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Windows 10 tips and tricks
1] Make Windows 10 behave the way you want it to
Besides Control Panel, Windows 10 has an easy to use PC Settings window where you can easily
change and control the settings related to Windows Updates, Networks, Apps etc. Manage your
System, change Network and Internet Settings, harden Privacy settings, manage your Devices,
Personalize your PC, manage your User Accounts, set your Time & language, use tools for the
differently abled and manage Windows Update and Security here. To know what all changes you can
make from PC Settings window, read How to open and use Windows 10 Settings app.
2] Open individual settings using Desktop shortcuts
You can create Desktop shortcuts or Context Menu items to open various Settings in Windows 10.
See the URI for Settings apps, that open the particular Settings page directly.
3] Edge browser tips and tricks
There is much to Microsoft Edge than what appears. At the core of Edge is the EDGEHTML rendering
engine that was developed from scratch to provide a better browser. These Edge browser tips and
tricks will make you an Edge ninja!
4] Using Internet Explorer in Windows 10
The default browser in Windows 10 is the all-new Edge. Windows 10 also contains Internet Explorer
for legacy purposes which I think will be continued to be used for a considerable time to come. This
tip will show you how to open Internet Explorer in Windows 10.
5] Using Cortana in Windows 10
Windows 10 features Cortana, a personal assistant that goes as far to provide you with local
information and replace typing in Windows 10 taskbar search box with voice. To give you an idea of
how it works, it is like Apple’s Siri. Check outhow to set up Cortana in Windows 10 to start using it. If
you do not use it, you can disable Cortana. Know how to use Cortana in Edge?
6] Make File Explorer open to This PC instead of Quick Access
Windows 10 users may have noticed that by default, File Explorer opens to Quick Access. Make
Explorer open his PC folder. If you don’t use it, you may disable Quick Access.
7] Booting in Safe Mode
This post will show you how to enable and start or boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode. There maybe
other ways, but we will cover only 2 of the most convenient ways.
8] Change the look of Windows 10 Start Menu
The Start menu in Windows 10 is divided into two parts: one contains apps and settings, the other
part towards the right allows displays live tiles and allows you to pin apps in groups. Check out how
to customize Start Menu in Windows 10 to be able to customize Start menu according to your
interest and ease of usage.
9] Make Start more private
The major components of Start Menu in Windows 10 are Most Used List, Recent Programs List, PC
Settings, Power Options, and Apps Sub-menu. Show or Hide Recently added apps group. Remove
Most Used list from the Start Menu in Windows 10.
10] Enable Start Screen or Full-screen Start
Miss the Start Screen? You can enable Start Screen by enabling the Tablet Mode. If wish to enable
Start Screen without enabling the Tablet Mode, then the best option for you would be to enable fullscreen Start.
11] Add Blur to Start Menu background
Don’t like Transparency? Remove it and enable Blur in Start Menu background.
12] Make your Start Menu and Taskbar colorful
See how you can show or change the colors of your Start Menu and Taskbar. Don’t like the default
taskbar colors? Add anew custom color for Windows 10 taskbar.
13] Change Taskbar Search default search provider
The Taskbar Search textbox allows you to easily search your device as well as the web. The default
service provider when you install Windows 10 is Bing. But if you wish to change it to Google, you can
do so easily. Read Set Google as Default Search in Windows 10 taskbar search.
14] Record screen using Xbox app
The new built-in Windows 10 Xbox app also includes a screen recording feature that lets you record
the screen of the active window, as well. To use it, start the Xbox app, click Win+G to open the Game
bar and select Screenshot or Start Recording.
15] Change Theme, Wallpaper, Lock Screen
One of the first things to check out after upgrading to Windows is how to personalize it according to
your taste. ReadPersonalization settings in Windows 10 to know what all settings you can change.
You can also set up personal lock screen, wallpaper and control themes in Windows 10. To know
more on the topic, please read Change Theme, Lock Screen & Wallpaper in Windows 10.
16] Use Dark Themes
Enable the Windows 10 Dark Theme or use the Dark Theme in Edge – really easy on the eyes!
17] Prevent Windows 10 Themes from changing desktop Icons
Desktop icons help you locate and run a program. Different people like different looks of the
desktop icons. The traditional icons are appreciated more. But there are chances that if you install a
theme, it will change the desktop icon images too. You can prevent that using the PC Settings
option. Check out Allow or Prevent themes from changing Desktop icons in Windows .
