Below are my favorite tips for Windows 10 /11 for 2024.
1. **Keyboard Shortcuts**: Learn and utilize keyboard shortcuts to speed up your tasks. Go to 100 Useful Windows 10 / 11 Keyboard Shortcuts – ScottSekinger.com for a list of 100 useful keyboard shortcuts.
2. **Taskbar Customization**: Right-click on the taskbar to access options for customization. You can choose to lock/unlock the taskbar, hide/show taskbar, and customize its appearance and location.
3. **Search Bar**: Utilize the search bar located in the taskbar to quickly find files, apps, settings, and even web results. Just type your query and hit Enter.
4. **File Explorer Tricks**:
– Use the Quick Access section in File Explorer to access frequently used folders.
– Press Alt + Up arrow to go up one level in File Explorer.
– Enable the Preview Pane (View tab -> Preview Pane) to preview files without opening them.
5. **Snap Assist**: Drag windows to the edges of the screen to automatically snap them into place, making multitasking easier. You can also use the Windows key + Arrow keys to snap windows to specific positions.
6. **Virtual Desktops**: Organize your workspace by creating multiple virtual desktops. Press Win + Tab to open Task View, then click “New Desktop” to create additional desktops. You can switch between them using Win + Ctrl + Left/Right arrow keys.
7. **Night Light**: Reduce eye strain and improve sleep quality by enabling Night Light. It reduces blue light emission from the screen during evening hours. Find it in Settings -> System -> Display.
8. **God Mode**; God Mode is a hidden secret from Microsoft that can easily gives access to a lot of Windows settings. To get access to God Mode just create a folder and name it to God Mode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}
9. **Focus Assist**: Minimize distractions during work or gaming sessions by enabling Focus Assist. It suppresses notifications based on your preferences. Access it in Settings -> System -> Focus Assist.
10. **Backup and Restore**: Set up regular backups of your important files using tools like File History or Backup and Restore. This helps protect your data in case of hardware failure or accidental deletion.
11. **Windows Security**: Keep your system secure by enabling Windows Defender Antivirus and regularly updating Windows to install the latest security patches. You can access Windows Security settings in Settings -> Update & Security -> Windows Security.
12. **System Image **; Allows you to create a snapshot of your current Windows setup. Go to How to Make System Image Backups on Windows 11 (howtogeek.com) to learn how to create a system image.
13.**Windows Sandbox **; Allows you to test/run applications in isolated version of Windows. To lean more about Windows just go to How to use Windows Sandbox on Windows 11 | Windows Central. It is only available in Windows Pro or higher.
14. **Quick Assist**; Windows Quick Assist is a built-in tool in Windows 10 that allows you to remotely assist another person with troubleshooting or technical support. It enables you to view or control another person’s desktop, aiding in problem-solving or guiding them through a process. Go to Get and Give Remote Assistance with Quick Assist app in Windows 11 Tutorial | Windows 11 Forum (elevenforum.com) to learn more
15. **Recovery Drive **; Windows has great tool that allows you to make your recovery media Check out How to Create Your Windows Recovery Drive – ScottSekinger.com to learn how to create your own recovery drive.
16. **Task View**; Windows Task View is a feature introduced in Windows 10 that enables users to manage their open windows and virtual desktops effectively. Go to How to use Task View in Windows 11 – Digital Citizen to learn more
I think that these tips should help you navigate Windows more efficiently and make the most out of its features.