Windows is packed with tools and features that can save you time and boost your productivity. In this post, I’ll reveal five amazing Windows features that you probably didn’t know about—but definitely should be using! From the upgraded Snipping Tool to the AI-enhanced Notepad and Microsoft Paint, these features can simplify your work and enhance your creativity. Let’s dive in!
Table of contents
Snipping Tool – OCR & Screen Recording
The Snipping Tool is a familiar name to many, but its recent upgrades have made it a powerful ally in your productivity arsenal. If you’ve ever tried to copy text from an image, you know the struggle. Here’s how to use the Snipping Tool effectively:
Start by searching for the Snipping Tool in the taskbar. Once it’s open, you’ll see a handy shortcut key to launch it directly into screenshot mode. Click on “New” and highlight the area of the screen you want to capture. After capturing, you can use the Text Actions feature to recognize text within your screenshot using Optical Character Recognition (OCR).
With OCR, you can highlight any text in the image and copy it to your clipboard for pasting elsewhere. It’s a game changer for anyone dealing with images containing text!
To make accessing the Snipping Tool even easier, you can set the Print Screen key to open it. In the settings, you can enable this option, allowing you to launch the Snipping Tool with just one key instead of the usual three key combination.
Additionally, you can also record your screen. By pressing Windows + Shift + R, you enter Screen Recording mode. This allows you to capture not just images but video of your screen, complete with audio options. Click on Start to begin recording, and click Stop when you’re done. It’s that simple!
Notepad – AI Writing & Auto-Save
Notepad has been a staple of Windows since 1985, but it’s undergone some exciting changes. If you open Notepad now, you’ll find it supports dark mode, making it easier on the eyes during late-night sessions. You can quickly type text, and with a simple Control + mouse wheel gesture, you can zoom in and out.
One of the standout features of the new Notepad is its auto-save capability. If you close Notepad and reopen it, you’ll find your text is automatically saved. This is a welcome addition for anyone who’s ever lost work due to a forgotten save.
But that’s not all! Notepad has jumped onto the AI bandwagon. With the “Rewrite” feature, you can change the tone or length of your text with just a click. You can even adjust the format, making it a versatile tool for writers and professionals alike.
Microsoft Paint – AI Image Creator & Layers
Microsoft Paint has also evolved, embracing AI functionality. You’ll find two new features in the top right corner of the app: the image creator and the co-creator. The co-creator allows you to describe an image you want to create, such as “an island with a palm tree.” As you draw, AI enhances your work, making it easier to create stunning visuals.
With the image creator, simply describe the image you envision, and it generates an AI image using DALL-E 3 technology in the background. It’s a fantastic way to unleash your creativity without needing advanced skills.
Additionally, Paint now supports layers! By dragging a photo into Paint, you can remove the background with a single click. You can also add layers, allowing for more complex designs and manipulations. This makes Paint not just a drawing tool but a powerful image editing software.
Clipboard History – Copy and Paste Smarter
Clipboard History is a feature that many users overlook, but it can significantly streamline your workflow. When you copy multiple items, instead of just the last one, you can access everything you’ve copied by pressing Windows + V. This opens your clipboard history, showing you all the items you’ve copied recently.
For example, if you’re working in a Word document and want to paste several items into a PowerPoint presentation, simply press Windows + V to access your clipboard history. You can select any item from the list to paste it directly into your document. This feature makes it easy to manage multiple copies without losing track of what you’ve saved.
Microsoft Edge – Edit PDFs Easily
Did you know that Microsoft Edge comes with built-in PDF editing capabilities? This feature is incredibly handy for anyone who works with PDF documents regularly. When you open a PDF file in Edge, you’ll find various annotation tools at your disposal.
You can highlight text, draw on the document, and even add text boxes for filling out forms. This is particularly useful for situations where you need to complete a PDF form that doesn’t allow typing directly. Once you’ve made your edits, simply click Save to keep all your annotations.
Bonus Tip – Speed Up PC Startup
If your computer feels sluggish during startup, it might be due to too many apps launching at boot. To manage your startup apps, type “Startup Apps” in the taskbar search field. Here, you can see all the applications that start when you boot your computer.
Next to each app, you’ll see its impact on startup speed. You can easily toggle off any apps you don’t need running at startup, which will help speed up your boot time. By managing these settings, you can ensure your PC starts quickly and efficiently.
Wrapping Up
Hopefully, you’ve learned about some new Windows features that can enhance your productivity and creativity. From the upgraded Snipping Tool to the AI-enhanced Notepad and Microsoft Paint, these tools are designed to make your workflow smoother and more efficient.
