Type with Your Voice Using Win + H

Speaking is usually faster than typing, and Windows has a built-in voice typing feature that turns your speech into text almost anywhere you can type.

The Tip

Click into any text box, such as an email, a document, or a browser search bar, and press:

Win + H

A small microphone panel appears. Click the microphone (or wait for it to start listening) and begin speaking.

How to Use It

1. Make sure your microphone is connected and working.
2. Click where you want the text to appear.
3. Press Win + H.
4. Speak clearly at a natural pace.
5. Press Win + H again, or click the microphone, to stop.

Voice Commands to Try

• Say “period”, “comma”, or “question mark” to add punctuation (or turn on auto punctuation in the panel’s settings).
• Say “new line” or “new paragraph” to start a fresh line.
• Say “delete that” to remove what you just dictated.
• Say “stop listening” to turn the microphone off.

Tips for Better Results

• Use a headset or a good microphone in a quiet room.
• Speak in full phrases instead of one word at a time.
• Review the text afterward, since names and unusual words may need fixing.
• Voice typing usually needs an internet connection and the right language selected in your settings.

Good to Know

Windows 11 also includes Voice access, a separate feature that lets you control your whole PC by voice, not just type. You can find it under Settings > Accessibility > Speech.

Quick Recap

Click in a text box, press Win + H, and start talking. It’s great for emails, notes, and first drafts.

Coming tomorrow: Install and update apps from one command with Winget.

Would you write your emails by voice? Share your thoughts below!

Install and Update Apps with Winget

Installing software usually means searching the web, finding the right download page, clicking through an installer, and unticking bundled extras. Winget (the Windows Package Manager) does it all with a single line of text.

What Is Winget?

Winget is a command-line tool built into Windows 11 and available on recent versions of Windows 10. It can find, install, update, and remove apps for you.

How to Use It

Right-click the Start button and open Terminal (or press Win + X and choose it). Then try these commands:

• Search for an app:
  winget search vlc
• Install an app:
  winget install VideoLAN.VLC
• See installed apps:
  winget list
• Check for updates:
  winget upgrade
• Update everything at once:
  winget upgrade --all
• Uninstall an app:
  winget uninstall VLC

Bonus Trick: Set Up a New PC Fast

On your current PC, save a list of your apps:

winget export -o my-apps.json

On a new PC, reinstall them all in one go:

winget import -i my-apps.json

Popular Apps to Try

• winget install Microsoft.PowerToys
• winget install Mozilla.Firefox
• winget install 7zip.7zip
• winget install Microsoft.VisualStudioCode

Good to Know

You may be asked to accept source agreements the first time you use it. Only install apps from sources you trust, and always check the app’s ID in the search results so you get the right one.

Quick Recap

Use winget upgrade --all every so often to keep your apps up to date with almost no effort.

Coming tomorrow: The hidden emoji and symbol keyboard.

Have you tried the command line before? Tell me about it in the comments!

Stay Focused with Do Not Disturb and Focus Sessions

Notification pop-ups are one of the biggest distractions on any PC. Windows has built-in tools to silence them while you work, study, or present, and to help you stay on task.

Do Not Disturb

Do Not Disturb stops notification banners and sounds from popping up. They’re still saved, so you can read them later in the notification center.

1. Press Win + N to open the notification center (Windows 11).
2. Click the bell icon to turn Do not disturb on or off.
3. Or go to Settings > System > Notifications to manage it and choose which apps can still alert you.

On Windows 10? The same feature is called Focus Assist, found under Settings > System > Focus assist.

Automatic Rules

In the notification settings, you can have Windows turn Do Not Disturb on automatically. Common choices include when you’re duplicating your display (like during a presentation) or when you’re playing a game full screen.

Focus Sessions (Windows 11)

Focus sessions are built into the Clock app and work like a study or work timer.

1. Open the Clock app from the Start menu.
2. Select Focus sessions.
3. Set how long you want to focus, such as 25 or 45 minutes.
4. Click Start focus session.

During a session, Do Not Disturb can be turned on for you, and the timer keeps you accountable. You can add breaks and see your daily progress, so it’s a good way to build a steady work habit.

