Mastering the Windows Operating System: A Deep Dive for Power Users
Over the years, Windows has become the most popular operating system around the world with over 78% market share. As avid Windows users ourselves, we want to share our insights on mastering this versatile OS. In this in-depth guide, we’ll provide power users with pro tips to optimize performance, customize the interface, troubleshoot issues, and get the most out of Windows.
Optimizing Performance Like a Pro
Out-of-the-box Windows offers decent performance, but we can tweak settings to take it to the next level. Here are our top tips:
- Use Task Manager to monitor resource usage and close unnecessary background processes. This frees up RAM and CPU cycles.
- Adjust visual effects under System Properties > Advanced > Performance Settings. Disabling animations improves responsiveness.
- Regularly run Disk Cleanup to remove accumulated temporary files, downloads, and system logs. This improves boot times and saves storage space.
- Schedule regular disk defragmentation to optimize file storage and retrieval times, especially for traditional HDDs.
- Check for driver updates, especially for graphics cards, chipsets, and storage controllers. Newer drivers improve compatibility and performance.
With these optimizations, you’ll notice snappier response times and buttery smooth animations even under heavy multitasking. Give it a try!
How do I find a Windows 10 update error code?
To find the error code, use the search function on the browser page ( CTRL + F ). Tip. I remind you that these error codes can be found in the Windows Update section of the Control Panel or in %systemroot%\windowsupdate.log (or in the new format of Windows 10 update log based on ETW ).
How do I fix Windows Update issues installing the May 2021 update?
To fix Windows Update issues installing the May 2021 Update, use these steps: Open Settings. Click on Update & Security. Click on Troubleshoot. Click the Advanced troubleshooters option. Under the “Get up and running” section, select the Windows Update option. Click the Run the troubleshooter button. Click the Apply this fix option (if applicable).
Customizing the Interface Like an Artist
The clean Windows interface offers ample opportunities for customization. Unleash your inner artist with these tips:
- Change desktop wallpaper under Personalization settings. Upload your own photos or choose dynamic themes.
- Adjust taskbar location, size, and layout under Taskbar Settings. Show desktop icons to quickly access files.
- Modify Start menu appearance and pinned apps list per your preference under Taskbar Settings. Resize tiles for favorite programs.
- Use third-party tools like Rainmeter to add futuristic statistics widgets, calendar overlays, graphics equalizers, and more.
- Install icon packs to give desktop shortcuts and system files a sleek new look. Numerous options available from DeviantArt.
- Employ Windows Colors under Ease of Access to apply custom accents and transparency effects.
With endless possibilities, you can craft a workspace that matches your personality. Make Windows your own with these tips.
Troubleshooting Issues Like a Detective
Despite Microsoft’s best efforts, Windows still runs into problems occasionally. When issues arise, whip out your metaphorical magnifying glass and get debugging:
How to stop Windows 10 from automatically updating?
Go to Windows Updates. Click Pause for 1 week. After this, your computer will not automatically install new updates for a week, but in the meantime, you can manually update your computer. Use a free tool that lets you disable automatic updates. Now let us see each of these suggestions in detail.
How do I reset Windows Update on Windows 10?
To reset Windows Update using the troubleshooter tool on Windows 10, use these steps: Open Settings on Windows 10. Click on Update & Security. Click on Troubleshoot. Click the “Additional troubleshooters” option. Under the “Get up and running” section, select the Windows Update option. Click the “Run the troubleshooter” button.
When do Windows 10 updates come out?
However, updates could be released at any time. Windows 10 will automatically check for new Windows Updates at the time you have set in automatic maintenance. You can select to also receive updates for other Microsoft products like Office in Windows Update. Occasionally, your PC may need to restart to finish installing the updates.
- For crashes and freezes, check Event Viewer for insights into the cause. Filter critical errors and see which component failed.
- Leverage dedicated troubleshooters under Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot to automatically diagnose and fix common problems.
- Boot into Safe Mode to isolate issues. If the problem disappears, a third-party driver or software is likely the culprit.
- Monitor system stability with tools like WhoCrashed which analyzes memory dumps after blue screens.
- Check RAM integrity. Faulty memory can cause random crashes and BSODs. Run Windows Memory Diagnostic.
- Update drivers DirectX and .NET framework. Outdated versions often underpin crashes in games and apps.
With the right techniques, you can expertly pinpoint causes behind any stability issues. We hope these tips help you keep Windows running smoothly.
Mastering Windows for Maximum Productivity
Beneath the surface, Windows offers power users a treasure trove of productivity-boosting features. Here are some of our favorites:
- Snap multiple windows to dynamically organize your workspace. Drag apps to screen edges to trigger snapping.
- Use Task View to switch between virtual desktops. Group apps to reduce clutter on your main desktop.
- Launch PowerToys to enable advanced window management tricks like FancyZones grid-based snapping.
- Take advantage of Window Key shortcuts to quickly launch apps (Win+X for Power User Menu), toggle settings (Win+I for Settings), switch windows, and more.
- Configure AutoHotKey scripts to automate repetitive tasks. For example, insert boilerplate text for emails.
- Index local files with Windows Search for lightning fast lookups. Refine results by file type, date modified, size, and more.
Unlock your productivity superpowers by mastering these Windows capabilities. You’ll get more done in less time.
How do I disable Windows 11 updates?
This option is available for Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro. To disable updates for Windows 11 temporarily, use these steps: Open Settings. Click on Windows Update. Use the “Pause updates” setting and select the number of weeks (up to five) you want to disable automatic updates for Windows 11.
Why am I getting a Windows Update error message?
Ensure that there are no Firewalls that filter downloads. The Firewall filtering may lead to invalid responses being received by the Windows Update Client. This error message can be caused if the computer isn’t connected to the Internet. To fix this issue, following these steps: make sure these URLs are not blocked:
How do I pause windows 11 updates?
You can simply use the option in the settings to pause updates for up to five weeks. This option is available for Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro. To disable updates for Windows 11 temporarily, use these steps: Open Settings. Click on Windows Update.
Wrap Up
Windows offers an unparalleled breadth of features to enhance performance, facilitate customization, streamline troubleshooting, and boost productivity. Follow our tips outlined in this guide to transform yourself into a power user.
We hope these insights help you tap into Windows’ full potential. Let us know in the comments if you have any favorite power user tricks we should cover in a future post!
References
- https://windowsreport.com/fix-windows-defender-error-0x80070015/
- https://howto-connect.com/fix-error-0x80070015-windows-10-solved/
How to fix Windows Update problems?
I suggest you try to fix the Windows Updates problems by running the Windows Update Troubleshooter. To do that follow these steps below: 1. Go to Start Menu > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Windows Update. 2. Wait it finishes and check if the issue persist. 1.
How do I turn off automatic Windows 10 updates?
Navigate to the following path: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update Double-click the “Configure Automatic Updates” policy on the right side. Check the Disabled option to turn off automatic Windows 10 updates permanently. Click the Apply button. Click the OK button.
How do I download Windows updates?
Download Windows Updates Via Microsoft Catalog You can also use the Microsoft catalog website to download Windows updates if you know the Windows update name. You will find every update that Microsoft has released yet on the catalog. Follow the steps:- Once done, run the update file to upgrade your Windows.
