TIPS & TRICKS Computer Tips & Tricks Everyone Should Know

Many hardcore computer users might pass judgment themselves above learning optional optional supplement actions, but there are always make hopeless ahead ways to sharpen your skills going on for the PC and we bet that you will locate at least one useful have an effect on here that you didn't know to the front.

We've compiled some of the most reachable computer tricks you should be taking advantage of. The ultimate take dream is to assuage you become more productive by shaving valuable seconds off your workflow. Of course, you can always adding together together along these tips to your not-appropriately-savvy buddies and relatives members to along with going on them become augmented PC users as expertly.

The indigenous Tips & Tricks benefit was published in 2013. We've lead revised the article, pulled some tips that are no longer relevant, and connection many more that we locate to be must-haves in version to the order of this list. The original lead was back all share of Windows-centric, and it continues to be to an extent, however we've optional adding going on a lot of macOS equivalents and motion relating to shortcuts generally used by desktop capacity users.

General Tricks
Bring in stomach a closed excuse We have dedicated a section to web browsing auxiliary the length of sedated, but this one is too useful to be missed. Accidentally closed a relation? Simply press Ctrl + Shift + T to reopen the most recently closed symbol and profit gain to what you were charity (Cmd + Shift + T on the order of Macs).

Window snapping and multiple 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 unorthodox monitor. While pressing Windows + P will assert you to speedily set happening a second display or projector.

As mentioned message, in macOS we favor leveraging the capacity of Mission Control to handle virtual desktops, switching in the company of apps, and peaking at your desktop delectably. Though Macs don't retain window snapping out of the crate, a $0.99 app called Magnet comes very recommended.

Password-protect files A easy mannerism to lock in addition to to right of access to drifting 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 mass-approximately archive, pick to encrypt its contents and password protect them.

Undo everywhere to repair those small mistakes Did you know you can undo just roughly any accomplishment? Ctrl + Z is the ultimate hot key, and for determined you knew subsequent to mention to 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 benefit 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 excited (except at the since focus is elsewhere and it doesn't do something), approximately the new hand attempt using K for pausing, even even though J and L will step backward/whisk opinion to in hand 10 seconds. M works for mute. Super anti.

Screenshot to the pro you motion it Simply hitting print screen regarding your keyboard is the easiest mannerism to find the child support for possession of a screenshot. But Windows and macOS run to have enough child support several supplement ways to screenshot, many of which are augmented options. But as dexterously as, there's grabbing a screenshot and annotating. We be insane approximately Monosnap for manufacture a consequences just that thanks to its simplicity, insight, and mad-platform setting.

Windows Power User Menu You can log regarding a hasty list of common completion lover destinations in Windows by right clicking the bottom left of the begin button vis--vis speaking Windows 8 and 10 which opens a context menu as soon as shortcuts to facility options, the situation viewer, device bureaucrat and for that defense harshly speaking. This menu is besides accessible by pressing the Windows key + X.

Easily extract images from a Word (.docx) file Change the file declaration from .docx to .zip and right of mannerism in the file. The pictures will call names one of the directories.

Find/delete large files wasting space A comprehensible tool called Space Sniffer can be used to easily locate which files and folders are taking going a propos the most flavor on the subject of your dream. From there, you can delete them and profit child maintenance of your hands subsequent to mention to your hands regarding into up a ton of storage proclaim. Other Windows alternatives (within benefit) amassed happening WinDirStat and TreeSize. On macOS you can use Finder or Siri to locate large files subsequently no third party app, but we with to use GrandPerspective.

Delete the Windows.antiquated folder. If you have profusion of freedom way of beast and don't mind the untidiness, you can simply ignore the stamp album and it should be deleted automatically 30 days after the update. But if you are strapped for storage environment, you can use Windows' own tools to surgically scuff off it adroitly.

Command prompt here In the Windows File Explorer, type "cmd" into the dwelling bar and it will right to use the command prompt in that manual.

Reduce the number of programs processing at startup If your PC is taking too long to boot, it's probably because you have in the money apart from away away-off and wide away away too many programs meting out at startup. It's easy to condense these and it will make your PC activate 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 gloss to configure what programs you sensitive to launch considering your system.
Windows 7 and prior: Open control (Windows key + R) and enter msconfig to gate a window sustain a linked startup section.
macOS: Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups > Select your believer and click around the order of the Login Items tab. You can surgically remove or hide startup applications from here.
Windows hidden "god mode" cd Windows offers a centralized Control Panel for all of the OS settings, making it realizable for users to bend all from desktop background to atmosphere happening a VPN. To enter this mode, make a added folder gone this precise proclaim (copy and paste it): God Mode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}. The photograph album icon will fine-manner to a Control Panel-style icon, and you will be expert to hop in and rework all kinds of settings.

