Windows 10 is the most notable and most recent operating system developed by Microsoft. It is the successor to Windows 8.1, released nearly two years earlier, and was released to the general public in 2015. Windows 10 received mostly positive reviews upon its original release.
Since then, Windows 10 has become a household staple among Microsoft users, offering frequent updates at least twice a year to keep it fresh and relevant with the latest technologies and features.
Windows 10 is the most popular version of Windows across the globe, with an estimated 73% of traditional PCs running it. Chances are if you own a Microsoft computer or laptop, it operates with Windows 10.
Today, you can do a lot more than just record screen on Windows 10. That’s just the tip of the iceberg. In today’s blog, we’re going over some of the most useful and exciting features currently offered by Windows 10 that you may not be aware of.
1. Game Bar
Hey, gamers — Windows 10 has a special treat for you. The latest Game Bar can be summoned by pressed the Windows key + G while in the game. The interface will pop up around your window as an overlay.
Some of its capabilities include:
- Screenshots
- Screenplay video clips
- Performance widget
- Audio widget with system performance controls
- Discord-like interface for XBOX Live friends
- Photo gallery
- Spotify integration
There’s even a dedicated Gamer menu section in the settings that allow you to modify the Game Bar to your liking.
2. Windows Timeline
Not sure where you left off in your work? Timeline easily lets you pick up where you left off. Simply click the Task View button in the taskbar or pressing the Windows Key + Tab summons a display of your recent activity in supported apps, stretching out over the past just like a timeline would.
You can even group related apps together into the “Activities” timeline so that when you open one it also opens other applications you were using with it. Some apps that currently work with Windows Timeline include:
- Office
- Creative Cloud
- News
- Maps
- Microsoft Office
3. Phone App
Now, Mac users aren’t the only ones who are able to use their phones from their computers. Windows 10 allows you to now integrate your Android with Windows via the Your Phone app. This allows you to view photos shot with your phone, view and send text messages, and receive notifications straight from your desktop. You can also keep track of your phone’s battery life, view and interact with the phone screen and apps, and even make calls.
4. Cloud Clipboard
What if you could copy and paste something from one computer to another? Now you can with Windows 10’s cloud clipboard. Go to Start > Settings > System > Clipboard and enable “Sync across devices” to begin copying data on one PC and sending it to another. You can even enable your clipboard history to save multiple items in your clipboard so you can use them later.
5. Windows Sandbox
If you’ve ever been unsure about downloading software from online, Windows 10 now offers a way for you to test out programs to make sure they are safe and useful before importing them into your computer.
Windows Sandbox creates a second virtualized copy of Windows within Windows where can run untrusted tasks, firewalled from your main computer. If something goes awry, you can get rid of your Sandbox and start over. If the program looks safe, you can transfer it out of quarantine and into your Windows 10 with a few clicks of a button.
6. Emoji and Kaomoji Keyboard
Looking to express yourself a little more when you type online? Windows 10 has you covered with an integrated virtual keyboard. On top of including all of the usual suspects on the emoji keyboard, Windows 10 also has Kaomojis if you want to spruce up your emoji game.
To access the keyboard, press the Windows key on your keyboard while inputting text.
7. Near Share
The Near Share feature is exactly what it sounds like. Windows 10 now makes sharing files and data easier than ever before. Open the Share feature and you’ll see PCs with Nearby Sharing enabled. Recipients receive a pop-up notification when they are sent something and click it to access the document.
It works like Apple’s Airdrop and is super useful for sharing quick files. Your computer just needs to have WiFi and Bluetooth working and you’re good to go. Now you don’t have to worry about emailing things to your neighbour — a lengthy and tedious process!