10 Things That Doing Wrong in Windows
Even long-time Windows users can make the same mistakes over and over. There are highlights the ones you need to eradicate and explains what you should do instead
1. Stop re-arranging your desktop
Even the largest screen can feel cramped when running several programs simultaneously. Rearranging them can help, but it's not an ideal fix for software that works best in full -screen, such as video-editing tools.
That's where windows' virtual desktops can help. Click the Task View icon (film strip beside the Cortana and Search icons on the left of your taskbar) to reveal a timeline of recent activities, two virtual desktops, and a 'New desktop' button (see screenshot below). Each desktop acts like a separate screen, letting you use different programs on each and switch between them quickly by pressing ALT+Tab, Alternatively, hold the Widows and Ctrl keys then press the left and right arrow keys to move between desktops.
2. Avoid long filenames
Creating long, descriptive filenames can help you find them at a later date, but It be a laborious process. Instead, leave the filenames as they are and attach tags instead. These tags are short descriptive terms that explain the content of the file and are used with filenames and file contents when using Windows Search.
To tag a file in Windows, right-click its icon, then click Properties. In the Details tab, double-click in the Value column beside the Tags heading and enter relevantly descriptive words. Windows automatically adds semicolons after each one. Click Apply to save your tags, and Windows will use them to help index your files so they show up next time you carry out a search in Windows.
3. Don't use your mouse to control the Start menu
Reaching for the mouse moves your focus from the keyboard and slows you down. The next time you want to launch a program, press your keyboard's Start button and type the first few characters of its name. The menu will quickly show matching results, highlighting the most likely one. If it's the one you want to use, press Enter to launch it. If not, use the arrow keys to select the desired program.
4. Stop showing personal info on your lock screen
Windows alerts are useful when you're sitting in front of your PC and need to respond immediately. But when you're away from your desk and they're popping up on your lock screen, they can reveal popping up on your lock screen, they can reveal personal information to whoever might be passing by.
Keep them away from prying eyes by opening Settings (Windows key+I) clicking System, then ' Notifications & actions'. Clear the tickboxes beside 'Show notifications on the lock screen' and 'Show reminders and Incoming VoIP calls on the lock screen' (see screenshot below)
5. Stop using the basic Windows clipboard
Simple cut, copy and paste commands are useful, but don't limit yourself to the basic Windows clipboard, which doesn't allow you to sync your saved items across your other PCs.
Last year, Microsoft added a feature that shares your clipboard across all your computers, letting you copy the text on one, then paste it on another. To turn this feature on, open Settings, click Systems, Clipboard, then "Sign in" to link your clipboard to your Microsoft account.
6. Don't sync every file with OneDrive
With the contents of your OneDrive account synced to your PC you can access all your documents; even without an internet connection. But constant syncing of OneDrive can eat into your hard-drive space and it's unlikely you need to access your files that often. So, save space on your PC by only synchronizing files you're working on, and creating shortcuts to the rest. Your data will remain on Microsoft's secure servers and you can still retrieve them whenever want.
Right-click OneDrive's cloud icon in the notification area (far right of the taskbar), followed by Settings. Click the Settings tab, tick 'Save space and download files....' (see screenshot below), then click OK. Now, when you open your OneDrive folder, you'll see a mixture of cloud icons (files stored only on Microsoft's servers) and ticks (files stored on Microsoft servers and on your PC) beside your files. If you want a copy of files that's currently only stored online, right-click it and select 'Always keep on this device'.
7. Don't lose important downloads
Downloading a large file takes precious time and if it's deleted, there's no guarantee it will be available to download in the future. So don't leave those important big files in the Downloads folder because Windows' Disk Cleanup feature has an option to wipe the folder's contents when reclaiming drive space, which is tempting to select when you're short of space.
Instead, move important downloads to a separate folder. Better still, use a download manager like EagleGet or Internet Download Manager to change the location of downloads depending on the file type.
8. Stop Zooming into programs
High-resolution screens are great, but they often result in smaller text. Rather than zooming each program individually, set the zoom level in Windows and it will be applied to everything. Open Settings, then 'Ease of Access'. With Display highlighted in the sidebar, use the slider below 'Make text bigger' to enlarge only displayed characters, or the dropdown menu below 'Make everything bigger' to zoom into the entire interface.
9. Avoid emailing photos
Emailing photos from(or to) your phone is a hassle and clutters your inbox. If you have an Android phone, install Your Phone on your PC and your Phone companion on your phone, Make sure you're logged into the same Microsoft account on both. You can now drag photos from your phone directly to your desktop using the Your Phone program in Windows
10. Never leave your PC unlocked
You can quickly lock your PC by pressing Windows+L, but it's all too easy to wander off without doing so, leaving your data vulnerable.
If you tend to carry your phone around with you. Windows 10's Dynamic Unlock can help. Pair your phone with your PC over Bluetooth ( go to settings, Devices, then click 'Add Bluetooth...'). Next, go to the Accounts menu in Settings, click 'Sign in options, then check the box beside 'Allow Windows to lock your device'. Now, whenever Windows detects that your phone is out of range, it will lock your computer.
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