How to Boost Your Productivity on Windows 10
With the recent rollout of Windows 11, a better experience is expected to come to personal computers (PCs) running on Microsoft’s operating system (OS). But don’t stress if you have Windows 10 for now since it’s packed with features that boost your productivity, some of which you might not have explored yet.
Of course, not all Windows 10 features are created equal. Some are more intuitive than others, so it helps to know a few tricks on how to navigate this system. Perform tasks more efficiently and unlock the full potential of your Windows 10 PC using the following tips:
1. Make Life Easier With Keyboard Shortcuts
You probably use or are familiar with some keyboard shortcuts, but here’s a refresher to help you access things faster:
- CTRL+ALT+DEL: Displays options like opening Task Manager, locking your computer, or signing out of a user profile
- ALT + TAB: Lets you switch between active windows or applications.
- Windows Key + PrtScn: Takes a screenshot and saves it to the Pictures folder.
- Windows Key + D: Minimizes all open windows and restores them when entered again.
- Windows Key + Tab: Opens the Task View.
- Ctrl + C: Allows you to copy a file or highlighted text.
- Ctrl + X: Allows you to cut a file or highlighted text.
- Ctrl + V: Allows you to paste a file or highlighted text.
2. Organize Most Used Apps on the Taskbar
Keep your favorite or frequently used apps within reach when logging onto Windows. You can pin your browser, games, video and music players, and more on the taskbar to organize them. When the app is open, look for the app icon on the taskbar, right-click on it, and choose Pin to taskbar.
3. Tailor-Fit the Start Menu to Your Needs
The Windows 10 Start menu is not just an easy way to search and access the items you need. You can turn it into a more productive tool by customizing what appears – and what doesn’t – you can rearrange items, resize tiles, and more.
You can do this by clicking the Start button on your keyboard or the icon on your screen. Then right-click any item and manipulate it as you please.
4. Instantly Find Items Via the Taskbar Search Box
Finding apps or files on your computer is easy peasy with the search box, which sits right in the taskbar. Just click on the Search icon, type the keyword for what you’re looking for, and Windows will find you an exact or close match.
5. Routinely Clean Up Your Storage
As you use your PC, you probably start gathering more unused files than you expect. Unused files tend to take up space, such as in the Recycle Bin. So it’s good practice to clean them up regularly.
Actually, you can have Windows take care of this for you. Schedule the removal of unused temporary files by looking for the Storage service in the taskbar search box and turning on Storage Sense.
6. Declutter Your Desktop
A clean, organized desktop can make it easier for you to find the things you need. Prioritize placing your most-used items on the desktop and get rid of items and shortcuts you seldom use. You can even group together similar items in folders for uniformity. Plus, think about how a minimalist desktop can emphasize the beauty of your background image.
7. Leverage the Capabilities of Cortana
If you don’t know it yet, Windows 10 has a built-in personal assistant called Cortana. You can activate this service by clicking on the microphone icon in the taskbar, right beside the search box. Just like other virtual assistants, you can also wake it up using the phrase “Hey, Cortana” once the feature is turned on. You can modify Cortana’s settings by opening the Settings window and selecting Cortana.
Cortana can search for specific items, look up facts, check the weather, set appointments, and even perform mathematical computations for you.
8. Expand Your Workspace With Multiple Monitors
Windows lets you extend your display across multiple monitors. If you want to have more area to work, you can connect one or more monitors with your desktop. Once you have done that, you can start using the other screens by choosing the Display settings. Under Multiple displays, click the Detect button. Once your other monitor/s are detected, you can choose a setup from the drop-down settings, manipulate the horizontal/vertical order, and more.
9. See Multiple Windows at Once with Snap View
If you have only one monitor but would like to view several monitors simultaneously, you can use Snap View. Point the cursor on a window’s title bar and drag the window toward any of the four corners on the screen and voila, you can see four windows at once, albeit a smaller view of each.
You can then navigate between the windows clicking with the cursor or using the keyboard combination Windows + one of the arrow keys.
10. Ensure Your Device Drivers Up to Date
We’re down to the last but not least important tip. Every device on your PC requires a software driver to interact with Windows. These drivers should be updated as the environment changes, new features are added, or they become corrupt.
You can update your drivers by going to the Device Manager window. From the list, you can right-click a device, choose Update driver, and select the choices that apply to you to proceed.
Through these steps, you can start making the most out of your Windows 10 desktop. The little things will add up to bolster your efficiency. At the same time, keep in mind that your productivity relies heavily on your PC’s performance. So you have to monitor the health of your desktop PC regularly. Better yet, get a dedicated app to track and optimize it for you.
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