10 Windows 10 tips and tricks

Windows 10 is brimming with new and updated features for streamlining all your computing tasks. The new release combines the familiarity of Windows 7 with the functionality of Windows 8.

While you can use some features to increase your productivity intuitively, others aren't so forthcoming and require a trip down the menus and settings before they make your life easier.
In this guide we'll take you through Windows' nooks and crannies and help you tweak your Windows installation in a variety of ways to suit your style of working.
Using the tips, you'll be able to shave some time off of tasks that need to be performed regularly and streamline your navigation around the system. We'll also share tips to help tweak the new features based on your preferences, enabling you to use your new installation productively.
Also make sure you check out our huge collection of guides on how to use Windows 10 to make sure you get the most out of the new operating system.

1. Scroll inactive windows

If you often work with multiple open windows at the same time, Windows 10 lets you save time and effort by allowing you to scroll through inactive windows in the background when you hover over them.

2. Snap windows to corner

Windows 10 includes a Snap Assist feature which lets you snap two windows side-by-side by offering you a choice of windows to snap. Also, to snap a window to a quarter size of the monitor, just drag the window to a corner.

3. Arrange windows

In addition to snap, you can arrange windows in other ways as well. Right-click on the taskbar to reveal three window arrangement schemes: namely, Cascade Windows, Show windows stacked, and Show windows side by side.

4. New snap keyboard shortcuts

Keyboard warriors can save time and snap windows without using the mouse. Use the Win key + Arrow key to snap to one of the four corners of the screen and double-up commands to reach the quadrants.
For example, pressing Win + Right Arrow, then Win +Up Arrow places the current window in the top-right corner.

5. Customise Quick Access

Quick Access allows you to immediately jump into your favourite folder and most recently used files. To customise its contents, switch to the View tab in Explorer and hit Options.
Note that at the bottom of the General tab are further options to show or hide certain bits of information.

6. Use Virtual Desktops

Windows 10 finally lets you add multiple virtual desktops. For this, click the Task View button on the taskbar and then click on New desktop button.
For more on how to use Windows 10's virtual desktops, check out our in-depth guide.

7. Peek at the desktop

Right-click on the thin button at the far right end of the taskbar and choose 'Peek at desktop'. Now when you roll the pointer over it, it'll show you a quick preview of the desktop and revert back when you move away.

8. View apps from across desktops

By default the taskbar displays windows and apps from the current desktop. To change this behaviour, head to Start > Settings > System > Multi-tasking > Virtual Desktops and select the 'All desktops' option from the pull-down menu.

9. Move Windows between Virtual Desktops

To move windows, bring up the Task View and drag an open window from the current desktop straight into the desktop you want to move it into. Or drag a window to the 'new desktop' button in order to create a new virtual desktop for the window.

10. Get back icons on the desktop

For easier access to certain key locations on your computer, head to Start > Settings > Personalisation > Themes. Then click the 'Desktop icon Settings' and select the icons you want to place on the desktop.