Top Ten Great Features in Windows 10
This week is the Public Release of Windows 10 from Microsoft. If you are thinking about upgrading, here are 10 great features you can expect from Windows 10. Before you upgrade though, make sure all of your files and settings are backed up. There are many reports of default file extensions being lost during the transition as well, so make sure you plan accordingly!10. Enhanced Security -
While this is my personal #1 best feature, it was voted to #10 in my poll of non-techies. Ease of use won spots 1-9 on the list. (I will post more about tightening security within Windows 10 soon)
9. Enhanced Indexing Leads to Faster Searches –
Again, the boredom of the topic of indexing kept this item low on the list, but it does mean that Windows performs MUCH faster searches from both the Start menu and Windows Explorer screen. Faster searches equals better productivity!
8. Enhanced Split Screen Feature –
Windows snapping is the best thing to happen since the Snipping Tool. While Windows 7 gave us the option to easily snap programs and apps to either side of the screen for a split screen feature, Windows 10 allows us to easily split 4 screens. This is mainly useful for larger monitors. Simply drag the title bar of an open application to one of the corners of the screen, and it will open up in that quarter of the screen, and you can repeat for each corner.Try these keyboard shortcuts:
- Windows Key+Left — snap active window to the left.
- Windows Key+Right — snap active window to the right.
- Windows Key+Up — snap the active window to the top.
- Windows Key+Down — snap the active window to the bottom.
7. Multiple Desktops –
Windows 10 now opens allows you to open multiple desktops. This can be especially useful when you have your multiple programs opened on your screen, but have to leave that work to handle another task. Simply open another desktop, accomplish your tasks, then you can jump back to your first desktop unaffected by programs used in the second desktop. Each desktop can have its own set of apps but shortcuts and wallpaper stay consistent across the board.This feature was NOT intended for keeping your games on one desktop and work on the other, ready for the swap when the boss walks by!!
Try these keyboard shortcuts:
- Windows Key+Ctrl+D — create a new virtual desktop.
- Windows Key+Ctrl+Left — scroll through your desktops to the left.
- Windows Key+Ctrl+Right — scroll through your desktops to the right.
- Windows Key+Ctrl+F4 — close the current desktop.
- Windows Key+Tab — see all your desktops (and open apps) via the Task View page.
- Swipe from left to right — opens the Task View page for access to all desktops.
6. Action Center -
The Action Center is an important part of Windows 10. It’s a place where you can view all Windows security alerts, along with app notifications such as news emails, eBay alerts and Facebook updates, without having to launch individual apps. Launch the Action Center by clicking the square box with three lines in the taskbar or by swiping from the right to left. Windows 8’s live tiles were cool in theory, but since they all had varied placement, it wasn’t a convenient option. The Action Center can be fully customized, so you only get the alerts you want. Underneath the notifications you’ll see 13 squares containing quick actions such as: Note, Battery saver, Bluetooth and Airplane mode. Although most of these options are for use with tablets and laptops, we can be happy that Microsoft is staying consistent with the placement of options between devices!5. Tablet mode –
Opening the Action Center allows you to swap from Classic Windows mode to Tablet Mode. The Start menu in Tablet mode resembles Windows 8, making the tiles occupy the entire screen and thus making them easier to see.4. Edge Integration with OneNote -
Edge is the replacement of Internet Explorer (IE). Windows 8 was so confusing that it included not one but TWO versions of IE! Internet Explorer will still be available for enterprise users but for the rest of us, we have found that the Edge browser is quite handy. The integration with OneNote allows you to markup a website and share it quite easily. I highly suggest that you check out this feature for easily sharing ideas when browsing the web.
3. Cortana -
Cortana started as a fictional artificially intelligent (AI) character in the Halo video game series and is now Microsoft’s virtual assistant and works similar to Siri on Apple devices. You will have to enable Cortana as it is not turned on by default. Click the Start button, choose Cortana, then open the Notebook (third icon down)—you can turn Cortana on and off as well as enable or disable the “Hey Cortana!” voice command. If you don’t feel entirely comfortable shouting out “Hey Cortana!” then there are keyboard shortcuts that can help—once Cortana is active, you can use voice or keyboard input.Try these keyboard shortcuts:
- Windows Key+Q — open up Cortana ready for voice input.
- Windows Key+S — open up Cortana ready for typed input.
- Windows Key+I — open up the Windows 10 settings pane.
- Windows Key+A — open up Windows 10 notifications (Action Center).
- Windows Key+X — open the Start button context menu
2. Apps now open in Windows –
In windows 8, if you opened an app, it would open in the Separate Metro Interface and take up the entire screen. Now Apps are opened in individual Windows, allowing you to move the window as needed.1. Ease of layout within the GUI –
The Start Button is back, need we say more?!? The layout in Windows 10 is much more intuitive than any previous versions of Windows, and even allows us to find the Power settings without the use Sherpas!Overall if you were pleased with Windows 7, you are not going to be disappointed with the upgrade to Windows 10. If you were running Windows 8, you have probably already upgraded if you hadn’t already thrown it out the window!
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