If you’re like many users, you’ve probably found it convenient to pile up your desktop with a lot of files.. Over time though, this method creates a confusing display screen that can give anyone a headache.. What started as a way to quickly grab files becomes the opposite and you waste time wading through a crowded desktop to find that crucial document. Boost your productivity and unburden you computer’s resources with these simple tips.

1. Before you begin, do a bit of recon

Before you go about deleting everything from your desktop, think about what you really want to keep. This will be vary from person to person, but most people treat their desktop as a place where they put files, folders, and app shortcuts that they want to access quickly.

Take the time to prioritize your files and folders. An easy way to do this is to right-click on an empty area of your desktop (where there are no icons) and select “Auto arrange icons”. This will organize your icons into a grid format that makes it easier for you to see and work with them. Then, right-click on the empty space and hover your mouse over “Sort by” and select “Date modified” to arrange the icons by the date they were last opened, with the latest on top.

2. Create holding and app shortcut folders

People often use their desktop to hold files like downloads, photos, screenshots, and even email attachments. This can lead to a messy desktop in a short period of time.

In truth, you probably don’t need all these shortcuts on your desktop. Instead, create a folder on your desktop for all non-essential files and folders.

Use this folder for non-important or temporary items. If you don’t intend to keep a file, icon, photo, etc. for long, put it in this folder. Once you are done with the file, simply go to the holding folder and delete it.

It also helps if you create a shortcut folder. When you install new programs on Windows, a shortcut icon is often automatically added to your desktop. However, these desktop shortcuts should be for frequently used programs only. For programs that aren’t used that often, it is best to create a separate folder.

3. Be ruthless in cleaning

Once you have your folders set up, it’s time to get rid of the clutter. If you haven’t used a file, folder, etc. in the past two months or so, you should seriously consider getting rid of it.

Examine your desktop and uninstall programs you no longer use, delete images you don’t need, move unimportant files, and place the rest in relevant folders. Once completed, take a look at your browser to see where it stores downloaded files. If your browser downloads files to your desktop by default, go to Settings and change the target location to the Downloads folder.

4. Stick with your plan

Once you have decluttered your desktop, try to stick with the rules you’ve made. Whenever you download something, ask yourself whether this should go to the desktop or someplace else.

Of course, sticking with these rules won’t always be easy, so take time once or twice a month to revisit your desktop and clean it up a bit.

5. Use the taskbar or Start menu for apps

With Windows 10, you can actually pin apps to the Start menu and the bottom taskbar. This is a great alternative to simply having program shortcuts on your desktop. To pin apps, open your apps list (click the down arrow from the Windows Start screen) and right-click on the application you would like to pin. Simply select “Pin to Start” or “Pin to taskbar” for the option you want.

6. Strategically position your wallpaper

An interesting way to minimize clutter is to pick a wallpaper that you enjoy looking at – whether it’s your favorite picture, slogan. Frame the image so the focus is in the center of your desktop. Then, place your icons around the image in a way that they still allow you to see the image. If you can’t see the image, then you have too many icons, and it may be time to get rid of a few.

Also, having an image you like serves as a reminder to keep icons to a minimum.. It’s a proactive solution eliminate clutter from your desktop..

If you are looking to learn more about using Windows in your office, contact us today to see how we can help.

Servers can host almost every type of business program, with email being one of the most common. When businesses look for email server services, they look for Microsoft Exchange. But if you’re looking to save on infrastructure costs, you might want to consider Microsoft’s hosted Exchange. Here’s what you need to know.

What is Microsoft Exchange?

Microsoft Exchange is a messaging system that offers businesses a number of services, including email, calendar, task management, address lists, and more. By integrating Exchange into your business, you can access all of these servers from any location, on almost every device.

Many companies that purchase Exchange install it on servers that are usually on premises. This setup can be a bit expensive, especially for small businesses. Moreover, the server needed to host it can take up space that a business may not have. This is why many companies prefer to operate on cloud-based systems.

What is hosted Exchange?

