Many hardcore computers can be considered themselves above the learning of new tricks, but there are always new ways to sharpen their skills on the PC and we bet that you will find at least a useful thing here that I did not know before.
We have compiled some of the most useful computer tricks that should be used. The ultimate goal is to help you be more productive when shaving the valuable seconds of your workflow. Of course, you can always pass these advice to your friends and family that are not so smart to help them be better PC users.
The Original Tips and Tricks Guide was published in 2013. Since then, we have reviewed the article, took some advice that are no longer relevant, and we added many more than we must be forced on this list. The original guide was also very focused on Windows, and continues to be, however, we have added many equivalents of macos and information related to shortcuts generally used by desktop energy users.
General tricks
Bring a closed tab, we have dedicated a section to web browsing below then, but this is too useful to get lost. Could you accidentally closed a tab? Simply press CTRL + SHIFT + T to reopen the closed tab more recently and return to what I was doing (CMD + Shift + T on Mac).
Snapping of window and control of multiple monitors When pressing the Windows key + the arrow keys will make a window quickly apply to each side of any of the two monitors. Alternatively, the Turnkey + Windows + the arrows will make the window jump to the other monitor. While pressing Windows + P will allow you to quickly configure a second screen or projector.
As mentioned above, in Macos, we favor taking advantage of the power of the control of the mission to handle virtual desktops, changing between applications and peak at their desk beautifully. Although MACS does not support the window that jumps from the box window, an application of $ 0.99 called magnet is strongly recommended.
Password protection files A simple way to block access to certain files is to create an encrypted file. ODDS Have you already installed a copy of 7-Zip, WinRAR or UNARCHIVER (MAC) or an equivalent? Create a new file, select to encrypt your content and password protect them.
Undo everywhere to solve those little mistakes, did you know that you can undo almost any action? Ctrl + Z is the last quick access key, and surely I already knew it, however, keep in mind that undoing not only applies to writing. If you delete or move an accidentally file, you can enter Ctrl + Z to do so again where it was (Ctrl + and rehanging what is unwrapped).
YouTube keyboard shortcuts If you thought you use the space bar to pause a YouTube video was effective (except when the approach is elsewhere and does not work), instead, try to use K to pause, while J and L will be given A step back / forward 10 seconds. M works for Mute. Super by hand
Find your Wi-Fi password in Windows, go to the "Network Center and Share". Right click on the Wi-Fi network connection icon> Wireless Properties. Click on the Show Characters box to display your Wi-Fi password.
In Macos, all passwords are stored in the key application. Use Spotlight to find "keychain access". Open the application and find your Wi-Fi network name in the list of saved credentials. Double-click on it and then click on the box to show your password (it will require your operating system level password).
Adopt a clipboard administrator Once you are used to trusting an administrator of the clipboard, the impulse of productivity works in a manner similar to the way it becomes more efficient with multiple monitors or virtual desktops. We have an article dedicated to this, but in short, so that Windows try clipclip. For Macos Use Flycut.Screen capture As you mean that simply hits the print screen on your keyboard is the easiest way to capture a screenshot. But Windows and MacOS provide several other ways to capture catches, many of which are better options. But then, he's grabbing a screenshot and scoring. We love Monosnap for doing it only thanks to its simplicity, speed and multiplatform support.Take a photo from your phone how often you have been encouraged to take a picture and move immediately to your workflow on your PC.Mac Apple users simplified this for Macos / iPhone owners with continuity camera. In any compatible application, simply go to the top menu: select Edit> Insert from your iPhone or iPad> "Take the photo" or "Scan Document". This will activate the camera on your iPhone, take a photo and will automatically appear on your desktop.Windows Microsoft developed a lateral project to do the same with IOS and Android phones, although unfortunately it is not well maintained. Two good alternatives are Airdroid and Portal, or simply synchronize with Dropbox or Google photos.Windows Power User Menu You can open a quick list of common energy user destinations in Windows by clicking on the bottom left of the start button in Windows 8 and 10 that opens a contextual menu with shortcuts to the Energy options, the device manager and the event viewer soon. This menu can also be accessed by pressing the Windows + X key.
Easily remove the images from a Word file (.docx) Change the file name from .docx to .zip and open the file. The images will be in one of the directories.
