Nevertheless, do people make the most of their Windows PCs at work? Definitely not, at least not novices. They miss out on so many hidden features that could improve their workflows. If you use a Windows device primarily for work, we will show you tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your device.
1. How to Add Apps to the Startup Programs List
Startup programs are specific programs and processes that automatically launch when your computer boots up. While they have a bad reputation for slowing down the computer, they serve a useful purpose when you add high-priority applications to the list, such as Outlook, Skype, or similar ones.
When you add programs you use first thing in the morning, you can turn on the computer, greet your colleagues, make a cup of coffee, and when you return to your desk, the programs will be ready for you.
Follow the below steps to add an app to the startup list:
To open the startup programs folder, press Win + R, type “shell:startup,” and press OK. Alternatively, open File Explorer and navigate to this path: C:\Users*username*\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup Create a shortcut to the executable file of the app you want to launch at bootup and paste it into the Startup folder mentioned above.
2. Replace the Reminder Apps With Windows Task Scheduler
Reminder apps help you stay on top of your essential agendas throughout the day. To be more productive, you should delegate this responsibility to your Windows PC. The Task Scheduler can help you with this.
With Task Scheduler, you can automate everything from self-starting an app during meeting hours to playing an audio file at a specific time. Thanks to advanced task scheduling, you’ll never miss an important deadline again.
For a detailed overview of how Task Scheduler works and how to set up a task in Task Scheduler, check out our comprehensive guide covering everything you need to know about using Task Scheduler effectively.
3. Schedule a Backup to Run Everyday
Your workplace computer crashing and not booting up afterward can ruin your day. Once that happens, you will no longer be able to access the essential documents you have still got to submit. This can result in a lot of embarrassment for you before your boss, even though you are not to blame.
To avoid facing such a situation, it’s imperative to have a backup of your data, and considering how frequently you update your data during your work hours, you should run it every day. Additionally, since you must run it every day, schedule the backup to run at lunchtime. By doing this, you won’t waste any time when you are in your work cabin.
You can schedule a daily backup in Windows in several ways, but we recommend using third-party software, Veeam – a program that you can use for effortless backup. Check out our guide on how Veeam works and how you can use it to schedule backups.
4. Display Multiple Time Zones
Whenever you work with remote team members based across the globe, the timezones should be at your fingertips so that you don’t ring their phone at midnight. Moreover, by keeping in mind others’ availability, you can also choose the best meeting times.
By default, we only have a single clock set to reflect your local time. Microsoft Windows offers users the option of including two more clocks and setting different time zones on them. Below are the steps to add another time clock in Windows:
Right-click on the Windows Start button and select Settings. Go to Time & Language. Under Related Settings, click on the Add clocks for different time zones link. Go to the Additional Clocks tab in the Date and Time window. Check the box for Show this clock, choose the time zone from the dropdown, and give the clock a unique name. Repeat the same steps after checking the next box for Show this clock. After both clocks have been set, click Apply and then OK.
You can view the time in different timezones in the system tray by hovering your mouse over the clock, which will display three clocks instead of one.
If you want to add more than three clocks, you can do this within the Alarms & Clock app. If that doesn’t suffice, you can also use third-party apps.
5. Create a Keyboard Shortcut for Frequently Used Apps
Another way to increase your efficiency at work is to set up keyboard shortcuts for frequently used applications. Since it eliminates the need to search files and folders or the Windows search bar to locate the app, it could save you time and energy.
The few seconds that the key combos save you throughout the day will add up to have a greater impact. To create a keyboard shortcut for an app, follow these steps:
Right-click on the shortcut to the app you want to open. Choose Properties from the context menu. In the app’s Properties window, click the Shortcut tab. Click on the Shortcut key box. Press the key combination that you want to use.
That’s all. Once set, pressing the shortcut key combo will open the selected app. Thus, repeat the same process for your favorite apps and be more productive.
Be More Productive With Your Windows PC
Using the tips above, you should be able to work more efficiently and streamline your workflow. By following these tips, you will be on your way to earning your employee of the month title. Besides the tips discussed in this guide, Windows offers many other features that will help its users be more productive.
A few of these features include snap assist for multi-tasking, night light to reduce eye strain, focus assist to minimize interruptions, and more. So keep exploring!
