Windows 10 has been a very well-received operating system (OS) for many users, with great new features, excellent stability, and a user-friendly interface. In fact, it marched into 2019 as the world’s most popular desktop OS, finally bypassing its predecessor Windows 7.
With so many new features released in this version, including several that came with a big end of the year update in 2018, it can take a while to get up to speed on some of the most time saving and helpful things you can do with Windows 10.
At Pro Tech Guy, we enjoy helping people get the most of out their technology and that includes providing expert computer repair and tech support services in Framingham and the surrounding Metrowest area.
We’ve enjoyed getting to know Windows 10 since its debut over three years ago, and it’s our pleasure to help our residential and business clients use it to the fullest to save time, increase productivity, and enjoy all the new features.
We’ve got 9 of our favorite tips and tricks for Windows 10 that will turn you into a computing pro!
Windows 10 Pro Tips & Tricks… Just for You!
From taking editable screenshots to opening your favorite programs faster, these tips will supercharge your computer time.
1. Screenshot an Area
This feature came out in the fall 2018 feature update and it makes it much easier to take a screenshot of a certain area on your screen, instead of having to pull up the snip tool.
Hold Windows key + Shift + S and you’ll have the ability to take use a rectangle or freeform to designate a screenshot area. Once you take the screenshot, you’ll see it appear in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen, click to open it in Snip & Sketch to add markup if you like or save as is.
2. Pull Up a Program Fast
Windows 10 has created a few different ways to get where you’re going faster on their operating system. To quickly open a program:
Click the Windows key then begin typing the name of the program, the system will search and bring it right up for you in the Start panel.
3. Design Your Own Start Panel
When you click the Windows key, you’ll see a number of programs arranged into groups on the right-hand side of your Start panel. These are meant to be helpful placeholders, but they’re easily editable so you can make it just how you like it.
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To rename the sections, click on the name to edit it.
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Drag and drop applications from the menu on the left into the panel on the right
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Drag and drop the program icons to rearrange them
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To remove an app icon, right-click and choose “Unpin from Start”
4. Get Your Own Voice Assistant
Widows 10 comes with Cortana capability so you can enjoy voice activated searches and functions from your PC.
To enable Cortana, click the circle on the bottom, left-hand search bar to activate. Next, if it’s the first time you’ve used it, click the notebook icon in the Cortana sidebar menu to set your “hotword” (i.e. “Hey Cortana”) and follow prompts to help it learn your voice. Then you’re good to go!
5. Organize with Virtual Desktops
Do you have too many windows in the way when you’re trying to work on something? You can create virtual desktops and easily switch between them by using the Task View. So, you could have one desktop for browsing and the other for a spreadsheet you’re working on.
Just click the Task View icon which is immediately to the right of the search bar, then choose “+ New Desktop.”
6. Snap Assist for Split Screen
Instead of trying to carefully position two windows next to each other on your screen, you can have Snap Assist do it for you. Once you have two or more windows open, drag one to either the left or right edge of your screen and when you release your mouse, the window will automatically size to fit half of your screen and the other half will be filled with thumbnails of any other open windows.
7. Text from Your Computer
Tired of picking out letters on a small smartphone screen? When you’re at your PC you can text from there just as if you were on your phone. Android users can use the Your Phone App in Windows 10 to pair their device with their PC. In addition to texting, you’ll also be able to easily access your phone’s photos. (Sorry iPhone users, this is only compatible with Android for now.)
8. Save Your Favorite Webpages in the Start Menu
Remember how we talked about customizing your start menu? Well, you can also add quick links to your favorite websites there too. You’ll need to use the Edge browser, then once on the site you want to add, click the “three dot” menu and choose “Pin to Start”
9. Hidden Screen Recorder
We call this hidden because it’s included in the Game Bar and meant to be part of the new Xbox app to record footage of your game playing. But it can be used for recording other applications as well, for instance to make an instructional video.
Access the Game Bar by pressing Windows key + G, once you have it launched, it’s pretty easy to use, just click the red button to record.
Need Computer or Software Help from a Pro?
Pro Tech Guy is the tech guru you’ve been looking for that can help with repairs, tech tutoring, or software optimization. We’re fast, friendly, and experienced!
Give us a call today at 508-364-8189 or reach out online to discuss any of your technology needs.