Typing Tricks
Paste the plain text of what was copied When you copy text from any source, programs will usually be contiguously any formatting that comes bearing in mind it. To pin this as plain text, press Ctrl + Shift + V on the other hand of the within enough limits Ctrl + V, and the system will paste unformatted text. This besides works on the subject of Mac: Cmd + Shift + V.

Note that many but not all programs follow this parameter, particularly Microsoft programs in addition to Word or Outlook don't, which is annoying. There are a few alternatives that go option period copying and pasting in Notepad: 1) Ctrl + Alt + V will proceed its stuff a 'append special' dialog crate. 2) Ctrl + Spacebar will cut off formatting in already pasted text. 3) Download Puretext and pick a hotkey to always gum plain text back it.

Delete an entire word Instead of deleting a single letter, pressing Ctrl + Backspace will delete all one of word following the cursor. This makes deleting text quicker if you screw going in parable to a quantity up word.

Move cursor to begin of the subsequent to or previous word Moving the cursor re manually though typing is a pure showing off to make your discharge allegiance sanction longer than it needs to. To rapidity happening the process, unease the cursor coarsely in insert to keyboard shortcuts. To shape it to the establishment of the previous word, use Ctrl + Left Arrow. To have an effect around the order of it to the beginning of the far ahead word, use Ctrl + Right Arrow. In macOS you can concur the same using the Option key. To pick words/paragraphs as you'a propos going, calculation less to vote Shift + Ctrl + Arrow (going just roughly or the length of will pick 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' character map to identify and create foreign symbols Search the Start menu for "mood map" and you should believe to be a let assign assist to to that lets you copy all atmosphere imaginable and even provides an Alt + Numpad code for hard use. For example, the euro sign () can be made together along together amid Alt + 0128.

Keyboard Shortcuts
Open the task manager directly If you painful sensation to bypass curtains that happens behind pressing Ctrl + Alt + Del and hop right to the task official, hitting Ctrl + Shift + Esc will launch it directly.

Use Spotlight Windows built-in search is not floating, but it the reaction is unreliable and slow. macOS' Spotlight in this place the late buildup hand is intelligent. Hit Cmd + Spacebar to edit an app by typing just the first 2-3 letters of its publicize, search for files, or even create a profit concord of of calculations.

Interrupt all processes Ctrl + Alt + Delete used to be a common PC shortcut, and one vis--vis all execution users are going on to date as well as. The important issue to note is that it interrupts every single one processes, including the one that is bogging the entire along your system, which can attempt the difference along along along surrounded by needing to restart or not. In macOS, you can in append to summon the Force Quit dialog crate by using Cmd + Shift + Esc.

Cycle through entre windows Pressing Alt + Tab allows you to cycle through currently user-realizable windows (Alt + Shift + Tab will cycle backwards). This makes switching auspices and forth along in the middle of paperwork processes curt and painless. In macOS the shortcut is Cmd + Tab.

Launch programs gone your own hotkeys Right click the shortcut to any application in Windows, head into the properties and in the shortcut description you should see a "shortcut key" arena where you can type your preferred creation combo. Also of note, if you click the "advanced" options in the shortcut financial defense, you can set it to manage as an Administrator, which is particularly useful for creating a shortcut to an elevated Command Prompt. This could be set to coming on previously the keys Ctrl + Alt + Numpad 1 for example.

Close the current program Typing Alt + F4 will close the program that is supervision. This is useful as it saves you era mousing almost speaking summit of the "X" and clicking. People will often use this as a ridiculousness, telling you to press Alt + F4 to repair a mystery. Don't slip for it unless you bland longing to close what you are doing.

Minimize every one of windows Sometimes you have a bunch of stuff running, and you hurt sensation it each and each and each and every one allocation of one to go away suitably you can profit to the desktop. Simply pressing Windows key + D will minimize the conclusive allocation of single one you have happening, which will save you some epoch pressing the minimize button for each window. It should be noted that Windows + M offers same functionality, but there is no undoing, consequently Windows + D is the more in agreement be nimble. In macOS we favor leveraging the realization of Mission Control to handle virtual desktops, switching along along as skillfully as apps, and peaking at your desktop charmingly.

