10 Least Used But Important Windows Built-in Features
Usually Overlooked Built-in Features to Enhance Your Windows Experience
Key Takeaways:
- Many PC users are ignorant of certain Windows built-in features and they use them less frequently.
- Outside third-party apps, Windows let’s you adjust individual apps volume using the volume mixer.
- End difficulty to sleep after every laptop use by enabling the Night Light feature to reduce blue light emission.
Feature 1: Night Light to Reduce the Blue Light Emission
Night Light is one of the most valuable but least used built-in features of Windows. It helps reduce blue light emission from your screen, enhancing sleep quality and reducing eye strain. Blue light from your computer can disrupt sleep.
Night Light addresses this by shifting the screen to a warmer tone, enhancing comfort during low-light viewing. The following steps help to access it:
- Press the Windows + I keys together to open the Settings menu.
- When it opens, click System on the left pane and open Display on the right.
- Then, toggle the Night light switch On.
- Adjust the color temperature and schedule to your preference accordingly.
Feature 2: Dynamic Lock to Lock Your PC After Moving Away
Dynamic Lock is a lesser-known but useful built-in security feature Windows users often overlook, yet it provides a simple and effective way to protect your PC. It automatically locks your PC when you move away from it, preventing unauthorized access to your data.
As a prerequisite, one of the following devices is a must-have for you:
- A Bluetooth-enabled smartphone.
- A Bluetooth-enabled wearable device.
To access the Dynamic Lock feature, follow the steps below:
- Ensure your smartphone or wearable device is paired with your Windows PC via Bluetooth.
- Press the Windows + I keys together to open the Settings menu.
- When it opens, click Accounts on the left of the display and Sign-In Options on the right.
- Then, scroll down to Dynamic Lock and enable Allow Windows to automatically lock your device when you’re away.
- When you pair your mobile device via Bluetooth, your PC will lock after a brief delay when you step away.
We recommend the following tips for the best experience with this feature:
- Ensure your Bluetooth connection between your devices is strong for optimal performance.
- Once enabled, test Dynamic Lock by moving your paired device away from your PC to confirm it locks as expected.
- While smartphones are typically used, you can also use other Bluetooth devices like smartwatches with Dynamic Lock.
Feature 3: Task Scheduler for Task Automation
Task Scheduler is one of the least used built-in Windows features. It lets users automate tasks on their computer, such as launching programs, running commands, or executing scripts. It allows you to automate several tasks, from simple file backups to complex system maintenance.
Automating repetitive tasks helps you save time, reduce errors, and improve overall system efficiency. Once accessed, you can use the Task Scheduler to:
- Create basic or advanced tasks.
- Schedule tasks to run at specific times, dates, or intervals.
- Trigger tasks based on events or conditions.
- Define actions to be performed, such as running programs, sending emails, or displaying messages.
The following steps create a basic task using Task Scheduler:
- Press the Windows key, search for Task Scheduler, and click the top result to open the app.
- Then, right-click the Task Scheduler Library branch and click New Folder. This step is optional but recommended.
- Enter a name for the folder and click OK.
- Afterward, click the folder you just created, click the Action menu, and select Create Basic Task.
- Then, fill in the Name and optional Description fields for the task.
- Choose the trigger (e.g., monthly) and set the start time.
- Set the months, days, time and other details when the task should run.
- Click Next and select an action and program/script when prompted.
- Finally, click Finish to complete the setup.
Feature 4: Nearby Sharing for Sharing Files Between Two Windows PCs
Nearby Sharing is one of the unpopular handy built-in features, least used by Windows users. It allows wireless transfer of files, links, and more between nearby PCs without relying on external storage or cloud services. The following prerequisites must be met to use this feature:
Both PCs should be running Windows 10 or later.
Both PCs should have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled.
The following steps will guide you on how to set the feature up:
- Press the Windows + I keys together to open the Settings menu.
- When it opens, click System on the left pane and open Nearby sharing on the right.
- Then, expand the Nearby sharing sections and select Everyone nearby.
- Once enabled, press the Windows + E keys simultaneously to open the File Explorer.
- Then, right-click a file you like to share and select Share in the context menu.
- Select the receiving PC when the list of nearby devices opens.
- Finally, you’ll receive a notification about the incoming file. Accept the file to begin the transfer.
Feature 5: Game Bar Screen Capturing and Recording
While primarily designed for gamers, the Game Bar is a versatile tool offering broader applications beyond capturing gameplay. It allows users to quickly and efficiently capture screenshots and record screen activity. Use the following tools to use it:
- Press the Windows + G keys simultaneously on your keyboard to launch the Game Bar.
