Almost a year ago, Microsoft released its latest operating system, Windows 10. Microsoft OS users have slowly been updating from 8.1 to 10 (yes, Microsoft skipped Windows 9, in case you were wondering). This update has been free for the past year, but they’re ending that offer in a week on July 29th—so update now if you haven’t already!

The last time Microsoft released a major OS update, users got a little frustrated. There were some really big changes in layout and design, which made it unfamiliar. To avoid that problem this time around, Microsoft kept all the familiar features out in the open, and some of the new changes a little more hidden so users wouldn’t get lost maneuvering the new OS.

There’s plenty of features in Windows 10 that a lot of users still don’t know about. In this article, we’ll share five of them (which are actually quite easy to access and change) so you can use Windows 10 like a pro.

1) GodMode

Become an omnipotent deity of your computer by enabling what’s called GodMode. This tool creates a special menu that compiles a ton of settings all in one place—such as device management, administrative tools, internet options and more. Sometime it can be frustrating having to navigate back and forth in Control Panel to find and make changes, but GodMode eliminates that. To enable it, create a new folder and rename it GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}. The folder icon will automatically change. After clicking it, you will be greeted with an advanced control panel.

2) Virtual Desktop (Task View)

If you tend to have a lot of programs open at once, the Virtual Desktop feature is for you. In your toolbar, click the “Task View” icon, which is immediately to the right of the Search box. Or press Windows Key + Tab as a keyboard shortcut. You can view your virtual desktops on the bottom of the screen, and can drag programs or open windows to another virtual desktop. This feature is great to put, for example, all your internet and research programs in one desktop, and messaging apps on another.

3) Scroll Inactive Windows

This is such a simple feature, but it makes a huge difference. Suppose you have Microsoft Word open and are typing a document. In the background, you also have a webpage open in a browser window. When you move your mouse over to the browser and try to scroll with the mouse wheel, the webpage won’t scroll because that window isn’t “active.” By enabling Scroll Inactive Windows, you can hover your mouse over the page and scroll without needing to activate the window first. To turn on this feature, go to Settings > Devices > Mouse & touchpad, then turn on “scroll inactive windows when I hover over them.”

4) Play Xbox One Games On Your Windows 10 PC

If you have an Xbox One, you can stream games from the console to your Windows 10 device. To start, enable the feature on your Xbox One by going to Settings > Preferences > Allow game streaming to other devices. Then, launch the Xbox app on your computer and click “Connect” on the left pane. Select your console from the list and click “Connect.” Attach your Xbox One controller to your computer via the USB port then click “Stream.” Now you can play your Xbox games anywhere in the house without needing to move your console.

5) Keyboard Shortcuts

With new features, there’s new shortcuts. Save time and increase productivity by incorporating some of these useful new (and old) shortcuts to your daily workflow.

  • Windows Key + Tab = activates Task View
  • Windows Key + Shift + Left or Right = move windows from one monitor to another
  • Windows Key + Ctrl + Left or Right = switches to different virtual desktops
  • Windows Key + Left, Right, Up or Down = snaps active window to sides/quadrants of the screen, or minimizes/maximizes a window
  • Windows Key + A = activates Action Center
  • Windows Key + C = activates Cortana with speech
  • Windows Key + L = locks your computer
  • Windows Key + S = activates Cortana

At ThrottleNet, we’re all about making technology easier to use so you can increase productivity and eliminate frustrations. We hope this article can help do those for you if you’re a Windows 10 user. If you have other hidden Windows 10 features that you think are useful, share in the comments below!