To meet the demands of businesses of all sizes, many IT companies like Microsoft started to offer hosted Exchange. In this setup, your IT provider makes space available on one of their servers. They then install Microsoft Exchange in a space accessible only to your company, over an internet connection. They are in charge of ensuring the data stored within is secure and accessible to you at all times. Many hosted Exchange providers will also offer extra features like improved security, full-time management, and data backup.

In other words, hosted Exchange is the cloud-based version of Microsoft Exchange managed by the host company. You and your employees will still be able to access it as if it were hosted in your office.

Benefits of hosted Exchange

Companies looking to integrate hosted Exchange into their business can enjoy the following benefits:

1. Predictable and lower costs

Like many other hosted services, the majority of hosted Exchange services are offered on a monthly, per-user basis, inclusive of maintenance and hosting. This makes costs predictable as you’ll be paying a fixed fee.

Hosted Exchange also lowers overall costs. If a business were to calculate the cost of purchasing a new server, Microsoft Exchange, and the infrastructure required to use it, plus maintenance fees, the total and per-user cost will likely add up quickly. For many small businesses, paying a monthly fee will be far less expensive than hosting a Microsoft Exchange solution in-house. What’s more, you save money on maintenance overhead and future expenses.

2. Easier implementation

Implementing Microsoft Exchange in your office would require you to find space for the server, install the server and Microsoft Exchange. Once installed, you’ll have to manage Exchange and add new accounts and users. In case the service goes offline, you’ll have to fix it yourself. With a hosted Exchange solution, your IT partner will take care of hosting, management, and installation, so you can focus on running your business.

3. Flexible solutions

Growing businesses may find it tough to scale up or down on an in-house Microsoft Exchange solution because it’s limited by the capacity of the server. With hosted Exchange, you can just contact your provider, who can ensure that space and resources are available. The hosted Exchange provider can also help scale your solutions in case you move offices.

Looking to learn more about hosted Exchange and how your business can benefit from it? Chat with us today!

Servers can host nearly every type of software solution, including email and office support, of which Microsoft Exchange is widely considered to be the best. If you’re looking into a new email server solution, you’ve likely come across hosted Exchange. But what is it and how can it help?

What is Microsoft Exchange?

Microsoft Exchange is a messaging system that offers businesses a number of services, including email, calendar, task management, address lists, and more. By integrating Exchange into your business, you can access all of these servers from any location, on almost every device.

Many companies that purchase Exchange install it on servers that are usually on premises. This setup can be a bit expensive, especially for small businesses. Moreover, the server needed to host it can take up space that a business may not have. This is why many companies prefer to operate on cloud-based systems.

What is hosted Exchange?

To meet the demands of businesses of all sizes, many IT companies like Microsoft started to offer hosted Exchange. In this setup, your IT provider makes space available on one of their servers. They then install Microsoft Exchange in a space accessible only to your company, over an internet connection. They are in charge of ensuring the data stored within is secure and accessible to you at all times. Many hosted Exchange providers will also offer extra features like improved security, full-time management, and data backup.

In other words, hosted Exchange is the cloud-based version of Microsoft Exchange managed by the host company. You and your employees will still be able to access it as if it were hosted in your office.

Benefits of hosted Exchange

Companies looking to integrate hosted Exchange into their business can enjoy the following benefits:

1. Predictable and lower costs

Like many other hosted services, the majority of hosted Exchange services are offered on a monthly, per-user basis, inclusive of maintenance and hosting. This makes costs predictable as you’ll be paying a fixed fee.

Hosted Exchange also lowers overall costs. If a business were to calculate the cost of purchasing a new server, Microsoft Exchange, and the infrastructure required to use it, plus maintenance fees, the total and per-user cost will likely add up quickly. For many small businesses, paying a monthly fee will be far less expensive than hosting a Microsoft Exchange solution in-house. What’s more, you save money on maintenance overhead and future expenses.

2. Easier implementation

Implementing Microsoft Exchange in your office would require you to find space for the server, install the server and Microsoft Exchange. Once installed, you’ll have to manage Exchange and add new accounts and users. In case the service goes offline, you’ll have to fix it yourself. With a hosted Exchange solution, your IT partner will take care of hosting, management, and installation, so you can focus on running your business.

