Windows is well known for its versatility. But did you know it has so many secret functions? You do not even know and probably that they are unhidden for most of the users. Whether you are new to technology or a very experienced person, you should know the following tricks. Such little-known Windows tricks will not only save you a few minutes. But it also changes your interaction with the computer. Let’s have a look at these amazing tricks and let me provide you with an explanation of why you should try them out.
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Master the Windows Hidden Search Features
Have you spent a lot of time searching for a lost file? Yes, Windows’ search bar is more powerful than you think. With advanced search operators, you can quickly get your results in seconds.
- Search by File Type: You can simply type “.docx” for Word files or “.jpg” for images in the search bar.
- Search by Date Modified: Just use “date: 2023” or “date: last week” to find files that were modified at that time.
- Search by Content: At the end of “content:” you must put in the keywords you want or write the “content:” where the text is.
Pro tip: Let Cortana perform voice searches over your Windows do. Let your PC find what you need without lifting up your finger.
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Snip Smarter with the Windows Snipping Tool
The Snipping Tool is among the most widely used tools for taking screenshots. But did you know that in Windows 10 and 11 the improved tool? It can do a lot more.
- Customizable Snips: You need only draw the area you need or you can crop it as well. Besides this, you also can capture the whole active window.
- Built-In Editor: Annotating and editing your screenshots on the spot. These are the advantages of using this tool.
- Shortcut Setup: One of the best things that would ease the workflow. It is to shortcut by an assigned hotkey (e.g., Ctrl + Shift + S).
Be it organizing a presentation or solving a problem, the tool is a lifesaver.
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Shake Your Window Troubles Away
Here is an interesting thing: “Aero Shake”. A window is minimized by shaking the active window. If you want to minimize all windows on the screen at once, you have to hold the title bar. You want to keep open the desired window. You just shake it. They will instantly get minimized. Once you click on the same window again, the others will come back instantly.
- Perfect for Multitasking: By closing apps without moving the windows, you can quickly make the desktop clutter-free.
- Time-Saver: It makes the task of closing multiple windows much easier by executing it on one command.
Once you use the tool, you will ask yourself how you managed without it until now.
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Clipboard History: More Than Copy and Paste
Cut and paste text are actions. It has become quite common for all of us. But Windows really sticks out from the crowd with Clipboard History.
- Having Turned It On: Go to Settings > System > Clipboard and turn on the Clipboard History.
- When It Is Going: Push Win + V on your keyboard. You will be able to see the items you copied from your PC.
- Increase Efficiency: Get access to 25 items you can. They are perfect for writers, developers, and data entry tasks.
No more switching back and forth to re-copy something you forgot.
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GodMode: Windows’ Best-Kept Secret
GodMode might sound fictitious. But it is actually a real feature. It means to be used by power users. It provides you with a central means of control for over 200 settings and features.
- Enable It: Design a new folder on your desktop. You give it the name “GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}” (no quotation marks).
- What You Get: It is the shell house of the particular program. Thus, it is composed of basic management tools. Such as disk manager, screen settings and other common tasks in Windows. It is the only tool in one place.
If you ever have the desire to reach the maximum over your system, then this is the appropriate way.
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Dark Mode Like A Pro
Dark Mode is not only being something more than a cool tool for aesthetics. It has also a vital one for reducing eyestrain. It’s consequently increasing productivity. It also focusses on particularly in low-light conditions.
- Enable It: Do the following: Settings > Personalization > Colors. Then, pick the Dark elective answer under “Choose your color.”
- Customize It: Fuse it also with an accent color. So, it has a very personalized appearance.
- Keyboard Shortcut: Press Ctrl + Win + C to instantly. It will change between dark and light themes in one click only.
Practice it and find out how useful for you. Your eyes will really be grateful to you when it comes to those long evening work sessions.
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Virtual Desktops: Your Personal Productivity Hack
If you are tackling many tasks, Virtual Desktops may be your method. It is a great choice to keep things organized.
- Create a New Desktop: Click Win + Ctrl + D.
- Switch Desktops: Use Win + Ctrl + Left/ Right Arrow.
- Applications: You can build a sense of purpose by giving one desktop to your work programs. You can make another one in your free time. And a third one is to your educational or hobby-related activities.
The feature is such a multifunctional one. It is ideal for sticky-beaked kids.
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Hidden Apps That Save the Day
You can use the hidden apps. It can be related to the subject of saving the day. Microsoft has a set of not so popular applications. It might make your life easier.
- Sticky Notes: The best way to store your reminders digitally. Share them between your devices via Microsoft 365.
- Quick Assist: It is great tool. You can use to guide remote help.
- Steps Recorder: You can span the video recording period. You can do it as long as you want. It is a great tool not only for making training videos. But it is also for checking computer errors.
They could hardly be called “hidden” since they are such a necessity. Especially in the moments of their emergency, they play a tremendous role.
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Command Prompt and PowerShell Shortcuts
Do you think Command Prompt and PowerShell are tools and is it only for tech experts’ use? Think again. These appliances can make both complex and mundane roles. These are faster and simpler.
- Quick Commands: Just type “dir”. It will get you a list of the directory contents. Or type “ping”. It will check your internet connection successfully.
- Automation: To write regular scripts for repetitive repletion as automation.
- Shortcut: Start PowerShell. You can do it by right-clicking on any folder. You can select “Open in Terminal” to do similarly.
Once you know them, you will understand them. You will have better knowledge than even the most experienced IT gurus.
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Advanced Screen Management with Snap Assist
Snap Assist is a great feature. It revolutionizes the management of several windows on a single screen.
- Enable it: You want to snap the window. You have to drag to the edge of your screen where it will pop into.
- Multiple Options: To quickly adjust the position of a window with Win + arrow keys.
- Boost Productivity: You can work on two or more tasks at a time on the same page. You can do it without having to click on another
This is a vital trick. It helps you to use your screen to its maximum potential
Conclusion
From GodMode to Virtual Desktops, These Windows tips are not only cool hacks. They are crucial instruments. These are there to ease the life of the users. Regardless of whether you want to increase productivity, focus on the target, or just enjoy system exploration, these tips remain the ones. It brings the best experience.
At MCR (Mobile Computer Repair), our goal is to make sure that our customers get benefits. They can able to get the best from their devices from everywhere. If you are indeed in the United States and need some computer repairs or tech support, we are within arm’s reach to assist you. Do you have a Windows trick that we might not know, but you do? Leave a comment and inform everyone about it.