Kitz Forum

Computer Software => Windows => Windows Tips & Tutorials => Topic started by: jelv on April 26, 2020, 08:56:50 PM

Title: Well I didn't know that!
Post by: jelv on April 26, 2020, 08:56:50 PM
After using Windows 10 for ages I've just discovered (by accident) how to keep the start menu open while you start multiple applications - open start and then hold the Windows key down while you click the applications you want - the start menu stays open.

What other tricks or shortcut keys do people use?
Title: Re: Well I didn't know that!
Post by: Alex Atkin UK on April 26, 2020, 10:12:59 PM
I pin all my applications to the taskbar, so hardly ever need to open the start menu.
Title: Re: Well I didn't know that!
Post by: Ronski on April 26, 2020, 10:19:19 PM
I have dual monitors so use start/shift and arrows keys to move windows around.
Title: Re: Well I didn't know that!
Post by: jelv on April 27, 2020, 08:35:11 AM
And you've just proved the point of this post - thank you.

I have two monitors and have been dragging the window titles to move windows from monitor to monitor - and then having to maximise again!
Title: Re: Well I didn't know that!
Post by: jelv on April 27, 2020, 08:45:06 AM
I pin all my applications to the taskbar, so hardly ever need to open the start menu.

I have nothing pinned so the taskbar only has the applications that are actually open. That maximises the space for the windows title which helps if for example you have multiple windows explorer windows on different directories.

I presume everyone knows Windows+E to open Windows Explorer.
Title: Re: Well I didn't know that!
Post by: sevenlayermuddle on April 27, 2020, 08:47:03 AM
I keep discovering new shortcuts with MacOS too.   Some are very useful, though I’m struggling to think of specific examples.

And therein lies the problem... with a memory like mine, no matter how useful a shortcut is, unless it’s actually written on the keys, I’ll have forgotten it by next morning. :D
Title: Re: Well I didn't know that!
Post by: petef on April 27, 2020, 08:53:16 AM
And you've just proved the point of this post - thank you.

I have two monitors and have been dragging the window titles to move windows from monitor to monitor - and then having to maximise again!

If you are dragging a window, taking it to the edge or corner will maximise it. Other rearrangements are possible, see Snap settings under Multi-tasking.
Title: Re: Well I didn't know that!
Post by: 4candles on April 27, 2020, 11:56:20 AM
Recently read - can't remember where - that Windows key + full stop brings up an emoji window.
Title: Re: Well I didn't know that!
Post by: busterboy on April 27, 2020, 12:01:45 PM
Try windows and the + key.

Loads of commands if you choose to use them. ;)

https://turbofuture.com/computers/keyboard-shortcut-keys
Title: Re: Well I didn't know that!
Post by: Alex Atkin UK on April 27, 2020, 03:13:07 PM
I have nothing pinned so the taskbar only has the applications that are actually open. That maximises the space for the windows title which helps if for example you have multiple windows explorer windows on different directories.

I mostly use Linux with KDE where if you hover over the application on the taskbar it previews the windows, this includes the path on the file manager unlike Windows where it seems it does not.  Also Dolphin (the file manager) lets you split the window in two and use tabs instead of new windows, so that REALLY helps.

I swear, every time Windows updates explorer it makes it HARDER to use not easier.  My mum has a real hard time remembering that drive letters are in This PC these days.  I despise how every OS is trying to hide where things are in favour of organising it for you.
Title: Re: Well I didn't know that!
Post by: jelv on April 27, 2020, 08:20:11 PM
Alex, your post prompted me to go looking for an alternative and I found https://explorerplusplus.com/

It has tabs and the drive letters are in a row at the top right there for immediate use! You can bookmark folders and put them on it's bookmarks toolbar. It appears to be just what is needed...

Except: it looks like development has stopped - last build Feb 2013.  :(

It has also closed on me unexpectedly.
Title: Re: Well I didn't know that!
Post by: Ronski on April 27, 2020, 10:25:32 PM
I use Clover explorer, although I have blocked it from phoning home to China recently, Although I've been using it for years and never had a problem.
.

http://en.ejie.me/
https://download.cnet.com/Clover/3000-2248_4-75732861.html

Note, it has four flags on virus total, which is a tad worrying
Title: Re: Well I didn't know that!
Post by: jelv on April 28, 2020, 10:02:36 AM
Have you found an installer in English for Clover. There's a couple of option boxes pre-ticked - I'd want to know what they are before proceeding!
Title: Re: Well I didn't know that!
Post by: Ronski on April 28, 2020, 10:20:54 AM
Translation

https://www.reddit.com/r/translator/comments/5wvuvr/chinese_english_clover_windows_explorer_tabs/

Title: Re: Well I didn't know that!
Post by: Black Sheep on April 28, 2020, 07:24:34 PM
It's the little things that count (save time) ..... instead of dragging your cursor over a word to highlight it to 'copy' ... just click around the middle of the word and it will highlight it for you.

Saves me probably 4mins 37secs a day.  ;)
Title: Re: Well I didn't know that!
Post by: Ronski on May 24, 2020, 11:32:42 AM
Had some issues with Clover the other day, Explorer was opening full screen and couldn't resize it, uninstalled clover and that cured that problem, but the latest version of Clover won't install - says it's not compatible???

So have found QT Tabs instead, which does have more features

http://qttabbar.wikidot.com/

Was a little awkward to get working, but following the info in the following thread got it working

http://qttabbar.wikidot.com/forum/t-2071358/can-t-get-1038-to-work-solved
Title: Re: Well I didn't know that!
Post by: Alex Atkin UK on May 25, 2020, 03:57:29 AM
Interesting, I never thought to try any Windows modifications to make it work more like Dolphin on Linux.  I'm always a bit wary of that sort of thing in case it breaks Windows.