Because Windows is packed with so many features, which have been honed over years of development, you could be forgiven for thinking Microsoft must have now covered every base and satisfied every need. The reality is different, however. Windows 10 may include anti-virus as standard, for example, but it’s pretty basic and outclassed by third-party tools. Other core features such as a DVD movie player have been dropped, while other apps like Word and Excel, aren’t included with Windows.
Thankfully, there are many free options just as good as paid-for programs. Extra programs are a tempting way to improve Windows, but there are also plenty of improvements you can make to the core Windows tools. So, as well as sharing the best free software, we’ll also show you how to fine-tune the tools Windows already has. From calibrating your display settings to produce more accurate colours on your monitor to reducing unnecessary visual effects to speed up performance, there’ll be something here for you.
So stop putting up with a disorderly desktop and struggling to find errant files. Here’s our guide to some of the best apps around to help you get the best experience, many of which work in all versions of Windows, not just Windows 10.
Internet and security
Try a newweb browser
If Edge or Internet Explorer don’t particularly take your fancy, chances are you’re trying one of its main rivals: Google Chrome (www.google.com/chrome) is currently themost used browser on the market while Firefox (www.mozilla.org/firefox) is also popular. Another alternative worth considering is Opera (www.opera.com). Its Opera Turbo feature will appeal to those with slow or capped internet connections, compressing web pages before they’re delivered to your PC, for example. But if you’re frustrated by today’s web browsers in their rush to simplify things and reduce user choice, give Vivaldi (vivaldi.com) a go. It’s packed with customisable features, allowing you to tailor it to exactly the way youwant it.
Ensure virus immunity
Windows 10 and 8 before it comes with basic anti-malware protection in the form of Windows Defender. It’s a rebadged version of Microsoft Security Essentials, which is okay for protecting your PC out of the box, but it’s best replaced by Panda Free Antivirus 2016, which has a better malware detection rate and additional features. Download Panda from www.pandasecurity.com scroll to the bottom of the page and select ‘Free Antivirus 2016’ under ‘Home Users Solutions’. Untick the boxes to change search engine and home page during installation, and choose ‘Basic Protection to get it. Thankfully there’s no other software bundled with it another reason choose Panda over other free anti-virus tools that may carry unwanted payloads.
Set up a firewall
Windows comes with its own firewall to help protect you from cyber intruders, and the likelihood is your router also comes with a built-in hardware firewall for additional protection. The problem with the Windows Firewall is it’s not (by default) set up to block outgoing connections, so while it protects against attacks originated on the internet, it won’t block malware from “phoning home” to wreak more havoc. Again, there are plenty of free, thirdparty firewalls that close this gap, but the same warning applies as with free anti-virus software – many now attempt to install extra programs and make changes to your browser settings. One that doesn’t is Windows 10 Firewall Control (www.sphinx-soft.com/Vista), which adds extra functionality to the
existing Windows Firewall (and works with earlier versions of Windows too). Advanced users may like to try Privatefirewall (www.privacyware.com) instead, but be warned it has a steep learning curve.
Protect your computer from malicious software
A powerful firewall and up-to-date antivirus package are definitely the two cornerstones of a well-protected PC, but your antivirus tool isn’t infallible, so gain a second opinion as well as the ability to remove browser hijackers and other PUPs (potentially unwanted programs) by downloading and installing the free version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (www.malwarebytes.org). It’s designed to sit alongside your antivirus tool, but the free version offers no real-time protection, so remind yourself to use it to scan for possible threats at least once a month. It’ll let you review its findings, and all suspicious items are quarantined, so you can restore them if it wrongly flags any entries.
Encrypt important files
What if your laptop and the personal documents it contains were to fall prey to a light-fingered lout? A Windows password may give some intruders the slip, but it’s easily foiled. Microsoft’s answer is BitLocker a brilliant tool that encrypts all the data on your hard drive. Unfortunately it’s only included with the most expensive versions of Windows 7 and 8, but there are alternatives. VeraCrypt (https://veracrypt.codeplex.com) is an open-source app based on the renowned TrueCrypt application that can protect internal or external hard disks, and even USB flash drives. It’s not the easiest software to use though, so take some time to read through the documentation on the main page, and take a full system backup before you begin just in case.
Install specialist email software
Third-party mail clients not only speed up your communication, but give you plenty of other time-saving features too. Mozilla’s Thunderbird (www.mozilla.org/en-GB/thunderbird) supports a wide range of email accounts (including Microsoft, Gmail and Yahoo!) and boasts all the functionality you could need. Alternatively, eM Client (www.emclient.com) provides you with an Outlook-style user interface and built-in support for calendars and contacts. And if you’re juggling accounts, take a look at Mailbird Lite (www.getmailbird.com) with its super-minimalist interface.
Take remote control of your PC
Wouldn’t it be great if you could access your PC remotely from anywhere with an internet connection? That’s exactly what TeamViewer (www.teamviewer.com) can do, letting you browse your computer from another Windows PC, Mac or mobile device. You don’t even need to leave your PC powered up all day either, as most can be woken remotely from sleep mode. With a fast internet connection, this nifty app will have you zipping around your files as if you were at your desk.