Enable 'Night mode' on all your devices If you often work at night or just like to read on a screen before going to sleep, this can be a game changer. We recommend using F.Lux on Mac and Windows, although both operating systems have some support for this already incorporated. The same goes for your mobile devices.
Search / Remove Large Files Waste Space A useful tool called Space Sniffer can be used to easily find what files and folders are occupying as much space on your unit. From there, you can delete them and open a ton of storage space. Other Windows alternatives (free) include Windirstat and Stenize. In Macos, you can use Finder or Siri to find large files without a third-party application, but we like to use grandparents.
Delete the Windows.old folder. If you have a lot of free space and do not care about the mess, you can simply ignore the folder and must be automatically deleted 30 days after the update. But if you are loved by the storage space, you can use Windows's own tools to eliminate it easily.
System request Here in the Windows file browser, type "cmd" in the address bar and open the command prompt in that directory.
Reduce the number of programs that run at the start If your PC is taking too much time to start, it is likely that you have too many programs that run at the start. It is easy to reduce them and make your PC start significantly faster. Be sure to investigate what is turning off, since third-party programs may be necessary some processes that you have installed.
Windows: Open the Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + ESC) and go to the StartUp tab to configure which programs you want to start with your system.
Windows 7 and Previous: Open execution (Windows + R key) and enter MSConfig to access a window with a similar startup section.
MacOS: Go to system preferences> Users and groups> Select your user and click on the logon elements tab. You can delete or hide the start applications from here.
Windows Hidden "GOD MODE" Windows offers a centralized control panel for all operating system configurations, which makes it easy for users to modify everything from the desktop to the configuration of a VPN. To enter this mode, create a new folder with this exact name (copy and paste it): God mode. {ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}. The folder icon will change to a control control style icon, and you can jump and change all kinds of configurations.
Typing tricks
Paste the flat text of what was copied when copying the text of any source, the programs generally include any format that comes with it. To paste this as simple text, press Ctrl + SHIFT + V instead of the standard Ctrl + V, and the system will stick the text without format. This also works on Mac: CMD + SHIFT + V.
Keep in mind that many, but not all programs, follow this parameter, especially Microsoft programs such as Word or Outlook, no, what is annoying. There are some alternatives that go beyond copying and paste in the notebook: 1) Ctrl + Alt + V will show a 'Paste Special' dialog box. 2) Ctrl + SpaceBar will delete the text format already stuck. 3) Download PureText and choose a quick access key to always paste the text without format with it.
Delete a full word instead of deleting a single letter, pressing Ctrl + Backspace will delete the full word behind the cursor. This causes the disposal of text faster if you ruin a full word.
Move the cursor at the beginning of the next or previous word that moves the cursor around manually while writing is an excellent way to make your work take more time than you need. To accelerate the process, move the cursor around with keyboard shortcuts. To move it at the beginning of the previous word, use ctrl + left arrow. To move it at the beginning of the next word, use ctrl + right arrow. In Macos, you can achieve the same with the Option key. To select words / paragraphs as you go, press and hold Shift + Ctrl + FLROW (up or below will select the full text bodies).
Emoji keyboard If you are addicted to use Emoji, know that the desktop operating system supports them natively, just like mobile phones. In Windows press the Windows + key. (Period) and Macos CMD + Control + SpaceBar. An Emoji panel will appear so you can continue as usual using all the expressions you want.
Recording Sub and Superscript text If you need to make a Sub or SuperScript text message (think about the Exponents for Superscript), press Ctrl + = for subscript and Ctrl + Shift + = for Superscript.
Use the Windows characters map to identify and create foreign symbols, search the Start menu for "Character Map" and you must find a utility that allows you to copy each character imaginable and even provides an ALT + NUMPAD code for later use. For example, the Euro sign (€) can be done with ALT + 0128.
Keyboard shortcuts
Open the task manager directly if you want to overlook the interruption that happens when you press CTRL + ALT + from and skip directly to the Task Manager, enter Ctrl + Shift + ESC release directly.
Use Spotlight Windows The built search is not useless, but it is certainly not reliable and slow. The focus of macos on the other hand is brilliant. Press CMD + SpaceBar to open an application by writing only the first 2-3 letters of your name, look for files, or even make calculations.
