Buzz
Pressing Windows key + arrow key will quickly snap windows to one side of the screen. Additionally, using Shift + Windows key + arrow key will shift the window to...
1. Useful computer tips and tricks everyone should know
General tricks
Reopen closed tabs
If you accidentally close a tab, simply press Ctrl + Shift + T to reopen the last closed tab. On a Mac, press Cmd + Shift + T.
Snap feature and Windows multi-monitor
Press Windows key + arrow key to quickly snap windows to one side of the screen. Additionally, using Shift + Windows key + arrow key will move the window to another screen. Pressing Windows + P allows you to quickly set up a second monitor or projector.
On macOS, prioritize leveraging the power of Mission Control to manage virtual desktops, switch between apps, and achieve peak efficiency. While Macs don't support multi-window mode, there's an app called Magnet, priced at $0.99, that performs that function and is highly rated.
Protect files with a password
A simple way to prevent others from accessing your important files is to encrypt them. Whether you own 7-Zip, WinRAR, The Unarchiver (for Mac), or equivalent software, create a new archive, choose to encrypt the content, and set a password.
Undo everywhere
Did you know you can undo nearly any action on your computer? Ctrl + Z is the classic hotkey, and you're probably familiar with it. However, note that undo doesn't just apply to text input. If you accidentally delete or move a file, you can press Ctrl + Z to bring it back (Ctrl + Y will redo any action you've undone).
YouTube Shortcuts
While you're familiar with the spacebar to pause a video on YouTube, you might not know that using the K key yields similar results. Additionally, you can use the J and L keys to rewind or fast forward by 10 seconds, and M to mute.
Take a Screenshot
Pressing the print screen key on your keyboard is the easiest way to take a screenshot. However, Windows and macOS offer other methods. You can use Monosnap (Mac, Windows), a simple, fast tool that supports multiple platforms.
Windows Power User Menu
Access the Windows Power User menu by right-clicking on the bottom-left corner of the Start button in Windows 8 and 10. This opens a context menu with shortcuts for power options, event viewer, device manager, etc. You can also access this menu by pressing Windows + X.
Easily Extract Images from Word Files (.docx)
Change the file extension from .docx to .zip and open the file. The images will be located within one of these folders.
Find or Delete Large, Space-Wasting Files
A handy tool called Space Sniffer can be used to easily locate files and folders consuming the most space on your drive. From there, you can delete them and free up storage space. Other free Windows options include WinDirStat and TreeSize. On macOS, you can use Finder or Siri to find large files without third-party apps.
Reduce Startup Programs
If your computer boots slowly, it might be due to too many programs running on startup. It's easy to trim down these programs and make your computer boot faster. However, be cautious about programs critical for system stability.
Windows: Open the task manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and go to the startup tab to configure which programs you want to launch with the system.
Windows 7 and earlier versions: Open Run (Windows key + R) and type msconfig to access a similar startup window.
macOS: Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups > select the user and click on the Login Items tab. You can remove or hide startup apps from here.
Windows Hidden Control Panel Folder
Windows provides a Control Panel containing all OS settings, making it easy for users to customize everything from desktop wallpapers to VPN setups. To access this mode, create a new folder with the exact name (copy and paste): God Mode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}. The folder icon will turn into the Control Panel icon, allowing access to various settings.
Text Manipulation Tricks
Paste as Plain Text
When copying text from any source, it retains the original formatting. To paste this text as plain text, press Ctrl + Shift + V instead of Ctrl + V, and the system will paste unformatted text. This action also works on Mac: Cmd + Shift + V.
There are a few other options besides copying and pasting in Notepad:
1) Ctrl + Alt + V will display the 'paste special' dialogue.
2) Ctrl + Spacebar will clear formatting in the pasted text.
3) Download Puretext and assign a hotkey to always paste plain text.
Delete Entire Word
Instead of deleting letter by letter, pressing Ctrl + Backspace will delete the entire word behind the cursor.
Move Cursor to the Beginning of the Next or Previous Word
Manually moving the cursor around while typing often takes more time. To speed up the process, move the cursor using shortcuts. To move it to the beginning of the previous word, use Ctrl + Left arrow. To move it to the end of the next word, use Ctrl + Right arrow. On macOS, you can use the Option key. To select a word or paragraph, hold Shift + Ctrl + arrow key (up or down will select the entire text section).
Create Superscript and Subscript
To create superscript and subscript, press Ctrl + = for subscript and Ctrl + Shift + = for superscript.
