Laptops have become indispensable tools for work, entertainment, and everything in between. While most of us are familiar with the basic functions, there are several hidden features in laptops that can enhance your experience and boost productivity. Here are seven hidden gems you might not know existed:
1. Night Light/Blue Light Filter
Many laptops come with a built-in night light or blue light filter that reduces the amount of blue light emitted by the screen. This feature helps reduce eye strain during late-night work sessions and can improve sleep quality by minimizing the disruption to your circadian rhythm. You can usually find this option in the display settings, and it can be scheduled to turn on automatically at sunset.
2. Battery Saver Mode
Most laptops have a battery saver mode that can be activated to extend battery life when you’re away from a power source. This mode typically reduces screen brightness, limits background activity, and tweaks performance settings to conserve energy. On Windows laptops, you can enable battery saver mode from the battery icon in the taskbar or through the settings menu.
3. Touchpad Gestures
Beyond the basic point-and-click functions, many laptop touchpads support multi-finger gestures that can streamline navigation and improve efficiency. For example, you can swipe with three fingers to switch between open apps, pinch to zoom, or tap with two fingers for right-click functionality. These gestures can usually be customized in the touchpad or mouse settings, depending on your laptop’s operating system.
4. Virtual Desktops
Virtual desktops allow you to organize your workspace by creating multiple desktops for different tasks. This feature is especially useful if you juggle multiple projects or need to keep work and personal tasks separate. On Windows, you can create and manage virtual desktops using the Task View button, while macOS users can do so through Mission Control.
5. Built-in Screen Recording
Need to record a tutorial or capture a gameplay session? Many laptops come with a built-in screen recording feature that eliminates the need for third-party software. On Windows, the Xbox Game Bar (Win + G) allows you to record your screen, while macOS users can use the QuickTime Player or the screen capture tool (Shift + Command + 5) to achieve the same.
6. Find My Device
For those who are prone to misplacing their laptops, the “Find My Device” feature can be a lifesaver. This feature allows you to locate your laptop remotely if it’s lost or stolen. On Windows, this can be set up through the Settings > Update & Security > Find My Device menu. On macOS, you can enable it through iCloud settings, and it works similarly to Find My iPhone.
7. Windows Hello/Face ID
Windows Hello and macOS Face ID are biometric security features that allow you to log in to your laptop using facial recognition or fingerprint scanning. These features offer a faster, more secure way to access your device without needing to remember passwords. In addition to logging in, they can also be used to authenticate payments and other secure actions.
Read: Laptop Accessories: What You Need to Know as a Beginner
Conclusion
These hidden features are designed to make your laptop more versatile, secure, and user-friendly. Exploring and utilizing them can significantly enhance your computing experience, making daily tasks more efficient and enjoyable. Whether you’re looking to protect your device, boost productivity, or simply learn more about your laptop’s capabilities, these lesser-known features are worth exploring.