Multitasking in Windows 10
In this post, I am talking you some tips, on how you can beautifully manage your multiple windows, multitask in a number of ways, and save a lot of time & be more productive in tight situations.
1. Task View instead of ALT + TAB
Using ALT + TAB / SHIFT + ALT + TAB had been used from ages. While they are good at letting you switch between next, and previous tabs, if you have like ten to fifteen windows open, you will end up putting up more time to find out the window you want to switch. Not to forget that as the number of open windows increases, the size of the title text for each tab reduces as well. When using Windows 10, using Task View is a better idea. It gives you a graphical view of all open apps in one zoomed-in rectangle along with a preview of each window. You can select the one you want to switch, and it switches instantly. This is how it looks:
You can invoke Task view either by using Windows+Tab together or look for the stacked rectangles right next to the Cortana search box in the taskbar.
2. Do not have a Second Monitor? Use Virtual Desktops
Using multiple monitors is one of the best ways to do multitasking. Not only you get to see more, but you can also run a number of apps that one display can handle. But then not everybody wants a second display, and if you are the kind of person who is on the move with a laptop, the secondary monitor is out of the question. Windows 10 offers Virtual Desktops, where you can create virtually any number of desktops. You get access to Taskbar, Start Menu, and so on. To create a Virtual Desktop, press the Task View button on the taskbar or use Windows + Tab. This will show the list of the running apps and the option of “New Desktop” with a plus sign on the bottom right.
Now, you can create any number of desktops, one after the other, and it will look like this.
The Windows + Tab / Task View displays both virtual desktops, and a preview of windows in each desktop as you hover over them.
Lastly, if you want to switch between the virtual desktops, use the keyboard shortcuts Windows Key + Ctrl + Left and Windows Key + Ctrl + Right Arrow. Note: If you close any of the virtual desktops, all windows of that Desktop will become available in Desktop One.
3. Stack Windows Side by Side with Snap Assist
If you want to use a couple of windows side by side, Windows 10 comes with native support for Multitasking. Using the Snap Assist feature, you can drag one window to the complete left, unless you get to see a transparent dock-like thing where the windows can stick themselves. You can stack up to 4 windows side by side just like how it looks in the image below:
This is very handy when you need to look at one window and note or analyze in a second. Windows 10 offers an inbuilt setting for multitasking which you can search in the Settings App, and it offers the following options:
These settings are enabled by default, but if you want to change the behavior of Snap Assistant, you can change it here. Say, for example, I don’t like windows to resize when I am resizing one of the windows. You can snap up to 4 windows like this, and while they happen automatically, you can always resize them for the best fit.
4. You can also Scroll Inactive Windows!
Many times, you have a second window that has a lot of data, and you need to scroll. Windows 10 lets you scroll such windows without actually switching to them by using Scroll Inactive Windows. Go to Settings > Device > Mouse, and you will find the Scroll inactive windows when I hover over them option which you need to toggle to turn On. Now using your mouse, all you need to is get your pointer over there, and scroll, and it will work. The focus will remain on the window you want, and you still get access to all data on the second window. Read: AltPlusTab lets you customize Alt+Tab menu.
5. Love Watching Videos when working? Mini Player is here to help
When I work, I usually have a video playing in the background. It helps if you are working alone most of the time. Windows 10 Movies & TV app come with a “Mini View” option which used to be there in Windows Media Player. This option is available right next to the full-screen button on the app. You can always resize the way you want.
These are most of the things I use when multitasking on my Windows 10 PC. I am sure there are a lot many, and if you know of any, do let us know in the comments section. I am sure you do a lot better than me! Read next: Windows 10 Tips & Tricks.
