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Writer's pictureZoe Davis

November 11/14 Tech Tips

Find out what you must know about Windows and how to make yourself more efficient.


Windows Updates

The first rule of troubleshooting any and all computer problems is shutting down and restarting your computer. The reason this works is a lot of the time you have updates that need to be installed. Microsoft releases regular updates to keep systems running smoothly such as: adding new features, fixing bad code, and closing new exploits to protect user security. You might need to upgrade your computer if it's:

  • Glitching

  • Slow or frequently crashing

  • Unable to run the latest software or operating systems

  • Running out of storage space

  • Has outdated hardware that can't be updated

  • Has poor battery life

  • Overheating or making loud noises

  • Has security vulnerabilities

  • Unable to connect new devices or accessories 

You should update your Windows computer as soon as updates are released to protect against vulnerabilities.

You can check for updates by:

  1. Opening Settings

  2. Selecting Update & Security

  3. Selecting Windows Update

  4. Clicking Check for updates 

If updates are available, you'll see an option to download and install them. 


Windows Copilot

Another feature Windows 11 has is Microsoft Copilot. Microsoft Copilot is an AI-powered tool that can help users complete tasks more efficiently and improve their productivity. Here are some of the features of Microsoft Copilot:

  • Document assistance: Copilot can analyze documents and provide real-time suggestions to improve grammar, readability, and content quality.

  • Summarization: Copilot can summarize long email threads, key discussion points from meetings, and other data.

  • Text generation: Copilot can generate new text and images within existing files, which helps you draft and compose text quickly, saving you time and effort.

  • Content formatting: Organizing and presenting text and information in a visually appealing and clear manner including: headings and subheadings, bolded words, tables, and bulleted lists.

  • Feedback: Copilot can provide feedback on existing content. This can mean grammar and writing structure but also gathering more research on a topic.

  • Task automation: Copilot can automate repetitive tasks. Managing your calendar, summarizing meeting notes, and data entry are all tasks Copilot is capable of.

  • Windows actions: Copilot can perform Windows actions like turning on dark mode, opening Windows Settings, and launching File Explorer.


Snap Layouts

Staying organized can be a tricky thing, especially when you are toggling back and forth between different tabs and windows. Windows helps to rectify this issue by using Snap Layouts. They allow you to organize multiple open windows efficiently on your screen, making it easier to work on multiple tasks simultaneously without switching between windows constantly. It also helps to improve productivity by snapping windows into organized layouts. You can quickly access and reference different documents, web pages, or applications side-by-side, which boosts productivity.


Multiple Desktops

Creating and managing multiple desktops in Windows 11 is quite simple and can help you stay organized by separating different tasks or projects such as keeping different types of work on separate desktops. For example, one desktop for work-related tasks, another for personal projects, and a third for entertainment. It is also helpful because by spreading out your open applications and files across several desktops, you can avoid the clutter of having too many windows on a single screen. This makes it easier to find what you need. In conjunction with avoiding clutter and making it easier to find what you need, you can easily switch between different sets of tasks or projects without having to close and reopen applications which saves time and generates higher efficiency.


Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Open Task View: Click the Task View button on your taskbar (it looks like two overlapping rectangles) or press the Windows key + Tab.

  2. Create a New Desktop: At the top of the Task View screen, click the New Desktop button or use the keyboard shortcut Windows key + Ctrl + D.

  3. Switch Between Desktops: You can switch between your desktops by clicking on them in Task View or using the keyboard shortcuts Windows key + Ctrl + Right Arrow to move to the right, and Windows key + Ctrl + Left Arrow to move to the left.

  4. Customize Desktops: Right-click on a desktop in Task View to rename it or change its background.


I hope you have found these tech tips helpful! Please feel free to share these tips out or contact us with questions or comments.


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