These are the main tricks used by Windows professionals.
(iStock)
Windows 10 turned five this past July. Over time, the operating system can start to take its toll on older computers. Tap or click here for proven ways to make your Windows PC run faster.
You’ve probably figured out how to use most of the features in Windows 10. I love keyboard shortcuts. Tap or click here to see the top Windows 10 keyboard shortcuts you’ll use again and again.
To be really proficient in Windows 10, there are professional tricks of the trade. Here are my favorites.
1. A secret start menu
The start menu is a Windows classic. It’s easily accessible via the stylized Windows icon in the corner of your screen. Click on it and you will get a layout of your most used programs, access to power options, and shortcuts to file explorer and computer settings.
There is a secret version of the Start menu. Holding down the Windows key and clicking the letter X, you will access an advanced menu with Device administrator, Task Managerand Disk management options. You can also right click on the Start button to access the same menu.
2. Disk cleanup
Windows used to include ways to make your computer run faster when PCs had less storage than today. Disk cleaning It fell by the wayside for most of us as PCs and laptops have become more heavily loaded. But your computer could still use a deflator from time to time.
Disk Cleanup is still part of Windows 10. Here’s how to use it.
Type Disk Cleanup on the task bar where it says “Type here to search”. Click on Disk cleaning application and use the drop-down menu to select which unit you want to clean and then choose folders, as temporary files.
If you have a lot of old files to delete, the best thing to do is use additional tools created for this particular task. I list my personal favorites here on my site.
3. Malicious software removal
It is more important than ever to have a multi-layered approach to cybersecurity. Windows Defender is a security tool that can be configured to block malware attacks in real time, or it can run a scan when you need it.
To make sure it’s on, type Windows Defender on your taskbar. Please select Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security application, then click Supervision to make sure protection is activated.
RELATED: I am the host of the incredibly popular podcast “Tech You Should Know”. In 30 minutes, you will be an expert on topics such as the Dark Web and online banking security. Search for Komando wherever you get your podcasts or listen here on my site.
4. Open the taskbar quickly
Windows 10 brought with it a host of new and convenient keyboard shortcuts. Take a look at the taskbar at the bottom of your screen where you have the program icons lined up, most likely including your web browser and Windows file explorer, among others.
You can open those programs by holding down the Windows key and so writing the number which corresponds to the location of the icon on the bar.
Let’s say from left to right, you have the File Explorer folder icon, the round multi-colored Chrome browser icon, and the new blue and green icon for Microsoft’s Edge browser.
Hold down the Windows key and press “2”, and Chrome will launch right away. It’s a quick way to access your most popular apps without using the mouse.
5. Easy screen sharing
We all have that family member with tech challenges, don’t we? It could be your Aunt Sally in Boise, your best friend from high school, or your dad, who can read but is a computer novice.
That is why there is Quick Assistance. In Windows 10, kind quick assistance on your taskbar> Please select Get help or give help and then follow the onscreen instructions for remote access to help.
On my site, we have a Q&A forum where you can post your tech questions and get answers you can trust from true tech professionals, myself included. Check it out here and let us solve your technical problems.
6. Video transmission
If you’re like me, you probably don’t think of Windows 10 as a way to stream videos to your TV. However, you can use compatible devices like Roku and Xbox One.
Type multimedia streaming in Windows 10 taskbar> select Media streaming options. Activate the feature if it is not already enabled and follow the instructions.
7. Shake your windows
Here’s a fun one. If you have lots and lots of windows open and you want to cut the clutter down to just one, do this. Click, hold, and shake the top bar of the desired window to minimize all other open windows instantly.
Do it again to restore those windows.
8. Find slow programs
You are working on your computer, but it is crawling. It’s time to find out what’s holding you back, so open Task Manager and check out the Processes tongue.
It will show you which applications and background processes are running and how much of your CPU, memory, disk, and network resources are each hogging. Right-click on any application or process that is hogging CPU and memory and then click Final task.
Be aware that you may lose work doing this, so save up first if you can.
9. Stay focused
If you are distracted by the large number of notifications you receive, you can reduce the number of interruptions with Focus Assist.
Click on the Start button > Settings> System> Focus Assist. You will then see options to customize the notifications you receive and silently go to the Action Center. You can also configure rules, including the hours of the day that focus assist is enabled.
10. Track your applications
When you open your usual Start MenuYou will see a list of your apps on the side. Recently installed apps followed by the most used apps are at the top, but the rest are listed in alphabetical order. You can scroll through all of them to find the one you want to open.
A faster way to manage your applications is by clicking on any of the main letters (such as “A”). This opens a view of the entire alphabet. Just click on the first letter of the application you want and you will be directed directly to that part of the Start menu.
Do you like what you are reading? Get my tips delivered to your inbox for free.
11. Task Scheduler
The Task Scheduler does what it thinks it does; helps you schedule tasks on your computer, such as shutting it down at a specific time each day. Task Scheduler Type on the taskbar to get started.
12. Find lost or damaged files
Remember this: cmd. It is a command prompt that can help you find files that your Windows operating system needs to function properly. It can also help you troubleshoot.
Type cmd on the taskbar> right click on Symbol of the system > select Execute as an administrator. Choose yes when asked if this program can make changes to your computer. To find missing or damaged files, type sfc / scannow. To check for disc problems, type chkdsk / f.
I have always said that you are not the only one if you have a problem with Windows. I have a list of top Windows 10 problems on my site and how to fix them.
13. Share files
You and your family members probably send files to each other all the time. You can email a document or video, but a better way is to set everyone in your house on a Windows network.
Get started by clicking File Browser, which looks like a folder icon on the taskbar. Browse and select a folder or file you want to share, then right-click and select Share.
Then choose a person or app you want to share the file with, along with the method, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
14. Print PDF files
PDF is a file format that is compatible with multiple operating systems and software programs. Windows 10 can easily convert a Word document to a PDF.
To do this, follow the steps to print as you normally would. When you see the option to choose a specific printer, select the one that says, Microsoft Print to PDF.
RELATED: How to electronically sign a PDF
15. Enable ‘God Mode’
If you want all kinds of Windows options and settings at your fingertips, God Mode will make it easy. Just right click anywhere on your desktop. Select New> Folder.
Rename New Folder to this: God mode. {ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C} and let the magic happen.
Be careful here. You are not God and you can screw things up.
16. Accelerate your start
When your computer slows down, access the Task Manager and reduce the number of programs that load at startup. Click on the Start up tab, and you will see a list of all your programs, if they are enabled and what kind of impact each one has on your startup time.
Select a program and press the Disable to remove it from your startup process. Examine everything that has a medium or high impact, but focus on programs that you do not use often.
What digital lifestyle questions do you have?
Call Kim’s National Radio Show and tap or click here to find it on your local radio station. You can hear or watch The Kim Komando show on your phone, tablet, television or computer. Or tap or click here to watch Kim’s free podcasts.
Copyright 2020, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved.
Learn more about the latest technology at Kim Komando show, the nation’s largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and provides advice on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacking. For her daily tips, free newsletters, and more, visit her website at Komando.com.
