Ever spent way too long trying to remember a password you were sure you had written down? Or struggled to resize windows just to get two apps visible at the same time? Sometimes technology can feel more like a burden than a benefit. But it doesn't have to be. We've rounded up 17 practical tech shortcuts and tips that can make everyday tasks faster, smoother, and a lot less frustrating.
1. When in Doubt, Restart
Restarting your computer once a week is a smart habit. It helps clear your system’s memory, allows pending updates to complete, and can boost overall performance.
2. Simplify Your Life with a Password Manager
Forgotten passwords waste time; research says the average person loses 12 days of their life searching for login details. Apps like 1Password or Keeper securely store all your credentials and even auto-fill them for you in your browser. They also create strong passwords to better protect your accounts.
3. Take a Screenshot the Easy Way
On Windows, right-click the Start button, search for Snipping Tool, click "New," and drag over the area you want to capture. On a Mac, press Shift + Command + 4, then select the screen section with the crosshair.
4. Protect Your Eyes with Automatic Brightness Adjustments
Blue light can disrupt your sleep. Windows users can activate Night Light by searching for it in the Start menu. You can schedule it to reduce blue light during evening hours automatically.
5. Bring Back That Closed Tab Instantly
Accidentally closed an important browser tab? Press Ctrl + Shift + T on Windows to reopen it right away.
6. Search Without Opening a New Tab
Most browsers now let you search directly from the address bar. Just type your search term where you’d normally type a website address and hit enter; no need to visit Google first.
7. Refine Your Google Searches with Quotes
Tired of irrelevant search results? Put your search phrase in quotation marks, and Google will only show results that match it exactly.
8. Track Down a Lost Android or iPhone
Signed into your Google account on a browser? Just type “find my phone” into Google. For iPhones, go to iCloud.com and use the Find My iPhone feature. You can also say “Hey Google, find my phone” to Google Home devices.
9. Organise Outlook Emails with Filters
In Microsoft Outlook, go to the ribbon and click File > Manage Rules & Alerts > New Rule. You can create rules that automatically move or categorize emails based on sender or keywords.
10. Schedule Emails for Later in Outlook
To delay an email, click Options > Delay Delivery when composing a message. Then pick the date and time under “Do not deliver before.”
11. Mute Microsoft Teams Notifications During Off Hours
In the Teams mobile app, tap your profile photo, go to Notifications > Block notifications, and set Quiet Hours or Quiet Days to silence alerts when you're off the clock.
12. Mute/Unmute on Zoom with One Key
Instead of fumbling for your mic button, just press and hold the spacebar to quickly unmute during Zoom meetings.
13. Automate Scheduling with Calendly
Calendly lets others book meetings with you based on your availability. You set your open times, then share a booking link; no more email back-and-forth.
14. Useful Keyboard Shortcuts (Windows)
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Windows + D – Show or hide your desktop.
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Spacebar – Scroll down a webpage.
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Shift + Spacebar – Scroll up.
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Windows + Left/Right Arrow – Snap windows side by side.
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Alt + Tab – Switch between open apps.
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Windows + L – Lock your screen quickly for privacy.
15. Control YouTube Videos with Your Keyboard
Use number keys to skip through videos (e.g., press 5 to go to the 50% mark).
Use J to rewind, K to pause/play, and L to fast-forward.
16. Improve Writing with Word’s Thesaurus
Avoid repeating words by right-clicking a word in Microsoft Word and selecting “Synonyms” to see a list of alternatives.
17. Faster Texting Trick
On smartphones, double-tap the spacebar at the end of a sentence to insert a full stop (.) and automatically capitalise the next word.
Final Thought:
Technology isn’t just about flashy features or expensive gadgets; it’s about using the tools you already have more efficiently. Try incorporating a few of these into your routine, and you’ll spend less time wrestling with tech and more time getting things done.