3. Flexible solutions

Growing businesses may find it tough to scale up or down on an in-house Microsoft Exchange solution because it’s limited by the capacity of the server. With hosted Exchange, you can just contact your provider, who can ensure that space and resources are available. The hosted Exchange provider can also help scale your solutions in case you move offices.

Looking to learn more about hosted Exchange and how your business can benefit from it? Chat with us today!

A server can host most business programs, and many businesses rely on at least one server — most commonly Microsoft Exchange — to host their email platform. Some companies, however, don’t have enough room for a server. Hosted Exchange solves this dilemma.

What is Microsoft Exchange?

Microsoft Exchange is a messaging system that offers businesses a number of services, including email, calendar, task management, address lists, and more. By integrating Exchange into your business, you can access all of these servers from any location, on almost every device.

Many companies that purchase Exchange install it on servers that are usually on premises. This setup can be a bit expensive, especially for small businesses. Moreover, the server needed to host it can take up space that a business may not have. This is why many companies prefer to operate on cloud-based systems.

What is hosted Exchange?

To meet the demands of businesses of all sizes, many IT companies like Microsoft started to offer hosted Exchange. In this setup, your IT provider makes space available on one of their servers. They then install Microsoft Exchange in a space accessible only to your company, over an internet connection. They are in charge of ensuring the data stored within is secure and accessible to you at all times. Many hosted Exchange providers will also offer extra features like improved security, full-time management, and data backup.

In other words, hosted Exchange is the cloud-based version of Microsoft Exchange managed by the host company. You and your employees will still be able to access it as if it were hosted in your office.

Benefits of hosted Exchange

Companies looking to integrate hosted Exchange into their business can enjoy the following benefits:

1. Predictable and lower costs

Like many other hosted services, the majority of hosted Exchange services are offered on a monthly, per-user basis, inclusive of maintenance and hosting. This makes costs predictable as you’ll be paying a fixed fee.

Hosted Exchange also lowers overall costs. If a business were to calculate the cost of purchasing a new server, Microsoft Exchange, and the infrastructure required to use it, plus maintenance fees, the total and per-user cost will likely add up quickly. For many small businesses, paying a monthly fee will be far less expensive than hosting a Microsoft Exchange solution in-house. What’s more, you save money on maintenance overhead and future expenses.

2. Easier implementation

Implementing Microsoft Exchange in your office would require you to find space for the server, install the server and Microsoft Exchange. Once installed, you’ll have to manage Exchange and add new accounts and users. In case the service goes offline, you’ll have to fix it yourself. With a hosted Exchange solution, your IT partner will take care of hosting, management, and installation, so you can focus on running your business.

3. Flexible solutions

Growing businesses may find it tough to scale up or down on an in-house Microsoft Exchange solution because it’s limited by the capacity of the server. With hosted Exchange, you can just contact your provider, who can ensure that space and resources are available. The hosted Exchange provider can also help scale your solutions in case you move offices.

Looking to learn more about hosted Exchange and how your business can benefit from it? Chat with us today!

Microsoft is constantly rolling out new versions of its Windows operating system, and the latest is finally here — the first major update of Windows 10 in 2019. Find out what you can expect from the Windows 10 May 2019 update and how it can help you be more productive.

Light theme

If Windows 10’s dark mode is, well, too dark for you, you’ll love the new light mode. You can enable light mode on your Windows 10 computer by tweaking the Colors settings. In the Settings app, click on Personalization > Colors, then select the Light option from the “Choose your color” drop-down menu.

Alternatively, you can enable light mode by changing your PC’s Themes settings. In the Settings app, click on Themes > Windows (light).

A cleaner Start menu

The May 2019 Update features a new, less cluttered Start menu. The tiles and shortcuts are now arranged in a single column instead of the default two columns in previous versions.

Also, for those using a new Windows computer or user account, the number of pinned apps on the Start menu has been reduced and grouped together in a single section. This way, you can quickly unpin all of them without having to remove tiles one by one.

Uninstall more built-in apps

Paint 3D, Groove Music, and Mail are just some of the built-in applications that you can now uninstall from your Windows 10 device. To uninstall one of these apps, go to the Start menu and right-click on the app’s shortcut and select Uninstall. If you change your mind, you can always get the app for free from the Microsoft Store.

