Welcome to the First Column IT Tech Blog

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

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!

‍

Previous Post
December 10, 2025
Don't Sacrifice Your Holiday Productivity to a Slow Network!
It’s not exactly a secret that the holiday season is—speaking generally—a pretty busy time for businesses. This makes any slowness in your network particularly frustrating to deal with, and potentially alienating to your audience. So what can be done?
December 8, 2025
Should Efficiency Get In the Way of Due Process?
Technology is a double-edged sword: it supercharges business efficiency but also equips organizations like law enforcement with unprecedented power. Setting aside the immediate ethical debate, it is crucial to understand the sophisticated technologies certain agencies are leveraging in their operations; specifically, the advanced AI and data-mining platforms, such as those created by Palantir.
December 5, 2025
Is Your Backup Just an Expensive Paperweight?
Be honest: Do you have a real plan for the day your server goes dark? We're not talking about a little glitch—we mean a full, sudden stop due to a failed disk, a nasty strain of ransomware, or an accidental keyboard slip. For too many businesses, the "plan" is just that dusty external drive they plug in at closing time. This isn't a strategy; it's a prayer, and one that will go unheard when you need it most.

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