Here is a little bit of the helpful knowledge we have accumulated over the years at Tech Source.
Helpful Hotkeys
There are many helpful hotkeys for Windows that can save time. All of these use the Win key, or Windows key, which is represented by the Windows icon (4 squares) by your space bar. Here are a few of our favorites:
Win + L
This instantly locks your screen, requiring a login. It’s a quick and easy way to be secure if you need to step away from your computer.
Win + S
This brings up the search bar instantly, allowing you to immediately type in what you are searching for without using the mouse.
Win + D
Too much clutter open? Use this hotkey to minimize all open applications. Don’t worry, it does not close anything.
Win + E
Opens file explorer to browse your files.
Laptop Troubleshooting
If you are using a laptop and traveling, make sure to fully shut down your laptop first. When you power on your laptop at the new location, it will more easily switch to the Wi-Fi or network at the new location. This can often fix connecting to printers as well.
Show Desktop Button
On Windows 11, just to the right of your search bar is the Show Desktop button. The icon is of a white and black square intersecting.
When clicked, it shows you all programs currently open on your device.
Additionally, you can create a new “desktop”, meaning a whole new area to use programs separate from what you were doing.