Computers are central to our daily lives, whether for work, gaming, or casual browsing. However, beyond the usual functions, there are some hidden tricks that can make your computer experience smoother, more efficient, or just plain fun. Here are 10 cool computer tricks that will impress your friends and maybe even make you a tech hero in your social circle!
Use the Command Prompt for Fun and Useful Tasks
The Command Prompt (CMD) in Windows is a powerful tool, and mastering some of its basic functions can amaze your friends. Here are a few cool tricks you can perform using CMD:
- Control Your Computer’s Shutdown or Restart: Type
shutdown -s -t 60into CMD, and your computer will shut down in 60 seconds. You can also abort it by typingshutdown -a. Perfect for pranking a friend, but make sure you’re ready to cancel it quickly! - Generate a Wi-Fi Hotspot: Turn your laptop into a Wi-Fi hotspot using the command:
netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=yournetworkname key=yourpassword. This is perfect for sharing internet access with friends without a router.
CMD also allows you to navigate the file system, run batch files, and even customize the color of the command window using color a for a green screen effect.
Master Keyboard Shortcuts for Ultimate Efficiency
Knowing a few keyboard shortcuts can not only boost your productivity but also make you look like a computer pro. Here are some shortcuts to wow your friends:
- Windows Key + D: Instantly shows or hides the desktop.
- Alt + Tab: Quickly switch between open applications.
- Ctrl + Shift + T: Reopens the last closed browser tab. Perfect for retrieving that accidental tab closure!
- Windows Key + L: Instantly lock your computer screen.
By mastering these shortcuts, you’ll have your computer running more smoothly and show your friends how efficiently you can work.
Hidden Windows Emojis
Most people are familiar with emojis on mobile devices, but did you know you can also use them on your PC? On Windows, you can bring up an emoji menu by pressing Windows Key + Period (.). This opens a window of emojis, kaomoji (Japanese emoticons), and symbols that you can use anywhere you type.
Next time you’re messaging friends on your computer, surprise them by using emojis like you would on your phone!
Use Task Manager as a Diagnostic Tool
Many people only use Task Manager to close frozen programs, but it can also be used for much more.
- Check System Performance: Under the ‘Performance’ tab, you can see real-time CPU, memory, disk, and network usage.
- Manage Startup Programs: Under the ‘Startup’ tab, you can disable unnecessary programs that slow down your boot time. Teach your friends how to optimize their computer startup speed by disabling programs they don’t need to launch at startup.
By showing off how to use Task Manager effectively, you’ll definitely impress your friends and help them troubleshoot their slow computers.
Create a Custom Shortcut to Lock Your Computer
Instead of manually locking your computer or waiting for the screen to go to sleep, why not impress your friends by creating a custom desktop shortcut? Here’s how:
- Right-click on the desktop and go to New > Shortcut.
- In the location field, type:
rundll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation. - Name the shortcut “Lock Computer” (or whatever you want).
Now, you can double-click the shortcut to instantly lock your computer! If you want to take it a step further, assign it a custom icon and change the look of your desktop.
Pin Your Most Used Programs to the Taskbar
Most people waste time searching through their Start Menu for frequently used programs. Show your friends how to pin their favorite programs directly to the Taskbar for easy access.
To do this:
- Open the program you want to pin.
- Right-click on the program icon on the Taskbar.
- Select Pin to Taskbar.
This simple trick speeds up productivity, and you can impress your friends by having a clean desktop with everything at your fingertips.
Virtual Desktops for a Cleaner Workspace
Windows 10 and 11 allow you to create multiple virtual desktops, which can help in organizing work or personal projects. To create a new virtual desktop:
- Press Windows Key + Tab.
- Click on New Desktop at the top of the screen.
Now, you can switch between desktops by pressing Windows Key + Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow. Use this to keep your work and personal tasks separate, and your friends will wonder how you stay so organized!
Record Your Screen without Additional Software
Most people use third-party software to record their screen, but did you know that Windows has a built-in screen recording feature? It’s part of the Xbox Game Bar and works for capturing games or anything else happening on your screen.
To activate it:
- Press Windows Key + G to bring up the Game Bar.
- Click the Record button to start capturing your screen.
This built-in feature is perfect for creating quick tutorials or sharing something cool you’re doing on your computer, all without downloading additional software.
Use Google Search Like a Pro
Being a master of Google search can make you the go-to person in your friend group for finding things online. Here are a few tricks:
- Search within a specific website: Use
site:website.com search termto search within a particular website. - Use quotation marks to search for an exact phrase: “best computer tricks”.
- Search for file types: Use
filetype:pdf your search termto find specific file formats.
With these Google tricks, you’ll never struggle to find exactly what you’re looking for, and you can impress your friends with your fast search skills.
Become a Master of Browser Extensions
Browser extensions can greatly enhance your browsing experience. Whether it’s for productivity, security, or just convenience, knowing the right extensions to use can impress your friends. Here are some recommendations:
- Adblock Plus: Blocks ads on websites and YouTube.
- Grammarly: Helps you write better by catching spelling and grammar mistakes.
- LastPass: Manages all your passwords in a secure way.
- Dark Reader: Converts websites to dark mode to reduce eye strain.
Show your friends how to use these tools, and they’ll wonder how they ever browsed the web without them.