As a seasoned Windows user, you may find yourself unaware of some powerful features hidden within the operating system. From swiftly terminating unresponsive applications directly from the taskbar to the automatic lock feature that secures your PC when you step away, countless tools await your discovery.
1.Voice Typing
If your daily routine involves extensive typing—be it emails, documents, or reports—then the voice typing feature will be a welcome addition to your workflow. This functionality converts your spoken words into written text in real-time.
Simply press Windows + H to activate voice typing and start dictating your thoughts. Remarkably accurate, this tool even includes an auto-punctuation feature that can be enabled, allowing Windows to insert commas and periods as you speak. It’s an excellent way to maintain productivity without taxing your fingers.
2.Extract Text From Images
Need to copy text from an image? Whether it’s a screenshot, a photo of a whiteboard, or a scanned document, Windows simplifies this task. The built-in Photos app supports text extraction without requiring any third-party software.
To use this feature, open your image and click the Scan text button at the bottom. After the text is recognized, highlight it with your cursor and press Ctrl + C to copy, or simply right-click and select Copy text.
3.Clipboard History
One of the most underrated features in Windows is Clipboard History, which isn’t enabled by default. This tool keeps a record of all copied items, including text and images, accessible anytime.
To activate it, press Windows + V and turn on Clipboard History. After activation, anything you copy is added to a list that you can view through the same shortcut. This feature allows you to retrieve links or text snippets effortlessly, and you can pin frequently used items for quick access.
Moreover, you can sync your clipboard across multiple devices by navigating to Settings > System > Clipboard and enabling cross-device Clipboard History.
4.Virtual Desktop
In a world where multitasking is crucial, managing a chaotic desktop environment can be challenging. Windows’ Virtual Desktop feature allows for the organization of multiple projects into separate workspaces.
Access Task View by pressing Windows + Tab, and create a new desktop by selecting New Desktop. Switching between desktops is easy with Windows + Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow, effectively providing a seamless workflow across various tasks.
5.Touchpad Gestures
Your laptop’s touchpad is a robust tool that often goes underutilized. While it may not provide the accuracy of a mouse, it offers powerful gestures that enhance navigation.
For instance, using three-finger swipes allows you to switch between open applications, while four-finger swipes let you navigate virtual desktops. Additional gestures, such as pinching to zoom and two-finger scrolling, significantly streamline your user experience.
Moreover, Windows enables you to customize these gestures. Navigate to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad > Advanced gestures to tailor them to your liking.
6.Dynamic Lock
Enhance the security of your device with Dynamic Lock, which locks your PC automatically when you step away. This feature is straightforward to set up and highly effective.
To enable Dynamic Lock, pair your smartphone with your PC via Bluetooth. When your phone moves out of range, Windows will automatically lock itself, protecting your data even if you forget to lock it manually.
To set this up, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Dynamic Lock and check the box to allow Windows to detect your device.
7.Secret Start Menu
Your daily encounters with the Start menu may not reveal its full potential. A hidden menu packed with useful tools is accessible by right-clicking the Start button or pressing Windows + X.
This secret menu provides one-click access to critical system tools like Device Manager, Disk Management, Task Manager, and Power Options, eliminating the need for tedious searches every time you need these functions.
8.Nearby Sharing
For quick file transfers, the Nearby Sharing feature allows you to send files to nearby Windows PCs without email or USB drives. You can share documents, images, or links through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi effortlessly.
To utilize this feature, right-click your desired file, select Share > Nearby sharing, and choose the nearby device. Ensure both devices have Nearby Sharing turned on within Settings > System > Nearby sharing.
While Nearby Sharing may not be suitable for large files, it is ideal for sending smaller documents or images swiftly.
9.End Unresponsive Apps From Taskbar
No matter how powerful your hardware is, applications might still freeze at times. Fortunately, you don’t always need to open the Task Manager to close an unresponsive app.
By heading to Settings > System > For developers and enabling the End task toggle, you can simply right-click on the taskbar icon of the frozen application and select End task.
10.Adjust Volume With Mouse Wheel
There are numerous methods to adjust volume on your PC, but one of the fastest is with your mouse wheel. Simply hover your cursor over the speaker icon in the taskbar and scroll up or down to change the volume effortlessly.
Windows is laden with features capable of enhancing your daily interactions and workflow. Many of these functionalities go unnoticed due to being disabled by default or tucked away in rarely accessed menus.
This overview serves as a valuable starting point, but exploration is encouraged—delve into settings to uncover a plethora of small, yet impactful functionalities that can make your computing experience smoother and more enjoyable.
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