The end of the year means it’s time to reflect on what’s really important in life: friends, family — and Windows PC tips.

That may sound silly, but I’ve always believed it’s true. Useful tech tips and solutions help people get work done and accomplish tasks quickly so they can get back to what’s actually important in their lives.

I’ve shared a lot of PC tips over the last year. It’s easy for some of that to get lost in the hustle and bustle. So, as we wrap up 2024, it’s a good time to look back at the best advice of the year — especially useful Windows suggestions that can take your computing to the next level, whether you’re being productive on the job or just tweaking your personal PC at home.

Find this sort of advice useful? You don’t have to wait until the end of 2025 for more! Subscribe to my free Windows Intelligence newsletter to get new Windows tips each and every Friday.

Windows PC tips #1—4: PC productivity upgrades

Top 10 Windows productivity tips

These productivity tips are the best of the best — recommended by the incredibly smart and awesome readers of my Windows Intelligence newsletter!

8 easy ways to transfer files between Windows and your phone

We all have phones, and we all need to transfer files back and forth — even if it’s just a few quick photos now and then. Here are lots of easy ways to get that done, with something for practically every type of workflow.

20 insanely useful Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts I use every day

Keyboard shortcuts are an essential tool to take your PC productivity up a notch. This list is a great place to get started — you’ll almost certainly learn something new!

8 brilliant browser tab tricks for Windows power users

As PC users, we tend to wrangle with browser tabs all day. These ideas will make you even more efficient in your web browser of choice, whether that’s Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, Brave, or anything else.

Windows PC tips #5—7: Computer customizations

10 ways to turn off Windows’ worst ads

Windows can be full of obnoxious, noisy ads and notification pop-ups. But it doesn’t have to be.

5 dark mode upgrades for your Windows 10 or 11 PC

Dark mode has come a long way on Windows in the last few years, but it still has a way to go. If you’re a dark mode fan, this advice will make your dark mode experience much better on Windows.

5 ways to stop Windows Update from rebooting your PC

Does Windows Update restart your PC when you least expect it? If you’d like more control, there’s a lot you can do to take much more control of Update so it will work on your schedule.

Windows PC tips #8—11: Features you need to try

5 ways to control Windows with your voice

Microsoft’s Cortana voice assistant is long gone, but Windows still has a suite of powerful voice-powered features. You can use your voice to type and even to navigate the desktop and apps — no third-party software necessary!

You should be using your Windows PC’s touchscreen: 5 must-know tips

Many modern Windows laptops include touch screens. Here’s how to start putting that easily overlooked element to more effective use.

How to trim a video on Windows 11 or Windows 10

Did you know you can trim a video file on Windows in a few clicks, cutting just the portion you want? It’s possible with a quick tool buried in Windows — no big Clipchamp video editor necessary.

Why you should link your phone to your PC

If you haven’t set up the Phone Link app yet, you should! And if you have set it up, it’s worth a deeper look. This useful app included with Windows is packed with features for both Android phones and iPhones — although it’s more powerful with an Android phone.

Windows PC tips: #12—14: Excellent apps to install

10 PowerToys you should use on Windows

I’m a big fan of Microsoft’s free and frequently updated PowerToys package for Windows PCs. It’s packed with especially useful utilities you can install in a few clicks. Here’s a tour of many of the most useful ones.

The ultimate Windows app launcher

Microsoft’s new Workspaces PowerToy is a particularly useful and customizable app launcher that could transform many workflows. It might just be the best way to launch and arrange your apps after powering on your PC and signing in.

The best ways to run Android apps on a Windows PC

Microsoft axed Android app support in Windows 11. But don’t let that stop you: If you want to run Android apps on a Windows 11 PC, there are still some great alternatives.

As always, I hope you find some especially helpful PC tips and tricks. And I’ll see you in 2025 for even more Windows wizardry.

Why wait? Uncover even more useful Windows tips and tricks with my free Windows Intelligence newsletter — three new things to try every Friday and a free Windows Field Guide as soon as you sign up.