TechPros Tips & Tricks for Windows 10
Windows 10 is arguably the best Windows operating system to be released thus far. It is fast, user friendly, and contains many new features that can improve your overall experience. Below are a few tips and tricks to help Windows 10 users get the most out of their experience.
- Rather than upgrading to Windows 10, we recommend bringing your PC into TechPros for a clean installation. This helps to minimize any issues with drivers, programs, etc.
- You don’t have to create a Microsoft account to use Windows 10.
- Microsoft tries to steer you toward creating a Microsoft account online. While there are some benefits to using a Microsoft account with Windows 10, it is not necessary to have an account in order to use it.
- If you do decide to use a Microsoft account with Windows 10, it should be for your own personal use, not for use with a business.
- For a guide on how to create a local account go to this link.
- Snap Assist
- Snapping initially started back with Windows 7, but there are new snapping features available with Windows 10.
- In order to snap a window, all you need to do is left click and hold your mouse on the window, and then drag the window to the left or right of your screen. Once you’ve dragged the window, a transparent overlay will show you where your window will be placed on the screen. Then simply release your hold on the mouse button for the window to take this position.
- For further snap assist information visit this link.
- Helpful Keyboard Shortcuts:
- Press and hold the Windows key + X to bring up the Quick Link menu
- Press and hold the Windows key + left arrow key or right arrow key to snap a window to the left or right.
- Press and hold the Windows key + up arrow key or down arrow key to maximize or minimize a window.
- Press and hold the Windows key + L to lock the computer. If you have a password, it would be required to unlock it.
- Windows 10 still has all the old keyboard shortcuts as well. If you need a refresher, feel free to visit Microsoft’s website for a list of these shortcuts.
- Printer management has changed.
- To manage a printer or a scanner, simply go to the Start Menu and click on Settings. Once in the Settings menu, click on Devices. Printers & Scanners should be the first sub menu. Scroll down past your available printers and scanners to toggle default printer controls as well as downloading software over metered Internet connections.
- Making Windows 10 feel more like Windows 7
- Some Windows users that are more familiar with Windows 7, may desire to make their desktop more like the older operating system. Here are a few tips to make Windows 10 feel a bit more like Windows 7.
- Right click on the desktop → Select Personalize → Set Background and Lockscreen as TechPros wallpaper → in Colors tab, turn on “Automatically pick color from background” → in Start tab, turn off “Show recently added apps” → click on the link below to choose which folders appear on the start menu → turn on the following: File Explorer, Settings, Documents, Pictures, Videos, Music
- Open File Explorer → right click on “Quick Access” → change the Open File Explorer to: dropdown to This PC → Uncheck the two checked boxes under the Privacy section.
With these tips and tricks in mind, Windows 10 should be much easier to use. If you are a new Windows 10 user and you need some additional help adjusting to your new operating system, or if you would like to have us perform a clean installation of Windows 10, feel free to email us at [email protected] or call us at 615-595-6399.