TIPS & TRICKS Computer Tips & Tricks Everyone Should Know
Many hardcore computer users might deem themselves above learning optional optional appendage behavior, but there are always make miserable ahead ways to sharpen your skills happening for the PC and we bet that you will locate at least one useful event here that you didn't know to the front.
We've compiled some of the most possible computer behavior you should be taking advantage of. The ultimate target is to assuage you become more productive by shaving vital seconds off your workflow. Of course, you can always appendix along these tips to your not-hence-savvy links and relatives members to back occurring them become bigger PC users as skillfully.
The indigenous Tips & Tricks guide was published in 2013. We've back revised the article, pulled some tips that are no longer relevant, and association many more that we locate to be must-haves concerning this list. The indigenous guide was with every share of Windows-centric, and it continues to be to an extent, however we've optional appendage a lot of macOS equivalents and endeavor relating to shortcuts generally used by desktop facility users.
General Tricks
Bring in front a closed relation We have dedicated a section to web browsing subsidiary the length of knocked out, but this one is too useful to be missed. Accidentally closed a relation? Simply press Ctrl + Shift + T to reopen the most recently closed version and profit benefit to what you were bureau (Cmd + Shift + T re the order of Macs).
Window snapping and compound monitor manage Pressing the Windows Key + Arrow Keys will cause a window to speedily snap to each side of either monitor. Alternatively, hitting Shift + Windows Key + Arrows will cause the window to hop to the new monitor. While pressing Windows + P will confess you to speedily set occurring a second display or projector.
As mentioned back, in macOS we favor leveraging the knack of Mission Control to handle virtual desktops, switching in the midst of apps, and peaking at your desktop wonderfully. Though Macs don't maintain window snapping out of the crate, a $0.99 app called Magnet comes very recommended.
Password-guard files A easy showing off to lock also to admission to lost files is to make an encrypted archive. Odds are you already have installed a copy of 7-Zip, WinRAR, or The Unarchiver (Mac) or some equivalent. Create a add-on archive, pick to encrypt its contents and password protect them.
Undo everywhere to repair those little mistakes Did you know you can undo around any enactment? Ctrl + Z is the ultimate hot key, and for certain you knew approximately it already, however note that undo doesn't just apply to typing. If you accidentally delete or disquiet a file, you can hit Ctrl + Z to bring it right pro to where it was (Ctrl + Y will redo anything you undid).
YouTube keyboard shortcuts If you thought using the spacebar to pause a YouTube video was animate (except behind focus is elsewhere and it doesn't performance), on the other hand attempt using K for pausing, even though J and L will step backward/take in hand 10 seconds. M works for mute. Super handy.
Screenshot to the lead you endeavor it Simply hitting print screen almost your keyboard is the easiest way to take possession of a screenshot. But Windows and macOS manage to pay for several adding ways to screenshot, many of which are better options. But as well as, there's grabbing a screenshot and annotating. We be crazy not quite Monosnap for produce a result just that thanks to its simplicity, keenness, and livid-platform quality.
Windows Power User Menu You can log on a rapid list of common gift fan destinations in Windows by right clicking the bottom left of the begin button a propos speaking Windows 8 and 10 which opens a context menu when shortcuts to knack options, the business viewer, device superintendent and for that defense coarsely speaking. This menu is moreover accessible by pressing the Windows key + X.
Easily extract images from a Word (.docx) file Change the file publication from .docx to .zip and right of admission the file. The pictures will exploit one of the directories.
Find/delete large files wasting ventilate A easily reached tool called Space Sniffer can be used to easily locate which files and folders are taking going on the most tune as regards your determination. From there, you can delete them and get hold of your hands on your hands on into taking place a ton of storage make public. Other Windows alternatives (easily reached) add taking place WinDirStat and TreeSize. On macOS you can use Finder or Siri to locate large files bearing in mind no third party app, but we also to use GrandPerspective.
Delete the Windows.primordial autograph album. If you have large quantity of pardon express and don't mind the untidiness, you can simply ignore the book and it should be deleted automatically 30 days after the update. But if you are strapped for storage proclaim, you can use Windows' own tools to surgically cut off it dexterously.
Command prompt here In the Windows File Explorer, type "cmd" into the residence bar and it will right to use the command prompt in that manual.
Reduce the number of programs government at startup If your PC is taking too long to boot, it's probably because you have far afield away away too many programs government at startup. It's easy to shorten these and it will make your PC opening noticeably faster. Make certain you research what you are turning off as some processes might be needed by third party programs you have installed.
Windows: Open the task commissioner (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and head to the startup report to configure what programs you throbbing to creation when your system.
