The New Windows PC series

New Windows PC? Change these first.

Every setting from the series in one place. Tick them off as you go: your progress stays in this browser.

Part 1

Show file extensionsFile Explorer → View → Show → File name extensions. Now “invoice.pdf.exe” can't pass for a PDF.
Clipboard historyPress Windows + V and choose Turn on. Everything you copy stays there to paste again.
Turn off ads in StartSettings → Personalization → Start → turn off “Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more”.
End task from the taskbarSearch “End task” in Settings and switch it on. Then right-click a frozen app in the taskbar → End task.

Part 2

Snap layoutsPress Windows + Z, then pick a layout to arrange your windows side by side.
Screenshot part of the screenPress Windows + Shift + S, then drag over what you want. It's copied, ready to paste.
Voice typingPress Windows + H in any text box and just talk.
Storage SenseSettings → System → Storage → turn on Storage Sense. Windows clears junk files by itself.

Part 3

Turn off startup appsSettings → Apps → Startup, and switch off what you don't need. Your PC starts faster.
Taskbar on the leftSettings → Personalization → Taskbar → Taskbar behaviors → Taskbar alignment: Left.
Dynamic lockPair your phone over Bluetooth, then Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options → Dynamic lock. Your PC locks when you walk away.
Night lightSettings → System → Display → Night light. Warmer colours, easier on your eyes at night.

Bonus

Convert any file without opening an app

OrbitDrop is free: drag a file, tap Shift, and let go on what you want. PNG to JPG, video to MP3, Word to PDF, compress, resize and more. Everything happens on your PC.

Get the next part first

New settings, and early access to new OrbitDrop features. A few emails a month at most, and you can leave any time.

Your email is only used for these updates. See the privacy policy.