Tip of the Week: Here Are 3 Lesser Known Windows Tricks to Try Out

May 1, 2023

Technology is remarkably useful for plenty of business-related tasks, but even the most knowledgeable user isn’t going to know all of the features available to them. This is why we like to cover even small, basic tips that people can use to get just a little more value out of their technology. Here are three ways you can get more out of your Windows operating system.

Use Built-In Dictation

We recommend that you try out the dictation systems built into the newer versions of the Windows operating system. You can type Windows key + H to open it up. You’ll see the dictation toolbar appear on the screen, and you can then use your voice to fill out any of the text fields in any window.

Try Out Multiple Desktops

Microsoft has rolled out multiple desktop features for the past couple versions of Windows, but have you tried using it yet? You can separate projects completely from one-another and seamlessly transition between the two as needed. Sounds pretty neat, right?

To turn this feature on, you just have to right-click the taskbar and select Taskbar Settings. From here, you can toggle on the Task view option. This creates a Task view icon to the right of the Start icon on the taskbar. When you push it, you’ll create a brand new desktop environment that you can use to separate projects and keep your tasks organized.

Enable Focus Assist

Distractions are everywhere, so any tool you use that can help make them less intrusive is welcome. You can help control how much you’re affected by notifications and other distractions through the use of the Focus Assist feature. To activate it, all you have to do is go to Settings > System > Focus Assist.

You can configure the software to turn on during specific hours of the day, allowing you to control how intrusive notifications are. For example, you might turn off notifications for various applications that don’t need to be turned on during the workday so you can focus on what matters most.

If you want to make the most of your Windows operating system, we recommend keeping your eyes on our blog. We cover all kinds of great tips and tricks you can use to fully leverage your business technology. Of course, you can also get in touch with us at (571) 470-5594, too!

‍

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.

March 17, 2026

4 Ways Algorithmic Efficiency Will Change How You Work

The old ways of working aren't just outdated, they’re a liability. As we navigate the mid-2020s, the “hustle harder” mantra has been replaced by a more sophisticated approach: algorithmic efficiency. If you’re still manually wrestling with your inbox or playing calendar Tetris, you’re running legacy software on modern hardware. This month, we thought we’d give you four tips to maximize your efficiency.

March 16, 2026

We Aren’t Miracle Workers (But We’re Pretty Darn Close)

For a fun little exercise, imagine you’ve just signed up for our managed IT services. Everything’s well and good, but then, something goes wrong with your computer. What gives? Aren’t we supposed to prevent issues from occurring in the first place? It’s easy to get discouraged when freak situations like this occur, but it’s important to highlight what proactive IT solutions can do, and more importantly, what they can’t do.

Welcome to the First Column IT Tech Blog