Share files quickly and easily What do you do if you want to send a big batch of holiday photos or even a video to a friend? Free image-sharing websites often impose strict upload restrictions, and most videos will be too large to send as email attachments. Uploading to the cloud is the answer. In this sense, the ‘cloud’ is basically a term that refers to internet-based storage, and Microsoft’s OneDrive (onedrive.com) is one of the most convenient providers. The client’s built into Windows 10, while those using Windows 8 or earlier can download it from https://onedrive.live.com/about/en-gb/download/. You get 5GB of free storage, which is
more than enough to share a large number of videos or full-resolution photos and you can always upgrade for more storage (you also get 1TB storage with an Office 365 subscription). Just log in with your Microsoft username and password at onedrive.com, and you’re ready to go.
Make free phone calls with your PC, Skype and a microphone
Skype is an excellent free app that lets you chat with other Skype users for free via your internet connection, saving you money on your phone bill. Skype is now owned by Microsoft, but it’s not included with Windows, so you’ll need to download it from www.skype.com. Then it’s just a matter of setting up a Skype account so you can connect to friends and family who use Skype too. You will, of course, need a PC microphone to be heard, plus an optional webcam if you’d like to be seen too.
Back up your files, programs and Windows
Backing up your files is the best way to protect them from viruses, as well as hard-drive failure. Windows 10 comes with File History for file-based back-ups switch it on by pressing [Win]+[Q], typing File History and clicking ‘File History’. If you’d like to take an exact imagebased backup of your PC, you’ll find the ‘System Image Backup’ option available here too, but a more flexible tool for taking complete backups is Macrium Reflect Free (www.macrium.com/reflectfree.aspx). It’s very easy to use, and not only allows you to back up and restore your entire drive, you can even browse drive images to recover individual files and folders too.
Entertainment and media
Consider your codecs
Ever found thatWindows throws a wobbly when asked to play a downloaded video? Chances are Windows Media Player isn’t to blame the issue is more likely to be down to missing codecs. These files tell Windows how to decode the compression methods used to reduce the size of files. Thankfully, Windows can be upgraded with a huge range of codecs that will ensure slick playback of even the most modern or obscure video file formats. Just download and install the Combined Community Codec Pack from www.cccp-project.net.
Windows Media Player alternatives
Once you’ve installed codecs, you’d think Windows Media Player would be up for anything, but even with these upgrades, it’s still not immune to issues. It can no longer play DVD movies, for example. Supplementing it with other video players such as Media Player Classic (www.mpc-hc.org) or VLC (www.videolan.org/vlc) is a wise move. Both players will handle pretty much any video file format, including DVDs and, in the case of VLC Media Player, some Blu-ray discs too, but it’s their extra features that really give them the edge over Windows Media Player. Extensive subtitle, video aspect ratio and frame rate options are all useful tools, as is VLC’s ability to alter audio synchronisation so you don’t have to put up with inaccurate lip-syncing.
Grow your thumbnails
Now you can play pretty much any video file, but you might find Windows Explorer runs into problems when you’re browsing through your video collection. It will only generate previews for certain file types, and will turn its virtual nose up at more recent video file formats, such as the new MKV standard. You can broaden Windows’ thumbnail generating horizons using Icaros (www.videohelp.com/tools/Icaros). Simply install the software, open it and select the video formats that you’d like to generate thumbnails. Once that’s done, click the large ‘Activate Icaros’ button and hey presto, extra video thumbnails in Windows Explorer!
Edit your photos for free
Windows’ built-in image-editing tool, Paint, gains small improvements with every release, but even in Windows 8 it’s still not really fit for purpose, particularly when it comes to editing your photos. Thankfully, you’re spoiled for choice as there’s a host of free tools on offer. One of our favourites is Paint.NET (www.getpaint.net), which includes a host of powerful image-editing tools, while its support for plug-ins allows you to add extra tools such as a Shadows and Highlights recovery tool (see http://bit.ly/200WNl8) or the BoltBait Plugins Pack (www.boltbait.com/pdn/).
View photos in style
Windows 10 ships with a new Photos app that attempts to organise and display your photos for you, but if we’re honest it’s still a long way short of third-party photo management tools. The obvious alternative is Google Picasa, but many users have reported issues running it in Windows 10. Instead, you might want to take a look at XnView MP (www.xnview.com/en/xnviewmp/). Its file browser makes it particularly easy to customise your viewing preferences and organise photos and videos, plus you can integrate it with Paint.NET. There are nifty batch convert and rename tools too.
Mobile media
Smartphones and tablets make it easy to watch videos on the go, but many devices will only play a handful of the dozens of video formats out there. Fortunately, HandBrake (http://handbrake.fr) will re-encode most types of video file into a mobile-friendly format, though slower computers could need an hour or two to process a feature film. If you’re planning to watch videos on the move, you should choose the MP4 video format to ensure compatibility with Apple and Android hardware. While you’re at it, you could also shrink the video frame size of HD footage so it takes up less storage space on your device.