Separate Cortana and search box

The May 2019 Update separates Cortana from the search box. The Windows 10 digital assistant now has its own icon on the taskbar, while the search icon keeps its place right next to the Start menu. Settings and group policies for these two functions have also been split up.

The split means you can use the search box for text queries and Cortana for voice queries. This is a change from previous Windows 10 versions, which showed Cortana every time you clicked the search box. The new search interface also lists your most used apps as well as recent files and activities along with options to filter search results by apps, documents, email, and web results.

Automatic backup for folders

Backing up your folders has never been easier with Windows 10’s new OneDrive option. You can now specify which folders you’d like to automatically sync to Microsoft’s cloud file storage service. To enable this option, click the OneDrive icon on the right side of the taskbar, then go to More > Settings. On the AutoSave tab, click Update folders and choose the folders you’d like to automatically sync.

Space for updates

A common problem when updating is not having enough disk space on your computer. When this happens, it’s likely that Windows updates won’t install properly. Microsoft has solved this problem by allocating 7 GB of your hard drive to Windows for updates and temporary files created by apps and processes. When it’s time to update your PC, these files will be automatically deleted to free up space for downloading the update files.

Note that reserved storage depends on other features and languages installed on your computer. If there are more of such on your system, more space will be reserved for temporary files.

Installing the latest updates ensures that you get the most out of your Windows 10 device. For more information on the latest Windows 10 updates and features, give us a call today.

The first major Windows 10 update in 2019 started rolling out in late May, and it is packed with a raft of tools and apps to enhance user experience as well as productivity and efficiency. Here are some of the most notable changes that come with the update.

Light theme

If Windows 10’s dark mode is, well, too dark for you, you’ll love the new light mode. You can enable light mode on your Windows 10 computer by tweaking the Colors settings. In the Settings app, click on Personalization > Colors, then select the Light option from the “Choose your color” drop-down menu.

Alternatively, you can enable light mode by changing your PC’s Themes settings. In the Settings app, click on Themes > Windows (light).

A cleaner Start menu

The May 2019 Update features a new, less cluttered Start menu. The tiles and shortcuts are now arranged in a single column instead of the default two columns in previous versions.

Also, for those using a new Windows computer or user account, the number of pinned apps on the Start menu has been reduced and grouped together in a single section. This way, you can quickly unpin all of them without having to remove tiles one by one.

Uninstall more built-in apps

Paint 3D, Groove Music, and Mail are just some of the built-in applications that you can now uninstall from your Windows 10 device. To uninstall one of these apps, go to the Start menu and right-click on the app’s shortcut and select Uninstall. If you change your mind, you can always get the app for free from the Microsoft Store.

Separate Cortana and search box

The May 2019 Update separates Cortana from the search box. The Windows 10 digital assistant now has its own icon on the taskbar, while the search icon keeps its place right next to the Start menu. Settings and group policies for these two functions have also been split up.

The split means you can use the search box for text queries and Cortana for voice queries. This is a change from previous Windows 10 versions, which showed Cortana every time you clicked the search box. The new search interface also lists your most used apps as well as recent files and activities along with options to filter search results by apps, documents, email, and web results.

Automatic backup for folders

Backing up your folders has never been easier with Windows 10’s new OneDrive option. You can now specify which folders you’d like to automatically sync to Microsoft’s cloud file storage service. To enable this option, click the OneDrive icon on the right side of the taskbar, then go to More > Settings. On the AutoSave tab, click Update folders and choose the folders you’d like to automatically sync.

Space for updates

A common problem when updating is not having enough disk space on your computer. When this happens, it’s likely that Windows updates won’t install properly. Microsoft has solved this problem by allocating 7 GB of your hard drive to Windows for updates and temporary files created by apps and processes. When it’s time to update your PC, these files will be automatically deleted to free up space for downloading the update files.

Note that reserved storage depends on other features and languages installed on your computer. If there are more of such on your system, more space will be reserved for temporary files.

