9 Windows Features You Should Turn On By Default

Windows comes with a lot of useful features that are hidden or disabled by default, although they are good enough to be enabled on first launch.

9. Show file extensions

Windows hides file extensions by default, making it more difficult to distinguish between file types, especially for similar media types like JPEG , PNG , and SVG for images or MP3 , M4A , and WAV for audio. Without visible file extensions, it's also easier for malware to disguise itself as a regular file by using familiar Windows icons to fool users.

By displaying the file extension, you can easily tell if the file is a JPG, PNG, RAW, or something more suspicious, like an executable disguised as a document. This also allows you to edit the file extension to correct an incorrect type label or determine how to open the file.

This is the folder where a person stores his 3D design files. Without the file extension, it would be impossible to tell if the file is STL, 3MF, or OBJ.

8. Show hidden files

Along with file extensions, showing hidden files is another setting you should always enable. By default, Windows hides a lot of important folders. This includes configuration files, application data, and caches that most people never see. While this helps prevent accidental changes, it can be a real hindrance if you need to troubleshoot or migrate your settings to a new device.

For example, many people often need to copy configuration files for certain applications when setting up a new PC or syncing settings between devices. Without displaying hidden files, it would be difficult or impossible for non-technical users to locate and copy these important configuration files.

7. Storage Sense

Storage Sense is one of those features that silently does its job in the background. It automatically deletes temporary files, empties the Recycle Bin , and manages OneDrive storage, freeing up space without you having to think about it. It's especially useful on laptops, as it helps you save a little space and optimizes your device.

For most of us, there's really no downside to having Storage Sense enabled by default. As you can see, I've saved over 4GB of storage in the past month alone.

6. Clipboard History

There are a number of Windows features that can improve user productivity. Clipboard History is one that you should be using. By simply pressing the Windows + V shortcut , you can access recently copied items (text and screenshots), pin favorites, or clear the entire list when you want to start over. This is one of those features that many people use often, especially when doing in-depth research on certain topics for work and personal projects.

5. Focus Assist

Notifications are productivity killers, and Windows Focus Assist helps you block them when you need to focus. Focus Assist typically only turns on automatically when you're duplicating your screen, playing a game, or using a full-screen app. But most people need distraction-free time to work, too. Turning Focus Assist on by default, or at least making it easy to schedule, would help people get more done.

4. Automatic Night Light

Night Light is a built-in feature in Windows that reduces the amount of blue light emitted from your screen by adjusting the display color to a warmer tone. It turns on automatically after sunset or during the hours you specify. By reducing the amount of blue light on your screen, Night Light can help reduce eye strain and discomfort, especially at night when you've spent many hours looking at a screen.

3. Virtual Desktop

Virtual Desktops are a Windows productivity feature that will change the way you work. This productivity tool allows you to organize your open windows into separate workspaces, helping you stay focused and clearly separate between different tasks. The great thing about these virtual desktops is that they are persistent and can be accessed even after restarting or shutting down your Windows computer .

2. Find My Device

With so many people working remotely and taking their laptops with them everywhere, having a tracking feature in case of theft or loss is important. Windows offers a Find My Device feature that allows you to track your laptop or lock it remotely. However, this feature is often disabled by default.

1. Dynamic Lock on laptop

Another security and privacy feature you can implement on your computer is Dynamic Lock, which automatically locks your PC when you walk away, using your phone's Bluetooth signal as the trigger.

This feature is especially useful on laptops when you're in a co-working space. It gives you peace of mind because you don't have to worry about someone accessing your laptop while you're away for coffee or a bathroom break.