Interrupting all CTRL + ALT + delete processes used to be a direct PC shortcut, and almost all energy users are familiar. The important thing to keep in mind is that it interrupts all the processes, including the one that is stuck by your system, which can mean the difference between the need to restart or not. In MacOS, you can also convene the Force Quit dialog box using CMD + SHIFT + ESC.
Cycle through Windows Open when pressing Alt + Tab allows you to travel the windows currently opened (ALT + SHIFT + TAB will connect backward). This causes it to change from one side to the rapid and painless performance processes. In Macos, direct access is the CMD + tab.
Launch programs with your own shortcut keys Click on the shortcut to any Windows application, go to the properties and in the Short tab, you must see a "Shortcut Key" field where you can write your preferred launch combo. It also has notes, if you click on the "Advanced" options in the Short tab, you can configure it to run as an administrator, which is particularly useful for creating a high command to a high command indicator. This could be set to launch with the CTRL + ALT + NUMPAD 1 keys, for example.
You can use the menu key on a keyboard to right click Not every keyboard has the key (shown above), but many do. Pressing the button will right click whatever you have in focus/selected in Windows.
Close the current window/tab Stick of moving all the way to that X button? Press Ctrl + W and the current window will close. (Don't do it now, or you will miss the rest of the tricks!)
Bring up the system information window This is so much quicker than digging this out the traditional way... Just press Windows + Pause/Break and the System Information panel will be ready to go. This might be the only use for the Pause/Break key you will ever find, so enjoy it!
Use your keyboard to launch programs on the Windows taskbar Tapping the Windows key + the number that corresponds to the position of the program is a quick way to open them. For instance if Chrome were the second icon on your taskbar and that's what you wanted to open, you'd hit Windows key + 2.
Use your keyboard to navigate system tray icons Tapping the Windows key + B will automatically select the system tray area at which point you just have to highlight something with the arrow keys and hit enter to open it.
Enable copy and paste in the Windows command prompt While you're tinkering with the command prompt shortcut, if you right click it > head to Properties > Options > and check the box next to "QuickEdit mode" you will be able to select text with left click, copy with enter and paste with right click.
Web Browsing Tricks
Jump to address bar There are a number of ways to jump right to the address bar from anywhere in browser. Pressing Ctrl + L, F6, and Alt + D all accomplish this goal.
Automatically add www. and .com to a URL You can shave off a couple of seconds typing in a URL by simply click Ctrl + Enter after you type the name of the site. Need .net instead of .com? Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter instead.
Cycle through open tabs Pressing Ctrl + Tab while in a browser will flip between each one (Ctrl + Shift + Tab to go backwards). This can be much faster than moving the mouse and clicking on a tab. Ctrl + Num (1, 2, 3, 4, n..) will also take you to certain tab in that numeric order. Ctrl + 9 always brings you to the very last tab, even if it's beyond the ninth one.
Scroll through pages with the spacebar Tapping the spacebar on a website will scroll down in full page chunks and hitting shift + space will take you back up.
Instant image search (Chrome only) If you hold down the "S" key and right click on an image, it will open an image search on a new tab.
Use private browsing The uses for not having cookies and history saved are obvious for certain activities, you know, like shopping for gifts on a shared computer (of course!). Pressing Ctrl + Shift + N will launch a new private in Chrome, Ctrl + Shift + P will do it in Firefox and Internet Explorer.
Convert your browser into a notepad Type this into the address bar and you can write notes. Alternatively, while not as fast. Use Google Keep or Gmail's compose mail to write notes and have those saved on the cloud as you type and go.
Icon-only bookmarks on your toolbar You can delete the name of your bookmarks leaving only the icon so they take up less space on the toolbar. In Chrome: right click the bookmark > edit > delete the name and save.
Use the scroll wheel Put your middle mouse button to use by clicking on links to automatically open them in a new tab/window. Also if you use the scroll wheel button on a tab, it will close it.
Copy links quicker Right click the link like usual but tap E on your keyboard to copy the link.
Make content editable Bring up the console on Chrome or Firefox (right click, Inspect). On the console enter the command document.designMode = "on" that will let you edit any text on the screen.
Zoom In, Reset Zoom Use the browser magnifier to adjust a website for more comfortable reading. Ctrl/Cmd + (plus/minus sign) does the trick. To reset to the default zoom level use Ctrl + 0.
