Welcome to the First Column IT Tech Blog

HomeBlog
Three of the Easiest Game-Changing Windows Tips

Three of the Easiest Game-Changing Windows Tips

February 18, 2025

We’re always chatting about how cool technology can be—even though even the biggest tech fans might not know all the neat options out there. Even though Windows 10 is slowly stepping down as the most popular workstation, you might be surprised that more than 60% of work computers are still running it. That’s why this week, we’re diving into three awesome Windows 10 features (that also work on Windows 11) that can really make your life easier.

Focus Assist

With non-stop notifications popping up everywhere, it’s no wonder we get interrupted all the time. Windows’ Focus Assist helps you stay in the zone. Simply go to Settings > System > Focus Assist and set it to kick in at the times you choose. You can even customize it so that only the really important alerts come through—no more interruptions from that random Amazon ad for a tent.

Built-in Dictation

Not many people know about the built-in dictation tool in the latest Windows versions. Just hit Windows key + H to open the dictation toolbar, and you can start talking to fill in any text field.

Use Multiple Desktops

One really cool feature in recent Windows updates is the ability to use multiple desktops. This lets you separate your projects so you can switch between them without the clutter. To get started, right-click on the taskbar, go to Taskbar Settings, and toggle on the Task view option. That adds a Task view icon right next to the start button, and with a click, you can create a whole new desktop (complete with its own background) to keep your work organized.

Windows has been a key business tool for ages, and with Windows 10 and 11, Microsoft has packed these operating systems with plenty of cool features and resources. 

As we mentioned above, support for Windows 10 ends soon (on October 14, 2025) and businesses that haven’t made plans to upgrade need to consider their options immediately. If you would like some help poring through your options, give the IT professionals at First Column IT a call today at (571) 470-5594.

Previous Post
March 23, 2026
3 Steps to Using AI Responsibly
AI is undoubtedly a powerful tool, providing quick solutions for everything from summarizing lengthy meetings to imagining what our pets would look like as cartoon characters. However, this power comes at a significant environmental cost, with each interaction consuming massive amounts of energy. Understanding this impact is crucial for adopting more sustainable technology practices.
March 20, 2026
Give Your Business Technology the Concierge Experience
As a business scales, a break-fix mentality becomes a massive anchor. It may have worked when you first hung out your shingle, but you aren’t just managing laptops anymore; you’re managing cybersecurity threats, cloud migrations, and data compliance.
March 18, 2026
5 Unintuitive Security Hacks to Keep Your Data Safe
Are you unknowingly leaving important data out in plain sight? Too many businesses will implement incredibly powerful security solutions only to ignore the basics of physical security. It’s time to address the hidden vulnerabilities that patches and updates won’t solve by scrutinizing your physical infrastructure.

Have a project in mind?

Start with our free consultation. We will provide a detailed proposal and firm quote based on your specific IT support needs. All at a predictable monthly cost per seat.
Free Consultation - Sign Up Here