Make Windows Better: Expert Tips to Improve Your Experience
Windows is packed with features that can enhance your productivity, but some of the most useful ones aren’t always obvious. With the right tweaks, you can unlock hidden settings, bring back old favorites, and even bypass unnecessary restrictions that Microsoft has added over time.
In this blog, we’ll look at practical ways to make Windows 10 and 11 better, from restoring classic functionality to managing screenshots and syncing photos across devices.
1. Windows 10: Bring Back the Time in the Calendar Box
When Microsoft released update KB5035634 in April, it removed the time display from the Calendar box that pops up when you click the date in the Windows 10 taskbar. The idea was to reduce processor load, but many users were frustrated at losing such a simple feature.
Microsoft eventually listened. With update KB5058481, the time has been reinstated. Once installed, you’ll see the current time again at the top of the Calendar popup—just like before.
📌 Tip: If you’re not seeing this change yet, it may still be rolling out. Updates like these often arrive first to Windows Insiders before reaching all users.
2. Windows 10 & 11: See iPhone and iPad Photos on Your PC
If you use both Apple devices and a Windows PC, photo sharing can be a hassle. Fortunately, Windows 10 and 11 let you view your iPhone or iPad photos directly on your computer via iCloud for Windows.
How to Set It Up
- Download and install iCloud for Windows from Apple (support.apple.com/en-au/103232).
- Sign in with your Apple ID.
- Enable iCloud Photos syncing.
- In Windows 11, open the Photos app → Settings → toggle Show iCloud Photos.
Now your iPhone photos will appear automatically in the Photos app and File Explorer (under “iCloud Photos”), without the need for emailing or transferring them manually.
This is especially useful for people who capture photos on the go and want them instantly available for editing or organizing on their Windows PC.
3. Windows 11: Compare Screenshots Side by Side
The Snipping Tool in Windows 11 has a new option that allows you to view screenshots in separate windows—a small but very handy upgrade.
By default, new screenshots open in the same window, but you can enable side-by-side comparison:
- Open Snipping Tool.
- Click the three-dot menu → Settings.
- Turn on “Multiple windows.”
Once enabled:
- Press Ctrl + N after taking a screenshot to open another one in a new window.
- Repeat as needed until you have all your screenshots lined up.
This is perfect for comparing visual changes, analyzing before/after shots, or reviewing multiple documents at once.
4. Windows 11: Unblock Windows-Tweaking Software
Microsoft Defender sometimes blocks third-party tools that modify Windows’ appearance. While this is meant as a security precaution, it often frustrates power users who want more control over their desktops.
One such tool is ExplorerPatcher, which allows you to:
- Resize icons.
- Move the taskbar.
- Add items to right-click menus.
The good news is that developers have released a version (22621.5335.62.8) that bypasses Microsoft’s blocks. It works on Windows 11 24H2 and later.
How to Get ExplorerPatcher
- Go to github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/releases.
- Scroll down to Assets.
- Download
ep_setup.exe(for Intel/AMD) orep_setup_arm64.exe(for ARM).
Once installed, you can tweak Windows to look and behave the way you prefer.
Final Thoughts
Windows 10 and 11 are continuously evolving, but sometimes updates remove features users still value. Thankfully, with small tweaks and third-party tools, you can restore lost features, improve workflows, and unlock hidden potential.
Here’s a recap:
- Windows 10: Restore the time in the Calendar box with the latest update.
- Windows 10 & 11: Sync iPhone/iPad photos to your PC with iCloud for Windows.
- Windows 11: Compare screenshots easily with the Snipping Tool’s multi-window mode.
- Windows 11: Use ExplorerPatcher to customize and take back control of your desktop.
These tips can help you get more out of your system while tailoring Windows to your personal needs.
