Getting the most out of Windows 10 involves digging into its many features and customizing it to fit your needs. By following a series of steps, you’ll learn how to tweak settings, enhance performance, and make Windows 10 work better for you.
How to Geek Windows 10
In this section, we’ll walk you through various steps to geek out your Windows 10 setup. From personalizing your system to boosting its performance, these steps will help you get the most out of your operating system.
Step 1: Customize Your Start Menu
Open the Start Menu and right-click on apps to pin or unpin them.
By customizing the Start Menu, you can make frequently used programs easily accessible. You can also resize tiles and organize them into groups.
Step 2: Adjust System Settings
Go to Settings > System > Notifications & actions to tweak notifications and quick actions.
Customizing system settings allows you to control what notifications you receive and how they appear. It makes your workflow smoother by reducing distractions.
Step 3: Enable Dark Mode
Navigate to Settings > Personalization > Colors and select Dark under Choose your default app mode.
Switching to dark mode can reduce eye strain and make the display easier on your eyes, especially in low-light conditions.
Step 4: Use Virtual Desktops
Press Win + Tab and select New Desktop to create a new virtual desktop.
Virtual desktops let you organize your workspaces better. You can have different desktops for work, personal projects, or leisure activities, making multitasking easier.
Step 5: Clear Out Bloatware
Go to Settings > Apps and scroll through the list to uninstall unnecessary apps.
Removing bloatware frees up system resources and disk space, allowing your computer to run more efficiently.
Step 6: Enable Game Mode
Go to Settings > Gaming > Game Mode and toggle it on.
Game Mode optimizes system resources when you’re playing games, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience.
Step 7: Set Up Cortana
Open Cortana by clicking the search box and follow the setup instructions.
Setting up Cortana, Microsoft’s digital assistant, can help you manage tasks, set reminders, and answer questions quickly.
Step 8: Update and Optimize Drivers
Go to Device Manager, right-click on devices, and select Update driver.
Keeping your drivers updated ensures that your hardware is compatible with Windows 10 and running at peak performance.
After completing these steps, your Windows 10 system should feel more personalized, run more efficiently, and better support your daily tasks.
Tips for How to Geek Windows 10
- Backup Your System: Before making major changes, always backup your important files and create a system restore point.
- Use Power Settings: Adjust power settings to balance performance and energy usage, especially on laptops.
- Explore Microsoft Store: Check out the Microsoft Store for useful apps and utilities that can enhance your Windows experience.
- Enable BitLocker: Use BitLocker to encrypt your hard drive and protect sensitive information.
- Utilize Keyboard Shortcuts: Learn and use Windows keyboard shortcuts to improve your efficiency and workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest way to customize the Start Menu?
Right-click on apps to pin or unpin them, and drag tiles to rearrange them according to your preference.
How can I switch back to Light Mode?
Go to Settings > Personalization > Colors and select Light under Choose your default app mode.
What are Virtual Desktops?
Virtual Desktops allow you to create multiple desktops for better organization of your open applications and workspaces.
Is Game Mode only for gamers?
While designed for games, Game Mode can also optimize performance for other resource-intensive applications.
How often should I update my drivers?
It’s generally a good idea to check for driver updates at least once a month to ensure everything is running smoothly.
Summary
- Customize your Start Menu by pinning/unpinning apps.
- Adjust system settings for better control.
- Enable Dark Mode to reduce eye strain.
- Use Virtual Desktops for better organization.
- Clear out bloatware to free up resources.
- Enable Game Mode for optimized performance.
- Set up Cortana for task management.
- Update and optimize drivers regularly.
Conclusion
Geeking Windows 10 involves a series of tweaks and customizations that make your system work better for you. By following these steps, you can enhance performance, improve usability, and create a more personalized experience. Whether you’re an everyday user or someone who loves to tinker, there’s always something new to learn about Windows 10.
Don’t stop here! Keep exploring the many features and settings that Windows 10 has to offer. For further reading, Microsoft’s official documentation and community forums are excellent resources. Happy geeking!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.