18] Customize Screensaver
Still use a screensaver? These tips will help you customize Screensaver in Windows 10.
19] Install or move Windows 10 Apps to another Drive
Running out of disk space on your system drive? Get smart change the install location & move
Windows 10 Apps to another drive.
20] Change default programs
Don’t like the default browser? This post will show you how to change default programs. Change and
use your favorite the media player, browser, etc, to open file types.
21] Change default Credential Provider
Windows 10 comes with multiple sign-in options available. This is possible due to presence of
various Credential Providers. This regitsry hack will let you change your default Credential Provider in
Windows 10.
22] Using Virtual Desktop Feature
With Windows 10, you can create many desktops and run applications from each individually, so that
each desktop shows only the applications running in that virtual desktop and thereby reduce the
clutter in the taskbar. See how you can use the Task View or Virtual Desktop feature. If you don’t use
this feature, you can remove the Task View button easily.
23] Using Windows Hello
Windows Hello is a new feature in Windows 10 that is meant to increase the security of the system
you are using. It uses fingerprints and Iris scan to let you login. But not all computers will be able to
use the feature as it needs special hardware. Check out the list of PCs that support Windows Hello.
24] Use Snap Assist or disable it if you don’t
The Snap feature was introduced in earlier version of Windows. It has now been improved in
Windows 10, and calledSnap Assist. Use it or disable it if you wish.
25] A new CMD tip
Microsoft has added CTRL+C and CTRL+V keyboard shortcuts that let you copy and paste content
respectively.
26] Use these Media center alternatives
So what if Windows 10 removed Windows Media Center… you can use these Media center
alternatives.
27] Windows quick tips
There are always those classic Windows tips and trick that can help you get the best out of your
Windows PC:
Hold down Shift key as you drag a folder or file to the Recycle Bin to delete it instantly
Hold down Alt & click on file or folder to open its Properties box
Press F5 to add the date and time to a Notepad
To open an elevated Command Prompt window from the Desktop, press Win+X and A at the
same time
To quickly create a shortcut, hold down Ctrl+Shift and then drag and drop the file or folder icon
in the desired destination folder
Open an extended context menu, by just pressing and holding down SHIFT Key while you rightclick your mouse button
Press Ctrl+Shift and then right-click on the Taskbar. You will then see the option to Exit Explorer.
See all these and more such quick tips to a faster way of working with Windows.
28] Turn off Notification sounds
Notification sounds can be annoying – especially if you are playing games, watching videos, or
listening to music. But you can always turn them on and off. To know how to do that, read Turn Off
Notification and System Sounds in Windows 10.
29] Download maps for offline use
Travel around a lot? Download and use maps when you do not have an Internet connection. The
Maps app lets you do so.
30] A new way to change Screen Resolution
Windows 10 lets you change the Screen Resolution in a smarter way.
31] Tricks to use the new Windows 10 Calculator
The new Windows 10 Calculator includes some new features. These tips will help you use it to its
fullest potential.
32] Make Windows 10 battery last longer
Use the new Battery Saver mode and make your laptop battery last longer.
33] Work faster with these new keyboard shortcuts
Keyboard junkies, you definitely want to check out these new keyboard shortcuts in Windows 10.
34] Using the new Mail app
See how to create multiple email accounts, add multiple Live Tiles for multiple Email Accounts and
more in the newWindows 10 Mail app.
35] Sign in securely using PIN
Use a Password, PIN or Picture to sign in to your Windows 10. In addition to traditional passwordbased logon, Windows 10 also includes PIN and Picture Password logon for the safety and security of
users.
36] Set time delays in Snipping Tool
While the Snipping Tool lets you capture screenshots, you can now also set time delays for capturing
screenshots using the Snipping Tool.
37] Make Windows 10 Forget Wireless Network Profiles
Maybe the list has become big or maybe you want to preserve your privacy …whatever the reason …
this post will see how you can remove, delete or forget Wireless Network Profiles.
38] Use, or not use Wi-Fi Sense … that is the question!
Windows 10 will now allow you to purchase paid Wi-Fi via the Windows Store using the Microsoft
Wi-Fi app. The OS also introduces Wi-Fi Sense. But should you be using it?
