More than a billion devices are still using Windows 10 in 2022. Since its release in 2015, it has had several major updates and a few new operating systems from Microsoft, but the pre-installed champion still reigns supreme.
Windows 11 was released last year as a free upgrade for many, but due to concerns about its minor cosmetic differences and compatibility issues with proprietary software, most people are stuck with “the devil they know” in Microsoft Windows 10.
Also in 2021, Windows 365 was introduced to the world. It’s a whole new way of looking at desktop computing with a cloud-based operating system, and will likely become the standard over the next decade.
But, with guaranteed updates and support until 2025, combining Windows 10 with Microsoft 365 (formerly called Office 365) is still a real win-win situation for most businesses!
Even after all these years, we’re still teaching clients new things about Windows 10 every day.
Keep in mind that Microsoft updates its software several times a year with new apps, settings, and customization options, so make sure your PC is up to date with the latest Windows 10 release!
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Personalize the Start Menu
What was once a button at the bottom of your screen has become a full-screen experience with live “tiles” that show images and even ads.
But did you know you can customize it?
Click the Windows icon at the bottom of your screen and go to Start > Settings > Personalization > Start to customize the look of your new environment.
Don’t like the new Start menu?
If you prefer the old menu, just go to Start > Settings > Personalization > Start and turn off every button except “Show app list in Start menu”, as shown below.
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Search Quickly and Easily in Windows 10
The search feature in Windows 10 is the most useful tool on the entire OS. Now its purpose is not just to help you find a misplaced file, but search is also integrated into the system menu.
By default, the Search window shows the top apps you use and recent activities, so you can easily click on the programs and files you use most.
Just start typing in the taskbar below the Search window, and Windows will give you what you need.
If you want to quickly narrow the search by category, choose one of the 3 icons that appear at the top left of the window, as seen below.
From left to right, you can direct Windows to search only in apps, documents, or the web.
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Stay Focused on your work using Focus Assist
We are always getting interrupted from our work. Notifications pop up at random intervals to distract us from the work we need to do.
Focus Assist is there to keep you on track. Press a switch and you will stop notifications, alerts, and more from bothering you when you need to stay on track.
You can find Focus Assist under Settings > System > Focus Assist.
The uninterruptible software can be configured to turn on automatically during certain hours, or you can turn it on manually when you’re presenting or sharing your screen, to avoid those sometimes embarrassing notifications popping up!
Some contacts will need to reach you even when you’re focused.
Under Focus Assist settings, select “Priority only”. Below this option, you’ll see “Customize your priority list”, where you can choose the important people and even the apps you want to receive immediate alerts.
Everything else will be pushed aside so you can focus on your tasks.
Don’t worry, whenever you’re ready to let your mind wander, your Action Center will show you what you missed while Focus Assist was enabled.
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Use Several Virtual Desktops to Manage Projects
If you only have one monitor, having multiple virtual desktops is a great convenience!
Even if you have multiple monitors, managing multiple different projects on a single computer can be a challenge.
You can manage the view of your virtual desktops and move applications to different desktops, show windows across all desktops, or close pages on selected desktops.
Now you can quickly go from desktop to desktop to find all your different projects and related tasks!
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Have you heard of the Cloud Clipboard?
It’s called the Cloud Clipboard, and it lets you seamlessly copy and paste text, links, and images across multiple devices.
To bring up the Cloud Clipboard menu, press the Windows Key + V.
This will show the Cloud Clipboard, showing previously clipped and copied content — including text, HTML, and images that are less than 1MB in size.
Text copied to this clipboard history can also be shared across all devices that are signed into the same Microsoft account, provided the text size is less than 100kb.
Then, choose Paste from the dropdown menu or press Ctrl + V and you can paste that selected content wherever you want.
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Take Benefits of Dark Mode and Night Light Mode
An overly bright monitor can cause headaches and eye strain.
Dark Mode – Under Settings > Personalization > Color, you can select “Dark” as the default Windows and/or app mode. This makes your bright white screen a little darker, making most of your Windows apps and features display white text on a black or gray background. You can try using this at different times of the day to see what works for you.
Night Light – Now that we’re all on video calls like Zoom for most of the day, you may notice that when you sit directly in front of your big monitor, all that white light shining on your face makes you look overexposed. Simply go to Settings > System > Display and turn on “Night Light”. Night Light, a “blue light filter”, is designed to make your display use warmer colors at night to help you sleep better and reduce eye strain – but keeping it on throughout the day will help you look better during frequent video calls!
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Securing your Windows 10 Machine
We’d be remiss if we didn’t include basic security tips for Windows 10.
Here are a few tips every user should know, but keep in mind that cybersecurity protection has become much more complex and goes far beyond just making sure your PC has the right settings turned on.
- Always consult a qualified cybersecurity consultant to learn how to properly protect your business or home office!
- Keep Windows updated.
- Set a login password if you haven’t already.
- Make sure your security software is running and up to date.
- Consider encryption.
- Use a VPN on the road.
Experienced Content Writer with a demonstrated history of working in the Health, Education, Technology, and Travel industry.