Do you feel overwhelmed by the large number of Windows 10 features? For beginners, it will add new features with the upgrade every time, and there are many hidden Windows 10 features, which many people don’t know.
It has been five years since the latest Windows 10 system was released in 2015. Many techniques are unknown to everyone. Today I will introduce 8 hidden functions of Windows 10 system.
1. Virtual Desktop
Supporting virtual desktops is one of the most popular features of Windows 10. But somehow, its role is still one of the most underestimated. Using it can greatly improve work efficiency.
Press the Windows key + Tab to open the task view. Then you can browse all opened windows and you can click the “New Desktop” button in the lower right corner to create a new virtual desktop, so that you can open a group of new ones that have nothing to do with the window you are working on window.
If you don’t use multiple monitors, this is a good way to add extra working space. However, even if you have multiple monitors, you can use the newly created desktop to display various browser profiles, separate work and leisure applications, or the any other use imaginable what you can think of.
Don’t let messy windows hinder your work. Take some time to divide them into virtual desktops. Your work efficiency will increase a lot.
2. File History Backup
Windows 10 has a reliable file history backup tool. Navigate to Settings>Update and Security>Backup and make sure to turn on the “Back up using File History”. This will back up your most important files to another drive, so you need an external hard drive or a second internal drive to use it. If you want, you can click “More options” to customize the folders which to be backed up.
3. Alternate Login Options
Under normal circumstances, everyone uses passwords to protect accounts. But as we all know, passwords can become annoying. If you lock and unlock your computer a dozen times a day, the security password will become repeated, so we want to find an alternative login method. Windows 10 allows you to log in using PINs, picture passwords, and even fingerprints on supported devices.
Go to Settings>Account>Sign in Options. The system provides fingerprint, PIN, password, picture password and other login methods. You can choose and set according to your needs.
These options provide you with another way to log in, while still retaining your password. This is especially important if you use a Microsoft account to log in to Windows, because the password can also protect your Outlook email. We recommend that you use a PIN code for the best convenience and security.
4. Cortana
Cortana is a feature of Windows 10. Microsoft continues to upgrade it and add features, but have you made the most of Cortana?
You can do many things with Cortana: you can find information, change computer settings, and set reminders, all without touching the mouse or keyboard. Cortana can organize your life and can even integrate Cortana with other applications.
Many people think Cortana is a gimmick, but if you try to use it for a few days, you might be surprised at how efficiently it helps you work.
5. Stop Typing and Start Dictating
Speech recognition has always been Microsoft’s strong point, but in the latest Windows 10 version, it is almost the second nature. In “Settings”, go to “Time and Language”> “Speech”> “Related Settings”, and click “Speech, inking and typing privacy settings” to enable voice services and typing suggestions.
After completion, you can use the Windows Key-H key combination in any text field to pop up a Cortana box. It records the voice through the microphone of the Windows machine, and indicates the voice in the text field. You still need to type manual punctuation, but save some typing by specifying emails, messages, etc.
6. The Dark Mode of the File Browser
Dark mode has been available for the Start menu, taskbar, action center, and other applications for a while, but now you can finally use it for the File Explorer window. You can go to Settings>Personalization>Color to set the dark mode, then scroll to the bottom, you can see “Select the default application mode”. Switch it from light to dark.
7. Pin Folder to Quick Access
When we open My Computer or File Explorer, a long list of various drive letters and folder shortcuts will always be displayed on the left side. In fact, we don’t use these folders frequently every day, and we may always use a few of them.
In this case, we can fix the folder to the top quick access, so that the next time I open My Computer or File Explorer, we can quickly find the entry. The operation method is even simpler. Right-click on the folder and a menu will appear. Find the option “Pin to Quick access” in the menu and click the left button to complete. In this way, the folders you need are fixed to quick access.
8. Change Pictures Number in Batches
Sometimes we will number files, pictures, and folders. If there are only a few, then we can directly double-click in the name area to be changed to select it, and then type and renumber it. But if you want to change dozens or even hundreds of files at the same time, we can’t change them one by one. So, we can change the number in batches.
This method is particularly simple. Select the picture or other file to be changed, then right-click one of the pictures. Select Rename, and enter a new name. Then the system will automatically rename all the pictures or files you have selected. This name is in the form of “the new name you entered + (number)”. If one file you change is “Z”, then the other files will be “Z (1)”, “Z (2)”, “Z (3)” and so on. Is it very convenient?