Music to your ears
Playing music on your computer is usually no trouble thanks to Windows Media Player, and it’ll even help you organise a fairly sizable album collection. However, if your digital jukebox is rather unwieldy, it can start
to struggle. A popular alternative is Apple’s iTunes (www.apple.com/itunes), which is mandatory if you own Apple hardware, but it’s lost its way of lateand can be quite buggy. Other free music players to look at include MediaMonkey (www.mediamonkey.com), as well as Kodi (http://kodi.tv), which can handle your music library too. See below for more details.
Take screenshots easily
When it comes to capturing screenshots of your PC desktop, Windows 10 allows you to hold [Win]+[PrtScr] to save a grab directly into your Pictures\Screenshots folder. The Snipping Tool offers a few more options, but it’s a faff to use. Evernote users should take a look at Skitch (www.evernote.com/skitch), which
dovetails perfectly with the note-taking app and functions as a serviceable screen capture tool in its own right. If you want more flexibility with your screen captures such as being able to grab specific windows or parts of the screen, save images to a specific folder or edit your image after capturing it then PicPick (www.nteworks.com/picpick/).
Record, organise and share notes
Got a great idea? Forgotten it 24 hours later? Install OneNote (www.onenote.com) and you’ll never have to worry about your faulty memory again. This brilliant note-taking tool stores all your notes securely in the cloud, so you can access them on the go from your mobile or any internet-connected computer’s web browser. Notes can consist of text, images and other file attachments, and can be tagged and organised into folders and notebooks for easy retrieval. Install the web clipper plug-in on your browser to capture useful web pages, and even share your notes with friends, family and colleagues too.
Get productive with improved office apps
Okay, office software isn’t everyone’s idea of entertainment, but getting a free alternative to Microsoft’s Office package should put a smile on your face. Windows only comes with the WordPad app as standard, which isn’t much good if you’re used to more comprehensive wordprocessing software. If you’re a fan of the newer ribbonbased interface, then Kingsoft Office Free (www.ksosoft.com/product/office-free.html) gives you powerful, free alternatives to Word, Excel and PowerPoint. If you need additional tools including a database and drawing tool and prefer the old menu-based interface of Office 2003 and earlier, then check out LibreOffice (www.libreoffice.org) instead.
Disc-o inferno
Writable CDs and DVDs just can’t match the convenience of a USB flash drive when it comes to carrying your files and folders around, but there are times when you may want to burn something like an audio CD, or even a replacement Windows installation DVD. However Windows’ own disc-burning tools are rudimentary at best. Next time you need to make a disc, give ImgBurn a go (www.imgburn.com). It’s a free, uncluttered tool that makes light work of burning all kinds of disc content. Check out the ImgBurn forums for detailed guides explaining how to get the best out of it.
Watch your TV on your PC
Once upon a time, Windows Media Center provided the perfect TV-friendly tool for browsing your media (music, photos or movies) and watching and recording live TV through your PC. Sadly, it’s been dropped from Windows, but there’s no need to shed a tear. Instead, install Kodi (www.kodi.tv), which is a more than adequate replacement you can alter its appearance to match your personal tastes and extend its functionality with add-ons such as BBC iPlayer. Pair it with Next PVR (www.nextpvr.com) and a USB TV tuner (around £25 $35 online) if you want to watch and record live TV through it remember, you’ll need a TV license if you’re watching live broadcasts. Check out issue 117’s lead feature for a comprehensive guide.
Zip it
When you’re downloading files from the internet, sooner or later you’ll come across a compressed file archive, commonly known as a ZIP file. However, there are many ways of compressing files together and compressing them for internet transfer, and not all forms can be extracted by Windows alone. You’ll need to upgrade to something smarter, like 7-Zip (www.7-zip.org). This will extract files contained not just in ZIP archives, but also the popular RAR format, plus many other compression formats. 7-Zip will also allow you to zip up your own files, with the output archive often being compressed into a smaller space than Windows could manage.
Performance
Make sure you have the latest hardware drivers
Drivers are pieces of software that tell Windows how to communicate with each item of hardware in your computer, but Windows Update doesn’t always give you the latest driver versions, so sometimes you need to do it yourself. You might also struggle to source drivers for older hardware too often, drivers for older versions of Windows will work fine inWindows 10, just make sure you source the right type (32-bit or 64-bit depending on your version of Windows). If you’re struggling to track down updates or even compatible drivers, employ the services of IOBit Driver Booster (www.iobit.com/en/driverbooster.php). The free version has all the functionality you need make sure you untick ‘Yes, install Advanced SystemCare Free’ during set-up to avoid any additional programs being installed.