Installing the latest updates ensures that you get the most out of your Windows 10 device. For more information on the latest Windows 10 updates and features, give us a call today.

The Windows 10 May 2019 Update is now available for download, and it brings a wealth of new features, tools, and apps that will help you and your team be more productive and efficient, as well as give you a better user experience. Read on to find out about Windows 10’s best new features.

Light theme

If Windows 10’s dark mode is, well, too dark for you, you’ll love the new light mode. You can enable light mode on your Windows 10 computer by tweaking the Colors settings. In the Settings app, click on Personalization > Colors, then select the Light option from the “Choose your color” drop-down menu.

Alternatively, you can enable light mode by changing your PC’s Themes settings. In the Settings app, click on Themes > Windows (light).

A cleaner Start menu

The May 2019 Update features a new, less cluttered Start menu. The tiles and shortcuts are now arranged in a single column instead of the default two columns in previous versions.

Also, for those using a new Windows computer or user account, the number of pinned apps on the Start menu has been reduced and grouped together in a single section. This way, you can quickly unpin all of them without having to remove tiles one by one.

Uninstall more built-in apps

Paint 3D, Groove Music, and Mail are just some of the built-in applications that you can now uninstall from your Windows 10 device. To uninstall one of these apps, go to the Start menu and right-click on the app’s shortcut and select Uninstall. If you change your mind, you can always get the app for free from the Microsoft Store.

Separate Cortana and search box

The May 2019 Update separates Cortana from the search box. The Windows 10 digital assistant now has its own icon on the taskbar, while the search icon keeps its place right next to the Start menu. Settings and group policies for these two functions have also been split up.

The split means you can use the search box for text queries and Cortana for voice queries. This is a change from previous Windows 10 versions, which showed Cortana every time you clicked the search box. The new search interface also lists your most used apps as well as recent files and activities along with options to filter search results by apps, documents, email, and web results.

Automatic backup for folders

Backing up your folders has never been easier with Windows 10’s new OneDrive option. You can now specify which folders you’d like to automatically sync to Microsoft’s cloud file storage service. To enable this option, click the OneDrive icon on the right side of the taskbar, then go to More > Settings. On the AutoSave tab, click Update folders and choose the folders you’d like to automatically sync.

Space for updates

A common problem when updating is not having enough disk space on your computer. When this happens, it’s likely that Windows updates won’t install properly. Microsoft has solved this problem by allocating 7 GB of your hard drive to Windows for updates and temporary files created by apps and processes. When it’s time to update your PC, these files will be automatically deleted to free up space for downloading the update files.

Note that reserved storage depends on other features and languages installed on your computer. If there are more of such on your system, more space will be reserved for temporary files.

Installing the latest updates ensures that you get the most out of your Windows 10 device. For more information on the latest Windows 10 updates and features, give us a call today.

Microsoft’s Windows 10 has had the same level of acceptance and success as Windows 7 did. It’s not a perfect operating system though, as users are complaining about its intrusive privacy settings that are on by default. Get your privacy back by following these tips on tweaking its default settings.

Turn personalized advertising off

For those unaware, Windows 10 assigns each user an “advertising ID” that it uses to personalize your ad experience based on your recent browsing history. If you’re okay with seeing generic ads targeted to you based on demographics rather than your ID, we recommend turning this feature off. Here’s how to do it:

1. Click on the magnifying glass symbol next to the Windows logo, at the bottom left of your screen.
2. Next, type in “Privacy” — click on Privacy Settings, and select General.
3. Turn off the option that states “Let apps use my advertising ID for experience across apps”.
4. Lastly, open your web browser and go to this link. Once there, turn off the “Personalized ads wherever I use my Microsoft account” and “Personalized ads in this browser” options.

This resets your ad ID, letting you surf the web without the targeted advertisements.

Disable Cortana

Voice-controlled digital assistants have become big business. Microsoft aims to capitalize on this market with Cortana, an incredibly resourceful built-in assistant that allows to you quickly set reminders, schedule events and send email, among many other intuitive features. It uses the information it collects similar to how Google’s Android-based assistant does it. However, it can become overbearing at times.

