Windows Everyday Productivity Tips

I regularly use shortcut keys and other hidden gems everyday that people often ask about, therefore, I thought I’d share some of my top tips for Windows 10.

Docking Applications

I find that I regularly need to view different documents side by side. If you are familiar with doing this, you will be aware you can grab the top of the application and drag it into place. However, this is a little hit and miss, especially if you use multiple screens so here is a quick option.

To dock any application to the side of your screen, have it active on the screen you want it docked and hit +Left Arrow or +Right Arrow. If other applications are open thumbnails will be displayed. Pick the one to have it docked in the available space.

Duplicate Desktop / Virtual Desktop

I love this one and use it all the time. Who knew you could open multiple Desktops at the same time!

Hit the +CTRL+D and watch a clean, new Desktop appear in front of you. Don’t panic all your content is still there. To return to your previous desktop hit +CTRL+Left Arrow key and use +CTRL+Right / Left Arrow to switch between desktops. This is a great way to work on multiple projects simultaneously without having multiple apps and tabs open at once.

On that note, you may have noticed this new box-shaped icon, Task View, that has appeared on your task bar. Clicking this will also allow you to add a new desktop and switch between desktops and other open programs.

Task View: Your 30-day timeline

Sticking on the theme of Task View, this new icon also allows you to quickly open files that you worked on recently, going back 30-days. This is a new feature but for me a powerful one that saves a lot of time trying to recall files you were working on previously.​

Focus Assist

We are all easily distracted and now more than ever we need to remain focused on the task at hand. Focus Assist allows you to control what interrupts you and when. Click Focus Assist to turn the feature on (as shown below) or Right Click on Focus Assist to access settings to set your preferences. This stops notifications popping up and distracting you.

Clipboard History

Enable Clipboard History in settings and power up from using CTRL+V to the superpower of using +V.

This allows you to paste anything you have copied throughout the current session, even images. Or go one further and Pin items (using the ellipsis or ‘meatball menu’) for use after you restart your machine – yep, it will stay there until you unpin it.​

Snip & Sketch

We’ve all heard of and regularly use the Snipping Tool, but this tool is changing to the all-new Snip & Sketch.

Snip & Sketch has massive advantages including a 3 and 10 second delay before activating. This makes it much easier to capture drop menus and other similar hidden settings​.

Hit +SHIFT+S to quick launch the tool or search for Snip & Sketch in the windows menu and clip away. BTW, this works great with the +V.

I hope you found these top tips helpful in your everyday tasks.

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