10 Windows Lifehacks Students Should Try
Windows is the most widely-used OS in the world. About 70% of people use it, and still, there are many tips and tricks a lot of them do not know. If you want to enhance your experience and get maximum from your computer, this guide is exactly what you need. Here are some of the best hacks all students should try.
Open Cortana Quickly
If you need to open the Cortana search bar, just tap on the touchpad with three fingers at once. It is that simple!
Minimize Open Windows
If you are working with several files, you can easily focus on just one while having others open. Just click on the top of the window you want to keep working on and wiggle it from left to right or from right to left. All other ones will be minimized instantly.
This way, students can instantly turn their focus on the main task without closing all other important files. It is a great hack when working on complex projects or collaborating with research paper writer online, for example. Academic writing platforms deliver writing, editing, and proofreading help with all types of college assignments. They can polish your text to excellence or do the task for you. All you need to do is to set requirements and upload all relevant files.
Students also get to work with experienced authors that can share their expertise and guidance on all things academic writing. It is a powerful learning opportunity that helps build advanced skills. And while experts work on the project, you can focus on other important responsibilities. It is as simple as minimizing all your windows.
Delete Browser History
Deleting browser history is a necessary chore for everyone. Fortunately, in Windows, you can do it in a couple of seconds. And there is no need to scroll or go through settings.
Students can immediately delete the browser history by opening a browser and pressing CTRL+SHIFT+DEL. The window pops up with the proposition to delete everything. All you need to do is click “delete data.”
Lock Computer
Whenever you are leaving your device, it is good to lock it. This is a precaution to stay safe and make sure no one can access your laptop without you.
To do it quickly, just press WIN+L, and that’s it. All of your files are still open, but the laptop is locked. So only the person knowing the password can access it. It is a useful habit not only for students but for anyone.
Turn Off Distractions
This one can be particularly helpful for students that have trouble focusing on a task. You can turn off all distractions with the Focus Assist feature. It blocks notifications, alerts, and sounds. So you can eliminate anything that will get you into a spiral of procrastination.
Here is how students can do it:
- Type “focus” in the search bar;
- Open Focus Assist;
- Set the rules – to turn on and off the feature at a specific time;
- Select specific crucial notifications that you still want to receive;
- Turn on the summary feature in settings.
When the focus mode is off, you’ll get all the notifications you’ve missed.
Turn Off Battery Draining Apps
When you need to prolong the battery, it is a good idea to turn off the apps that are draining it the most. For example, you need to keep working on the essay without the opportunity to plug your laptop in.
To do it instantly, students can go to Settings and open Battery Saver. Turn this feature to the maximum to ensure your device holds a charge longer and all unnecessary apps are closed.
If you want to know exactly how much different apps consume, go to Task Manager and look at the “Power Usage” column.
Answer Texts from Desktop
Now students can answer text messages from their computers without a need to switch between devices. This might seem like a small hack, but it can help manage your day and save a lot of time. Because every time we turn to our smartphones, we tend to do more than just check messages. All those social media and gaming apps are just too close to avoid.
Now Microsoft has an application called Your Phone. Currently, it works only for Android users. By setting up this application, you can read and answer SMS messages from your computer. And all incoming ones will be displayed as system notifications, which is quite handy.
Use Windows Hello
If your laptop supports biometric security, you can sign in with face or fingerprint recognition to your device. Not only is it convenient and fast, but it also enhances the protection of your files. It can be done via Windows Hello.
Here is how students can set this up:
- Open Settings;
- Click on the Accounts tab;
- Open Sign-In options;
- Choose Windows Hello.
That’s it! Now you can unlock your device and sign in with your face or fingerprints.
Nearby Sharing
Students can now easily share files directly to nearby devices. It works similarly to AirDrop and allows easy and seamless file transmission between various gadgets. For example, if you are working on college assignments or projects in a group or if you want to send something to your smartphone quickly.
You will be able to share documents, photos, and links via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. First, students need to enable this feature by going to Windows Action Center and clicking Nearby Sharing. After that, you can send files by clicking the Share button in Microsoft Edge or from the Microsoft Photos application.
Split Your Screen
When working with different files, you can view several of them at the same time. Students can split the screen into two, three, or four parts. This is a great productivity hack for busy users.
The easiest way to do it is to press the Windows key + any arrow.
In Summary
Windows is an amazing operating system because it has all the features students might need. And with these lifehacks, you can use your device most efficiently.
