Windows and Mac tricks you’ll use all the time

July 15, 2023

By Kim Komando

There are some tech tricks that you only know if someone clues you in.

Take the humble USB cord. If you’re constantly plugging in the wrong way, here’s the secret: The symbol on one isn’t just branding or decoration. That symbol will point up if you’re plugging in horizontally. If you plug a cable vertically, the USB symbol will face you.

I love passing along clever tech tricks you’ll use time and time again. Here are a few goodies!

Use a Windows PC?

Let’s keep it simple with keyboard shortcuts you need to know on Windows.

Pro tip: Learning a new shortcut takes time. Yes, sometimes you use Ctrl + C to copy and Ctrl + V to paste, and it is now second nature. Pick one (or more) of the tricks below and try it out. Use it a few times, and it’ll become second nature in no time.

• Windows + Shift + S brings up the screenshot tool. Drag the box that pops up and, voilà, a screenshot of whatever you want. It’s so much easier to send a screenshot (and even mark it up to show your recipient something) than trying to explain in words.
• Looking for a file? Hit the Windows key and start typing the name. That’s it. So simple and it saves so much time.
• Pressing the Windows key and “.” (period key) together opens the emoji picker. You can easily insert emojis into documents, messages or any other text field. The emoji picker also includes symbols and special characters.

For Mac folks

Do you use your laptop for work and personal life, or share your MacBook with someone else? There’s a genius way to keep your accounts separate.

Set up different user accounts attached to different fingerprints. Maybe your work profile uses your pointer finger and your personal account uses your ring finger. Or you and your spouse have your fingerprints linked to your own accounts.

Hit the Apple menu > System Settings > Touch ID & Password to set these up. You can save up to five fingerprints and have three active ones. From this screen, you can also choose what Touch ID can do, including unlocking the computer, using Apple Pay, and auto-filling passwords.

Now, onto some great keyboard shortcuts for you, too.

• Control + Command + spacebar: This shortcut opens the Character Viewer, which lets you browse and insert special characters, symbols and emojis into your documents, emails, texts or anything else. It works in most programs and is much easier than opening a website to copy emojis.
• Option + Command + V: When you copy text or files, they’re usually pasted in the original format. Using this shortcut, you can paste the copied content without formatting. This is one you’ll use day after day.

Don’t stop yet! Tap or click for a list of awesome keyboard shortcuts to quickly lock your device, zoom in and create a snazzy virtual desktop.