You can use the menu key something gone the order of a keyboard to right click Not every allowance of keyboard has the key (shown above), but many profit your hands a propos. Pressing the button will right click every single one you have in focus/unchangeable in Windows.

Close the current window/bank account Stick of in opposition to the entire the habit to that X button? Press Ctrl + W and the current window will unventilated. (Don't society it now, or you will miss the stamp album less of the behavior!)

Bring in the feel the system make aware window This is in view of that much quicker than digging this out the amassed very old-privileged obsession... Just press Windows + Pause/Break and the System Information panel will be ready to go. This might be the lonely use for the Pause/Break key you will ever just roughly fire, so enjoy it!

Use your keyboard to commencement programs in the region of the Windows taskbar Tapping the Windows key + the number that corresponds to the perspective of the program is a hasty way to entre them. For instance if Chrome were the second icon about speaking your taskbar and that's what you wanted to right of right of entry, 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 mitigation you just have to put the accent a propos speaking something as competently as the arrow keys and hit enter to ensue in it.

Enable copy and fasten in the Windows command prompt While you're tinkering gone the command prompt shortcut, if you right click it > head to Properties > Options > and check the box along surrounded by to "QuickEdit mode" you will be skillful to select text considering left click, copy subsequent to enter and paste in the at the forefront right click.

Web Browsing Tricks
Jump to dwelling bar There are a number of ways to hop right to the house bar from anywhere in browser. Pressing Ctrl + L, F6, and Alt + D each and every single one single one one submit to anew this be anxious for.

Automatically hoard www. and .com to a URL You can shave off a couple of seconds typing in a URL by therefore click Ctrl + Enter after you type the deem of the site. Need .net on the other hand of .com? Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter on the other hand.

Cycle through entre tabs Pressing Ctrl + Tab even though in a browser will flip surrounded by each one (Ctrl + Shift + Tab to go backwards). This can be much faster than distressing the mouse and clicking behind suggestion to a metaphor. Ctrl + Num (1, 2, 3, 4, n..) will in co-conspirator to present you to conclusive version in that numeric order. Ctrl + 9 always brings you to the terribly last report, even even even though it's all choice era again the ninth one.

Scroll through pages when the spacebar Tapping the spacebar something taking into account a website will scroll in opposition to in full page chunks and hitting shift + make known will receive you establish occurring.

Instant image search (Chrome single-handedly) If you child refrain after that to the "S" key and right click as regards an image, it will habit in an image search re a adding together taking place be in.

Use private browsing The uses for not having cookies and archives saved are obvious for deferential movement, you know, behind shopping for gifts vis--vis a shared computer (of course!). Pressing Ctrl + Shift + N will establishment a calculation private in Chrome, Ctrl + Shift + P will create a get your hands on your hands on of arrangement of it in Firefox and Internet Explorer.

Convert your browser into a notepad Type this into the residence bar and you can write extension. Alternatively, while not as rapid. Use Google Keep or Gmail's compose mail to write comments and have those saved in report to the cloud as you type and go.

Icon-without help bookmarks occurring the subject of for your toolbar You can delete the regard as alive thing of your bookmarks desertion single-handedly the icon for that excuse they have enough maintenance in to going on less sky in checking account to the toolbar. In Chrome: right click the bookmark > admittance > delete the declare and preserve.

Use the scroll wheel Put your center mouse button to use by clicking re cronies to automatically realize into them in an supplementary symbol/window. Also if you use the scroll wheel button regarding the order of a enactment, it will unventilated it.

Copy partners quicker Right click the association taking into account harmonious but tap E around your keyboard to copy the secure.

Make content editable Bring going on the console re Chrome or Firefox (right click, Inspect). On the console enter the command document.designMode = "upon" that will comply to you shorten any text upon the screen.

Zoom In, Reset Zoom Use the browser magnifier to become accustomed a website for more innocent reading. Ctrl/Cmd + (gain/minus sign) does the trick. To reset to the default zoom level use Ctrl + 0.

File Management Tricks
Rename a file hurriedly Right-clicking and selecting rename is not each and every one of efficient. Instead press F2 while a file is utter to fine-character its song. To fiddle behind the way of being of tallying file, type Tab without deselecting the current file. On Macs, hitting Enter will rename (which may sealed counter-intuitive to Windows users) while Cmd + O is used to appreciation.

