Windows 10 tips and tricks: How to ensure an easy, fuss-free transition

(Microsoft)

With just having been released over a month ago, Window 10 has been doing quite well.

Windows 10 has been well received mainly because it integrates the best features of Windows 8 and Windows 7. Windows 8 was not well received but it still gave users improvements including faster start-up and improved security. Conversely, Windows 7 was much loved due to its familiarity and ease of use.

Yusuf Mehdi, Vice President for Microsoft's Windows and Devices Group, recently revealed on Twitter that more than 75 million devices are now running Windows 10, and that the number keeps growing each day.

For those yet to join the 75 million, here are some tips and tricks to consider before and after installing Windows 10.

Before installing, make sure that important documents and files are backed up. This is to ensure that files are kept safe, just in case anything wrong happens during the Windows 10 installation.

Also during installation, choose the Custom option rather than the Express install option. Custom install keeps the computer and user's personal information private, which may become vulnerable during Express install.

Users should also turn off Wi-Fi sense. Wi-Fi sense allows other computer networks to access a device's Internet connection, and in turn, the computer's details. If users are in a public area, it is best to have this feature turned off.

After Windows 10 has been installed, make sure to take advantage of the OS' best features.

Start Menu

The return of the Start menu is one of the most anticipated features of the new Windows. The Start menu is fully customizable and integrated with the Live Tiles.

Users can choose to "pin" their most used programs and apps. The tiles can also be made smaller or larger just by right clicking and dragging the tile.

For PC users who want a more traditional Start menu, the feature can easily be uninstalled or hidden.

Cortana

Cortana is Windows 10's voice activated digital assistant. Cortana can become a powerful tool that can play music, create reminders, display information you need, find contacts and even find locations using the map.

Cortana simply needs to be activated after the Windows 10 install. If the device has a microphone, Cortana will be activated just by saying "Hey Cortana." Alternately, pressing the Windows Key Control Key letter C will also activate Cortana.

Virtual Desktops

Virtual desktops allow users to segregate all the open windows and applications to different and discrete areas. Users will be able to view their documents easily.

Pressing the Windows Key Control Key letter D creates a new virtual desktop. Meanwhile, pressing the Windows Control Key F4 Key closes the virtual desktop.

The Alt Tab buttons also jump between open apps across different desktops.

Another feature to look forward to is Windows 10's new Mail application. It is now very fast, with numerous new features and countless customization options.

Windows 10 also replaces the Internet Explorer with the new Edge Browser. Edge is also a speedy browser that has added capabilities including annotation, reading view and extensions.

A Battery Saver option has also been included. The Battery Saver option allows the computer to slow down background processes when the device is running low on battery.

Windows 10 comes with many more features that users can explore and customize on their own. Microsoft has successfully released an impressive new operating system and it seems that Microsoft is well on their way in achieving their goal of one billion downloads.

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