Use Windows Character Map to Identify and Create Foreign Symbols
Find Character Map in the Start menu, and you'll discover a utility that allows you to copy any character and even provides an Alt + numeric keypad code. For example, the euro currency (€) can be produced with Alt + 0128.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Open Task Manager Directly
To open Task Manager directly, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
Utilize Spotlight
While Windows' built-in search is not useless, it's certainly not reliable and can be slow. However, macOS Spotlight is a 'smart' tool. Press Cmd + Space to open an application by typing just 2 to 3 initial characters of its name; it searches files or even performs calculations.
Interrupt All Processes
Ctrl + Alt + Delete is commonly used as a computer shortcut, and almost every user is familiar with it. An essential note is that it can also interrupt all processes, including system-critical ones. On macOS, you can 'summon' the Force Quit dialog using Cmd + Shift + Esc.
Switch Between Open Windows
Press Alt + Tab to move between open windows (Alt + Shift + Tab will move backward). In macOS, use the shortcut Cmd + Tab.
Launch Programs with Hotkeys
Right-click on any application shortcut in Windows, click on Properties, and in the Shortcut tab, you'll find a field for 'shortcut key' to create your preferred hotkey to launch the program. Note that by clicking the 'advanced' option in the Shortcut tab, you can set it to run as an administrator, particularly useful for creating a hotkey for an elevated Command Prompt.
Close Current Program
Pressing Alt + F4 will close the currently active program. This is handy for saving time.
Minimize All Windows
Sometimes you're using a multitude of programs and want to minimize all to reveal the desktop. Simply press Windows + D to save you from individually minimizing each window. It's worth noting that Windows + M provides a similar function but doesn't restore, making Windows + D a more convenient approach. In macOS, use Mission Control to handle virtual desktops and switch between applications.
Use Keyboard Menu Key for Right-Click
Not all keyboards have the menu key (as illustrated above), but many do. This key will substitute the right-click action.
Close Current Window/Tab
Tired of reaching for the X button to close the current window? Save time by simply pressing Ctrl + W, and the current window will close.
Open System Information Window
This process is much faster than the traditional way; just press Windows + Pause Break, and the System Information window will appear.
Launch Programs on Windows Taskbar Using Keyboard
Press Windows key + the number corresponding to the program's position on the Taskbar to quickly open them. For example, if Chrome is the second icon on the Taskbar, press Windows key + 2 to open it.
Use Keyboard to Navigate System Tray Icons
Press Windows + B to automatically select the System Tray area, where you can use arrow keys to choose a program and press Enter to open it.
Activate Copy-Paste Feature in Command Prompt
Right-click on the Command Prompt shortcut > Properties > Options > and check the 'QuickEdit mode' box. Now you can select text with left-click, copy with Enter, and paste with right-click.
Browsing Tips and Tricks
Quickly Navigate to the Address Bar
There are several ways to navigate to the address bar from anywhere in the browser. Press Ctrl + L, F6, and Alt + D all accomplish this goal.
Automatically Add www. and .com to a URL
Save time typing www. and .com in a simple URL by pressing Ctrl + Enter after entering the website name. If it's .net, then press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
Switch Between Open Tabs
Press Ctrl + Tab to switch between tabs in the browser (Ctrl + Shift + Tab to move backward). This can be much quicker than moving the mouse and clicking on a tab. Ctrl + a number on the numeric keypad (1, 2, 3, 4, etc.) will also take you to the tab in that numbered order. Ctrl + 9 takes you to the last tab, even if there are more than 9 tabs.
Scroll the Page with Spacebar
Pressing the space key on a webpage will scroll the page down, and pressing Shift + space will help move it up.
Instant Image Search (Chrome only)
If you hold the 'S' key and right-click on an image, it will open an image search in a new tab.
Use Private Browsing
Using a cookie and history-free session is essential for certain activities. Press Ctrl + Shift + N to open an incognito window in Chrome, Ctrl + Shift + P on Firefox and Internet Explorer.
Bookmark Icon on the Toolbar
You can remove the names of bookmarks, leaving only the icons to take up less space on the toolbar. In Chrome: right-click on the bookmark on the toolbar > Edit > delete the name and click Save.
Utilize the Mouse Scroll
Click the mouse scroll on a link to automatically open it in a new tab/window. Also, if you click the mouse scroll on a tab, it will close that tab.
Quickly Copy Links
Right-click on a link as usual but press the E key on the keyboard to copy the link.