File Management Tricks
Rename a file quickly Right-clicking and selecting rename is not very efficient. Instead press F2 while a file is selected to change its name. To alter the name of another 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 open.
Cloud backup important files If you're working on a critical project, make sure you aren't backing up locally only. Services like Dropbox, Google Drive, or any of the other popular cloud storage solutions will do the legwork for you in the background. Of course, you can also throw the files on a thumb drive or external HDD to be extra safe, but backing up to the cloud can be done seamlessly.
Rename files sequentially in Windows or Mac You actually don't need to download any programs to perform a batch file rename. Instead, you can select all the files you want to change, right-click the first one in the list, select rename (or use F2), and type in the name. This will automatically change all the other files with the same root name with a suffix: (1), (2), and so on.
On Mac, you can do something similar. Select the files, then right click and an option to rename the whole batch as a series will show up.
Select multiple files using the keyboard To select a bunch of files using your keyboard, you can press Shift + Down Arrow to select a single file or Shift + Page Down to select a large group of files at one time. Ctrl + A will select everything.
Right click drag files and folders in Windows And you'll be presented with a context menu containing options to move, copy, zip or create a shortcut.
Security Tips
Lock your computer if you get up Sick of your "friends" going onto your computer at work or home and posting things on your Facebook/Twitter page on your behalf? It's certainly an annoyance, but an easy one to prevent.
Windows + L will lock your system right away, requiring a password (if you've set one) to log in again.
On macOS use Cmd + Option + Power to log off. On the latest revision of macOS (High Sierra) a quicker option to simply lock the screen was added which works using the shortcut Cmd + Ctrl + Q.
Scan suspicious files with VirusTotal If you're worried about a file being infected, you can upload it to VirusTotal to have it checked by a few dozen antivirus engines from the cloud. Often times someone has already uploaded the same file, sparing you the wait.
See who is logged on to your router Software such as Wireless Network Watcher makes this particularly easy and even has alarms for when someone new appears. You can also do this by logging into your router (common router IP addresses) and checking for a list of wireless clients which should display the name of the device, its currently assigned IP address and its MAC address.
Permanently remove deleted data so 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: drive (change the letter to target a different drive or folder). If you need to go the extra mile and use a file shredder program, check out Eraser (Windows) and FileShredder (Mac).
Read installers Even major programs can install toolbars and other unwanted pieces of software during installation. Take a few seconds to read each step to make sure you are not agreeing to install something other than the program you were actually seeking. Far too often people just push next over and over, and end up with a browser covered in various search bars that just aren't needed. In the worst of scenarios, these can have nefarious intentions.
Run programs on an infected PC Malware may prevent a computer from running certain programs. Changing the name of the .exe file can often override this. If that doesn't work, changing the extension to .com is another useful alternative, and the program will still be able to run despite the extension change.
Other Third-Party App Tricks
Steam: Move games to another drive or partition Software such as Steam Mover used to be required for this process and although these third party solutions should still work, Steam now provides the ability to store games on multiple drives:
Go to Steam > Settings > Downloads > Steam Library Folders, make a new Steam library folder on the new drive, then right click on an already installed game in your Steam library > Properties > Local Files tab > Move install folder... > Choose the directory > Move folder.
Repeat last command in Excel Pressing F4 in Excel repeats the last command. A great example we found on Reddit: if you select a cell and highlight it yellow, you can then highlight any other selected cells yellow by pressing F4.
Use Windows' Problem Steps Recorder This handy tool automatically records any mouse clicks and takes screenshots for you. If you need tech assistance with your computer, go to Start and search for "steps recorder". Use the tool and by the time you are finished, you can send this information, neatly compiled automatically, to the person helping you with the issue. It will make the process of finding the problem much easier for them, which means you will be able to get your system up and running faster.
VLC: Fix unsynced audio and subtitles In the popular media player VLC, if your audio loses sync with the video or subtitles, there is an easy way to fix this. Simply pressing J or K will move the audio forward 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 space toward the margins. Head to View > Zoom > and choose Text Width > OK. Now whatever you're writing should fill out most of the Word page.
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Using these tips and tricks on a daily basis will most certainly make your time on the computer more enjoyable, or at least more practical.
So, did you learn something that you didn't know before?
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