5 useful Windows 10 features you probably never use.
You're probably not getting the most out of Windows 10.
That's the Microsoft operating system that's running on roughly half a billion PCs and laptops. Windows is so commonplace that most of us don't pay attention to the ways it can make our lives a whole lot easier.
These secret features are easy to use. They can help you make your computer run faster, stream media to multiple devices, share content with your family, turn a regular old letter into a professional-looking document and much more.
But these aren't features that Microsoft doesn't want you to know about. These are helpful tricks that you probably forgot are there.
1. Disk Cleanup
Remember disk cleanup? It was a way to make your computer run faster when PCs had less RAM than they do today.
Disk Cleanup fell by the wayside for most of us as PCs and laptops have become more sophisticated. But your computer could still use a de-bloating now and again.
Disk Cleanup is a simple way to delete files you don't need and to ensure your recycle bin is cleared out. On Windows 10: Type "disk cleanup" into your taskbar where it says, "Type here to search" >> click on Disk Cleanup app >> put a check mark next to each folder you want deleted, such as temporary files.
2. Malware Removal
It's more important than ever to have a multilayered approach to cybersecurity. Windows Defender is a security tool that can be set up to block malware attacks in real time or you can perform a scan when you need it.
3. Quick Assist
We all have that tech-challenged family member, don't we? It might be your Aunt Sally in Boise, your best friend from high school or your book-smart but computer-novice dad.
You'll love this surprising Windows 10 feature, no matter who you're helping. Did you know that you can remotely take over a friend or family member's computer, and vice versa, so you can help fix their problem?
It's called Quick Assist, although you may know it as Remote Assistance. In Windows 10, type "quick assist" into your taskbar >> select Get Assistance or Give Assistance and then follow the onscreen instructions.
4. Video Streaming
If you're like me, you probably don't think about Windows 10 to stream videos on your TV. You can, though, using compatible devices such as Roku and Xbox One S.
Type "media streaming" into the Windows 10 taskbar >> select Media Streaming Option and follow the instructions.
5. Virtual Desktop
Did you know you there's an icon on your desktop to see called Task View? It's the little rectangular box to the right of your "Type here" taskbar.
Click on it to see all the windows you have open. Or click on New Desktop to create a new workspace without closing the windows you have open.
That's the Microsoft operating system that's running on roughly half a billion PCs and laptops. Windows is so commonplace that most of us don't pay attention to the ways it can make our lives a whole lot easier.
These secret features are easy to use. They can help you make your computer run faster, stream media to multiple devices, share content with your family, turn a regular old letter into a professional-looking document and much more.
But these aren't features that Microsoft doesn't want you to know about. These are helpful tricks that you probably forgot are there.
1. Disk Cleanup
Remember disk cleanup? It was a way to make your computer run faster when PCs had less RAM than they do today.
Disk Cleanup fell by the wayside for most of us as PCs and laptops have become more sophisticated. But your computer could still use a de-bloating now and again.
Disk Cleanup is a simple way to delete files you don't need and to ensure your recycle bin is cleared out. On Windows 10: Type "disk cleanup" into your taskbar where it says, "Type here to search" >> click on Disk Cleanup app >> put a check mark next to each folder you want deleted, such as temporary files.
2. Malware Removal
It's more important than ever to have a multilayered approach to cybersecurity. Windows Defender is a security tool that can be set up to block malware attacks in real time or you can perform a scan when you need it.
To make sure it's on, type "Windows Defender" into your taskbar >> select Windows Defender app >> make sure it's set to real-time protection.
3. Quick Assist
We all have that tech-challenged family member, don't we? It might be your Aunt Sally in Boise, your best friend from high school or your book-smart but computer-novice dad.
You'll love this surprising Windows 10 feature, no matter who you're helping. Did you know that you can remotely take over a friend or family member's computer, and vice versa, so you can help fix their problem?
It's called Quick Assist, although you may know it as Remote Assistance. In Windows 10, type "quick assist" into your taskbar >> select Get Assistance or Give Assistance and then follow the onscreen instructions.
4. Video Streaming
If you're like me, you probably don't think about Windows 10 to stream videos on your TV. You can, though, using compatible devices such as Roku and Xbox One S.
Type "media streaming" into the Windows 10 taskbar >> select Media Streaming Option and follow the instructions.
5. Virtual Desktop
Did you know you there's an icon on your desktop to see called Task View? It's the little rectangular box to the right of your "Type here" taskbar.
Click on it to see all the windows you have open. Or click on New Desktop to create a new workspace without closing the windows you have open.
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