Mastering Windows: A Deep Dive into the Powerful Operating System

Windows is one of the most widely used operating systems in the world, powering over a billion devices globally. Its rich feature set, ease of use, backward compatibility, and seamless integration with productivity software like Microsoft Office have made it the OS of choice for many. However, Windows is much more than a point-and-click GUI. Under the hood, it is a complex, robust, and incredibly powerful system that offers immense capabilities to power users willing to harness its full potential. In this deep dive, we’ll explore some of the lesser-known features and techniques that can help you get the most out of Windows.

Streamline Your Workflow with PowerToys

Microsoft’s PowerToys is a set of utilities designed to optimize and enhance productivity. One of its most useful tools is FancyZones which lets you set up custom window layouts to automate window resizing and placements. This allows you to define separate zones for browser, code editor etc. and snap windows into them as needed. You can designate zones of different sizes, save layout presets and invoke them anytime with a shortcut. PowerToys Run is another handy tool that acts as a supercharged Start Menu alternative. Just hit Alt+Space to open a command palette and instantly search for files, apps, settings etc.

How to check if Windows 10 is updated?

On the left pane, right click on the “cmd” option and select “Run as Administrator”. d. Type ‘sfc /scannow’ without quotes and hit enter. run the System update readiness command. It detects incorrect manifests, cabinets or registry data, it may replace the incorrect data with corrected version available. Follow the steps.

Why did windows 11 upgrade fail?

Some of the Software’s which are causing the upgrade to Windows 11 to fail, are as under (courtesy investigation of Windows Insider Preview Builds): 1. PowerISO. 2. Plex Media Server. 3. FiiO USB Audio Driver 4. My SQL server. 5. Older Installations of Realtek Audio drivers.

Take Control of the File Explorer

Windows File Explorer offers some powerful customizations if you know where to look. ‘Quick Access’ section can be fully configured to pin frequently used folders. Right-clicking the Explorer header provides options to add new columns like ‘Date Created’ or ‘Owner’. You can sort, filter and group by these columns to manage files more efficiently. ‘Folder Options’ let you tweak behaviors like default navigation pane width, showing hidden files etc. Overall, taking time to tailor File Explorer will unlock convenience.

The Efficiency of Keyboard Shortcuts

Mastering keyboard shortcuts can greatly enhance productivity as they avoid context switching between mouse and keyboard. Useful but lesser known Windows shortcuts include Win+Tab for timeline view, Win+Ctrl+Left/Right to switch between virtual desktops and Win+Shift+Left/Right to move windows between monitors. Learn shortcuts to tile windows, launch Task Manager, open emoji panel and many more. Customize underused keys like Caps Lock to perform useful actions via the Registry. Shortcuts reduce repetitive tasks to a few keystrokes.

Unlock the Power of the Command Line

While GUI tools are convenient, the Command Prompt offers far greater control and capabilities via text-based input. Command Prompt basics like directory navigation, file operations, environment/network diagnostics are handy for troubleshooting. Power users can employ advanced utilities like Robocopy for optimized file transfer and XCopy for conditional high-performance copying. The Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) provides systems management. Beyond efficiency, mastering the command line unlocks the ability to automate via batch scripting.

How do I fix windows 11 not updating?

Under the “Options” section, click the Other troubleshooters setting. Under the “Most frequent” section, click the Run button for the “Windows Update” setting. Click the Close button. After you complete the steps, the troubleshooter will diagnose and resolve the problem that prevents the system from applying the latest update of Windows 11.

What is a Windows 11 repair upgrade?

Applies to: All Windows 11 editions. Revision: 1.0. Summary: If you are facing multiple issues with your Windows 11 installation, you can perform repair install with an in-place upgrade aka repair upgrade to fix such issues at once. Using the repair upgrade, you can install Windows 11 over an already installed Windows 11 system.

What is 0x80073701 error code in Windows 11?

The 0x80073701 error code in Windows 11 is encountered when you try to install an update. It could be due to corrupt system files, issues with the Windows Update Components, or critical services that are not running. To fix the error, run the built-in troubleshooter or perform a DISM and SFC scan, amongst the other methods here.

Optimize Performance with Hidden Tweaks

Windows offers numerous hidden settings for improving system performance. The visual effects control panel lets you disable animations to boost speed. The boot menu provides options to restart into advanced startup and safe mode – useful for diagnostics. Tweaking services allows disabling unneeded background apps and features. The Registry Editor gives power users low-level OS access e.g. to tweak context menu items, file associations etc. While care is needed, judicious tweaks can streamline Windows and turbo-charge your workflow.

Mastering Windows requires diving deep beneath the surface. Investing time into these lesser-known features can enhance your skills and productivity. Whether it’s PowerToys automation, unlocking File Explorer’s capabilities, keyboard mastery or command line fluency, Windows offers immense power for those who seek it. With some focused effort, you can discover its full potential.

Why is windows 11 error 0x80073701?

Some Windows 11 users are facing the error 0x80073701 whenever they try to install a cumulative update manually, from an installation media, or by using the Windows Update functionality. In the vast majority of cases, the problem occurs when users try to install the KB5005191 update.

What is error 0x80245006?

Error 0x80245006 can appear in various circumstances, and speaking of this error, these are some of the most common problems that users reported: Windows Update fail 0x80245006 – Occurs while trying to use Windows Update. Try running the Windows Update Troubleshooter or check your proxy settings.

References

1. https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/topic/when-trying-to-install-updates-from-windows-update-you-might-receive-updates-failed-there-were-problems-installing-some-updates-but-we-ll-try-again-later-with-errors-0x80073701-0x800f0988-e74b3505-f054-7f15-ec44-6ec0ab15f3e0
2. https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-update-error-0x80073701/

How to fix Windows Update not working Windows 10?

Locate the Windows Update service, right-click on it, and select Properties from the context menu. Click on the Startup type dropdown menu, and select Automatic from the list of options. Now, if the service is not running, click on the Start button, and then on OK at the bottom to save the changes.

What is error 0x80073701?

The error 0x80073701 is error_sxs_assembly_missing, which means that there are some system files are missing, leading to the Windows update installation failure. In this article, we will introduce and solve some Windows Update FAQ you may encounter before, during, or after a Windows 10/11 update.

What is Windows Update error 080073701?

The Windows update error 080073701 occurs in Windows 10 and earlier platforms. That error blocks Microsoft’s cumulative updates and has been reported by multiple users. Thus, you can’t update Windows when the issue arises.

How do I download Windows 11 updates?

Although more of a workaround than a fix, you can manually download and install Windows 11 updates your PC needs from the Microsoft Update Catalog. Thus, you don’t need to click the Check for updates option in Settings to download and install them. You can manually install updates like this. Open the Microsoft Update Catalog website.