1. To turn it off, click on the Cortana icon on the taskbar, followed by the notebook icon on the left-hand side of the pop-up panel.
2. Click on Settings, which should present you with the option that says, “Cortana can give you suggestions, ideas, reminders, alerts and more”; you can actually just click the On/Off toggle, too.

Once disabled, the Cortana option disappears and you’re now presented with a search bar, which you can use to search for things online or on your desktop.

Stop peer-to-peer file sharing

With P2P file sharing enabled, Windows 10 shares downloaded updates to your PC with other Windows 10 users by default. This helps other users update their systems faster, and speeds up your upgrade downloads, as well. However, if you are unhappy with your files being utilized by other users, you can turn it off.

1. Head over to Settings once again.
2. Click on Update and Security > Windows Update > Advanced Options > Choose how updates are delivered.
3. By default, the option “Updates from more than one place” is on, followed by two options: “Distribute updates only to PCs on local network,” and “Shut off P2P updates entirely”.
4. If you want to disable this feature entirely without worrying about specifics, then move the toggle to Off.

If you want to share your files with PCs on your in-house network only, leave this option on and select the option that says “PCs on my local network.” For more detailed instructions on how to stop P2P updates, click here.

Blunt Microsoft’s Edge

Microsoft Edge is chock-full of features — such as Cortana Integration and typing prediction — which may make you uncomfortable, since all the features send data back to Microsoft. To turn off these intrusive functionalities, open Edge and click on the menu icon in the far right corner (three dots).

Once in, click on View Advanced Settings. There you have the option to disable Adobe Flash — which stops those Flash cookies from going anywhere. You’ll also encounter a bunch of settings you might want to disable under the “Privacy and Services” section.

These simple security tips will stop Microsoft from tracking your online activities for good! Don’t hesitate to contact us today for all matters security-related.

The popularity of social media has allowed advertisers to target their consumers more efficiently. But did you know that your operating system might also be helping agencies post personalized ads according to your search history? Learn how to fix some of Windows 10’s faulty privacy settings.

Turn personalized advertising off

For those unaware, Windows 10 assigns each user an “advertising ID” that it uses to personalize your ad experience based on your recent browsing history. If you’re okay with seeing generic ads targeted to you based on demographics rather than your ID, we recommend turning this feature off. Here’s how to do it:

1. Click on the magnifying glass symbol next to the Windows logo, at the bottom left of your screen.
2. Next, type in “Privacy” — click on Privacy Settings, and select General.
3. Turn off the option that states “Let apps use my advertising ID for experience across apps”.
4. Lastly, open your web browser and go to this link. Once there, turn off the “Personalized ads wherever I use my Microsoft account” and “Personalized ads in this browser” options.

This resets your ad ID, letting you surf the web without the targeted advertisements.

Disable Cortana

Voice-controlled digital assistants have become big business. Microsoft aims to capitalize on this market with Cortana, an incredibly resourceful built-in assistant that allows to you quickly set reminders, schedule events and send email, among many other intuitive features. It uses the information it collects similar to how Google’s Android-based assistant does it. However, it can become overbearing at times.

1. To turn it off, click on the Cortana icon on the taskbar, followed by the notebook icon on the left-hand side of the pop-up panel.
2. Click on Settings, which should present you with the option that says, “Cortana can give you suggestions, ideas, reminders, alerts and more”; you can actually just click the On/Off toggle, too.

Once disabled, the Cortana option disappears and you’re now presented with a search bar, which you can use to search for things online or on your desktop.

Stop peer-to-peer file sharing

With P2P file sharing enabled, Windows 10 shares downloaded updates to your PC with other Windows 10 users by default. This helps other users update their systems faster, and speeds up your upgrade downloads, as well. However, if you are unhappy with your files being utilized by other users, you can turn it off.

1. Head over to Settings once again.
2. Click on Update and Security > Windows Update > Advanced Options > Choose how updates are delivered.
3. By default, the option “Updates from more than one place” is on, followed by two options: “Distribute updates only to PCs on local network,” and “Shut off P2P updates entirely”.
4. If you want to disable this feature entirely without worrying about specifics, then move the toggle to Off.