1] Make Windows 10 behave the way you want it to
Besides Control Panel, Windows 10 has an easy to use PC Settings window where you can easily
change and control the settings related to Windows Updates, Networks, Apps etc. Manage your
System, change Network and Internet Settings, harden Privacy settings, manage your Devices,
Personalize your PC, manage your User Accounts, set your Time & language, use tools for the
differently abled and manage Windows Update and Security here. To know what all changes you can
make from PC Settings window, read How to open and use Windows 10 Settings app.
2] Open individual settings using Desktop shortcuts
You can create Desktop shortcuts or Context Menu items to open various Settings in Windows 10.
See the URI for Settings apps, that open the particular Settings page directly.
3] Edge browser tips and tricks
There is much to Microsoft Edge than what appears. At the core of Edge is the EDGEHTML rendering
engine that was developed from scratch to provide a better browser. These Edge browser tips and
tricks will make you an Edge ninja!
4] Using Internet Explorer in Windows 10
The default browser in Windows 10 is the all-new Edge. Windows 10 also contains Internet Explorer
for legacy purposes which I think will be continued to be used for a considerable time to come. This
tip will show you how to open Internet Explorer in Windows 10.
5] Using Cortana in Windows 10
Windows 10 features Cortana, a personal assistant that goes as far to provide you with local
information and replace typing in Windows 10 taskbar search box with voice. To give you an idea of
how it works, it is like Apple’s Siri. Check outhow to set up Cortana in Windows 10 to start using it. If
you do not use it, you can disable Cortana. Know how to use Cortana in Edge?
6] Make File Explorer open to This PC instead of Quick Access
Windows 10 users may have noticed that by default, File Explorer opens to Quick Access. Make
Explorer open his PC folder. If you don’t use it, you may disable Quick Access.
7] Booting in Safe Mode
This post will show you how to enable and start or boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode. There maybe
other ways, but we will cover only 2 of the most convenient ways.
8] Change the look of Windows 10 Start Menu
The Start menu in Windows 10 is divided into two parts: one contains apps and settings, the other
part towards the right allows displays live tiles and allows you to pin apps in groups. Check out how
to customize Start Menu in Windows 10 to be able to customize Start menu according to your
interest and ease of usage.
9] Make Start more private
The major components of Start Menu in Windows 10 are Most Used List, Recent Programs List, PC
Settings, Power Options, and Apps Sub-menu. Show or Hide Recently added apps group. Remove
Most Used list from the Start Menu in Windows 10.
10] Enable Start Screen or Full-screen Start
Miss the Start Screen? You can enable Start Screen by enabling the Tablet Mode. If wish to enable
Start Screen without enabling the Tablet Mode, then the best option for you would be to enable fullscreen Start.
11] Add Blur to Start Menu background
Don’t like Transparency? Remove it and enable Blur in Start Menu background.
12] Make your Start Menu and Taskbar colorful
See how you can show or change the colors of your Start Menu and Taskbar. Don’t like the default
taskbar colors? Add anew custom color for Windows 10 taskbar.
13] Change Taskbar Search default search provider
The Taskbar Search textbox allows you to easily search your device as well as the web. The default
service provider when you install Windows 10 is Bing. But if you wish to change it to Google, you can
do so easily. Read Set Google as Default Search in Windows 10 taskbar search.
14] Record screen using Xbox app
The new built-in Windows 10 Xbox app also includes a screen recording feature that lets you record
the screen of the active window, as well. To use it, start the Xbox app, click Win+G to open the Game
bar and select Screenshot or Start Recording.
15] Change Theme, Wallpaper, Lock Screen
One of the first things to check out after upgrading to Windows is how to personalize it according to
your taste. ReadPersonalization settings in Windows 10 to know what all settings you can change.
You can also set up personal lock screen, wallpaper and control themes in Windows 10. To know
more on the topic, please read Change Theme, Lock Screen & Wallpaper in Windows 10.
16] Use Dark Themes
Enable the Windows 10 Dark Theme or use the Dark Theme in Edge – really easy on the eyes!
17] Prevent Windows 10 Themes from changing desktop Icons
Desktop icons help you locate and run a program. Different people like different looks of the
desktop icons. The traditional icons are appreciated more. But there are chances that if you install a
theme, it will change the desktop icon images too. You can prevent that using the PC Settings
option. Check out Allow or Prevent themes from changing Desktop icons in Windows .
