Hidden features to try now on your Windows PC or Mac

I am usually requested if the most recent Mac or Home windows replace is prepared for prime time. Sadly, most of us have handled sufficient buggy software program that we’re hesitant to hit “set up” on a major improve. 

If you have not jumped as much as macOS Monterey or Home windows 11, I can now safely say it is time. Earlier than you replace, take the one vital step and be sure to have sufficient area for it. Faucet or click on right here to see how a lot storage is accessible in your laptop. 

Updates don’t simply deliver new options. They shield your machine from identified exploits and safety points, too. Faucet or click on right here for 5 extra good methods to get your digital life so as. 

As soon as your machine is up-to-date, let’s soar into a couple of new tips to check out. 

Man having video name on laptop computer laptop.
(iStock)

Home windows: Realign the Begin button again to the left 

With Home windows 11, the Begin button is centered within the taskbar, which can throw you off for those who’ve been utilizing Home windows for years. Transferring it again to the left is straightforward: 

• Press the Home windows Key + I to open the Settings app.
• Select Personalization and Taskbar.
• Choose Taskbar behaviors, then click on Left underneath Taskbar alignment.

Get a recent begin: Home windows PC not working accurately? Strive a clear set up. 

Mac: Copy and paste textual content from a photograph 

This characteristic is significantly cool. Say there’s a picture with an electronic mail handle. You may add it to your contacts record, ship out an electronic mail, and even begin a FaceTime name. This trick additionally works for web site addresses inside pictures. You may open a hyperlink in your browser or use Fast Look to see the location’s info. 

To strive it out, open a picture with textual content within the Preview app in your Mac. 

• Hover your pointer over the textual content. Then, drag to pick out it. From right here, you possibly can copy, translate, lookup the which means, search the online, or share the textual content.

SECURITY 101: 5 important Mac safety settings you need to allow now 

Home windows: Customise fast settings 

The notification heart in Home windows 11 comprises fast settings that give you quick access to your generally used settings and apps. You may add or take away fast settings to your liking: 

• Press Win + A to open fast settings.
• Choose the Edit fast settings icon.
• Choose the Add button so as to add a fast setting or press the pin icon on the short setting you need to take away.
• Verify your adjustments by hitting Achieved.

RELATED: 5 finest Home windows 11 utilities to get extra out of your PC 

Mac: Give attention to what issues 

Notifications can significantly mess along with your circulation when attempting to get issues executed. With Mac’s new Focus characteristic, you possibly can select which notifications are vital and which of them can wait until later. 

• To show it on, click on the Management Middle icon within the menu bar. It appears like two small parallel bars.
• Click on Focus and select Do Not Disturb for the timeframe you like.
• It’s also possible to customise your choices by clicking Focus Preferences. Right here you possibly can activate Focus mode routinely at sure instances and permit notifications from the apps and folks of your selecting.

Buzz, buzz: Fast tech repair to cease annoying notifications in your cellphone for good 

Home windows: Snap it into place 

Do you sometimes have a number of home windows open when you work? Snap layouts are a wonderful technique to maintain organized and improve productiveness. Transfer your open functions into totally different positions on the display screen till you discover a structure that works for you. 

To make use of a snap structure, hover your mouse over a window’s maximize button or press Win + Z, then select a snap structure. 

These aren’t the one shortcuts new to Home windows 11. Listed below are a couple of extra helpful choices: 

• Win + A opens Fast Settings
• Win + N opens the Notification Middle
• Win + Z opens the Widget panel
• Win + C opens Microsoft Groups

Lady makes use of laptop computer late at evening.

Mac: Check out Fast Notes 

In the event you use iPadOS 15, you’re in all probability acquainted with Fast Notes. It permits you to take notes it doesn’t matter what you’re doing. All it’s a must to do is deliver your cursor to your show display screen’s bottom-right nook. This pops up a field; click on on it to begin working. 

There, you possibly can write down an concept, insert a hyperlink or save a photograph. You may even add tags to make them simpler to seek out later.

All of your Fast Notes are saved in a delegated part inside the bigger Notes app, which you’ll entry throughout all of your Apple units. It’s also possible to add mentions and look over previous actions. 

The Notes app is extra highly effective than it will get the credit score. Faucet or click on for five helpful belongings you didn’t know Apple Notes can do. 

On this picture illustration Apple merchandise seen on a cell phone display screen. (Picture Illustration by Pavlo Gonchar/SOPA Photos/LightRocket through Getty Photos)

Home windows: Straightforward technique to launch voice typing 

With voice typing, you possibly can enter textual content in your PC by talking. That is such a timesaver in case you have ideas that it’s worthwhile to get onto a web page. 

• Press the Home windows key + H in your keyboard to begin voice typing.
• Say “cease listening” or press the microphone button on the voice typing menu to cease voice typing.

Bonus Tip: Darkish Internet 101: What’s there and why the federal government cannot shut it down 

Wade by way of the waters of the Darkish Internet, and you will find medication, assassins, and all kinds of disturbing imagery. But it surely’s additionally a haven for privateness advocates. On this episode, I communicate with ASU professor Victor Benjamin, who reveals simply why it is so onerous to control — and why people of all backgrounds cannot cease coming again. 

Take a look at my podcast “Kim Komando Explains” on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast participant. 

Take heed to the podcast right here or wherever you get your podcasts. Simply seek for my final identify, “Komando.” 

What digital life-style questions do you may have? Name Kim’s nationwide radio present and faucet or click on right here to seek out it in your native radio station. You may take heed to or watch The Kim Komando Present in your cellphone, pill, tv, or laptop. Or faucet or click on right here for Kim’s free podcasts. 

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Study all the most recent expertise on The Kim Komando Present, the nation’s largest weekend radio speak present. Kim takes calls and dispenses recommendation on as we speak’s digital life-style, from smartphones and tablets to on-line privateness and information hacks. For her day by day suggestions, free newsletters, and extra, go to her web site at Komando.com.