There are several good utilities in Windows which will help in performing daily computer activities easily, although they are not very well known. Some of the useful functionalities available within Windows, which don't require any other software to be installed, include management of copied text and management of multiple windows.
No matter whether you use your computer at your workplace, study from it online, or use it for your personal activities, there are some Windows tips and tricks which will come handy to you.
Clipboard history feature in windows will enable you to have several recently copied elements and not just the latest one.
Click on Windows + V keys together to launch clipboard history. In case it is the first time using the clipboard history feature, choose the option to turn it on.
One can easily copy earlier copied text and other items into their clipboard history and use them. Clipboard history is really useful when preparing reports, doing research, and transferring data from one document to another.
Items can be pinned for easy use later on. One should avoid storing passwords and other important information in the clipboard history.
Snap Layouts enable you to position more than one application window on the screen without having to manually resize each application window.
You can use the keyboard combination Windows key plus Z to access the various layout options. Select a particular layout and then organize your open applications in the appropriate layout positions. Alternatively, you may use the maximize button of a window and hover over it.
For instance, have the browser on one side and the document on the other when conducting research and writing.
Virtual Desktops are an option that allows users to have their own desktop work environments on the same computer. This is helpful when you wish to separate activities from each other.
These are the following shortcuts for Windows:
Windows + Tab: Opens Task View
Windows + Ctrl + D: Creates virtual desktop
Windows + Ctrl + Left Arrow / Right Arrow: Switch between desktops
Windows + Ctrl + F4: Closes the current virtual desktop
For instance, having one desktop environment for working and another for researching. The applications will still be running on your computer but you will have your work organized differently.
Notifications are often distracting. Windows 11 comes with a series of Focus functionalities that aid in reducing interruptions while working.
Go to Settings > System > Focus to check out the Focus functionality. There, you can start a focus session, set its time, and configure the notification and taskbar settings.
Focus sessions should be used when working on reports, studying, and doing other important activities that need concentration. They can be combined with a to-do list for deciding what needs to be done during the session.
You can also make use of voice typing to dictate any text instead of having to type all the words manually.
Make sure that the pointer is placed on the text box and use Windows + H to initiate voice typing. You can also select the microphone in case you need to.
Voice typing is an efficient tool which you can use to prepare emails, make notes, or draft any documents. The accuracy might depend on various factors like the microphone being used, language, pronunciation, and noise.
This tool is one of the most convenient productivity tools in Windows.
With Nearby Sharing, your Windows-enabled devices are able to share files and links between each other without having to go through the process of emailing or using a messaging app for all of the content.
In order to do this, open up Settings and search for Nearby Sharing. Turn on the feature on the participating devices and make the settings that you want and share through the Share function.
The file transfer may be done through either Bluetooth or Wi-Fi depending on your devices and Windows version. Make sure only to share with trusted devices or people.
The following are some of the shortcuts in Windows that will assist in accessing settings and troubleshooting options.
The Quick Link menu is activated using the combination Windows + X and gives quick access to system tools. Task Manager proves invaluable when applications hang or when there is a need to check resource usage.
Gaining knowledge about even a few computer tips and tricks can save one a lot of time during the day.
Windows provides various accessibility features which can be useful in enhancing convenience and usability in various ways.
Navigate to Settings > Accessibility to check out features such as Magnifier, Narrator, color filters, captions, and keyboard settings.
Magnifier is an application which increases the size of objects displayed on the screen while Sticky Keys allows keyboard combinations by pressing keys one by one. Voice access is another feature which is available on Windows 11.
These features are not just meant for solving problems; rather, these can enhance the convenience of computing as well.
The Storage Sense feature can be used for managing the storage space through the identification of the temporary files and then applying the rules of clean-up that you specify.
This feature can be found under Settings > System > Storage > Storage Sense. Go through the settings of this feature and see how you wish the windows to manage the temporary files and other eligible files.
Before using the auto-cleaning functionality, take a look at the settings, as these settings may delete the files that you wish to retain.
Discovering some hidden features of Windows will enable you to become more productive without having to buy any additional applications. There is Clipboard History, Snap Layouts, virtual desktops, Focus sessions, voice typing, and Storage Sense – all are very useful utilities for everyday computer work.
Begin with trying some of those which relate to your daily activities. Using these Windows options regularly will definitely increase your productivity.