People have written asking how to use Windows more efficiently or personalize their PCs. I have narrowed it down to a few of my favorites. These are the directions for Windows 11, but most are also usable in Windows 10. In my opinion, you should start going to Windows 11 soon if you have not already.
Change the Wallpaper – why stick with the blue flowery looking thing as the default. As an aside, MS calls this background “Bloom” which represents a flower that blends natural elements with digital ones. Instead, use one of your pictures that are on your PC. Right-click on your current background/wallpaper and choose, “Personalize.” Next, click on “Background” and the choice of either, Picture, Solid color, Slideshow, or Windows spotlight. To me, solid color and spotlight are sort of boring. I always choose slideshow, using a folder that contains all of my personal photographs. “Picture” allows you to select one of your photos. The spotlight choice is one that allows Bing or MS to choose pictures for you that you may enjoy.
Clipboard History – when I discovered this one several years ago, I was amazed. It allows you to access multiple copied items in your clipboard, not just the most recent one. Turn it on by clicking on the Windows menu key (or Windows key) and then type “clipboard” until you see Clipboard Settings, then select that. Flip the switch to “On” for Clipboard History. It shows you how to use it by pressing the Windows menu key + V to enable it and choose item, of many, you want to paste. Amazing!
Night Light – this is one I do not use, but some of my friends cannot live without it. I have never had a problem with it but it is said to reduce blue light emission from your screen, which is helpful for reducing eye strain, especially at night. To use it, click on the Windows key again and type “night light”, then click on “Night light, system settings.” Toggle it on and adjust the settings as you need.
Power User Menu (Alternate Start Menu) – this is a little more advanced for folks that need to access some options that are not readily available. You may either right-click on the Windows key or press the “Windows key + X” and choose the one of many items you need. Not for everyone but handy if needed.
Screen-Shots or Recording with Snipping Tool – I have mentioned this one before but as its title indicates, you can take screenshots and record your screens with this free, included tool. To use it, once again select the Windows key and start typing “snipping” until you see the “Snipping tool” and select it. You may also press the “PrtSc” key on your keyboard to start it. Once opened, click the record button (the camera icon for a screen-shot or the video camera icon for video). Now, select the area to take the picture of the screen. If recording, use the pause and stop buttons to control the recording. Once finished, you may edit it in the Snipping Tool window that will open after you are finished.
Virtual Desktop – this is a great feature if you need a bit more space on your screen or you would like personal information on one monitor and work items on your other monitor…when you only have one monitor. You can create multiple virtual desktops for different tasks or projects. This helps in organizing workspaces by allowing you to switch between them and to declutter your screen. Click the Task View button on the taskbar (two overlapping rectangles) or press Windows + Tab on your keyboard. (If the Task View button is not visible, right-click the taskbar, select Taskbar settings, and toggle Task View to “On”.) To add an actual desktop, while in the Task View pane, click the New Desktop button (a plus sign) at the bottom. To switch between desktops, open Task View again and click on the thumbnail of the desktop you want to use. This is a neat trick. Open apps you want to use for leisure on one desktop and work on another. Then you may switch between them as needed.
Let me know if you found any of these tips helpful.