Speedy file searches
Go to www.listary.com to download and install Listary. It’s an add-on that doesn’t just speed up file searches, but is accessible from both File Explorer as well as programopen/save dialogues. It also works with third-party tools like XYplorer Free, FileZilla and 7zip. Once installed, open a File Explorer window or program’s Open/Save dialogue box and start typing the name of a file or folder you’re looking for a list of matching items will appear. Click a folder to jump to that directory, or click a file to to open it. Alternatively, right-click an entry reveal theWindows contextmenu, as well as additional options, such as copying or moving the item to the current folder. You’ll see three icons in the Listary search box the heart folder is a list of Favourite folders, while the stopwatch lets you access recent items. The lightning button reveals more useful options, such as disabling Listary for the current application or jumping to the application folder.
Unleash ReadyBoost to give your
PC more virtual RAM Lower powered PCs those with 2GB or less of RAM, and not being powered by a solid-state (SSD) hard drive may benefit from this tweak. You’ll need a spare USB drive to make it work. The ReadyBoost feature stores frequently used files on the USB flash drive rather than your PC’s hard drive,
helping to speed up loading times. Not just any old flash drive will do, though you’ll need a fairly nippy one with a capacity of at least 256MB for ReadyBoost to work. To see if you’ve already got something suitably quick, make sure the drive is blank, then click ‘Start >Computer’ and right-click on the drive’s icon. Select ‘Properties’, followed by the ‘ReadyBoost’ tab.
Defrag your drive for more speed
As files are copied, moved and deleted on your hard drive, they end up scattered about the drive. Defragmentation is the process whereby these files are tidied up to improve performance and reduce wear on your hard drive. The Windows defrag tool is perfectly capable of keeping your files in order, but if you’d like more options – such as being able to defrag individual files or folders then check out Defraggler (www.piriform.com/defraggler). Note fragmentation has no effect on SSD drive performance, and defragging can actually reduce the drive’s life, so never defrag your SSD drive.
Tweak the Registry for faster
Taskbar previews Let’s reduce the delay between you hovering over a taskbar icon and a preview window appearing. Click ‘Start’, type regedit in the search box and press [Enter]. Using the foldermenu pane on the left, double-click ‘HKEY_CURRENT_USER’, then select ‘Control Panel’ and click ‘Mouse’. Now find ‘MouseHoverTime’ in the list displayed in the right-hand pane and double click it to reveal a new window. The number 400 in the ‘Value data’ box defines the delay until a preview window pops up, so decreasing this to 100 will speed things up nicely. Click ‘OK’, then restart your computer and things should be much snappier.
Partition your drive to protect data
It’s no substitute for storing your data on a separate drive to Windows, but partitioning your drive does add an extra layer of protection for your documents and other files.While Windows is capable of constructing a partition, upgrading to a free app such as MiniTool Partition Wizard (www.partitionwizard.com) will make the job easier and give you more options to play with. Just be sure to back up any important files before you start the partitioning process, as messing with the layout of your hard drive does carry a small risk of potential data loss.
Download the all-in-one Windows repair gadget
Fill in the gaps with Windows’ built-in repair tools with the essential Tweaking.com Windows Repair tool, which can fix both minor and major problems. It could speed up the time it takes getting your PC back into working order by saving you the time and hassle of a full-blown reinstall. Download and install it from www.tweaking.com. A step-by-step tabbed interface guides you through initial scans and essential backups before proceeding to the Start Repairs tab. Review the list of available repairs by clicking on each one for a description, then choose those relevant to your problem before hitting ‘Start’ to set the wheels in motion.
Beat the heat by keeping fans and vents clear
You can upgrade Windows and your other software as much as you like, but it’s important to also give your computer’s hardware some love and attention from time to time. You don’t necessarily need to throw money at it in the form of costly component upgrades though all you really need is some common sense, and maybe a vacuum cleaner! Excessive heat can slow a computer down and even damage its sensitive components, so try not to run your laptop nestled in a cushion or duvet where its air intake vents will be blocked. Likewise, it
doesn’t take long for the fans in a desktop PC to become clogged with dust, so it’s worth vacuuming the dirt from its vents from time to time.
Downgrade appearance to upgrade performance
On the following pages you’ll discover some clever ways you can make Windows look more beautiful. That’s all well and good, but older computers won’t thank you for slowing them down with additional visual frills. In fact, if your PC is getting on in years, you’re better off losing a little style to gain some speed. Type windows performance into the Search box and press [Enter]. Selecting the ‘Adjust for best performance’ option will disable all visual effects to give you the biggest performance boost. Click ‘Apply’. If you come across something that looks a little too crude, such as jagged font edges, you can always return to this menu and readjust the offending the option.
Want your PC to perform even better than new?
Disabling speed-sapping features will help unleash a sluggish PC, but it may also be possible to give your computer processor a new lease of life using an advanced tuning process called overclocking. This can be achieved via free desktop software or through the PC’s BIOS, but it’s not for the faint hearted and is unlikely to work with laptops. Alter the wrong setting or try boosting things too far and your PC could crash or overheat, and don’t expect a warranty to pick up the pieces. Research is essential for successful overclocking and to avoid damaging your PC, so for more information check out our sister website, www.techradar.com.