Good to Know

Make sure important apps, like your calendar or alarm, are allowed in your priority list so you don’t miss something that matters.

Quick Recap

Turn on Do Not Disturb when you need quiet, and try a Focus session to get more done with fewer interruptions.

Coming tomorrow: Type with your voice using Win + H.

What distracts you most when you’re on your PC? Tell me in the comments!

Stay Protected with Windows Security

You don’t need to buy extra antivirus software to stay reasonably safe. Windows includes Windows Security (also called Microsoft Defender), which works quietly in the background. Here’s how to make sure it’s doing its job.

How to Open It

Press the Win key, type Windows Security, and press Enter. A green check mark on each item means everything is fine.

What to Check

• Virus & threat protection: Make sure real-time protection is on. Click Quick scan for a fast check, or open Scan options for a full scan.
• Firewall & network protection: Keep the firewall on for your networks.
• App & browser control: Reputation-based protection (SmartScreen) warns you about risky downloads and websites.
• Device security: Shows hardware-based protections such as Secure Boot on supported PCs.
• Device performance & health: Flags problems with updates, storage, and drivers.

Bonus Tricks

• Offline scan: If you suspect stubborn malware, choose Scan options > Microsoft Defender Offline scan. Your PC restarts and scans before Windows loads.
• Ransomware protection: Turn on Controlled folder access to protect folders like Documents and Pictures from unauthorized changes.
• Cloud-delivered protection: Keep it on so Windows can recognize new threats quickly.
• Keep Windows updated: Security fixes arrive through Windows Update, so install updates regularly.

Good to Know

Controlled folder access can occasionally block a legitimate app from saving files. If that happens, you can allow the app in the settings. Also, be careful of fake “virus alert” pop-ups on websites. Real alerts come from Windows Security itself, not from a web page.

Quick Recap

Open Windows Security now, make sure everything shows a green check, and keep Windows up to date.

Coming tomorrow: Sign in faster and more securely with Windows Hello.

Do you run any extra security software on top of Windows Security? Tell me below!

Sign In Faster and Safer with Windows Hello

Typing a long password every time you wake your PC gets old fast. Windows Hello lets you sign in with your face, fingerprint, or a short PIN, which is both quicker and more secure.

Sign-in Options

• Face recognition: Needs a compatible camera, usually an infrared one built into some laptops and webcams.
• Fingerprint: Needs a fingerprint reader.
• PIN: Works on every PC. A PIN is stored on your device only, so it’s safer than a typical password you reuse on other sites.
• Security key: A physical USB or NFC key you plug in or tap.

How to Set It Up

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Accounts > Sign-in options.
3. Choose the option you want, such as PIN (Windows Hello) or Fingerprint recognition.
4. Click Set up and follow the prompts.

Bonus Trick: Dynamic Lock

Dynamic lock locks your PC automatically when you walk away with your phone.

1. Pair your phone with your PC through Bluetooth.
2. In Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, find Dynamic lock.
3. Tick the box to let Windows lock your device when you’re away.

Other Security Habits

• Press Win + L every time you leave your desk.
• Use a strong, unique password for your Microsoft account and turn on two-step verification.
• Set your screen to lock after a few minutes of inactivity.

Good to Know

Which Windows Hello options you see depends on your hardware. If face or fingerprint isn’t available, a PIN is still a great upgrade over a password.

Quick Recap

Open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, set up a PIN or biometric sign-in, and get into your PC in a second.

Coming tomorrow: Stay focused with Do Not Disturb and Focus Sessions.

Do you use a PIN, fingerprint, or face to sign in? Let me know below!

Night Light and Dark Mode for Easier-on-the-Eyes Computing

Staring at a bright screen late at night isn’t very comfortable. Windows has two built-in features that make your display easier on the eyes: Night Light and Dark Mode.

Night Light

Night Light shifts your screen toward warmer colors by reducing blue light, which many people find more comfortable in the evening.

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Go to System > Display > Night light.
3. Turn it on, or click Schedule night light to set it up automatically.
4. Choose Set hours or Sunset to sunrise.
5. Use the Strength slider to pick how warm you want the colors.

Quick toggle: On Windows 11, press Win + A to open Quick Settings and switch Night Light on or off with one click.

