Windows is packed with features; even if you’ve used the platform for years, you’ve likely missed out on its lesser-known tricks. How many of these hidden features have you tried?
8
Task Scheduler
As its name suggests, the Task Scheduler allows you to schedule specific actions to run at a future time, including recurring tasks. While there’s a learning curve to getting started, it offers a ton of possibilities. For example, you might schedule all your work apps to open when you log in, or run a script to clean up junk files each week.
To get started, type “task scheduler” into the Start menu to search for it. Like other older-school Windows tools, it uses a multi-pane system with folders on the left, active items in the middle, and options on the right. You’ll likely see several scripts already present, which are created by the various apps on your PC (plus many built-in ones under Microsoft > Windows).
To give it a try, click Create Task on the right sidebar (Create Basic Task only supports simple actions like starting a program or displaying a message, so it’s worth getting used to the full tool). From there, follow our guide on properly using the Task Scheduler.
Take note of useful options under Conditions, like waiting for the computer to be idle or waking the PC if it’s asleep. The Settings tab also has useful tools that let you control what happens if a task fails or takes too long.
7
Quick Assist
I’ve used TeamViewer to help friends and family with PC problems for years, but I didn’t realize Windows had a tool built in for this purpose until recently. Quick Assist lets you connect to someone else’s PC to see what’s on their screen and remotely control it if needed.
To try it, search for it in the Start menu. In the resulting window, choose Help someone if you’re the helper, and you’ll get a code to share with them. There’s even an option to Give instructions you can read out to the other person, which is helpful since you can’t see their screen yet. I’ve had trouble talking loved ones through the steps to install TeamViewer over the phone, so this is much-appreciated.
Once the other person opens the same app and enters your code, you’ll be able to see their screen and use functions like a laser pointer and chat messages. If they want you to take over control, click Request control, and you’ll be able to use their PC as if you were in front of it (once approved).
Remember that you should only let people remotely connect to your computer if you know and trust them. Tech support scams involve fraudsters using tools like these, so you should disconnect if anything feels wrong.
6
Dynamic Lock
Windows has added more functionality with smartphones, which Dynamic Lock is a great example of. With this tool, Windows will automatically lock your PC when the Bluetooth signal between your phone and computer gets weak. It reduces the chance of someone accessing your computer if you step away and forget to lock it.
Head to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and under Dynamic lock, check the box for Allow Windows to automatically lock your device when you’re away. If you haven’t paired your phone with Windows yet, you’ll need to go to Bluetooth & devices and do so.
The Phone Link feature has many other benefits, so it’s worth setting up if you haven’t already.
5
Built-in screen recording
There’s no need to install complicated tools when you want to take a screen recording to illustrate a process or document a problem. Instead, press Win + Shift + S to open the built-in Snipping Tool feature. While you might have used this for screenshots, it also includes a simple screen recorder (and a whole lot more).
Click the Video icon in the top bar, drag to select the area you want to record, then toggle the other two icons to enable/disable microphone and system audio as desired. When you’re done, the video will open in an editor like screenshots do. You can trim the video, copy it, turn it into a GIF, or move it to Clipchamp for deeper editing.
You’ll find all recordings you create with this tool under [Your username] > Videos > Screen Recordings.
4
Windows Sandbox
One of Windows’ best-kept secrets is a virtual machine that lets you open anything in a secure environment. If you want to test a change without breaking your system, or run a file that seems suspicious, Windows Sandbox lets you create a disposable virtual copy of Windows that doesn’t affect your actual PC.
Our full overview of Windows Sandbox will show you everything about this useful tool for tinkering and security alike.
3
File Explorer check boxes
If you find yourself selecting lots of items in File Explorer and get tired of holding the Ctrl or Shift keys to facilitate this, Windows offers a useful trick. Open a File Explorer window, click View, then Show > Item check boxes.
After this, every item in File Explorer will have checkboxes you can use to easily select multiple items. The best Windows keyboard shortcuts, like Ctrl + A to select everything in a folder, are often faster. But this gives you another option for picking the files you need.
2
Live captions
Many video platforms have automated captions built-in, as do tools like Google Meet. But if you come across somewhere that doesn’t offer these captions, or want a more consistent option, live captions in Windows are a great option.
Head to Settings > Accessibility > Captions, enable the feature, then use Win + Ctrl + L to toggle captions whenever you want.
If you’re an emoji fanatic, Windows makes it easy to keep them close at hand. Just hit Win + Period to open a menu with emojis, GIFs, emoticons, and more. There’s a search bar to find the perfect emoji for the moment, so you don’t have to feel left out when you aren’t typing on your phone.
Windows has many tools you wouldn’t think to look for until you know about them, plus features that are buried in menus that regularly change. It’s always fun to explore a platform you’ve known for a long time and discover new treasures within.
