As 2024 wraps up, it's time to take stock of the year's most valuable insights for maximizing your Windows PC experience. Whether you're a Windows novice or a seasoned pro, there’s always a trick or two up our virtual sleeves to make your journey smoother. The original article, penned by Chris Hoffman, takes us on a tour of transformative tips for Windows 10 and Windows 11 users. In this article, we expand on those ideas, dive deeper into the technologies enabling these tips, and offer you even more actionable advice for getting the best out of your PC.
Let’s break it all down — step by step.
But we’re just scratching the surface. How are you customizing your PC? Let’s discuss and share your favorite tips in the forum. Who knows — your advice might make the top list of 2025!
Happy tweakin’ and Windows-ing!
Source: Computerworld The top Windows PC tips of 2024
Let’s break it all down — step by step.
Section 1: Productivity Tips to Supercharge Your Windows Life
1. File Transfers Between Your Phone and Windows
We live in a universe where phones and PCs coexist as critical parts of daily life. File sharing between them can be tedious, but here are some quick ways to streamline this process:- Nearby Share: Windows 11 includes a feature akin to Apple's AirDrop, allowing you to wirelessly send files to nearby Windows PCs or Android devices. Just ensure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled.
- Phone Link: Seamlessly transfer photos, texts, or documents with Microsoft’s Phone Link app (formerly called Your Phone). It works especially well with Samsung Galaxy devices but is expanding for other Android and even iPhone users.
- Cloud Storage: Services like OneDrive, Google Drive, and Dropbox serve as middlemen for instant sync. Just upload from one device and download it from another.
- Classic USB or Data Cable: For the old-schoolers or those needing more speed for large transfers, nothing beats a direct connection.
2. Unmissable Keyboard Shortcuts
The secret language of power users is undeniably keyboard shortcuts. Here are 5 lesser-known ones to level up your game:Win + Ctrl + Shift + B: Reset your graphics driver in case of display issues.Win + .(period): Open the emoji and GIF picker. Yes, it’s built into Windows!Ctrl + Shift + T: Reopen the last closed tab in your browser. Never fear accidental closures.Alt + Tab: Cycle through open apps or windows. HoldAltto preview it all and tapTabto switch!Shift + Right-Clickon a folder: Opens an option to launch Command Prompt or Windows Terminal directly at that folder’s location.
Section 2: Customizing Your Windows PC Like a Pro
3. Killing Off Annoying Windows Ads
Windows may be productive, but its penchant for nudging ads (like "suggested apps") can feel like a sales pitch in your living room. Here's how to reclaim your digital space:- Disable Suggestions in Settings:
Settings > Personalization > Start > Turn off Show Suggestions.- Turn off pop-up tips under notifications.
- Block Ads in File Explorer:
- Open File Explorer, go to
View > Options > Change Folder Options.In the View tab, deselect “Show sync provider notifications.”
- Open File Explorer, go to
- Disable Apps from Running in the Background:
Settings > Apps > Apps and Features > Advanced Options. Stop background apps to enhance both privacy and performance.
4. Dark Mode: Elevation to Elegance
Dark mode has transitioned from a trend to a necessity for anyone staring at screens for long hours. While the settings are straightforward (Settings > Personalization > Colors), here are some pro-tips for an enhanced experience:- Install browser extensions: For websites that don't natively support dark mode, Chrome and Edge have extensions to force dark themes.
- Tweak individual app themes: Office tools like Word and Excel offer custom dark options independent of Windows settings.
- Night Light: Combine dark mode with
Settings > System > Display > Night Lightto reduce blue light strain for evening work sessions.
Section 3: Windows Features That Deserve Your Time
5. Voice Commands: Another Dimension of User Control
Microsoft has retired Cortana, but voice controls remain a powerful tool in accessibility and hands-free computing. They come built into the OS without needing external installations — just enable voice typing:- Activate Voice Typing: Hit
Win + Hin any text field to dictate instead of type. - Voice Navigation: Use Windows Speech Recognition to open files, programs, or even browse the web.
6. The Underrated Magic of the Touchscreen
Windows-powered 2-in-1 laptops like Microsoft's Surface lineup make extensive use of touchscreens. If you’ve been ignoring that feature, you’re missing out:- Use Three-Finger Gestures to quickly access apps or tabs.
- Combine stylus tools for apps like OneNote or Whiteboard for a paperless office.
- Take screenshots or crop images with touch gestures (
Win + Shift + S).
Section 4: Best Tools to Install Today
7. PowerToys: The Modern Utility Belt
Microsoft’s free PowerToys suite is essentially a bag of tricks for power users. Here are a few must-use options:- FancyZones: Custom window layouts to organize desktop real estate.
- PowerRename: Bulk rename files swiftly and accurately.
- File Locksmith: Find out why a file is locked and gain controls over it.
Summary: Diving Into 2025 Confidently
And there you have it — the crème de la crème of 2024's finest PC tips, tricks, and customizations for Windows users. Take fifteen minutes today to implement just one or two of these, and you’ll feel the efficiency boost. Whether it’s productivity via shortcuts, aesthetic upgrades like dark mode tweaks, or adding PowerToys to your arsenal, 2025 is looking even brighter for Windows enthusiasts.But we’re just scratching the surface. How are you customizing your PC? Let’s discuss and share your favorite tips in the forum. Who knows — your advice might make the top list of 2025!
Happy tweakin’ and Windows-ing!
Source: Computerworld The top Windows PC tips of 2024