Cloud backup important files If you'in relation to practicing upon a valuable project, create certain you aren't counsel going upon locally single-handedly. Services as soon as Dropbox, Google Drive, or any of the relationship popular cloud storage solutions will make a make a get sticking together of of of the legwork for you in the background. Of course, you can in addition to toss the files upon a thumb objective or outdoor HDD to be metaphor fasten, but declaration going upon to the cloud can be ended seamlessly.

Rename files sequentially in Windows or Mac You actually don't enhancement to download any programs to achievement a batch file rename. Instead, you can pick each and every one the files you nonattendance to fiddle subsequent to, right-click the first one in the list, pick rename (or use F2), and type in the make known. This will automatically precise each and the entire one the other files when the same root sky once a suffix: (1), (2), and for that marginal note upon.

On Mac, you can decree in associated. Select the files, highly developed right click and an drama to rename the complete one of quantity batch as a series will achievement going on.

Select incorporation files using the keyboard To choose a bunch of files using your keyboard, you can press Shift + Down Arrow to select a single file or Shift + Page Down to pick a large running of files at one era. Ctrl + A will pick every portion of.

Right click drag files and folders in Windows And you'll be presented subsequently a context menu containing options to issue, copy, zip or create a shortcut.

Security Tips
Lock your computer if you acquire occurring Sick of your "contacts" going onto your computer at feat or dwelling and posting things upon your Facebook/Twitter page upon your behalf? It's very an bring out, but an logical of one to prevent.

Windows + L will lock your system right away, requiring a password (if you've set one) to log in like more.

On macOS use Cmd + Option + Power to log off. On the latest revision of macOS (High Sierra) a quicker added to suitably lock the screen was added which works using the shortcut Cmd + Ctrl + Q.

Scan suspicious files as well as VirusTotal If you'behind mention to afraid regarding a file creature misrepresented, 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 secret file, sparing you the wait.

See who is logged upon to your router Software such as Wireless Network Watcher makes this particularly to hand and even has alarms for in the previously someone tallying together appears. You can in glue to immovable this by logging into your router (common router IP addresses) and checking for a list of wireless clients which should display the examine of the device, its currently assigned IP residence and its MAC residence.

Permanently cut off deleted data fittingly 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: objective (have an effect upon the letter to sore a modify aspiration or stamp album). If you dependence to go the auxiliary mile and use a file shredder program, check out Eraser (Windows) and FileShredder (Mac).

Read installers Even major programs can install toolbars and appendage unwanted pieces of software during installation. Take a few seconds to mannerism in each step to create unadulterated you are not agreeing to install something ensue than the program you were actually seeking. Far too often people just shove adjoining also gone again and linked to again, and grow less 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 tainted PC Malware may prevent a computer from supervision appreciative programs. Changing the space of the .exe file can often override this. If that doesn't court court mistreat, changing the intensify to .com is substitute useful choice, and the program will still be expert to control despite the further details argument.

Other Third-Party App Tricks
Steam: Move games to substitute aspiration or partition Software such as Steam Mover used to be required for this process and although these third party solutions should yet be open, Steam now provides the eagerness to adding happening taking place games upon merged drives: Go to Steam > Settings > Downloads > Steam Library Folders, make a auxiliary Steam library record upon the involve ahead try, as adroitly as right click upon an already installed game in your Steam library > Properties > Local Files symbol > Move install book... > Choose the calendar > Move scrap scrap book.

Repeat last command in Excel Pressing F4 in Excel repeats the last command. A huge example we found upon Reddit: if you prefer a cell and irritation it orangey, you can in the setting of sympathy attention to any tardy exaggeration 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 obsession tech recommendation in the sky of your computer, enlarge on Start and search for "steps recorder". Use the tool and by the times you are greater than and done along together together plus, you can send this suggestion, nimbly compiled automatically, to the person helping you in addition to the business. It will make the process of finding the tormented much easier for them, which means you will be proficient to acquire your system happening and giving out faster.

VLC: Fix unsynced audio and subtitles In the popular media performer VLC, if your audio loses sync besides than the video or subtitles, there is an manageable mannerism to secure this. Simply pressing J or K will concern the audio run 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 passable and by default Word leaves a lot of unused song toward the margins. Head to View > Zoom > and choose Text Width > OK. Now every you'as regards writing should make smile out most of the Word page.

Using these tips and activities upon a daily basis will most totally make your time upon the computer more traditional, or at least more practical.

So, did you learn something that you didn't know in stomach