Dark Mode

Dark Mode swaps bright white backgrounds for dark ones in Windows and in many apps, such as Settings, File Explorer, and Microsoft Edge.

1. Open Settings > Personalization > Colors.
2. Next to Choose your mode, select Dark.
3. Want a mix? Choose Custom to set Windows and your apps separately.

Bonus Tricks

• Match your wallpaper: Under Personalization > Themes, pick a dark theme that complements the mode.
• Browser dark mode: Many browsers and websites have their own dark setting, so check the appearance options there too.
• Lower the brightness: Use the brightness slider in Quick Settings for an even softer glow at night.

Good to Know

Dark Mode and Night Light are matters of comfort and preference. If text becomes harder for you to read, you can switch either one off at any time.

Quick Recap

Turn on Night Light with a schedule and pick Dark Mode in Colors for a more comfortable screen in the evening.

Coming tomorrow: Windows Security, your built-in protection against threats.

Are you team light mode or dark mode? Vote in the comments!

The Win Key Shortcut Cheat Sheet

The Windows key is the most powerful key on your keyboard. Combined with just one more key, it opens tools, switches windows, and controls your screen. Here’s a cheat sheet worth bookmarking.

Open Things Fast

• Win + E: File Explorer
• Win + I: Settings
• Win + R: Run dialog (type a program or command name)
• Win + S: Search
• Win + X: Power user menu (Device Manager, Disk Management, Terminal, and more)
• Win + A: Quick Settings (Windows 11)
• Win + N: Notifications and calendar (Windows 11)
• Win + W: Widgets (Windows 11)

Manage Windows

• Win + D: Show or hide the desktop
• Win + M: Minimize all windows
• Win + Home: Minimize everything except the active window
• Win + Tab: Task view
• Win + ← / →: Snap windows

Handy Extras

• Win + L: Lock your PC
• Win + V: Clipboard history
• Win + .: Emoji panel
• Win + Shift + S: Screenshot
• Win + K: Connect to a wireless display or cast your screen
• Win + +: Open Magnifier to zoom in on your screen

A Lifesaver to Remember

If your screen goes black or looks glitchy, press Win + Ctrl + Shift + B. It restarts the graphics driver, and the screen may flicker for a moment as it does. Many display problems are fixed instantly without a reboot.

Quick Recap

You don’t need to memorize them all. Pick three that match how you work and use them for a week, then add more.

Coming tomorrow: Night Light and Dark Mode for easier-on-the-eyes computing.

What’s your favorite Windows key shortcut? Share it in the comments!

Free Up Disk Space Automatically with Storage Sense

Running low on storage? Windows quietly collects temporary files, old downloads, and a full Recycle Bin that can add up to many gigabytes. Storage Sense cleans these up for you automatically.

The Tip

Storage Sense is a built-in tool that removes junk files on a schedule, so you don’t have to hunt for them yourself.

How to Turn It On

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Go to System > Storage.
3. Switch on Storage Sense.
4. Click Storage Sense again to customize how it works.

Settings You Can Adjust

• How often it runs: Every day, week, month, or only when you’re low on space.
• Temporary files: Let it delete temp files that your apps no longer need.
• Recycle Bin: Automatically empty items after a set number of days.
• Downloads folder: Optionally delete files you haven’t opened for a while. This is off by default, so be careful with it.
• Run now: Click Run Storage Sense now for an immediate cleanup.

More Ways to Free Space

• Temporary files: In the Storage page, open Temporary files to see exactly what can be removed, such as old update files, thumbnails, and the Recycle Bin.
• Disk Cleanup: Search for it in the Start menu and choose Clean up system files for a deeper clean.
• Uninstall unused apps: Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps and sort by size.
• See what’s using space: The Storage page shows a breakdown of apps, documents, pictures, and more.

Good to Know

Before you let Storage Sense clear your Downloads folder or Recycle Bin, make sure you’ve saved anything important elsewhere. Deleted files may not be recoverable.

Quick Recap

Turn on Storage Sense once and let Windows keep your drive tidy in the background.

Coming tomorrow: A cheat sheet of the most useful Windows key shortcuts.

How much space did you free up? Let me know in the comments!