- Once the Game Bar opens, you can:
Feature 6: Individual App Volume Adjustment
Individual App Volume Adjustment offers granular control over audio output, letting you balance sound levels between apps without affecting the overall system volume. This feature is beneficial when dealing with multiple audio sources, such as video calls, music, and system notifications.
The following steps will guide you on how to use this feature:
- Begin by right-clicking the speaker icon in the taskbar.
- Then, select Open Volume Mixer.
- Modify the volume sliders for each app as required.
- You can also click the speaker icon next to an app to mute its audio.
- Confirm you selected the correct audio output device for each app.
Feature 7: Hyper-V for Creating Virtual Machines
Of the many built-in Windows features, Hyper-V is a powerful virtualization tool that allows you to create and run virtual machines (VMs) on your computer but is least used. While often overlooked, it’s a priceless tool for testing software.
It helps isolate applications and learn about different operating systems without impacting your main system. Use this feature if you are tech-savvy. To access Hyper-V, ensure your PC matches the following prerequisites:
- Ensure your system supports virtualization technology by checking your CPU specifications.
- Hyper-V is typically enabled in Windows Professional and Enterprise editions.
Use the following steps to use the feature:
- Press the Windows key, search for Control Panel, and open the app.
- Then, select Programs and Turn Windows features on or off.
- Next, check the Hyper-V box and any subcomponents you require.
- Once complete, restart your computer
- Then, press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog, type hyper-v, and hit Enter.
- Once Hyper-V Manager is open, you can:
- Create new virtual machines.
- Import existing virtual machines.
- Manage virtual hard disks.
- Configure network settings.
Feature 8: Clipboard History to Access Copied Item
Clipboard history is a valuable feature that allows PC users to access multiple items they previously copied rather than just the most recent one. This feature is useful when working with various texts, images, or other data and needs to switch between them quickly.
It is one of the built-in Windows features that are least used. To enable it and use it, follow the steps below:
- Press the Windows + I keys together to open the Settings menu.
- When it opens, click System on the left pane and open Clipboard on the right.
- Then, toggle the switch next to Clipboard History On.
- If signed in with a Microsoft account, enable Sync to access your clipboard history across all your devices.
- Once completed, you can view your clipboard history.
- Press Windows + V to launch the clipboard history window. The items you recently copied will appear in the list.
- Click any item to paste it into your application accordingly.
- Click the ellipsis (three dots) next to an item and select Delete or Clear All to remove an item.
- You can also pin items in the clipboard history to remain accessible even after copying new items using the pin icon.
Feature 9: God Mode to Access to All Windows Settings in One Place
God Mode is a hidden feature that consolidates access to numerous Windows settings and tools. It saves time and effort by eliminating the need to navigate multiple control panels and settings windows. While not officially endorsed by Microsoft, it allows for effective system management.
You can create a folder for God Mode in Windows 11 to access all settings in one place using the following steps:
- Create a new folder on the desktop or in File Explorer by pressing Ctrl + Shift + N where you want it.
- Then, use the name below as the folder name:
GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}
. - You will notice that the folder icon will change.
- As an additional tip, you may drag and drop individual shortcuts from the God Mode folder to your desktop for quicker access.
- Lastly, double-click the newly created folder to open the God Mode folder, giving you access to more than 200 settings menus organized into various categories.
While God Mode allows you to access many settings easily, exercise caution when making changes. Incorrect modifications can impact your system’s stability.
Feature 10: Storage Sense to Improve Disk Space
Enabling Storage Sense in Windows 11 is like setting your PC on autopilot to manage storage space proactively. It automatically cleans up various types of files, runs on a schedule, and frees up significant space. Its settings are customizable.
Use the following steps to enable Storage Sense:
- Hold the Windows key, then hit the I key to launch the Settings app and click Storage on the right pane.
- Then, scroll down, find Storage Sense, and click it.
- Toggle the Automatic User content cleanup switch On.
- Then, set the Run Storage Sense, Delete files in recycle bin if they have been there for over, and Delete files in Downloads folder if they haven’t been opened for more than to your preferred value.
- Finally, click the Run Storage Sense now button.
To make using Windows more enjoyable, in addition to these least used built-in features, we have also covered tips on how to fix common PC errors like a Green Screen of Death or machine check exception Blue Screen of Death error. Also, find hidden startup programs slowing down your PC for the best Windows experience.