If you want to share your files with PCs on your in-house network only, leave this option on and select the option that says “PCs on my local network.” For more detailed instructions on how to stop P2P updates, click here.

Blunt Microsoft’s Edge

Microsoft Edge is chock-full of features — such as Cortana Integration and typing prediction — which may make you uncomfortable, since all the features send data back to Microsoft. To turn off these intrusive functionalities, open Edge and click on the menu icon in the far right corner (three dots).

Once in, click on View Advanced Settings. There you have the option to disable Adobe Flash — which stops those Flash cookies from going anywhere. You’ll also encounter a bunch of settings you might want to disable under the “Privacy and Services” section.

These simple security tips will stop Microsoft from tracking your online activities for good! Don’t hesitate to contact us today for all matters security-related.

Windows 10’s Cortana can be helpful with various tasks — from displaying accurate and personalized ads according to your online searches to spamming word suggestions based on your most common keystrokes. But this operating system may feel intrusive. The following tips should help you avoid being seen by Microsoft’s watchful eye.

Turn personalized advertising off

For those unaware, Windows 10 assigns each user an “advertising ID” that it uses to personalize your ad experience based on your recent browsing history. If you’re okay with seeing generic ads targeted to you based on demographics rather than your ID, we recommend turning this feature off. Here’s how to do it:

1. Click on the magnifying glass symbol next to the Windows logo, at the bottom left of your screen.
2. Next, type in “Privacy” — click on Privacy Settings, and select General.
3. Turn off the option that states “Let apps use my advertising ID for experience across apps”.
4. Lastly, open your web browser and go to this link. Once there, turn off the “Personalized ads wherever I use my Microsoft account” and “Personalized ads in this browser” options.

This resets your ad ID, letting you surf the web without the targeted advertisements.

Disable Cortana

Voice-controlled digital assistants have become big business. Microsoft aims to capitalize on this market with Cortana, an incredibly resourceful built-in assistant that allows to you quickly set reminders, schedule events and send email, among many other intuitive features. It uses the information it collects similar to how Google’s Android-based assistant does it. However, it can become overbearing at times.

1. To turn it off, click on the Cortana icon on the taskbar, followed by the notebook icon on the left-hand side of the pop-up panel.
2. Click on Settings, which should present you with the option that says, “Cortana can give you suggestions, ideas, reminders, alerts and more”; you can actually just click the On/Off toggle, too.

Once disabled, the Cortana option disappears and you’re now presented with a search bar, which you can use to search for things online or on your desktop.

Stop peer-to-peer file sharing

With P2P file sharing enabled, Windows 10 shares downloaded updates to your PC with other Windows 10 users by default. This helps other users update their systems faster, and speeds up your upgrade downloads, as well. However, if you are unhappy with your files being utilized by other users, you can turn it off.

1. Head over to Settings once again.
2. Click on Update and Security > Windows Update > Advanced Options > Choose how updates are delivered.
3. By default, the option “Updates from more than one place” is on, followed by two options: “Distribute updates only to PCs on local network,” and “Shut off P2P updates entirely”.
4. If you want to disable this feature entirely without worrying about specifics, then move the toggle to Off.

If you want to share your files with PCs on your in-house network only, leave this option on and select the option that says “PCs on my local network.” For more detailed instructions on how to stop P2P updates, click here.

Blunt Microsoft’s Edge

Microsoft Edge is chock-full of features — such as Cortana Integration and typing prediction — which may make you uncomfortable, since all the features send data back to Microsoft. To turn off these intrusive functionalities, open Edge and click on the menu icon in the far right corner (three dots).

Once in, click on View Advanced Settings. There you have the option to disable Adobe Flash — which stops those Flash cookies from going anywhere. You’ll also encounter a bunch of settings you might want to disable under the “Privacy and Services” section.

These simple security tips will stop Microsoft from tracking your online activities for good! Don’t hesitate to contact us today for all matters security-related.

Technology is all about making lives easier, and something as simple as keyboard shortcuts can save you a lot of time. If you’re using a Windows 10 computer, here are some new keyboard shortcuts that you’ve probably been waiting for.