Customisation
Calibrate your monitor
Calibrating yourmonitormeans adjusting its colour output so it’s as accurate as possible. You can splash out big bucks on a special device to do the job, but Windows actually includes its own calibration tool. It’s well hidden, though. To find it, type calibrate into the Search box and then click ‘Calibrate display colour’. Follow the simple wizard to adjust your monitor’s brightness and contrast, plus the all-important colour balance. Don’t expect dazzling image-quality improvements, but if you’re a keen photographer and want to view your snaps at their best, calibration is essential.
Ditch the Taskbar for the dock
The Windows Taskbar is perfectly functional, but if you’re yearning for something a little more dynamic and attractive on the eye, why not replace it with a dock? Winstep Nexus (www.winstep.net/nexus.asp) is one of the best free ones out there it floats on top of the desktop, allowing you to place it anywhere on the screen and works in a similar way to the Taskbar with easy access to your programs, files and Taskbar Notification area. You can also populate it with widgets offering extra features such as a clock, local weather forecast and network activity.
Add Windows 10 features to earlier versions of Windows
Still running Windows 7 or earlier? Wondering how Windows 10 might work, but don’t want to upgrade just yet? With just a few clicks, WinMetro (free from www.iobit.com/iobit-winmetro.php) transforms your existing Start menu into something similar to the Windows 10 Start menu in tablet mode. Add News, Weather, Finance and Photos apps, which display live updates straight to your Start screen, or add search and social media web links. The only thing missing is Windows 10’s dedicated app store, but that’s easily fixed using All My Apps (http://allmyapps.com). Reverting back to the standard Start menu is easy too, so there’s no harm in giving this upgrade a try.
Create a desktop slideshow
Windows allows you to replace your single desktop background with a slideshow of photos, but you need to provide the images yourself. John’s Background Switcher (http://johnsad.ventures/software/) is a free tool that allows you to pull images direct from a variety of web services. Once installed, it’ll pop up automatically, or you can right-click its Taskbar Notification area icon and choose ‘Settings’ to get started. Click ‘Add’ to select one of the online sources, such as Flickr, Instagram or a media RSS feed, then follow the prompts to choose what to display. JBS changes the background every hour use the ‘Change every’ dropdown menu to alter this. Click the ‘Picture mode’ button to choose how pictures are displayed on your desktop, then click ‘OK’ to transform your background wallpaper.
Faster filing
Ah, filing. It’s a chore in the real world, and not much fun in Windows either. At least MyFolders (www.coretechnologies.com/products/MyFolders) can simplify the process for you. Install the app, then right-click on a file you’d like to organise and find the menu entry entitled ‘MyFolders’. Click it to reveal ‘Copy to’ and ‘Move to’ options, from where you can specify the folder you’d like to shift the file to. It’s also a good idea to accept MyFolders’ suggestion to add this folder of choice to its favourites list, making it even easier in future to move files favourite locations where you can specify the folder you’d like to shift the file to. It’s also a good idea to accept MyFolders’ suggestion to add this folder of choice to its favourites list,
making it even easier in future to move files favourite locations.
Make over your desktop
Windows 10 drops support for gadgets those handy tools that float over the desktop such as the calendar, news feed or weather. If you want these, Rainmeter (www.rainmeter.net) restores gadgets to your desktop, plus offers many more including integrated app shortcuts. Everything is customisable, but it won’t alter any crucial Windows files. If you want to get stuck in, click ‘Rainmeter 101’ at the end of the installation process
for more information.
Desktop in order
Just as your real-life desk can easily descend into chaos, so too can the Windows desktop. We fill it with program shortcuts and downloaded files, but Windows doesn’t offer much in the way of desktop organisation. That’s where Nimi Places (http://mynimi.net/Projects/Nimi-Places/) comes in. This free tool allows you to place special containers on your desktop that point to folders elsewhere on your system. These can be moved, resized and tweaked according to your needs.
Restore the Start menu
Windows 10 sees the Start menu make its long-awaited return, but it’s not quite as you remember it. If the change is too radical for you, download and install the Classic Start portion of Classic Shell (www.classicshell.net), and it’ll give you a choice of Start menu (‘classic’ Windows XP or Windows 7), blended perfectly in with the new Windows 10 desktop style. And like all good apps, it’s customisable to the nth degree although in most cases the default settings will be perfect. There’s even a shortcut to the Windows 10 Start menu should you want to mix and match.
Copy files faster
Windows 10’s file-copy dialogue is a huge improvement on early versions of Windows the ability to pause and resume file transfers being one obvious advantage. But there’s still room for improvement, so if you want to take things to the next level, you need Copy Handler (www.copyhandler.com). Advanced features include being able to queue up multiple file transfers, support for restarting file transfers after cancelling them (or even rebooting Windows), and the promise of faster file transfers, particularly when moving data between two partitions on the same physical hard drive. You can use it alongside Windows’ existing copy tools for occasional use, or use it in place of the native tools.
