A Microsoft delegate takes a photo during the launch of the Windows 10 operating system in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, July 29, 2015 – archive photo. (REUTERS / Thomas Mukoya)
Few things in life are predictable. Unfortunately, one of them is Windows updates with errors. After each major update, you will see a series of reports of broken drivers, broken resources and the Blue Screen of Death.
These updates also feature vital security patches, so ignoring them entirely is not your best move. Updates can also speed things up, although you may need some extra help if your PC is struggling with all the tasks. Tap or click here for simple and smart ways to speed up your machine.
Speaking of smart tips, I love sharing ways to get more out of your technology. If you have an iPhone, don’t miss out on these 10 iPhone tricks you use all the time.
Now that all the difficulties have been resolved with the major Windows update, it’s time to test out the new features.
First, you need to update
Is the Windows 10 October update installed on your computer? This is a quick and easy way to check. Hit the Windows key + R, then type Winver in the box that appears. Select It’s ok. The most recent version is 2009, build number 19042.572.
If you have not already done so, you can update Windows 10 by browsing to settings, Click in Update and securityand click Windows update. From there, you can see if new updates are available for download. Otherwise, just click Check for updates to force the process.
You are now ready to start using these new features.
PRODUCTIVITY HACK: Windows 10 keyboard shortcuts you need to know
1. Customize your Start menu
The ability to choose an accent color to personalize Windows 10 is nothing new, but the update brings an added touch. You can now switch between Light or Dark as the standard Windows mode and the standard application mode.
The standard Windows mode changes the color of the taskbar and the Start menu. The default application mode changes the color of windows and folders.
To switch between light and dark mode:
- Select Begin in the bottom left corner
- click in settings (the gear icon)
- Select Customization, then click Colors in the left menu
- In Choose your color, you can select Light or dark mode, or a combination of both
From there, you can choose an accent color for all windows and colors.
Professional tip: access even faster with the mouse. Right-click on your desktop and select Personalize. click in Colors and follow the last step above.
2. See all your open windows and tabs
If you have a lot of windows open, the taskbar may be full of shortcuts and applications. There is a much faster way to see which windows are open without having to search the taskbar.
This trick is a favorite over time, but now Alt + Tab shows all open browser tabs as well. (Note: it only works for Microsoft Edge.)
To experiment, press and hold the Alt key, then press the Tab key. Windows will show you a snapshot of what is open.
While holding down the Alt key, you can select a window by tapping Tab or using the mouse cursor. To close a window, just click on the X in the upper right corner of the view.
SO MUCH TIME, GOOGLE? Edge has a useful new search feature that can make you abandon Chrome
3. Switch to Tablet mode if you have a Surface Pro or Surface Book
Your Surface Pro or Surface Book can magically transform from a PC into a tablet with just a few clicks. This setting is great for when you need a more touch-sensitive device and super easy to navigate. It also makes using Windows apps designed for tablets work better.
Switching between tablet and PC mode is very easy:
- Select the Action Center on the taskbar. It is the speech bubble icon in the right corner, next to the clock.
- Below the notifications, there are several options that include Wi-Fi connections, flight mode and screen clipping.
- Look to Tablet mode. Touch to switch.
- To return to PC mode, just follow the same steps.
Note: This feature only works if your device has a touch screen.
WANT MORE WINDOWS TIPS? Get all the best security and privacy tips right in your inbox, once a day. Tap or click here to try it out.
4. Change the screen refresh rate
Your monitor’s refresh rate determines how smooth movement appears on the screen. This is especially important when playing graphics-intensive video games, but you’ll also notice it when you’re dragging open windows.
Monitors support different refresh rates, determined by the manufacturer and model. In general, a 60 Hz monitor can display images at 60 frames per second.
If your graphics are delayed, make sure the screen is at the maximum refresh rate:
- click on the Home button in the bottom left corner and select settings (the gear icon).
- click in System, then Exhibition. This should open automatically or select it from the menu on the left.
- Scroll down to the penultimate option, Advanced display settings.
- If you use dual monitors, select which monitor you want to change from the drop-down menu.
- At the Refresh rate drop-down menu, you will see some refresh rate options supported by your monitor.
- Just click on the desired update rate and close the window.
SEE MORE CLEAR: Optimize your monitor settings with this free tool.
5. Fix the guides on the taskbar
Just like pinning the calculator, clipping tool or your favorite application to the taskbar, the latest update allows you to pin website guides as well. The feature provides easy and immediate access to the most frequently visited websites, without starting the browser.
Note: again, this only works with Microsoft Edge.
To attach guides:
- Open Microsoft Edge and navigate to the website you want to pin.
- In the upper right corner, click settings (the three points).
- Navigate and hover over More tools.
- Click Pin the taskbar and choose the title you want to display when hovering over the pin.
As a bonus, you can follow the steps above, but instead of clicking Pin on the taskbar, select Launch the taskbar fix wizard. Edge will take a few seconds to analyze your browsing habits and make some suggestions for sites to bookmark for you. Handy!
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Learn about all the latest technologies at The Kim Komando Show, the country’s largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and gives advice on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit their website at Komando.com.