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Windows 10 Tips & Tricks

If you are a Windows user, then you are probably at least vaguely familiar with Windows 10. This latest operating system was released initially in 2015, and with several major updates since (in some cases twice a year). There are many features that have either been added or changed since it launched. With such a complex system, it can be tough to take advantage of everything it has to offer. Here are some tips and tricks to using your Windows 10 operating system!

God Mode

God mode is especially helpful for advanced Windows users or anyone working in IT. It allows you to access the operating system’s control panel from one single folder (hence the actual name for “god mode” is Windows Master Control Panel). Once in god mode, you will have access to all the different settings for your computer in one place that you can change. To access god mode, do the following:

  1. Make sure your Microsoft system account has administrator privileges.
  2. Right-click on the Windows 10 desktop and “Create a new folder.”
  3. Right-click the the new folder and rename the folder:
    GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}” 

Virtual Desktop

If you do a lot of work on your computer, chances are, you tend to multitask with multiple different tabs and windows all working at the same time. If this is you, Windows 10 has a new feature that is right up your alley. The virtual desktop allows you to separate different apps that you use for different purposes (work, personal, social, etc). When you have many of these different windows open, click the task view (the small icon directly to the right of your start menu and search bar). This will separate all of your currently open apps into small icons that you can click and drag into separate virtual desktops. You can then switch between your different virtual desktops by clicking the Windows button+Ctrl+right/left arrows, and when you are finished having your apps on different desktops, click that task view button again and delete them. This will keep your open apps open, but it will put them back on your original desktop again.

Screen Recording

Windows 10 has a new built in Xbox app that allows you to easily record your screen activity. This is super useful in making “how to” or instructional videos for your colleagues, for a professional development, youtube tutorials, and more. 

Nearby Sharing

Just like Apple’s “AirDrop” feature that allows you to send a photo or note to someone near you, windows now has a feature achieving this same thing. By clicking the “share” button or icon on the top of your photo or document, you will be able to see available recipients in the drop down menu. 

Smart Home Control

Cortana is Microsoft’s digital assistant, and now with Windows 10, she can connect to your smart home apps for easy control. To locate Cortana, search “Cortana Notebook” and click on the Manage Skills button at the top of the window. If you scroll down and enable the “Connected Home” option, you will be able to log in to your smart home devices. Once this is done and they are enabled, you will be able to command Cortana to operate them by saying, “Hey Cortana” and then instruct her on what you want. This is a really easy hands off way to do tasks like change the thermostat or view your live home security cameras. 

Looking for more tips and tricks for your operating system, or need help troubleshooting an issue on your device? Contact tekRESCUE, a San Marcos IT company, for more information.

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