Build your own Jump List
The Jump List is a great time-saving feature, giving you access to recently opened documents via application
shortcuts on the Taskbar and in the Start menu. It’s just a shame you can’t build your own custom Jump List with all the apps and files you frequently accessed… Except you can, with Jumplist-Launcher (http://en.www.ali.dj/jumplist-launcher/). Use 7zip to extract JumplistLauncher. exe to a suitable location, then launch the program. Right-click the new Taskbar icon and choose ‘Pin this program to taskbar’, then click it to start adding your choice of file or folder shortcuts (up to a maximum of 60), which can be organised into groups to make them easier to access.
One monitor, multiple desktops
Even with a well-organised desktop, you could still be struggling for space. If only there could be more than one desktop! Windows 10 supports up to four virtual desktops, but Dexpot (www.dexpot.de) goes even further by supporting up to 20 virtual desktops. Apart from customising each one with dedicated wallpaper and the icons of your choice, you can also set certain programs to open in a particular desktop. It almost gives the illusion of multiple computers all hooked up to the same monitor, and is great for separating work and play. All it takes to switch between each desktop is a quick tap of a customisable hotkey.
Ultimate Windows Tweaker
What if you’re not a fan of mini-preview thumbnails that appear when you hover over a taskbar icon, or you’d like more control over how Internet Explorer uses tabs? Easy, just search www.thewindowsclub.com for Ultimate Windows Tweaker (version 4 for Windows 10, version 3 for Windows 8/8.1 and version 2.2 for Windows 7). Download the program and you’ll be able to install and tweak settings like these and many more using one simple program. Many of these settings can, of course, be altered using the standard Windows Control Panel, but finding the right section can often be frustratingly slow. Although most tweaks
can be disabled, steer clear of altering anything you’re not familiar with.
Brush up on the basics
It’s easy to overlook some of Windows’s own customisation features. One of the most useful is Snap. Drag a window to the left or right of your monitor and it’ll expand to fill half the screen. Or drag it to the top to maximise the window. If you’re swamped with open windows, give the one you’d like to focus on a quick shake by clicking and holding on to its uppermost title bar, and watch as the other windows minimise. Another shake restores them to where they were before.
Performance
Make sure you have the latest hardware drivers
Drivers are pieces of software that tell Windows how to communicate with each item of hardware in your computer, but Windows Update doesn’t always give you the latest driver versions, so sometimes you need to do it yourself. You might also struggle to source drivers for older hardware too often, drivers for older versions of Windows will work fine inWindows 10, just make sure you source the right type (32-bit or 64-bit depending on your version of Windows). If you’re struggling to track down updates or even compatible drivers, employ the services of IOBit Driver Booster (www.iobit.com/en/driverbooster.php). The free version has all the functionality you need make sure you untick ‘Yes, install Advanced SystemCare Free’ during set-up to avoid any additional programs being installed.
Speedy file searches
Go to www.listary.com to download and install Listary. It’s an add-on that doesn’t just speed up file searches, but is accessible from both File Explorer as well as programopen/save dialogues. It also works with third-party tools like XYplorer Free, FileZilla and 7zip. Once installed, open a File Explorer window or program’s Open/Save dialogue box and start typing the name of a file or folder you’re looking for a list of matching items will appear. Click a folder to jump to that directory, or click a file to to open it. Alternatively, right-click an entry reveal theWindows contextmenu, as well as additional options, such as copying or moving the item to the current folder. You’ll see three icons in the Listary search box the heart folder is a list of Favourite folders, while the stopwatch lets you access recent items. The lightning button reveals more useful options, such as disabling Listary for the current application or jumping to the application folder.
Unleash ReadyBoost to give your
PC more virtual RAM Lower powered PCs those with 2GB or less of RAM, and not being powered by a solid-state (SSD) hard drive may benefit from this tweak. You’ll need a spare USB drive to make it work. The ReadyBoost feature stores frequently used files on the USB flash drive rather than your PC’s hard drive,
helping to speed up loading times. Not just any old flash drive will do, though you’ll need a fairly nippy one with a capacity of at least 256MB for ReadyBoost to work. To see if you’ve already got something suitably quick, make sure the drive is blank, then click ‘Start >Computer’ and right-click on the drive’s icon. Select ‘Properties’, followed by the ‘ReadyBoost’ tab.
Defrag your drive for more speed
As files are copied, moved and deleted on your hard drive, they end up scattered about the drive. Defragmentation is the process whereby these files are tidied up to improve performance and reduce wear on your hard drive. The Windows defrag tool is perfectly capable of keeping your files in order, but if you’d like more options – such as being able to defrag individual files or folders then check out Defraggler (www.piriform.com/defraggler). Note fragmentation has no effect on SSD drive performance, and defragging can actually reduce the drive’s life, so never defrag your SSD drive.
Tweak the Registry for faster
Taskbar previews Let’s reduce the delay between you hovering over a taskbar icon and a preview window appearing. Click ‘Start’, type regedit in the search box and press [Enter]. Using the foldermenu pane on the left, double-click ‘HKEY_CURRENT_USER’, then select ‘Control Panel’ and click ‘Mouse’. Now find ‘MouseHoverTime’ in the list displayed in the right-hand pane and double click it to reveal a new window. The number 400 in the ‘Value data’ box defines the delay until a preview window pops up, so decreasing this to 100 will speed things up nicely. Click ‘OK’, then restart your computer and things should be much snappier.
