The Ultimate Guide to Mastering Windows
Over the years, Windows has become the most popular operating system around the world. With features like desktop customization, Cortana, Windows Hello, and the Microsoft Store, Windows caters to a diverse range of users. But like any other complex software, mastering Windows requires time and effort. In this guide, we’ll walk you through tips, tricks, and lesser-known features to help you get the most out of Windows.
Customizing the Interface for Efficiency
One of the best things about Windows is its customizability. With some tweaking, you can customize the interface as per your workflow. Here are some customization tips:
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Resize icons on the desktop for quick access to frequently used apps and files. Right-click the desktop, select View, and adjust icon size.
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Use multiple desktops to separate work and personal spaces. Press Win+Tab and click the + icon to add a new desktop.
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Remove unwanted tiles from the Start Menu. Right-click the tile, select More, and click Unpin from Start.
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Resize Start Menu by dragging the edges to expand it for more real estate.
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Switch to Tablet Mode for easy touchscreen navigation. Action Center icon > Tablet Mode.
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Customize Taskbar by pinning favourite apps and moving it to top/left/right. Unpin less frequently used apps.
With some personalization, you can transform the Windows interface to boost your productivity.
Keyboard Shortcuts for Efficient Navigation
For quick operation, keyboard shortcuts are a must learn. Here are some useful shortcut combinations:
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Win+E: Launch File Explorer to access files and folders.
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Win+I: Open the Settings app quickly.
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Win+A: Open Action Center to access notifications and Quick Actions.
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Alt+Tab: Switch between open apps and programs.
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Win+Tab: View all open apps with the Task View.
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Ctrl+Shift+Esc: Launch Task Manager to monitor system resources.
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Win+X: Access useful system tools like Device Manager, Disk Management etc.
Master these keyboard shortcuts to save time while working on Windows.
Essential Tools and Utilities
Windows comes loaded with built-in apps and tools to enhance productivity. Here are some of our top recommendations:
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Snip & Sketch:For taking screenshots and annotating them. Press Win+Shift+S to use it.
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Windows Sandbox:Runs suspicious apps/software in isolation from the rest of the system.
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Storage Sense:Automatically frees up space by getting rid of temporary files and downloads.
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Windows Security:Provides antivirus protection and secures device from online threats.
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Task Scheduler:Automate tasks and schedules jobs to run on a set time/interval.
Make sure you are taking full advantage of these tools that come pre-installed with Windows. They can simplify many tasks and boost productivity.
Useful Tips for the Experienced
Once you have mastered the basics, here are some pro tips to further enhance productivity:
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Snap four apps to quad grid – Drag any open window into a corner to snap into place. Repeat to split screen into four quadrants.
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Project to wireless screen – Open Project panel (Win+P) and select Connect to a wireless display to mirror screen or extend display.
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Customize Start Menu folders – Right-click folders like Windows Accessories to rename, re-arrange apps inside them or even hide them.
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Quick Access old folders – Enable Enhanced search in Folder Options to index previous folder locations and easily access them from File Explorer.
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Share files without internet – Use Nearby Sharing feature to share files and URLs to nearby devices via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth without internet.
Master these tips and tricks to graduate from an intermediate to an advanced Windows user.
Optimize Performance of Windows
To ensure your Windows 10 PC runs smoothly, optimize these aspects:
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Free up disk space– Use the inbuilt Disk Cleanup utility to remove temporary files, downloads, and other unneeded data.
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Update drivers– Keep device drivers updated via Device Manager for smooth functioning of hardware components.
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Modify visual effects– Turn off fancy visual animations in the Performance Options menu for snappier performance.
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Disable background apps– Restrict apps from running in the background to conserve system resources.
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Tweak graphics settings– Adjust graphics settings to balance visual quality and performance as per system potential.
Follow these optimization strategies consistently to keep Windows running at peak efficiency.
Conclusion
Learning all that Windows has to offer takes time and practice. Start with the basics, utilize the built-in tools, and slowly graduate to advanced hacks and customizations. We hope these tips and hidden features empower you to become a Windows power user. Did we miss out on any useful tricks? Let us know in the comments!
