How to Unlock Hidden Features on Your Windows PC (You’ll Be Shocked!)

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Windows PCs are packed with hidden features that most users never discover. These powerful tools can enhance productivity, optimize performance, and even transform your workflow. In this guide, we’ll explore the best-kept secrets of Windows PCs, with step-by-step instructions and essential resources.

1. Enable God Mode

God Mode consolidates all Windows settings into one folder for quick access.

How to Enable:

  1. Right-click on your desktop and select New > Folder.
  2. Rename the folder: GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}
  3. Hit Enter, and the folder will transform into a control panel shortcut.
  4. Open it to access a comprehensive list of Windows settings.

Why It’s Useful:

  • Instantly locate obscure settings.
  • Boost efficiency by skipping menu navigation.

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2. Activate Windows Sandbox (Pro and Enterprise Editions)

Windows Sandbox provides a safe, isolated environment for testing applications.

How to Enable:

  1. Open Control Panel > Programs > Turn Windows Features On or Off.
  2. Check Windows Sandbox and click OK.
  3. Restart your PC.
  4. Search for Windows Sandbox in the Start menu and launch it.

Why It’s Awesome:

  • Safely test unknown apps without risking your system.
  • Explore potentially harmful websites worry-free.

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3. Unlock Advanced Startup Control with Autoruns

The built-in Task Manager startup tab is limited. For deeper control, use Autoruns, a free tool from Microsoft Sysinternals.

How to Use:

  1. Download Autoruns from Microsoft.
  2. Extract the tool and run it as Administrator.
  3. View the Logon tab to see all startup programs and services.
  4. Disable unnecessary entries to improve boot time.

Pro Tip:

  • Use Autoruns to identify and remove malware hiding in startup processes.

4. Advanced Clipboard History

Clipboard history saves your copied items, making multitasking more efficient.

How to Enable:

  1. Press Windows + V.
  2. Click Turn On to activate clipboard history.

Why It’s Great:

  • Quickly access recent items.
  • Pin frequently used snippets for easy reuse.

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5. Run Linux on Windows with WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux)

WSL lets you seamlessly run a Linux environment within Windows, perfect for developers.

How to Enable:

  1. Open PowerShell as Administrator and type: wsl --install
  2. Restart your PC.
  3. Select your Linux distribution (e.g., Ubuntu) to install.

Why It’s Powerful:

  • Access Linux commands like Bash, grep, and ssh.
  • Combine the best of both operating systems for development tasks.

6. Boost Performance with Registry Tweaks

Tweak hidden settings in the Windows Registry to improve performance.

Example: Speed Up Menus

  1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
  2. Navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop
  3. Double-click MenuShowDelay and change the value to 0.

Pro Tip:

Always back up the registry before making changes to avoid unintended issues.

7. Unlock the Ultimate Performance Power Plan

This hidden power plan maximizes performance for demanding tasks.

How to Enable:

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Run the following command: powercfg -duplicatescheme e9a42b02-d5df-448d-aa00-03f14749eb61
  3. Go to Control Panel > Power Options and select Ultimate Performance.

Why It’s Awesome:

  • Perfect for gaming, video editing, or heavy multitasking.

8. Explore File Explorer’s Hidden Capabilities

Unlock advanced File Explorer options to enhance productivity.

How to Use:

  1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to: User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer
  3. Enable options like showing hidden files or disabling quick access.

Pro Tip:

Use Alt + D in File Explorer to quickly enter folder paths or commands like shell:startup.

9. Hidden Tools for Advanced Users

Windows includes several powerful command-line tools that are rarely discussed.

Examples:

  • sfc /scannow: Repairs corrupt system files.
  • choco install [app]: Installs apps via the Chocolatey package manager.
  • diskpart: Manages disk partitions (use cautiously).

Explore more about these tools on TechRadar to deepen your knowledge.

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11. Quickly Access System Information

Instead of searching through multiple menus to get system info, you can access it with a few keystrokes.

How to Use:

  1. Press Windows + R.
  2. Type msinfo32 and press Enter.
  3. This opens the System Information window, where you can find details about your hardware, software, and resources.

Why It’s Awesome:

  • Instantly access detailed info about your system without searching.
  • Great for troubleshooting or verifying system specs.

12. Use the Windows Snipping Tool for Advanced Screenshots

The Snipping Tool allows you to capture anything on your screen, from a free-form shape to a full-window screenshot.