18] Customize Screensaver
Still use a screensaver? These tips will help you customize Screensaver in Windows 10.
19] Install or move Windows 10 Apps to another Drive
Running out of disk space on your system drive? Get smart change the install location & move
Windows 10 Apps to another drive.
20] Change default programs
Don’t like the default browser? This post will show you how to change default programs. Change and
use your favorite the media player, browser, etc, to open file types.
21] Change default Credential Provider
Windows 10 comes with multiple sign-in options available. This is possible due to presence of
various Credential Providers. This regitsry hack will let you change your default Credential Provider in
Windows 10.
22] Using Virtual Desktop Feature
With Windows 10, you can create many desktops and run applications from each individually, so that
each desktop shows only the applications running in that virtual desktop and thereby reduce the
clutter in the taskbar. See how you can use the Task View or Virtual Desktop feature. If you don’t use
this feature, you can remove the Task View button easily.
23] Using Windows Hello
Windows Hello is a new feature in Windows 10 that is meant to increase the security of the system
you are using. It uses fingerprints and Iris scan to let you login. But not all computers will be able to
use the feature as it needs special hardware. Check out the list of PCs that support Windows Hello.
24] Use Snap Assist or disable it if you don’t
The Snap feature was introduced in earlier version of Windows. It has now been improved in
Windows 10, and calledSnap Assist. Use it or disable it if you wish.
25] A new CMD tip
Microsoft has added CTRL+C and CTRL+V keyboard shortcuts that let you copy and paste content
respectively.
26] Use these Media center alternatives
So what if Windows 10 removed Windows Media Center… you can use these Media center
alternatives.
27] Windows quick tips
There are always those classic Windows tips and trick that can help you get the best out of your
Windows PC:
Hold down Shift key as you drag a folder or file to the Recycle Bin to delete it instantly
Hold down Alt & click on file or folder to open its Properties box
Press F5 to add the date and time to a Notepad
To open an elevated Command Prompt window from the Desktop, press Win+X and A at the
same time
To quickly create a shortcut, hold down Ctrl+Shift and then drag and drop the file or folder icon
in the desired destination folder
Open an extended context menu, by just pressing and holding down SHIFT Key while you rightclick your mouse button
Press Ctrl+Shift and then right-click on the Taskbar. You will then see the option to Exit Explorer.
See all these and more such quick tips to a faster way of working with Windows.
28] Turn off Notification sounds
Notification sounds can be annoying – especially if you are playing games, watching videos, or
listening to music. But you can always turn them on and off. To know how to do that, read Turn Off
Notification and System Sounds in Windows 10.
29] Download maps for offline use
Travel around a lot? Download and use maps when you do not have an Internet connection. The
Maps app lets you do so.
30] A new way to change Screen Resolution
Windows 10 lets you change the Screen Resolution in a smarter way.
31] Tricks to use the new Windows 10 Calculator
The new Windows 10 Calculator includes some new features. These tips will help you use it to its
fullest potential.
32] Make Windows 10 battery last longer
Use the new Battery Saver mode and make your laptop battery last longer.
33] Work faster with these new keyboard shortcuts
Keyboard junkies, you definitely want to check out these new keyboard shortcuts in Windows 10.
34] Using the new Mail app
See how to create multiple email accounts, add multiple Live Tiles for multiple Email Accounts and
more in the newWindows 10 Mail app.
35] Sign in securely using PIN
Use a Password, PIN or Picture to sign in to your Windows 10. In addition to traditional passwordbased logon, Windows 10 also includes PIN and Picture Password logon for the safety and security of
users.
36] Set time delays in Snipping Tool
While the Snipping Tool lets you capture screenshots, you can now also set time delays for capturing
screenshots using the Snipping Tool.
37] Make Windows 10 Forget Wireless Network Profiles
Maybe the list has become big or maybe you want to preserve your privacy …whatever the reason …
this post will see how you can remove, delete or forget Wireless Network Profiles.
38] Use, or not use Wi-Fi Sense … that is the question!
Windows 10 will now allow you to purchase paid Wi-Fi via the Windows Store using the Microsoft
Wi-Fi app. The OS also introduces Wi-Fi Sense. But should you be using it?