Hidden Tricks Inside Windows 10

[soybean]

Those with Windows 10 tablets or touch-screen computers have a cool slide-to-shut down feature, but the capability is hidden within any PC running the operating system. There are a few different ways to run the feature as an executable file, but creating a desktop shortcut probably makes the most sense here.

Right-click on the desktop and select New > Shortcut. In the ensuing pop-up window, type SlideToShutDown as the location of the file. Rename the file and click Finish to create a clickable icon on your desktop. Now right-click the file and select Properties. Enter a key in the Shortcut key box and click Apply.

You can then double-click on the shortcut or enter your keyboard shortcut to prompt a pull-down shade to appear. Use your mouse to drag the shade down to the bottom of the screen to turn off your computer. Keep in mind that this is a shutdown, not sleep.

 

[soybean]

Enable 'God Mode'​

 

[soybean]

This may be a little too niche for most users, but if you are a power user or IT professional who wants access to all of Windows' control panels from one folder, God Mode is for you. Right-click on the desktop and select New > Folder. Re-name the new folder with this bit of code:

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

To enter God Mode—or the Windows Master Control Panel shortcut, as it is officially called—simply double-click the folder and go nuts.

 

[soybean]

Drag to Pin Windows​

 

[soybean]

We all multitask, and Windows 10 makes it simple by letting you pin windows in different parts of the screen. Grab any window and drag it to the left or right boundary of the screen and it will "fit" to that half of the screen. You can also move a window to any of the four corners of the screen to lock it to that corner. You can prompt similar behavior with a selected window by combining the Windows key and any of the directional arrows. For instance, move a window to the left side of the screen with the Win + left arrow shortcut. Then use Win + up or down arrow, and the window will snap to the corner.

 

[soybean]

Quickly Jump Between Virtual Desktops​

 

[soybean]

Quickly switch between virtual desktops in order to separate, say, your work apps, personal apps, and social media into different desktops. Just click the Task View icon in the taskbar (the one that looks like small boxes) to see all your open windows and desktops.

You can then drag any of them over to where it says New desktop, which creates a new virtual desktop. Once you click out of Task View, you can toggle between virtual desktops by pressing the Windows key + Ctrl + right/left arrows.

 

[soybean]

Customize the Command Prompt​

 

[soybean]

If you like to dig into the innards of Windows with the Command Prompt, you'll be happy to know you can customize the tool itself. Open the Command Prompt, right-click on the window's top bar, and select Properties to personalize your experience.

The Properties window allows you to change the controls, font, layout, colors, and cursor within the Command Prompt. You can also turn the window transparent by opening the Colors tab and moving the Opacity slider. This lets you code while simultaneously observing the desktop.

 

[soybean]

Silence Notifications With Focus Assist​