Edit Content on the Web
Open the console interface in Chrome or Firefox (right-click and select Inspect). On the console, enter the command document.designMode = 'on' to allow you to edit any text on the screen.
Zoom In, Zoom Out on a Website
Use the browser's magnifying glass icon to adjust the website for a more comfortable view. Ctrl/Cmd and +/- (plus/minus) to zoom in and out. To reset the zoom level, use Ctrl + 0.
File Management Tricks
Rename a File Quickly
Right-clicking and choosing Rename isn't truly efficient; instead, press F2 while selecting a file. To rename another file, press Tab without deselecting the current file. On a Mac, press Enter to rename, while Cmd + O is used to open a file.
Back Up Important Files to the Cloud
If you're working on an important project, make sure you don't just save it on your machine. Services like Dropbox, Google Drive, or any popular cloud storage solution will be a helpful measure. Of course, you can also toss files onto an external hard drive or thumb drive.
Batch Rename Files in Windows or Mac
You really don't need to download any programs to batch rename files. Instead, select all the files you want to change, right-click on the first file in the list, choose Rename (or use F2) and enter a name. This action will automatically change all other files with the same original name to: (1), (2), etc.
On a Mac, perform similarly, select a file, then right-click and choose an option for batch renaming.
Select Multiple Files Using the Keyboard
To select multiple files with the keyboard, press Shift + arrow down/up to choose a file below or above, or Shift + Page Down to select a large group of files at once. Ctrl + A will select everything.
Security Tricks
Lock your computer if you're stepping away because your mischievous friend enjoys posting on your Facebook or Twitter? Windows + L will immediately lock your system, requiring a password (if set) to log back in.
On macOS, use Cmd + Option + Power to log out. In the latest macOS version (High Sierra), a quicker screen lock option has been added using the shortcut Cmd + Ctrl + Q.
Scan Suspicious Files with VirusTotal
If concerned about an infected file, you can upload it to VirusTotal for checks by dozens of cloud-based antivirus tools. Often, someone else has uploaded the same file, allowing you to view results instantly without a long wait.
Monitor Router Logins
Software like Wireless Network Watcher alerts you when someone accesses the router. You can also do this by logging into the router (common router IP addresses) and checking the list of wireless clients, displaying device names, IP addresses, and MAC addresses.
Permanently Erase Deleted Data to Prevent Recovery by Software Like Recuva
Open Command Prompt and type cipher /w:C: to delete deleted files from the C: drive (replace letters for other drives or folders).
Read Installation Wizards
Most programs may install toolbars and unwanted software during installation. Take a few seconds to read each step to ensure you don't agree to install something other than the desired program.
Run Programs on an Infected Computer
Malware can prevent certain programs from running. Renaming the .exe file can often override this. If that doesn't work, change the file extension to .com, and the program may still run.
Other Third-Party App Tricks
Steam: Move Games to Another Drive or Partition
For this process, utilizing software like Steam Mover is essential. Steam now empowers users to store games across multiple drives. Go to Steam > Settings > Downloads > Steam Library Folders, create a Steam library folder, then right-click on an installed game in the library Steam > Properties > Local Files > Move install folder... > Choose the directory > Move folder.
Effortlessly repeat the last command in Excel by pressing F4. If you select a cell and highlight it in yellow, you can emphasize other selected cells in yellow by pressing F4.
Press F4 in Excel to repeat the last command. If you choose a cell and highlight it in yellow, you can highlight other selected cells in yellow by pressing F4.
Utilize the Windows Troubleshooter tool. This handy tool automatically records any mouse clicks and captures screenshots. If you need technical assistance with your computer, go to the Start menu and search for 'steps recorder'. Use the tool, and when finished, you can send this well-organized information to the person helping you resolve the issue.
Resolve audio and subtitle synchronization issues in VLC. VLC provides solutions to fix audio and subtitle discrepancies. Follow the steps to address any synchronization problems.
Fix audio and subtitle synchronization discrepancies in VLC. VLC offers solutions to address issues with audio and subtitles not being in sync. Follow the steps to resolve any discrepancies.
If audio in VLC is out of sync with the video or subtitles, an easy fix is available. Simply press J or K to move the audio forward or backward. Similarly, to synchronize subtitles, press H or G.
Expand text to the full page width in Microsoft Word
Navigate to View > Zoom and select Text Width > OK.
Here are some computer tips and tricks. Hopefully, they will assist you in using your computer more efficiently and easily.
