There are many handy features in Windows 10, but not all are known or easy to find. It's about time to show you some cool Windows features and settings that are far too often ignored.

Windows 10 offers an almost endless number of functions and every new version adds even more of them: for example, for some time now you can bring the new screenshot tool to life via [Windows] + [Shift] + [S]. In addition, the Task Manager displays the power consumption of programs in the overview and Microsoft also gives you new emojis. But you rarely stumble across such options by chance. We still have a few features ready that are really useful, but unfortunately are ignored by many users.

Control notifications

Speaking of notifications: users can make a few settings when it comes to incoming messages. The notification assistant can, for example, only retrieve messages from a priority list or only alarms if desired. You can either stay up to date on all the latest news or simply disengage from the flood of messages to concentrate on your work.

Establish the update bandwidth

Everything was fine and then a Windows update came and crippled your entire system. This can always happen, but there are a few ways to counteract such problems. For example, you can specify exactly how much bandwidth updates can reserve. For example, you can prevent an update from ruining a Netflix evening. But you have to dig deep for this setting: It starts in the settings under "Update and Security", the appropriate sub-item is called "Windows Update".

There you go to "Advanced Options" and "Transmission Optimization". Now click again on "Advanced Options" and then under "Download Settings" you can finally set the maximum bandwidth that can be used when downloading updates.

Dark mode and night mode

You can’t imagine Windows 10 without dark mode, can you? You can immerse the Explorer in an elegant dark look. How does it work? Under "Personalization" in the settings, go to "Colors" and set the Standard Apps option to "Dark". Settings, Microsoft Edge or the Store are then displayed in the dark mode. More and more programs are adopting the Windows specifications - Firefox is now one of them. Windows 10 also has a night mode to match. It filters blue light components from the display. This way you should be able to protect your eyes at a later hour.

Storage optimization

Cleaners are a very popular category of software, and Windows itself is very good at tidying up. Disk cleanup is the classic tool for this, but Windows 10 also brings memory optimization with it, and Microsoft will be relying on this in the future. It can delete temporary files, empty trash and download folders and also dump the remains of previous Windows installations overboard. If Microsoft continues like this, CCleaner & Co. will soon be completely unnecessary.

Built-in problem solvers

Standard problems with Windows usually occur with the updates, printers or Internet connections, among other things. Before you start troubleshooting with other tools, it is best to go to troubleshooting under Windows 10. It is hidden in the settings under "Update and Security". There are individual wizards there that can take care of your problems on the PC.