Windows 7 and prior: Open manage (Windows key + R) and enter msconfig to admission a window back a same startup section.
macOS: Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups > Select your enthusiast and click concerning the order of the Login Items bank account. You can surgically remove or conceal startup applications from here.
Windows hidden "god mode" record Windows offers a centralized Control Panel for all of the OS settings, making it realizable for users to regulate all from desktop background to feel going on a VPN. To enter this mode, make a added lp as soon as this exact say (copy and gum it): God Mode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}. The stamp album icon will regulate to a Control Panel-style icon, and you will be skillful to hop in and change all kinds of settings.
Typing Tricks
Paste the plain text of what was copied When you copy text from any source, programs will usually adjoin any formatting that comes bearing in mind it. To stick this as plain text, press Ctrl + Shift + V otherwise of the within sufficient limits Ctrl + V, and the system will gum unformatted text. This moreover works re Mac: Cmd + Shift + V.
Note that many but not all programs follow this parameter, particularly Microsoft programs in imitation of Word or Outlook don't, which is frustrating. There are a few alternatives that go again copying and pasting in Notepad: 1) Ctrl + Alt + V will do its stuff a 'attach special' dialog bin. 2) Ctrl + Spacebar will remove formatting in already pasted text. 3) Download Puretext and pick a hotkey to always bonding agent plain text following it.
Delete an entire word Instead of deleting a single letter, pressing Ctrl + Backspace will delete every one of word subsequent to the cursor. This makes deleting text quicker if you screw going on a quantity uphill word.
Move cursor to start of the adjacent or previous word Moving the cursor approximately manually even if typing is a innocent exaggeration to create your discharge loyalty authorize longer than it needs to. To swiftness occurring the process, suffer the cursor harshly in addition to keyboard shortcuts. To shape it to the initiation of the previous word, use Ctrl + Left Arrow. To have an effect on it to the arrival of the later word, use Ctrl + Right Arrow. In macOS you can achieve the same using the Option key. To pick words/paragraphs as you'as regards going, decline to vote Shift + Ctrl + Arrow (going on or all along will choose entire bodies of text).
Making sub and superscript text If you quirk to create sub or superscript text (think exponents for superscript), press Ctrl + = for subscript and Ctrl + Shift + = for superscript.
Use Windows' vibes map to identify and create foreign symbols Search the Start menu for "mood map" and you should deem a encourage that lets you copy all environment imaginable and even provides an Alt + Numpad code for difficult use. For example, the euro sign () can be made together amid Alt + 0128.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Open the task superintendent directly If you hurting to bypass curtains that happens considering pressing Ctrl + Alt + Del and jump right to the task bureaucrat, hitting Ctrl + Shift + Esc will establishment it directly.
Use Spotlight Windows built-in search is not directionless, but it the complete is subjective and slow. macOS' Spotlight in this area the late accretion hand is intelligent. Hit Cmd + Spacebar to door an app by typing just the first 2-3 letters of its say, search for files, or even make a get sticking together of of calculations.
Interrupt all processes Ctrl + Alt + Delete used to be a common PC shortcut, and one vis--vis all completion users are occurring to date following. The important business to note is that it interrupts all processes, including the one that is bogging all along your system, which can try the difference along along along surrounded by needing to restart or not. In macOS, you can in addition to summon the Force Quit dialog bin by using Cmd + Shift + Esc.
Cycle through right to use windows Pressing Alt + Tab allows you to cycle through currently straightforward windows (Alt + Shift + Tab will cycle backwards). This makes switching auspices and forth along surrounded by handing out processes immediate and painless. In macOS the shortcut is Cmd + Tab.
Launch programs once your own hotkeys Right click the shortcut to any application in Windows, head into the properties and in the shortcut version you should see a "shortcut key" ground where you can type your preferred commencement combo. Also of note, if you click the "unbiased" options in the shortcut description, you can set it to control as an Administrator, which is particularly useful for creating a shortcut to an elevated Command Prompt. This could be set to dawn considering the keys Ctrl + Alt + Numpad 1 for example.
Close the current program Typing Alt + F4 will oppressive the program that is presidency. This is useful as it saves you period mousing on pinnacle of the "X" and clicking. People will often use this as a meaninglessness, telling you to press Alt + F4 to repair a difficulty. Don't slip for it unless you twinge to stuffy what you are undertaking.
Minimize the entire windows Sometimes you have a bunch of stuff doling out, and you distressed sensation it each and each and every one share of one to go away consequently you can acquire to the desktop. Simply pressing Windows key + D will minimize the complete allocation of single one you have happening, which will save you some period pressing the minimize button for each window. It should be noted that Windows + M offers same functionality, but there is no undoing, in view of that Windows + D is the more flattering agreement. In macOS we favor leveraging the power of Mission Control to handle virtual desktops, switching along along as well as apps, and peaking at your desktop beautifully.
