on your keyboard to open the Run box. Simply add a (.) in the search box and hit Enter. Step 2: It will open the default folders location of your PC. Now, right click on the Desktop folder and select Properties from the context menu.
Bonus Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts boost efficiency. Useful examples include:
- Win+X: Quick access menu
- Win+L: Lock computer
- Ctrl+Shift+Esc: Launch Task Manager
- Win+V: Clipboard history
- Win+I: Settings
- Win+A: Action center
Refer to Microsoft’s extensive shortcut list for more. Master these time-saving key combinations to optimize workflows.
Wrap-Up
These tips merely scratch the surface of Windows 10 capabilities. For consistent discoveries, dig into guides from Microsoft and tech sites like How-To Geek. Enable GodMode for easy access to all system tools. And try out the tips shared in forums – crowd wisdom can uncover off-the-beaten-path tricks. With each tweak and customization, you will master Windows to boost productivity and enjoyment. If we missed any game-changing tips, please share in the comments!
References
- https://superuser.com/questions/1190364/how-to-set-home-directory-in-win10
- https://betterhumans.pub/how-to-set-up-your-windows-10-pc-to-maximize-productivity-c20f4d6a3047
How do I move a file or a folder?
To move a file or a folder means to change its current location to the desired location, without creating any identical copy of the file of the folder. The most common way to move files or folders is to drag and drop them to the destination. However, we will learn more ways to do so.
How do I change a folder in Windows 10?
See the Desktop folder. Right click the Desktop folder and select Properties. In Properties, go to the Location tab, and click on the Move button. In the folder browse dialog, select the new folder that you want to store your Desktop files. Click on the OK button to make the change.
How do I move the default user account folders to a new location?
To move the default user account folders to a new storage location, use these steps: Open File Explorer. Click on This PC from the left pane. Under the “Devices and drivers” section, open the new drive location. Browse to the location to move the folders. Name the folder Documents and press Enter.
Where are desktop folders stored in Windows 10?
In modern Windows versions, including Windows 10, the Desktop folder contents are stored in two locations. One is the “Common Desktop”, located in the folder C:\Users\Public\Desktop. The other one is a special folder in the current user profile, %userprofile%\Desktop. Windows shows the contents of both folders in a single view.
