Top 10 Windows 10 Tips and Tricks

10: Cortana Listens

Most people know that you can use the Cortana search bar to find files, programs, settings, and search the web. However, you are not limited to the typing on a keyboard into the search box because Cortana listens to you. Just like Siri or Google Talk, users can use their microphones to ask Cortana anything. She will then respond with answers, suggestions, ideas, reminders, and more. 

Simply click on the Notebook icon on the left side, select settings, and Turn Cortana to "On" with the switch.

9. Hate Cortana? Then Kill It.

Some people despise talking to their computer and do not find it helpful. That is totally fine because you do not have to use it. It gives you a more local experience. By killing Cortana, you completely eliminate web searches in the search bar. This will consolidate your searches to files, settings, and programs.

To kill Cortana, to the switch to "Off." Also turn the "Search online and include web filters" switch to off in your settings. This will disable Bing's search integration.

8. Customize Your Start Menu

Do you like the live tiles from Windows 8? If yes, you are in luck because they work the same way in Windows 8. Make your tiles small, medium, wide, and large. Turn live on and off, and place them where you like.

All you have to do is drag and drop tiles. You can also right click on them to change their size and unpin them.

7. Tablet Mode

This is for you touchscreen lovers. If you have a tablet or convertible, do not fear because tablet mode is still here. This nice thing is that you can toggle it on and off. If you enjoy the start menu of Windows 8, then simply turn Tablet Mode to "On".

Search for Tablet Mode, click on Tablet Mode Settings, and flip the switch to "On".

6. Schedule Your Restarts

It's about time they made this feature. Since most updates require that you restart your PC, you can now schedule the next time your PC restarts. Do not worry about random restarts while working on your papers and projects anymore.

Open the Settings option in the Start menu, go to Updates and Recovery, Windows Update, dive into Advanced Options, then have Windows notify you when to schedule a restart.

5. Nerdy Command Prompt Tools

You nerds out there better get excited for this one. Microsoft created some sweet new command line features. The ability to copy and paste with Ctrl + C and Ctrl + V. Wahoo!!! 

To access the goods, right click the title bar, select Properties, then enable new features under "Edit Options."

4. Virtual Desktops

This was probably a copy off of Mac, but a much needed feature for Windows. You can now move your windows into different virtual desktops. This allows you to separate your apps and programs into discrete areas.

Use Task View (the button that looks like two panels, one over the other, in the taskbard) or Windows key + Tab, while Alt + Tab in order to switch between desktops. To add a desktop just click and hold the app you desire to move and hold it over  + New desktop.

3. Offline Maps

Hallelujah! The newly renovated Maps app works offline. Never worry about finding out how to get your destination when you are without wifi or cellular data.

Click the Settings icon in the Maps app, then select Download or update maps under the "Offline maps" header. Windows will tell you how large the file is before it downloads.

2. Solitaire is Back

After the banishment of Solitaire in the Windows store on Windows 8. Solitaire has returned. Maybe someday pinball will return as well... But let's rejoice for Solitaire for now!

Look for "Microsoft Solitaire Collection Preview" in All Apps or just search for Solitaire.

1. GodMode

A blast from the past has returned. The legendary GodMode works perfectly in Windows 10. Some of you might not even know this was a real thing. Essentially, GodMode unveils a power user menu that brings together all of the system's settings and configuration options into one place.

Just create a new folder and rename it to this:

GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}

I hope you enjoyed the all of the these fantastic new features on Windows 10. All of these tips, tricks, and pics came from www.pcworld.com. If you would like to explore more exciting tips and tricks for Windows 10, then read "Windows 10: The best tricks, tips, and tweaks."