4 Essential Windows Features to Boost Productivity

When setting up a new Windows installation, users often overlook some hidden gems that can significantly improve their productivity and user experience. As someone who values simplicity and efficiency, I’ve identified four crucial features to enable immediately after setup. These settings are designed to streamline your workflow, enhance clarity, and prevent frustration.

First, toggle on Clipboard History in Settings > System > Clipboard. This simple switch enables the clipboard to remember copied text across apps, making it a game-changer for multitasking and reducing errors. You can also sync your clipboard history across multiple Windows machines for added convenience.

Next, turn on Snap Layouts by hovering over the maximize button or pressing Win + Z. Snap Layouts provide clean and predictable workspace layouts that help you stay organized and focused. With presets for two apps side by side, three in columns, or four in a grid, you can effortlessly structure your workspace and reduce time wasted on resizing.

Enabling File Extensions also brings significant clarity to your file management experience. By showing file extensions under View > Show > File name extensions in File Explorer, you can quickly identify file types, spot suspicious files, and avoid guesswork. This simple tweak makes a big difference in your daily workflow.

Lastly, turn on Storage Sense to automate storage cleanup and prevent “storage creep.” This feature removes temporary files, clears out the Recycle Bin, and optionally cleans up older files in the Downloads folder. By enabling Storage Sense, you can maintain a tidy system with minimal effort.

By incorporating these four essential features into your Windows setup, you’ll experience a more streamlined, efficient, and user-friendly environment. Whether you’re a power user or just looking to optimize your workflow, these simple tweaks will have a significant impact on your productivity and overall satisfaction with the operating system.

Source: https://www.howtogeek.com/powerful-windows-features-most-people-never-turn-on