Windows is a large operating system with many hidden features. These professional suggestions will help you get the most out of Windows 10 if you're still using it.

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Although Windows 11 is Microsoft's most advanced operating system, it will take some time for it to overtake Windows 10 as the most widely used desktop OS globally. Microsoft has made it tough to update, even if the firm wants us all to, with high criteria that many customers can't fulfil with their present PCs.


You have until 2025 if you choose to continue using Windows 10 rather than purchasing a new computer before Microsoft starts to discontinue official support. Therefore, there's still a lot to learn about making the most of your outdated operating system.


Whether you switched from macOS or don't think of yourself as a power user, these suggestions will help you make the most of Windows 10. While some of these tips are new to this version of Windows, others come from an earlier version.


1. Examine the Hidden Start Menu 

(Credit: PCMag / Microsoft)


You may still (sort of) have the classic Start menu experience if you're a fan of it (i.e., one without tiles). If you right-click on the Windows symbol located in the bottom-left corner, a text-based jump menu with several well-known locations, such as Applications and Features, Search, and Run, will appear. Although you can access all of these choices through the usual menu system, this is a quicker way to do so.


2. See Your Desktop With Just a Click

(Credit: PCMag / Microsoft)


It's not necessary to minimise every open window to view the desktop. In the taskbar's lower-right corner is a hidden button. Not seeing it? Look past the time and date all the way to the bottom and right. There's a tiny, tiny fragment of an unseen button there. To minimise all of your open windows at once, click it; to restore everything, click it again.


Additionally, you can choose to have Windows minimise rather than click when you hover over this icon. Go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar, select your setting, and then turn on the Use Peek to preview the desktop switch.


3. Modify Windows' Search Settings

(Credit: PCMag / Microsoft)


You may fine-tune your Windows PC search time by going to Settings > Search > Searching Windows. Select "Classic" for search, which just searches your desktop and libraries. Your entire computer is indexed by the Enhanced option, which can take longer and require more resources. You can further refine your search by excluding specific directories.


 4. Enable Slide to Shut Down  

(Credit: PCMag / Microsoft)


The neat slide-to-shut-down function is available to owners of Windows 10 tablets and touch-screen PCs, but it is not readily apparent on any PC running the operating system. The feature can be used as an executable file in a number of different ways, but in this case, making a desktop shortcut makes the most sense.


On the desktop, use the right-click menu to choose New > Shortcut. Enter SlideToShutDown as the file location in the pop-up box that appears. To make an icon that can be clicked on your desktop, rename the file and select Finish. Choose Properties by doing a right-click on the file. Click Apply after entering a key in the Shortcut key box.


5. Turn on 'God Mode'

(Credit: PCMag / Microsoft)


God Mode is for power users and IT professionals who wish to access all of Windows' control panels from a single folder, although it can be a bit too specialised for ordinary users. On the desktop, right-click and choose New > Folder. Use this code to rename the newly created folder:


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


You can double-click the folder and go crazy to access God Mode, which is technically known as the Windows Master Control Panel shortcut.


6. Two Modes: Dark and Light

(Credit: PCMag / Microsoft)

You have a great deal of control over colour themes with Windows 10. To switch between dark and bright modes for the operating system, navigate to Settings > Personalization > Colours. The Start menu, taskbar, action centre, File Explorer, settings menus, and any other compatible programs all have their colours altered by these themes.


You can also select a different theme for programs and Windows menus using a custom setting. Would you like a bit more hue? You can choose from swatches of colour schemes that will make your taskbars and menus stand out.