50 hidden secrets of Windows 10

DELVE DEEP INTO THE HIDDEN RECESSES OF WINDOWS, WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM OUR RESIDENT TREASURE HUNTER.

YOU CAN SPEND a lifetime trying to master Windows. Just when you get to grips with one version, out comes another. Things are further complicated by the fact that, while Windows 10 seems here to stay, it’s now undergoing more frequent changes, with a succession of major updates: Anniversary last year, Creators last month and the Fall update slated for the end of the year. How do you possibly keep up?

The trick is to realise that, the more things change, the more they stay the same, with many of the best tips and tricks that were uncovered during those halcyon days of Windows XP and 7 still relevant now. The problem is, where to find them?

That’s what’s driven us to write this feature. We’ve gone hunting for 50 of the most obscure — but useful — tips we can find. We’ve rooted out new techniques for old favourites and also uncovered some new features that may not have made the headlines when the Creators Update appeared, but will still help improve the way you use Windows.

One of the joys of researching and writing this kind of feature is uncovering secrets that we — the socalled experts — weren’t aware of. You know you’re on the right track when you stumble upon tips that save you time and prove useful to your own computing life, and more than a few of those revealed themselves.

We’re confident that you’ll find at least one tip in this collection that will transform the way you use your PC. But mindful of providing value for money, we’ve decided 50 isn’t enough. You’ll find three additional boxes in this feature, each one revealing bonus secrets you can use to save time and speed up the way you use your PC. You’ll discover how to quickly access system settings without wading through menus and dialog boxes and uncover some Registry shortcuts that enable you to change the way Windows looks and behaves. We finish off by revealing lesser known — but still immensely useful — keyboard shortcuts.

Ready? Dust down your fedora, Dr. Jones, we’re going on a treasure hunt...!

WE’RE CONFIDENT THAT YOU’LL FIND AT LEAST ONE TIP IN THIS COLLECTION THAT WILL TRANSFORM THE WAY YOU USE YOUR PC