Hidden features to try now on your Windows PC or Mac
I’m often asked if the latest Mac or Windows update is ready for prime time. Unfortunately, most of us have dealt with enough buggy software that we’re hesitant to hit “install” on a significant upgrade.
If you haven’t jumped up to macOS Monterey or Windows 11, I can safely say it’s time. Before you update, take one important step and make sure you have enough space for it. Tap or click here to see how much storage is available on your computer.
Updates don’t just bring new features. They protect your machine from known exploits and security issues, too. Tap or click here for five more smart ways to get your digital life in order.
Once your machine is updated, let’s jump into a few new tricks to try out.
Windows: Realign the Start button back to the left
With Windows 11, the Start button is centered in the taskbar, which may throw you off if you’ve been using Windows for years. Moving it back to the left is easy:
- Press the Windows Key + I to open the Settings app.
- Choose Personalization and Taskbar.
- Select Taskbar behaviors, then click Left under Taskbar alignment.
Mac: Copy and paste text from a photo
This feature is seriously cool. Say there’s an image with an email address. You can add it to your contacts list, send out an email, or even start a FaceTime call. This trick also works for website addresses within images. You can open a link on your browser or use Quick Look to see the site’s information.
To try it out, open an image with text in the Preview app on your Mac.
- Hover your pointer over the text. Then, drag to select it. From here, you can copy, translate, look up the meaning, search the web, or share the text.
Windows: Customize quick settings
Tech tip: How to see multiple windows on the same computer screen
Whether you’re working at home or at the office, there’s always a way to increase productivity. From limiting distractions to organizing your files, there is no definitive list on how to get more done in less time.
A second monitor can have a large effect on productivity. Not everyone has the space for this, but a vertically-oriented monitor can solve that issue. Not only that, but a vertical monitor is ideal for scrolling through websites and text. Tap or click here for tips on setting up a second monitor for vertical orientation.
Windows 11: 5 best tips, tricks and features to try now
Windows 11 is out and like any updated operating system, it packs some new features and capabilities. It also sports a new look, and like Windows 10, it’s free to upgrade to Windows 11.
Windows 11 launched for newer eligible PCs first. Others may have to wait to get it sometime between now and mid-2022. If you have a Windows 10 PC, you’ll get a notification of when you can upgrade. Want to skip the line? Tap or click here for instructions on how to get Microsoft’s newest OS right now.
Windows 11 is here - How to upgrade and features you have to try
The next iteration of Microsoft’s Windows operating system is finally here. Tap or click here for the best Windows 11 features. The download is made available for free and packs a host of new features.
The beta version has been available to Windows Insiders for some time, and reviews seem positive (so far). At first glance, it looks like Microsoft took all the best elements from macOS and Linux, swirled them around a bit and slapped a Windows logo on it.