Windows 10 has handy tools tucked behind shortcuts and Settings, from clipboard history to window snapping. One important caveat: Microsoft ended Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025. The operating system still works, but Microsoft no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes. Microsoft recommends moving to Windows 11; these tips do not replace security updates. See Microsoft’s Windows transition guidance.
1. Keep recent copies handy with clipboard history
Clipboard history lets you retrieve recently copied text and images instead of replacing each copied item with the next one. Press Windows key + V. If prompted, select Turn on. Microsoft documents a history of up to 25 copied items.
Select an item in the clipboard panel to paste it. Pin items you want to keep: pinned items remain when ordinary history is cleared or the PC restarts. You can delete individual entries or clear the history. To sync selected clipboard content across devices, open Settings > System > Clipboard and enable the cross-device option; use the same Microsoft or work account on each device. See Microsoft’s clipboard instructions.
- Privacy: Copied sensitive information may remain visible in history until you remove it. Don’t use clipboard history as a password store.
- Sync: Enabling cross-device sync sends selected clipboard content between devices associated with your account. Leave it off if that is not what you want.
2. Arrange windows with Snap
Snap is a quick way to put windows beside one another—for example, a document next to a browser. Drag a window to a screen edge and release it when the Snap outline appears, or use keyboard window controls to position it. Depending on your settings and Windows build, Snap Assist may then suggest other open windows to fill the remaining space.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →#1 Best Overall
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
To adjust the behavior, open Settings > System > Multitasking and review the Snap options. The exact choices and arrangements can vary by Windows 10 build and display configuration. Microsoft’s Snap guide explains the feature.
3. Use shortcuts to reach common controls
These Windows shortcuts are useful starting points. App-specific shortcuts can differ, and some applications may not respond to every combination.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
| Shortcut | What it does |
|---|---|
| Windows key + Tab | Opens Task View, where you can see open windows and desktops. |
| Windows key + D | Shows the desktop or restores the windows you had open. |
| Windows key + I | Opens Settings. |
Microsoft’s keyboard tips and tricks list includes additional shortcuts, including controls for arranging windows.
4. Quiet notifications with Focus assist
Focus assist filters notifications so alerts are less likely to interrupt a task. In Windows 10, open Settings > System > Focus assist and choose a mode: Off to receive notifications normally, Priority only to allow notifications on your priority list, or Alarms only to allow alarms while suppressing other notifications.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
- 💻 Why Do You Need a Webcam Cover Slide? — Safeguard your privacy by covering your webcam with our reliable webcam cover when not in use. Don't let anyone secretly watch you. Stay protected!
- ✅ Thin & Stylish — Enhance your laptop's functionality and aesthetics with our 0.027" ultra-thin webcam covers. Seamlessly close your laptop while adding a touch of sophistication.
- ✅ Fits Most Devices — Compatible with laptops, phones, tablets, desktops! Keep your privacy intact on Ap/ple, Mac/Book, iPh/one, iP/ad, H/P, L/novo, De/ll, Ac/er, As/us, Sa/msung devices.
- ✅ 365 Days Protection — Our upgraded 3.0 adhesive ensures a strong hold that won't damage your equipment. Experience reliable, long-term privacy protection day in and day out.
Use the automatic rules on that page to choose conditions under which Focus assist turns on. The available rules and controls depend on the installed version. Microsoft’s Focus guidance includes material for newer Windows versions, so follow the Focus assist controls shown on your Windows 10 PC.
5. Connect a phone with Phone Link—after checking compatibility
Phone Link can bring selected phone features to a Windows PC, but what is available depends on the phone, Windows version, account, and setup. Microsoft lists Windows 10 with the October 2022 update or later and Android 10 or later among its general requirements for connecting an Android phone. Check the current Phone Link requirements and setup guidance before relying on a particular feature.
Rank #4
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
Phone Link compatibility does not mean every phone workflow is supported on Windows 10. For example, Microsoft’s separate content-transfer guidance distinguishes Windows 10 and Windows 11 requirements. Verify that the specific transfer feature you want works with your PC and phone.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.6. Understand what Timeline and activity history save
Timeline remains a Windows 10 experience for viewing local activity history, such as apps, files, and websites. Activity history settings let you manage or clear that local record. Microsoft says the option to send activity history to Microsoft was deprecated for Windows 10 22H2 in the January 23, 2024 update. See Microsoft’s Timeline help and its activity history and privacy explanation.
Best Value
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Local activity history, older data stored in the cloud, cross-device syncing, and your browser’s own history are separate things. Clearing one does not necessarily clear the others; check the relevant app or account settings for the data you want to remove.
7. Choose a backup that fits your files and access needs
Microsoft describes cloud backup as a convenient choice when you want access across devices, and an external hard drive or network drive as an option when internet access is unavailable or you need to back up many or large files. Compare the choices by internet dependence, data volume, portability, restoration convenience, and whether you maintain a separate copy away from the PC. See Microsoft’s Windows backup guidance.
Quick Recap
| Option | Useful when | Practical consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud backup | You want convenient access to backed-up content across devices. | Depends on internet access; check the service’s storage and restore options. |
| External hard drive | You have large or numerous files, or internet access is unavailable. | Requires separate physical storage; keep it disconnected or stored separately when appropriate so it remains a distinct copy. |
| Network drive | You want to back up to storage on your local network. | Access and restoration depend on that network and the drive being available. |
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
