Windows is packed with features that can significantly improve your computing experience. However, many users only take advantage of a fraction of its capabilities. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, mastering a few simple Windows tricks can help streamline your tasks, boost productivity, and protect your system. Here’s a guide to 15 useful Windows hacks that can make a big difference in how you use your PC.

1. Minimize All Windows with a Quick Shake

When your desktop is cluttered with multiple open windows, it can get overwhelming. Instead of minimizing each window manually, you can use a quick trick to clear your view.

How to use it:
Hold down the title bar of the window you want to keep open and shake it back and forth. This action will minimize all other open windows instantly. Shake it again, and the windows will return to their original positions.

2. Snap Windows for Easy Multitasking

Windows allows you to manage multiple applications side by side, making multitasking easier.

How to use it:
Drag a window to the left or right edge of your screen, and it will snap into place, taking up half the screen. For more precision, use Windows + Left Arrow or Windows + Right Arrow. You can also maximize the window with Windows + Up Arrow and minimize it with Windows + Down Arrow.

3. Access the Secret Start Menu

The traditional Start Menu is great, but there’s an even more powerful hidden menu that gives you quick access to essential system tools.

How to access it:
Right-click on the Start button or press Windows + X. This opens the hidden menu, where you can access tools like Device Manager, Task Manager, Disk Management, and more.

4. Use Clipboard History for Better Copying

If you often find yourself copying and pasting multiple items, Windows now offers a feature to manage clipboard history.

How to use it:
Press Windows + V to view your clipboard history. You’ll need to enable Clipboard History first in Settings > System > Clipboard. This allows you to easily paste any item you’ve copied before.

5. Virtual Desktops for Better Organization

If you juggle multiple tasks and need a cleaner workspace, virtual desktops are a game-changer.

How to use it:
Press Windows + Tab to bring up Task View, then click “New Desktop” to create a fresh workspace. Switch between desktops with Ctrl + Windows + Left/Right Arrow. Close a desktop by going to Task View and clicking the “X” on the desktop you want to close.

6. Record Your Screen with the Built-in Tool

You don’t need third-party software to record your screen on Windows. The built-in screen recorder works perfectly for creating tutorials or recording gameplay.

How to use it:
Press Windows + G to open the Xbox Game Bar, then click the record button. You can also start/stop recording with Windows + Alt + R.

7. Lock Your PC Quickly

For those times when you need to step away from your computer, it’s important to lock it for security.

How to use it:
Press Windows + L to instantly lock your screen.

8. Unlock “God Mode” for All Settings

Windows has a “God Mode” feature that gives you access to over 200 system settings from one location.

How to use it:
Create a new folder on your desktop and rename it to GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}. Open the folder to access all the settings.

9. Enable Dark Mode for Reduced Eye Strain

Spending long hours in front of your screen can cause eye strain. Dark Mode is a great solution for reducing glare, especially during the evening.

How to enable it:
Go to Settings > Personalization > Colors and choose the “Dark” option from the drop-down menu under “Choose Your Color”.

10. Use the Emoji Keyboard Shortcut

Express yourself better by adding emojis to your messages or documents, right from your PC.

How to use it:
Press Windows + . (period) to open the emoji panel. You can use it in text fields, emails, and even documents.

11. Schedule Restarts for Updates

Windows updates can sometimes cause your computer to restart at inconvenient times. You can schedule restarts to avoid interruptions.

How to set it up:
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Advanced Options, and set your preferred restart time to when you’re not working.

12. Use Custom Power Plans for Better Performance

Windows allows you to adjust your computer’s power settings for better performance, especially for resource-heavy tasks like gaming.

How to enable it:
Navigate to Control Panel > Power Options, and select the “High Performance” plan to maximize speed.

13. Master Windows Search

Windows Search is more powerful than just finding files; you can use it to perform quick calculations, find settings, and even track your emails.

How to use it:
Press Windows + S and type a file name, setting, or even a mathematical equation. You can narrow the search by adding filters like kind: document to find only documents.

14. Generate a Hidden Battery Report

Curious about your laptop’s battery health? Windows can generate a detailed battery report for you.

How to create it:
Open Command Prompt as Administrator and type powercfg /batteryreport. This will generate a report that shows battery usage and health details.

15. Recover Forgotten Wi-Fi Passwords

If you’ve forgotten your Wi-Fi password, you can retrieve it using this simple trick.

How to recover it:
Open Command Prompt as Administrator and enter netsh wlan show profile name=”YourWiFi” key=clear. Look for the “Key Content” line—this will display your Wi-Fi password.

Conclusion

Windows offers a host of hidden features that can significantly improve your computing experience. Whether you’re looking to increase your productivity, protect your data, or simply make everyday tasks easier, these 15 Windows hacks will help you unlock the full potential of your PC. Take the time to learn these tricks, and you’ll be working smarter, not harder.