There are always distractions, such as a colleague with questions, a buzzing email, or incoming client inquiries. How can you optimize your workflow so that your uninterrupted time is as efficient as possible? You are likely to be one of the 1.3 million people who use a Microsoft computer that runs Windows operating system, whether you work at home or in an office. These windows 10 tips will help you be more productive.

Windows 10: How to get the most from it

Here are the top ten windows 10 tips and tricks and how you can use them to maximize productivity.

1. Focusing on the task at hand will help you to avoid distractions

Focus assist can be enabled to reduce distractions! This app lets you turn off notifications while you work. It can be found in your taskbar’s dashboard. After you enable it, you can choose to allow only priority messages or alarms.

2. You can create calendar events without opening the app

Time management is all about organizing your reminders and events. This shortcut will help you reduce the time required to create important notices. You can click on the taskbar’s time/date box > choose your date > enter the event name, time and location. You should see the event you have entered on all Windows 10 devices that are associated with your Microsoft account.

3. You can customize your start menu to quickly access essentials

You can personalize your start menu by clicking the settings button > personalization > start. You can change the order of the tiles and choose which apps or folders will appear in the left-hand column. You can also change the background image and make your windows lighter or darker, as well as alter the colors of the title bars and borders. This is your chance to customize your start menu to increase productivity and create a relaxing atmosphere.

4. A simplified version of the Start Menu is available

If you don’t like the new start menu or prefer the simplicity of older versions of Windows, then use windows key +x. Or right-click on the icon for the start menu in the taskbar. You can access windows such as the task manager, settings and control panel with the non-tiled menu.

5. You can launch taskbar apps faster

Did you know that you don’t need to click on the icons for pinned apps on your taskbar? You can quickly access these programs by tapping the windows key and the program’s function key. This shortcut is useful when you are in the typing zone but don’t want to lose focus from your keyboard.

6. Capture photos

This keyboard shortcut can be used to quickly share information with colleagues or take a quick snapshot of important information. There are seven different ways to take a screenshot in Windows 10. You have seven options to capture a screenshot in Windows 10.

7. File explorer shows file extensions

Seeing all file extensions can make it much easier to find the right version of an image or document when you have many. You can turn file extension view on by accessing your search bar and searching for file explorer options. Select the view tab > Uncheck hide extensions from known file types > Click apply. You will now see the extension type of each file when you open file Explorer.

8. Turn on the clipboard cloud

Consider enabling cloud clipboard if you have multiple windows 10 devices that you use for work. Cloud clipboard works with the same Microsoft account to sync your clipboard history across multiple windows 10 devices. It allows seamless access to links, photos and copy and paste text.

Click on the Windows key + V to enable cloud clipboard.

9. Retire all background apps

Some apps collect data, send notifications, and conduct updates even when you aren’t using them. While this activity is sometimes useful, it can cause your computer to die before the end the day. Open settings > click privacy > background applications, and then toggle to turn off background apps. To manually turn off apps, you can scroll down the page. This will save your computer’s battery life and allow active apps and windows run at normal speed.

10. Clear out disk space

Temporary files can be deleted to free up space on your disk and make it faster. Temporary files store data while files are being created, processed or used. These files should be deleted by programs after they close. However, this is not always true. Open the search box with your cursor and type delete temporary files. Next, open the system settings window for your Windows pc. Windows will check the temporary files section and notify you if there are any files that can be deleted to clear up space. This includes the cache for older windows updates, temporary internet file, and the recycle bin. Take a look at the files and uncheck any boxes that you don’t need before you delete them.

Windows 10 shortcuts offer many possibilities! These handy features can help you save time and reduce distractions. Computer troubleshooters are available to assist you if Windows 10 doesn’t work properly or your device is malfunctioning.