Sure, you can do things the traditional way — but why work harder when you can work smarter? With this in mind, here are ten tips to have you navigating Windows 10 in record time, so you can be getting on with more important things. You’re welcome.
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1. Use Windows Key + S To Search For Everything
This one will save you at worst a few clicks, and at best a whole lot of time. You can search apps, help, settings, the web and your own files — both on your PC and stored on OneDrive. You don’t even have to type your search. Hit the microphone icon and tell Cortana what you are looking for.
Cortana can help with managing your calendar, tracking packages and will even tell you a joke or two in between setting reminders. Windows phone users will see all their information set by Cortana synced to their phone, too.
2. Speak To Cortana Using Natural Language For Search Results
Natural language makes searching with Cortana even easier. Simply say what you want her to find, like “find images from November” or “find files about photoshop” and she will bring up the relevant items.
3. Use Windows Key + X To Open Power User Features
Simple, but super useful. Use this shortcut to access your task manager, control panel and options for networking and power saving.
4. Windows Hello Lets You Log In With Your Face
If you have a PC with a fingerprint reader, chances are there will be face recognition inbuilt — and that means you can forgo the password and simply sign in to your computer with your face.
You will need to set up Windows Hello (in Settings> Accounts> Sign-in options). Depending on what your PC supports, you can also choose to sign in with your iris. Once you are up and running, you’ll only need to glance at your monitor to access your PC. Just like in the future.
5. Use Windows Key + Ctrl + D To Open A New Virtual Desktop
Virtual desktops are handy for keeping programs organised — especially if you have quite a few of them open at any one time. As you can create an unlimited amount of virtual desktops in Windows 10, it’s useful for grouping your programs by task so you can easily switch between them.
This saves time and windows space, and if desktop clutter is a hinder to your productivity it’s a dream.
…6. Then Use Windows Key + D To Jump Back To The Desktop
7. Swipe From The Lower Right To Open Your Brightness And Wi-Fi Settings
Touchscreen shortcuts are often overlooked, and this one is no exception. Giving you access to the charms bar, you can adjust your display brightness and connect to Wi-Fi simply by swiping. This is a good trick for those less tech-savvy among us (tell your grandparents) since they won’t have to navigate those tiny icons in the corner.
8. Use Windows Key + E To Browse Your Files
Skip straight to your files with this shortcut. The contents of your OneDrive and servers you are connected to will be available as well.
9. Use Windows Key + Shift + A Direction To Move Windows To A New Monitor
Working with multiple monitors gives you access to a whole range of new shortcuts, including quickly moving content between them. Instead of the old drag and drop, this one will instantly switch your content to the display of your choice.
10. Schedule Your Windows Updates To Happen Overnight
To combat any inconvenience, schedule updates to run overnight. It’s a little more in depth than the other shortcuts, but once it’s done, you’ll save time and frustration.
(Click on the below images to see the navigation more clearly)
To do this, bring up search (use Windows Key + S to make this even quicker). Type gpedit.msc to get started. It will bring up the Local Computer Policy menu.
Go to Computer Configuration>Administrative Templates>Windows Components>Windows Update, then double click on Configure Automatic Updates and it will bring up your settings options.
Choose “enabled” and then “4. Auto download and schedule the install” from the drop-down, choosing your preferred day and time. Then simply click apply and OK.
Do you have your own shortcut favourites? Let us know in the comments.