Partition your drive to protect data
It’s no substitute for storing your data on a separate drive to Windows, but partitioning your drive does add an extra layer of protection for your documents and other files.While Windows is capable of constructing a partition, upgrading to a free app such as MiniTool Partition Wizard (www.partitionwizard.com) will make the job easier and give you more options to play with. Just be sure to back up any important files before you start the partitioning process, as messing with the layout of your hard drive does carry a small risk of potential data loss.
Download the all-in-one Windows repair gadget
Fill in the gaps with Windows’ built-in repair tools with the essential Tweaking.com Windows Repair tool, which can fix both minor and major problems. It could speed up the time it takes getting your PC back into working order by saving you the time and hassle of a full-blown reinstall. Download and install it from www.tweaking.com. A step-by-step tabbed interface guides you through initial scans and essential backups before proceeding to the Start Repairs tab. Review the list of available repairs by clicking on each one for a description, then choose those relevant to your problem before hitting ‘Start’ to set the wheels in motion.
Beat the heat by keeping fans and vents clear
You can upgrade Windows and your other software as much as you like, but it’s important to also give your computer’s hardware some love and attention from time to time. You don’t necessarily need to throw money at it in the form of costly component upgrades though all you really need is some common sense, and maybe a vacuum cleaner! Excessive heat can slow a computer down and even damage its sensitive components, so try not to run your laptop nestled in a cushion or duvet where its air intake vents will be blocked. Likewise, it
doesn’t take long for the fans in a desktop PC to become clogged with dust, so it’s worth vacuuming the dirt from its vents from time to time.
Downgrade appearance to upgrade performance
On the following pages you’ll discover some clever ways you can make Windows look more beautiful. That’s all well and good, but older computers won’t thank you for slowing them down with additional visual frills. In fact, if your PC is getting on in years, you’re better off losing a little style to gain some speed. Type windows performance into the Search box and press [Enter]. Selecting the ‘Adjust for best performance’ option will disable all visual effects to give you the biggest performance boost. Click ‘Apply’. If you come across something that looks a little too crude, such as jagged font edges, you can always return to this menu and readjust the offending the option.
Want your PC to perform even better than new?
Disabling speed-sapping features will help unleash a sluggish PC, but it may also be possible to give your computer processor a new lease of life using an advanced tuning process called overclocking. This can be achieved via free desktop software or through the PC’s BIOS, but it’s not for the faint hearted and is unlikely to work with laptops. Alter the wrong setting or try boosting things too far and your PC could crash or overheat, and don’t expect a warranty to pick up the pieces. Research is essential for successful overclocking and to avoid damaging your PC, so for more information check out our sister website, www.techradar.com.
Customisation
Calibrate your monitor
Calibrating yourmonitormeans adjusting its colour output so it’s as accurate as possible. You can splash out big bucks on a special device to do the job, but Windows actually includes its own calibration tool. It’s well hidden, though. To find it, type calibrate into the Search box and then click ‘Calibrate display colour’. Follow the simple wizard to adjust your monitor’s brightness and contrast, plus the all-important colour balance. Don’t expect dazzling image-quality improvements, but if you’re a keen photographer and want to view your snaps at their best, calibration is essential.
Ditch the Taskbar for the dock
The Windows Taskbar is perfectly functional, but if you’re yearning for something a little more dynamic and attractive on the eye, why not replace it with a dock? Winstep Nexus (www.winstep.net/nexus.asp) is one of the best free ones out there it floats on top of the desktop, allowing you to place it anywhere on the screen and works in a similar way to the Taskbar with easy access to your programs, files and Taskbar Notification area. You can also populate it with widgets offering extra features such as a clock, local weather forecast and network activity.
Add Windows 10 features to earlier versions of Windows
Still running Windows 7 or earlier? Wondering how Windows 10 might work, but don’t want to upgrade just yet? With just a few clicks, WinMetro (free from www.iobit.com/iobit-winmetro.php) transforms your existing Start menu into something similar to the Windows 10 Start menu in tablet mode. Add News, Weather, Finance and Photos apps, which display live updates straight to your Start screen, or add search and social media web links. The only thing missing is Windows 10’s dedicated app store, but that’s easily fixed using All My Apps (http://allmyapps.com). Reverting back to the standard Start menu is easy too, so there’s no harm in giving this upgrade a try.
Create a desktop slideshow
Windows allows you to replace your single desktop background with a slideshow of photos, but you need to provide the images yourself. John’s Background Switcher (http://johnsad.ventures/software/) is a free tool that allows you to pull images direct from a variety of web services. Once installed, it’ll pop up automatically, or you can right-click its Taskbar Notification area icon and choose ‘Settings’ to get started. Click ‘Add’ to select one of the online sources, such as Flickr, Instagram or a media RSS feed, then follow the prompts to choose what to display. JBS changes the background every hour use the ‘Change every’ dropdown menu to alter this. Click the ‘Picture mode’ button to choose how pictures are displayed on your desktop, then click ‘OK’ to transform your background wallpaper.
