1. A whole new start 
The start menu is a classic Windows. It can be easily accessed through the stylized Windows icon in the corner of the screen. Click on it for a layout of your most used programs, access to power options, and shortcuts to your file explorer and computer settings. Change the appearance of the start menu when you right-click on the icon. If you are using a touch screen, simply touch the icon, touch and hold it for a second, then release it.
Alternatively, use a keyboard shortcut by pressing the Windows key. Right-clicking on the Start icon gives a quick and clean menu. Access to programs is still there, but it also puts a lot more at your fingertips, including Task Manager, Control Panel, Device Manager, and even the trusted command prompt. You can also access this advanced menu by pressing Windows Key + X.

2. 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 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 checkmark next to each folder you want to be deleted, such as temporary files. 

3. Malware removal

Having a multi-level approach to cybersecurity is more important than ever. Windows Defender is a security tool that can be configured to block malware attacks in real-time, or it can perform scans when needed.

To make sure it is activated, type "Windows Defender" in your taskbar >> Select Windows Defender application >> Make sure real-time protection is activated.


4. Open the taskbar quickly

Windows 10 brought with it a number of new and convenient keyboard shortcuts. Take a look at the taskbar at the bottom of the screen where you have the program icons aligned, which probably includes your web browser and Windows file explorer, among others. You can open those programs by pressing the Windows key and the number that corresponds to the location of the icon in the bar.

Let's say you have, from left to right, the File Explorer folder icon, the round, multi-coloured Chrome browser icon and the blue "e" for Microsoft's Edge browser. Hold down the Windows key and press "2", and Chrome will open immediately. It is a quick way to access your most popular applications without touching the mouse.


5. Quick assistance

We all have that family member with technological problems, right? It could be your Aunt Sally in Boise, your best friend from high school, or your smartbook father but a computer novice.

So there is quick assistance. In Windows 10, type "quick assistance" on your taskbar >> Select Get Assistance or Provide Assistance and then follow the on-screen instructions.


6. Video Streaming

If you're like me, you probably don't think of Windows 10 to stream videos on your TV. However, you can use compatible devices like Roku and Xbox One S. Type "media streaming" in Windows 10 taskbar >> Select Media streaming options and follow the instructions.


7. Shake your windows

Here's a fun one. If you have lots and lots of windows open, and you want to shrink to just one, do this. Click on the top bar of the desired window, hold it down and shake your mouse to instantly minimize all other open windows. Do it again to restore those windows.


8. Find slow programs

You are working on your computer, but it is crawling. You want to scream "Hurry up!" while waiting for the tabs to change or the changes to take over. It's time to find out what's holding you back, so open Task Manager and check out the "Processes" tab. It will show you what background applications and processes are running and how much of your CPU, memory, disk and network resources are accumulating.


9. Task manager

Windows Task Manager was once a fairly simple feature, used primarily to force the closure of an unresponsive program. Windows 10 Task Manager is much more comprehensive. You can invoke it by right-clicking on the Start menu or pressing the traditional Control-Alt-Delete keyboard shortcut and selecting it from the menu that appears.


10. Track your apps

When you open your normal start menu, you see a list of your apps running alongside. The most used applications are at the top, but the rest are presented in alphabetical order. You can scroll through all of them to find the one you want to open, but a faster way to manage it is by clicking on any of the main letters (such as "A"). This opens a view of the entire alphabet. Just click on the first letter of the app you want and it will take you directly to that part of the Start menu.


11. Task Scheduler

The Task Scheduler does what you think it does; helps you schedule tasks on your computer, such as turning it off at a specific time each day. Type "task planner" on your taskbar to get started.


12. Find lost or damaged files

Remember this: cmd. It is a command prompt that can help you find files that your Windows operating system needs to function properly. It can also help you troubleshoot problems.

Type "cmd" in the taskbar >> Right-click Command Prompt >> Select Run as administrator. To find lost or damaged files, type "sfc / scannow". To check for disk problems, type "chkdsk / f".


13. File sharing

You and your family probably send files to each other all the time. You can send a document or video by email. A better way is to set everyone in your home on a Windows network to share files.

Start by clicking the Start button (the Windows icon at the bottom left of the computer screen). Then go to Settings (the little gear icon) >> Network and Internet >> Homegroup >> Create a Homegroup.


14. Print PDF

If you print documents, you will invariably hear "send me as PDF". PDF is a file format compatible with multiple operating systems and software programs. Windows 10 can easily convert a Word document to a PDF.

To do this, follow the steps to print as you normally would. When you see the option to choose a specific printer, select the one that says "Microsoft Print to PDF".


15. Record screen activity

We are used to online videos and games happening in real-time, but now you can record them for later viewing. When you're in the game or video, click the Windows key on your keyboard and the letter G at the same time. Follow the prompts to record.

Also, Read: 200 Windows Keyboard shortcut keys

An article by Munna Suprathik