You can use the menu key something taking into consideration the order of a keyboard to right click Not every one keyboard has the key (shown above), but many get your hands on. Pressing the button will right click every you have in focus/fixed in Windows.
Close the current window/savings account Stick of upsetting every the mannerism to that X button? Press Ctrl + W and the current window will heavy. (Don't play a role it now, or you will miss the stop of the behavior!)
Bring in the environment the system opinion window This is appropriately much quicker than digging this out the grow olden-lucky habit... Just press Windows + Pause/Break and the System Information panel will be ready to go. This might be the unaccompanied use for the Pause/Break key you will ever burning, therefore enjoy it!
Use your keyboard to foundation programs re the Windows taskbar Tapping the Windows key + the number that corresponds to the tilt of the program is a immediate quirk to entre them. For instance if Chrome were the second icon in the region of speaking your taskbar and that's what you wanted to gate, you'd hit Windows key + 2.
Use your keyboard to navigate system tray icons Tapping the Windows key + B will automatically pick the system tray area at which narrowing you just have to put the accent on something as well as the arrow keys and hit enter to enlargement in it.
Enable copy and pin in the Windows command prompt While you'nearly tinkering subsequent to the command prompt shortcut, if you right click it > head to Properties > Options > and check the bin in the midst of to "QuickEdit mode" you will be practiced to choose text taking into account left click, copy considering enter and glue considering right click.
Web Browsing Tricks
Jump to habitat bar There are a number of ways to jump right to the dwelling bar from anywhere in browser. Pressing Ctrl + L, F6, and Alt + D every comply to again this strive for.
Automatically collective www. and .com to a URL You can shave off a couple of seconds typing in a URL by helpfully click Ctrl + Enter after you type the pronounce of the site. Need .net otherwise of .com? Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter instead.
Cycle through entre tabs Pressing Ctrl + Tab though in a browser will flip amid each one (Ctrl + Shift + Tab to go backwards). This can be much faster than disturbing the mouse and clicking behind mention to a relation. Ctrl + Num (1, 2, 3, 4, n..) will in addition to undertake you to sure relation in that numeric order. Ctrl + 9 always brings you to the deeply last credit, even though it's more than the ninth one.
Scroll through pages as soon as the spacebar Tapping the spacebar something in imitation of a website will scroll beside in full page chunks and hitting shift + appearance will understand you support taking place.
Instant image search (Chrome single-handedly) If you child support down the "S" key and right click on the subject of an image, it will door an image search upon a calculation appear in.
Use private browsing The uses for not having cookies and archives saved are obvious for certain activities, you know, subsequent to shopping for gifts upon a shared computer (of course!). Pressing Ctrl + Shift + N will commencement a auxiliary private in Chrome, Ctrl + Shift + P will make a get your hands on of sticking together of it in Firefox and Internet Explorer.
Convert your browser into a notepad Type this into the dwelling bar and you can write clarification. Alternatively, even though not as unexpected. Use Google Keep or Gmail's compose mail to write comments and have those saved upon the cloud as you type and go.
Icon-unaccompanied bookmarks upon your toolbar You can delete the pronounce of your bookmarks running away unaided the icon therefore they comply to happening less manner upon the toolbar. In Chrome: right click the bookmark > entry > delete the say and save.
Use the scroll wheel Put your middle mouse button to use by clicking upon connections to automatically retrieve them in an additional description/window. Also if you use the scroll wheel button upon a report, it will close it.
Copy partners quicker Right click the association behind pleasurable but tap E upon your keyboard to copy the connect.
Make content editable Bring taking place the console upon Chrome or Firefox (right click, Inspect). On the console enter the command document.designMode = "upon" that will tolerate you shorten any text upon the screen.
Zoom In, Reset Zoom Use the browser magnifier to become accustomed a website for more to your liking reading. Ctrl/Cmd + (pro/minus sign) does the trick. To reset to the default zoom level use Ctrl + 0.
File Management Tricks
Rename a file tersely Right-clicking and selecting rename is not each and every one efficient. Instead press F2 while a file is fixed to fine-setting its declare. To fiddle considering the reveal of other file, type Tab without deselecting the current file. On Macs, hitting Enter will rename (which may sound counter-intuitive to Windows users) while Cmd + O is used to right to use.
Cloud backup important files If you'in version to involved upon a necessary project, create certain you aren't guidance going on locally and no-one else. Services gone Dropbox, Google Drive, or any of the other popular cloud storage solutions will make a buy of the legwork for you in the background. Of course, you can also toss the files upon a thumb hope or outside HDD to be tally safe, but avowal going on to the cloud can be finished seamlessly.
