10 Tips To Enhance Windows Usability

Some of the popular tweaks in Windows, the list has manual methods & an archive for registry entries can be found at the end with all hacks mentioned.

1. Restore Previous Folder Windows At Logon:

My Computer –> Tools –> View –> Check ‘Restore Previous Folder Windows At Logon’ option.

2. Use Check boxes To Select Multiple Items:

My Computer –> Tools –> View –> Check ‘Use Check boxes To Select Items’

Note: Registry hack for the same in the pack

3. Change Start Menu Power Button To Shut Down:

Control Panel –> System and Maintenance –> Power Options –> Choose What Power Buttons Do (left sidebar) –> Change as per wish

Note: Registry hack for the same in the pack

4. Add Copy/Move To Option In Right Click Menu

Note: Registry hack for the same in the pack

5. Remove “Delete” Option For Recycle Bin On Desktop

Note: Registry hack for the same in the pack

6. Disable Balloon Tips:

Start -> Run –> Regedit.exe –> Navigate to

HKEY_CURRENT_USER Software Microsoft Windows CurrentVersion Explorer Advanced

Right Click on empty space –> New –> DWORD, name it EnableBalloonTips
Double-click EnableBalloonTips, and then assign a value data of 0

7. Flip 3D & Show Desktop Missing From Quick Launch:

For Show Desktop Shortcut:

Create a text file with the following:

[Shell]
Command=2
IconFile=explorer.exe,3
[Taskbar]
Command=ToggleDesktop

Save it as “Show Desktop.scf” in:
c:/Documents and Settings\Application DataMicrosoftInternet ExplorerQuick Launch

For Flip 3D

1. Navigate to C:UsersLeoAppDataRoamingMicrosoftInternet ExplorerQuick Launch
2. Create New Shortcut
3. Enter location as: %WinDir%System32
undll32.exe dwmapi #105
4. Name it ‘Switch between windows’



8. Take ownership Of Folders:

A script that will add the ”Take Ownership’ option in the right click menu.
Note: Registry hack for the same in the pack

9. Disable Autorun For Drives:

Control Panel –> Hardware and Sound –> AutoPlay

You can customize the behavior or uncheck the ‘Use Autoplay for…’ to completely disable it.

Note: Registry hack for the same in the pack

10. Add Effects To Thumbnails In A Folder:

* Start –> Run –> Regedit –>
* HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT –> SystemFileAssociations -> image
* Change values for Treatment as per choice:

0 - No Effect

1 - Drop Shadow

2 - Photo Border

3 - Video Frame