Best Windows 10 Productivity Tools and Features

These features built into Windows 10 transform you into a power user.

Want to make the most of your working day, minimise distractions and optimise your workflow? You no longer need to search the internet for third-party add-ons and apps, because the Windows 10 operating system has everything you need.

Microsoft has included a number of productivity tools in Windows 10 that simplify work, allow you to organise your workspace easily, see things faster at a glance and be more efficient overall.

Read on to learn how to use the built-in features of Windows 10 to get the most out of your computer for work.

1. Organise Your Work Better with Multiple Desktops

To work on several projects at the same time, you need a way to separate them. Therefore, you should use the multiple-desktop function in Microsoft Windows 10.

This handy tool gives you a separate workspace for each of your projects, so you can keep things organised.

To Set Up Multiple Desktops in Windows 10

• Locate the Task View button in the taskbar and click on it. Alternatively, use the key combination Win + Tab to bring up all open windows in Windows 10.
• At the top left you should see a button labelled "New Desktop". Click on it to create a new virtual desktop.
• To switch between desktops, open the task view again and click on the desired desktop.

2. Optimise Your Process with Snap Assist

This option allows you to "snap" open windows to specific parts of the screen for more comfortable customisation and smoother multitasking.
You can snap an open window by clicking on its title bar and dragging it to the left or right edge of the screen. An outline appears showing how the window will snap. You can also do this with the keyboard by pressing Win + Left Arrow or Win + Right Arrow in Windows 10. If you are considering an upgrade, find out how to download Windows 11 Pro or Home for even more features.

3. Keyboard Shortcuts

Every power user should take advantage of Windows 10's handy keyboard shortcuts, because they make life much easier with just a few keystrokes. Windows 10 has a host of built-in keyboard shortcuts to help you be more productive in everything from spreadsheets and text documents to organising your files and switching between tasks.

Here is a list of useful Windows 10 keyboard shortcuts you need to know if speed is your top priority:

• Ctrl + C = Copy
• Ctrl + V = Paste
• F2 = Rename the selected file or folder
• Ctrl + Shift + N = Create a new folder
• Alt + Tab = Quickly switch between open windows
• Ctrl + W = Close the selected file or window
• Print Screen = Create a screenshot
• Win + Print Screen = Take a screenshot and save it in the "Screenshots" folder

4. Use Night Light to Reduce Eye Fatigue

Light at the blue end of the spectrum is known to disrupt sleep patterns and throw the body's biological clock off its natural rhythm. This handy feature reduces the amount of blue light reaching your eyes and helps reduce eye fatigue.

To configure the Night Light option in Windows 10:

• Go to the Start menu and click on Settings (the gear icon on the left).
• Navigate to System and then to the Display tab on the left.
• From here you can activate and deactivate the Night Light function.
• You can even customise the settings by changing the colour temperature and the schedule for when Night Light turns on and off.

Do not confuse this function with Dark Mode. Both have their differences, and using them together can save your eyes from unnecessary strain.

5. Access Your Files from Anywhere with OneDrive

With OneDrive, you can access all your important files wherever you are, across multiple devices, whether you are using your laptop at home or your desktop at work. To help you do this, Microsoft has integrated a free cloud service into Windows 10.

6. Use OneNote for Quick Notes

OneNote is the note-taking feature built into Windows 10 that lets you jot down just about anything. Taking notes in a meeting or saving interesting things from the internet is much easier now. It is also worth knowing how Windows Server differs from Windows 10 if you use your device for professional purposes.

7. Minimise Interruptions with Focus Assist

Focus Assist, which was called Silent Hours in previous versions of Windows 10, allows you to temporarily pause or hide distracting notifications. This way, you can focus on your task without being interrupted.

Enabling Focus Assist in Windows 10 is simple and can be customised to your liking. This includes allowing only certain notifications through, in case an urgent work message arrives.

Ready to Get the Most Out of Windows 10?

Our support team is here to help 24/7. You can always find out more about Windows on our website or the manufacturer's website. If you are looking for a licence, grab a Windows 10 Pro licence from Licendi for the best price.

Best regards,
The Licendi Team