How to Use:

  1. Press Windows + Shift + S.
  2. Your screen will dim, and you can select the area you want to capture.
  3. The image is copied to your clipboard, ready to paste into an app or document.

Why It’s Awesome:

  • Great for quick screenshots.
  • Offers more control over what you capture than the regular PrtScn key.

13. Use Task View to Manage Multiple Desktops

Windows lets you create multiple virtual desktops to keep your work organized.

How to Use:

  1. Press Windows + Tab to open Task View.
  2. Click New Desktop at the top of the screen to create a new workspace.
  3. Switch between desktops using Windows + Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow.

Why It’s Awesome:

  • Keep work and personal tasks separated.
  • Reduces desktop clutter and boosts productivity.

14. Activate the Windows Dark Mode

If you prefer dark themes, you can enable a system-wide dark mode.

How to Enable:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Personalization > Colors.
  3. Scroll down to Choose your color, and select Dark.

Why It’s Awesome:

  • Reduces eye strain, especially in low-light conditions.
  • A sleek, modern look for your PC.

15. Enable File Extensions and Hidden Files

By default, Windows hides file extensions and some files to keep things clean. But if you want full control, you can reveal everything.

How to Enable:

  1. Open File Explorer and click the View tab.
  2. Check File name extensions to show extensions like .exe or .txt.
  3. Check Hidden items to see files and folders that are usually hidden.

Why It’s Awesome:

  • Gives you more control over your files.
  • Helpful when working with system files or troubleshooting.

16. Quickly Lock Your PC with Win + L

If you need to step away from your PC, Windows + L quickly locks it and returns you to the login screen.

How to Use:

  • Press Windows + L.

Why It’s Awesome:

  • Keeps your PC secure while you’re away.
  • Useful for privacy, especially in public spaces.

17. Use Windows PowerShell for Advanced Control

PowerShell is a powerful tool that allows you to automate tasks, manage system configurations, and more.

How to Access:

  1. Press Windows + X and select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
  2. You can now use a variety of commands to manage your system.

Example:

You can use Get-Help to see a list of commands or Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned to enable running scripts.

Why It’s Awesome:

  • Great for automation and power users.
  • Control your system more deeply than the traditional GUI.

18. Use Windows + D to Show Desktop Instantly

Minimize all open windows and show your desktop with a simple keyboard shortcut.

How to Use:

  • Press Windows + D to minimize everything.
  • Press Windows + D again to restore your windows.

Why It’s Awesome:

  • Quick access to your desktop without manually minimizing everything.
  • Ideal for keeping your workspace organized.

19. Use the “Shake to Minimize” Feature

Windows has a feature that lets you quickly minimize all windows except the one you’re currently working on.

How to Use:

  1. Click and hold the title bar of the window you want to keep open.
  2. Shake the window back and forth.
  3. All other windows will minimize, leaving only the active window.

Why It’s Awesome:

  • Quick way to declutter your screen and focus.
  • A fun and efficient trick to use in busy work environments.

20. Restore Closed Windows Using Alt + Tab

Accidentally closed a window? Don’t worry, you can restore it with Alt + Tab.

How to Use:

  • Hold Alt and press Tab to cycle through your open windows.
  • Release Alt to switch to the selected window.

Why It’s Awesome:

  • Save time reopening programs.
  • Instantly switch between tasks and improve multitasking.

21. Enable Automatic Windows Updates During Off Hours

If you don’t want Windows updates interrupting your work, you can schedule them to run automatically during off-hours.

How to Enable:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Update & Security > Windows Update > Change active hours.
  3. Set your active hours when you’re typically using your PC, and Windows will avoid updating during those times.

Why It’s Awesome:

  • Avoids interruptions while you’re working.
  • Keeps your system secure and up-to-date without manual intervention.

22. Enable Remote Desktop to Control Your PC from Anywhere

With Remote Desktop, you can access your PC from any device, no matter where you are.

How to Enable:

  1. Open Settings and go to System > Remote Desktop.
  2. Toggle Enable Remote Desktop to On.
  3. Follow the prompts to set up remote access.

Why It’s Awesome:

  • Perfect for accessing your PC while traveling or working remotely.
  • Great for troubleshooting and remote collaboration.

These hidden features can take your Windows experience to the next level. Whether you’re optimizing performance, improving security, or discovering new tools, there’s always more to explore. Keep exploring and stay tuned to Diggabyte for even more tech tips!

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