Things You Can Do On Your Computer

The latest edition of the Windows operating system is jam-packed with features, some of which are new and others of which are upgrades over previous versions. Nonetheless, you might be shocked at how many of these features are underutilized. Some may be difficult to locate or are merely unnoticed features. Others may have been created for a specific reason, but they also provide value in other areas. Here are seven things you didn’t realize your computer could do:

Focus Assist to Reduce Interruptions

You’re probably distracted by continual notifications when you’re working (or playing). Windows Focus Assist is available to aid with this. The tool is designed to help you focus by filtering the kind of notifications you get. 

You may change its settings by navigating to Start, Settings, System, and then Focus Assist (or just search for it). This section will allow you to select priorities and make rules, such as when you don’t want to be disturbed.

You Can Pin Contacts to the Taskbar

You’re probably aware that you can pin various items to the Windows 10 taskbar. Did you know one of these is a quick method to get to your favorite contacts? To do so, go to the Taskbar’s People icon and select the Get Started button. This will offer up choices for pinning connections via email or Skype.

Screen Recorder for Video Games

This secret recording tool was designed to record gaming sessions. Still, you can use it to record other activities/applications. You can make a how-to video for putting on a blog, an easy way to give instructions to someone, and so on. Go to the Game Bar (Windows key + G) and click the red button to begin recording.

Optional Start Menu

For those who remember the older versions of Windows, there is a way to create a Start menu that resembles those from the past. Right-click the Start button to bring it up (rather than the standard Start menu). It will display a menu with things more familiar to experienced Windows users. This is a quick way to access stuff like the Run command or Task Manager.

Hidden Show Desktop Button

There are usually some hidden features in Windows that you were unaware of. If not hidden, at least difficult to locate. The Show desktop is ‌on the far right edge of the Windows taskbar and because it’s thin, discovering it isn’t easy. 

When you do, all open windows are minimized to display the desktop. You may also enable the peek option by right-clicking on the Taskbar and selecting Taskbar settings. When you enable the option, you can hover your cursor over that small area/button to see a desktop preview.

You Can Save Websites to the Start Menu

You can adjust the Start Menu in Windows 10 to help you discover what you’re looking for quickly. While you may be used to moving and resizing tiles, there is another item you may add that isn’t a program – a favorite website. Do you have a preferred online casino Australia real money website? You can save it to the Start Menu to make it effortless to access.

To do so, open the Microsoft Edge browser, navigate to the selected website, click the three-dotted menu, and then choose Pin this page to Start. A tile will show in the website’s menu.

Cortana’s Amazing Abilities

Cortana is similar to Siri or Alexa and responds to voice commands. The moniker (and voice) are based on a well-known AI (hologram) character from the popular Halo video game series.

Cortana can help you with various tasks, like searching, creating reminders, controlling smart home devices, and checking the weather.

You can even download skills for your Alexa device, enabling it to launch Cortana (and vice versa). Though it’s not exactly a hidden treasure – it’s a well-publicized feature – there are many ways you haven’t considered using Cortana. Don’t be frightened to try new things!