Five tips for Windows 10

One of the perks about upgrading to a new operating system is the new methods of simplifying tasks to speed efficiency. Here are some of the ways Windows 10 does this for its users.

TIP #1: CREATE AND USE MULTIPLE DESKTOPS

Working on multiple tasks can become complicated. Windows 10 recognizes this problem and has built-in multiple desktop functions. These functions allow for users to go between several virtual desktops and even move open programs between these virtual desktops. This simplifies task management and boosts work output.

You can also just press Windows key + tab, which launches Task View directly.

TIP #2: DO LESS MOUSING OR TRACKPADDING, MORE KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS

Using the mouse by taking your hands off of the keyboard is tedious for certain operations and at worst can become a time-sink. Windows 10 comes with a full range of shortcuts that all involves the “Windows” key and a combination of keys to reduce the need to use mouse. Some of the new ones added to Windows 10 are:

Windows + Tab: Launch Windows 10 Task View
Windows + C: Search the web and Windows with Cortana (speech)
Windows + S: Search the web and Windows with Cortana (keyboard input)
Windows + I: Open Windows 10 settings
Windows + A: Open Windows 10 Action Center (e.g. to display notifications and customizable quick actions)
Windows + Ctrl + D: Create new virtual desktop
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ws + Ctrl + F4: Close current virtual desktop
Windows + Ctrl + [Left][Right]: Switch between virtual desktops
Windows + [Left][Right][Up][Down]: Position windows on your screen. E.g. Windows + [Left] moves the current window to the left half of your screen. If you use Windows + [Down] afterwards, the current window will be placed in the lower left quarter of your screen.
Windows + H: Share content (if supported by the current app you are using)
Windows + K: Connect to wireless displays and audio devices
Windows + X: Open Start button context menu
Windows + G: Opens the Windows 10 Game Bar to take game screenshots and record gaming videos of Windows 10 games.

TIP #3: LEARN HOW TO USE CORTANA TO TACKLE YOUR TO-DO LIST *(working on this step)

Cortana is a built in program that you can control either via voice or keyboard. She will help you search for whatever is you’re looking for with ease and speed. Learning to use Cortana can significantly decrease the amount of time it takes to complete tasks while not having to even touch your keyboard.  

TIP #4: CUSTOMIZE YOUR START MENU

Windows 10 brings back the start menu that Windows 8 lacked. This is combined with the dynamic start screen of Windows 8 allowing for greater optimization such as resizing and organizing menu items.

The start menu itself can be made smaller or larger to suit not only your personal preference, but also the screen size on your device. If you are on a hand held device, the start menu will even go full screen to make it easier to use touch screen tech.

You can also organize the icons on the start menu. The tiles can “flip” to the other side of the tile. These menu items can be organized into named sections, have their size changed and be placed anywhere you like for easy access. The start menu is fully customizable, from the background picture, color and even the items you wish to see in it.

TIP #5: AMP UP YOUR TOUCH INPUT WITH TABLET MODE

Mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets come preconfigured to be able to work with Windows 10. When you use Windows on any such device, Windows will automatically switch to tablet mode. Tablet mode with make touch targets larger and everything becomes easier to handle for the touch interface. If you have a device that can have a keyboard attachment, then tablet mode will recognize this feature and not override the keyboard.

You can also switch to tablet mode by swiping in from the right to get the notification center and then choose “Tablet Mode.”