At least not right away.
I will give you the best tip on becoming very productive at whatever you are doing on your computer: become better at whatever you are doing. Few people could teach you that. What I can do, however, is share some tricks on using Windows with you.
So I will give you a few hints on how to use your PC more productively.
Why am I qualified to give you this advice? A big part of my job is getting to know an employee's workflow. When they need a software solution, I work to implement the best and most natural procedure. So I spend time with employees, observing their work process and asking them questions about their choices regarding the software they use. But because I am passionate about computers, I notice when they could use a more effective way to manage their various activities. That is where I find myself providing simple tips that could help them avoid such situations.
Many times I gave workflow-improving tips to people. Most of them use my tips and get better with their technology. Others, not so much. What I did realize though was the impact even small productivity-enhancing shortcuts or tricks had made on some of the adopter's workflow.
Searching
Computers can search better and faster than we do. So I propose letting them do that. I know that Windows used to be laggy regarding search, but it got better with Windows 11. Just press start and start typing the name of the program you want to find.
Almost all apps provide search functionality. Just press Ctrl + F and type away. Use it in your browser as well. I know this last thing is not searching, but it is still great. Pressing Win + R will bring up the run dialog. Then, in the "Open:" input, type the name of the program you wish to run and press Enter. I use this every day.
You can find a list of a few names for programs to open this way here.
Windows Shortcuts
I always laugh when people talk about saving milliseconds using shortcuts. I am not one to talk about something I do not do. First of all, shortcuts are great, and you should use them. But not as a time saver. It is helpful to avoid interrupting your workflow. Let me give you an example: I am trying put windows side by side. I will do that using the win + arrow keys, and that would be it. If I get the mouse and start dragging, that will impact my flow, and you do not want that. That is why it is vital to know a few common keyboard shortcuts.
Find a complete list of windows keyboard shortcuts here.
Organizing
Everybody knows what folders are. But some folders are more prevalent than others. You should remember two things from this section: shortcuts and quick access.
Shortcuts are vital and a true time saver. Do not keep private folders on your desktop, but keep shortcuts. You can add regularly used folders to quick access by pressing right-click and then clicking on Pin to quick access.
Another keyboard shortcut for people working mainly with folders is Win + E, which opens windows explorer. As we have our quick access pins set up, you can access your favorite folders on the window's sidebar, and get straight into it.
Multitasking
Firstly, press and hold the Alt key and then press TAB. You will see a thumbnail list of open applications, and with each TAB press, you will toggle through them. You can also use the arrow keys for navigating through, but remember to keep Alt pressed. If the application you want to bring forward is outlined, just release the Alt key.
And that’s it! A neat way to toggle through open applications.
Multiple monitors and breaks. Hear me out.
While working on many different tasks, you will probably need to use an external monitor. Another great tool is using multiple virtual desktops. Using multiple desktops is a great way of separating concerns if you do different tasks without overlap.
Some tools to help you get by
Snipping Tool
A great way to capture whatever you see on your screen. Press the start button and start typing the name, run it and go to work.
Sticky Notes
I always had a stack of sticky notes in my drawer. But it turns out they cannot synchronize over the cloud. Windows has a built-in sticky notes software which does. So use it.
Quick Assist
If you have read this far, you are likely not a power user, and that's alright. I worked in IT support for more than five years, a job that opened many doors for me. So, I am thankful for people needing help. But the point is there is another free Windows app called Quick Assist. You can use this application to request assistance from others, and you know where to find it.
I could write here forever about improving your interaction with the Windows OS, but I hope I touched on the main points. I hope some of you learned something today.
In conclusion, it is vital to remember that not everyone needs to be a computer power user. With technology becoming more ubiquitous in our daily lives, we feel a growing pressure to be proficient in its use, but we should remember that we all have different needs and skill sets. There is nothing wrong with having a more limited understanding of technology and not needing advanced features or capabilities.
Being a computer power user is not necessarily for everyone, and that is ok. You should use technology in a way that works for you, whether using the basics or delving into advanced features. Just work on finding the balance that works for you and not feel pressured to be a computer power user.
Additionally, you should note that being a computer power user is not the only way to be productive or have a fulfilling life. There are other skills valuable to society, and people should not feel like they are falling behind just because they are not proficient in some technologies.
So remember that technology is a tool to help us achieve our goals, and we should use it in a way that works best for us as individuals. You have no reason to feel pressured to become a computer power user, and you should use technology as you see fit for yourself. Try to listen to IT professionals still. They want the best for you, at least most of the time. And remember: I said listen, not follow.
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Happy typing and swiping!