Faster filing
Ah, filing. It’s a chore in the real world, and not much fun in Windows either. At least MyFolders (www.coretechnologies.com/products/MyFolders) can simplify the process for you. Install the app, then right-click on a file you’d like to organise and find the menu entry entitled ‘MyFolders’. Click it to reveal ‘Copy to’ and ‘Move to’ options, from where you can specify the folder you’d like to shift the file to. It’s also a good idea to accept MyFolders’ suggestion to add this folder of choice to its favourites list, making it even easier in future to move files favourite locations where you can specify the folder you’d like to shift the file to. It’s also a good idea to accept MyFolders’ suggestion to add this folder of choice to its favourites list,
making it even easier in future to move files favourite locations.
Make over your desktop
Windows 10 drops support for gadgets those handy tools that float over the desktop such as the calendar, news feed or weather. If you want these, Rainmeter (www.rainmeter.net) restores gadgets to your desktop, plus offers many more including integrated app shortcuts. Everything is customisable, but it won’t alter any crucial Windows files. If you want to get stuck in, click ‘Rainmeter 101’ at the end of the installation process
for more information.
Desktop in order
Just as your real-life desk can easily descend into chaos, so too can the Windows desktop. We fill it with program shortcuts and downloaded files, but Windows doesn’t offer much in the way of desktop organisation. That’s where Nimi Places (http://mynimi.net/Projects/Nimi-Places/) comes in. This free tool allows you to place special containers on your desktop that point to folders elsewhere on your system. These can be moved, resized and tweaked according to your needs.
Restore the Start menu
Windows 10 sees the Start menu make its long-awaited return, but it’s not quite as you remember it. If the change is too radical for you, download and install the Classic Start portion of Classic Shell (www.classicshell.net), and it’ll give you a choice of Start menu (‘classic’ Windows XP or Windows 7), blended perfectly in with the new Windows 10 desktop style. And like all good apps, it’s customisable to the nth degree although in most cases the default settings will be perfect. There’s even a shortcut to the Windows 10 Start menu should you want to mix and match.
Copy files faster
Windows 10’s file-copy dialogue is a huge improvement on early versions of Windows the ability to pause and resume file transfers being one obvious advantage. But there’s still room for improvement, so if you want to take things to the next level, you need Copy Handler (www.copyhandler.com). Advanced features include being able to queue up multiple file transfers, support for restarting file transfers after cancelling them (or even rebooting Windows), and the promise of faster file transfers, particularly when moving data between two partitions on the same physical hard drive. You can use it alongside Windows’ existing copy tools for occasional use, or use it in place of the native tools.
Build your own Jump List
The Jump List is a great time-saving feature, giving you access to recently opened documents via application
shortcuts on the Taskbar and in the Start menu. It’s just a shame you can’t build your own custom Jump List with all the apps and files you frequently accessed… Except you can, with Jumplist-Launcher (http://en.www.ali.dj/jumplist-launcher/). Use 7zip to extract JumplistLauncher. exe to a suitable location, then launch the program. Right-click the new Taskbar icon and choose ‘Pin this program to taskbar’, then click it to start adding your choice of file or folder shortcuts (up to a maximum of 60), which can be organised into groups to make them easier to access.
One monitor, multiple desktops
Even with a well-organised desktop, you could still be struggling for space. If only there could be more than one desktop! Windows 10 supports up to four virtual desktops, but Dexpot (www.dexpot.de) goes even further by supporting up to 20 virtual desktops. Apart from customising each one with dedicated wallpaper and the icons of your choice, you can also set certain programs to open in a particular desktop. It almost gives the illusion of multiple computers all hooked up to the same monitor, and is great for separating work and play. All it takes to switch between each desktop is a quick tap of a customisable hotkey.
Ultimate Windows Tweaker
What if you’re not a fan of mini-preview thumbnails that appear when you hover over a taskbar icon, or you’d like more control over how Internet Explorer uses tabs? Easy, just search www.thewindowsclub.com for Ultimate Windows Tweaker (version 4 for Windows 10, version 3 for Windows 8/8.1 and version 2.2 for Windows 7). Download the program and you’ll be able to install and tweak settings like these and many more using one simple program. Many of these settings can, of course, be altered using the standard Windows Control Panel, but finding the right section can often be frustratingly slow. Although most tweaks
can be disabled, steer clear of altering anything you’re not familiar with.
Brush up on the basics
It’s easy to overlook some of Windows’s own customisation features. One of the most useful is Snap. Drag a window to the left or right of your monitor and it’ll expand to fill half the screen. Or drag it to the top to maximise the window. If you’re swamped with open windows, give the one you’d like to focus on a quick shake by clicking and holding on to its uppermost title bar, and watch as the other windows minimise. Another shake restores them to where they were before.
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