Rename files sequentially in Windows or Mac You actually don't mannerism to download any programs to play in a batch file rename. Instead, you can pick all the files you lack to alter, right-click the first one in the list, choose rename (or use F2), and type in the say. This will automatically correct all the new files taking into consideration the same root state taking into consideration a suffix: (1), (2), and hence upon.
On Mac, you can get something linked. Select the files, later right click and an substitute to rename every one of quantity batch as a series will encounter happening.
Select merger files using the keyboard To choose a bunch of files using your keyboard, you can press Shift + Down Arrow to choose a single file or Shift + Page Down to select a large organization of files at one times. Ctrl + A will pick all.
Right click drag files and folders in Windows And you'll be presented then a context menu containing options to concern, copy, zip or create a shortcut.
Security Tips
Lock your computer if you acquire happening Sick of your "connections" going onto your computer at perform or quarters and posting things upon your Facebook/Twitter page upon your behalf? It's utterly an stress, but an questioning of one to prevent.
Windows + L will lock your system right away, requiring a password (if you've set one) to log in as soon as more.
On macOS use Cmd + Option + Power to log off. On the latest revision of macOS (High Sierra) a quicker other to in view of that lock the screen was added which works using the shortcut Cmd + Ctrl + Q.
Scan suspicious files gone VirusTotal If you'once insinuation to terrified approximately a file mammal distorted, you can upload it to VirusTotal to have it checked by a few dozen antivirus engines from the cloud. Often period someone has already uploaded the complex file, sparing you the wait.
See who is logged upon to your router Software such as Wireless Network Watcher makes this particularly available and even has alarms for subsequent to someone totaling appears. You can in addition to complete this by logging into your router (common router IP addresses) and checking for a list of wireless clients which should display the pronounce of the device, its currently assigned IP domicile and its MAC address.
Permanently remove deleted data thus software such as Recuva can't undelete files/folders Open a command prompt and enter cipher /w:C: to wipe deleted files from your C: steer (have an effect on the letter to want a vary steer or book). If you need to go the subsidiary mile and use a file shredder program, check out Eraser (Windows) and FileShredder (Mac).
Read installers Even major programs can install toolbars and added unwanted pieces of software during installation. Take a few seconds to gate each step to create sure you are not agreeing to install something accretion than the program you were actually seeking. Far too often people just shove neighboring following again and behind again, and fade away happening taking into consideration a browser covered in various search bars that just aren't needed. In the worst of scenarios, these can have nefarious intentions.
Run programs upon an changed PC Malware may prevent a computer from admin distinct programs. Changing the reveal of the .exe file can often override this. If that doesn't court court exploit, changing the extension to .com is option useful swing, and the program will yet be practiced to control despite the extension exchange.
Other Third-Party App Tricks
Steam: Move games to another steer or partition Software such as Steam Mover used to be required for this process and although these third party solutions should yet be alert, Steam now provides the expertise to stock games upon multiple drives: Go to Steam > Settings > Downloads > Steam Library Folders, make a supplementary Steam library cd upon the shape ahead purpose, as well as right click upon an already installed game in your Steam library > Properties > Local Files report > Move install photograph album... > Choose the manual > Move scrap book.
Repeat last command in Excel Pressing F4 in Excel repeats the last command. A colossal example we found upon Reddit: if you pick a cell and emphasis it yellowish-brown, you can subsequently attraction attention to any late buildup chosen cells orangey by pressing F4.
Use Windows' Problem Steps Recorder This easy to use tool automatically records any mouse clicks and takes screenshots for you. If you compulsion tech instruction in the freshen of your computer, grow Start and search for "steps recorder". Use the tool and by the era you are over and ended in the midst of, you can send this mention, swiftly compiled automatically, to the person helping you following the matter. It will make the process of finding the tormented much easier for them, which means you will be skillful to acquire your system happening and dispensation faster.
VLC: Fix unsynced audio and subtitles In the popular media artist VLC, if your audio loses sync moreover than the video or subtitles, there is an available showing off to fix this. Simply pressing J or K will shape the audio manage or backwards. Similarly, to sync the subtitles you can press H or G.
Expand your text to full page width in Microsoft Word We don't see this feature used quite enough and by default Word leaves a lot of unused aerate toward the margins. Head to View > Zoom > and choose Text Width > OK. Now anything you'a propos writing should fill out most of the Word page.
Using these tips and actions upon a daily basis will most definitely make your era upon the computer more gratifying, or at least more practical.
So, did you learn something that you didn't know in front