Windows Snapping

If you’ve never used Windows Snapping, you’re missing out on one of Windows 10’s key features. Known as Aero Snap on Windows 7, the snapping feature allows you to snap windows vertically on top of each other. You can even snap windows to a 2×2 grid for better multitasking. Simply use these keyboard shortcuts:

• Windows Key + Left – Snap current window to the left side of the screen
• Windows Key + Right – Snap current window to the right side of the screen
• Windows Key + Up – Snap current window to the top of the screen
• Windows Key + Down – Snap current window to the bottom of the screen

You can also combine these shortcuts to snap your current window into a corner like top left, top right, and more.

Task Views

This window management feature allows you to see all your opened windows so you can quickly return to a specific program or document. This is particularly useful if you have multiple windows open at once. In addition to clicking the Task View button on the taskbar to open it, these keyboard shortcuts will do the trick:

• Windows Key + Tab – Open a new Task View interface with windows from your current virtual desktop appearing in the Task View list. To switch between virtual desktops, simply use the virtual desktop switcher at the bottom of the screen.
• Alt + Tab – While not a new keyboard shortcut per se, it allows you to switch between open windows on all virtual desktops.
• Ctrl + Alt + Tab – This is similar to Alt + Tab but the thumbnails stay on the screen even after you release all the keys.

Virtual Desktop

A great way to stay organized, this nifty feature lets you use an unlimited number of virtual desktops so you can dedicate each of them for certain functions. For instance, one could be used solely for work with all your business software and the other for entertainment. Some keyboard shortcuts to help you quickly manage your virtual desktops include:

• Windows Key + Ctrl + D – Create a new virtual desktop and switch to it
• Windows Key + Ctrl + F4 – Close current virtual desktop
• Windows Key + Ctrl + Left/Right – Switch to the virtual desktop on the left or right

If you’re looking for ways to boost productivity, or have any questions about how Microsoft Windows can help streamline your operations, just give us a call. Our IT experts are more than happy to help.

Since its release back in 2015, Windows 10 continues to receive updates and new features. This time, users are greeted with some new keyboard shortcuts that will make life easier. Here are our top picks that can be extremely helpful to your daily operations.

Windows Snapping

If you’ve never used Windows Snapping, you’re missing out on one of Windows 10’s key features. Known as Aero Snap on Windows 7, the snapping feature allows you to snap windows vertically on top of each other. You can even snap windows to a 2×2 grid for better multitasking. Simply use these keyboard shortcuts:

• Windows Key + Left – Snap current window to the left side of the screen
• Windows Key + Right – Snap current window to the right side of the screen
• Windows Key + Up – Snap current window to the top of the screen
• Windows Key + Down – Snap current window to the bottom of the screen

You can also combine these shortcuts to snap your current window into a corner like top left, top right, and more.

Task Views

This window management feature allows you to see all your opened windows so you can quickly return to a specific program or document. This is particularly useful if you have multiple windows open at once. In addition to clicking the Task View button on the taskbar to open it, these keyboard shortcuts will do the trick:

• Windows Key + Tab – Open a new Task View interface with windows from your current virtual desktop appearing in the Task View list. To switch between virtual desktops, simply use the virtual desktop switcher at the bottom of the screen.
• Alt + Tab – While not a new keyboard shortcut per se, it allows you to switch between open windows on all virtual desktops.
• Ctrl + Alt + Tab – This is similar to Alt + Tab but the thumbnails stay on the screen even after you release all the keys.

Virtual Desktop

A great way to stay organized, this nifty feature lets you use an unlimited number of virtual desktops so you can dedicate each of them for certain functions. For instance, one could be used solely for work with all your business software and the other for entertainment. Some keyboard shortcuts to help you quickly manage your virtual desktops include:

• Windows Key + Ctrl + D – Create a new virtual desktop and switch to it
• Windows Key + Ctrl + F4 – Close current virtual desktop
• Windows Key + Ctrl + Left/Right – Switch to the virtual desktop on the left or right

If you’re looking for ways to boost productivity, or have any questions about how Microsoft Windows can help streamline your operations, just give us a call. Our IT experts are more than happy to help.