Hidden Windows & Mac Utilities That Save Time

Whether you’re on Windows or Mac, your computer comes with powerful tools built right in. Many people don’t realize these features exist, yet they can save time, help you troubleshoot, and even replace third-party apps. Let’s look at three everyday utilities you should be using on both platforms.

🖼️ Screenshots & Snipping Tools

Windows: Snipping Tool 

• Press Windows + Shift + S to capture part (or all) of your screen.

• You can save, copy, or draw on the image.

• Perfect for showing what’s happening on your screen when asking for help.

Mac: Screenshot Utility 

• Press Command + Shift + 4 to capture a portion of your screen, or Command + Shift + 5 for full options.

• Save directly, copy to clipboard, or record your screen.

• Just like on Windows, you can highlight exactly what you need to show.

🔍 Search & Quick Access

Windows: Search/Start Menu 

• Tap the Windows key and start typing.

• Instantly find files, apps, emails, or even do quick math.

• Example: type “calc” to launch Calculator, or “100*7” for the answer.

Mac: Spotlight Search 

• Press Command + Spacebar to open Spotlight.

• Search for apps, documents, emails, or web results.

• It can also do quick conversions and calculations.

• Example: type “usd to eur” or “2+2” for instant answers.

⚙️ Task & Activity Managers

Windows: Task Manager 

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open it directly.

• See what programs are using memory, CPU, and battery.

• End tasks that are frozen or slowing you down.

Mac: Activity Monitor 

• Found in Applications → Utilities.

• Similar to Task Manager, it shows CPU, memory, disk, and network usage.

• Great for spotting apps that are draining performance.

Why These Tools Matter

These built-in utilities can save you from installing extra apps or wondering why your computer is acting slow. They also make it easier to communicate with tech support — you can capture a screen, search quickly, or identify what’s running.

And if you’re a PCRescue subscriber, you don’t need to worry about figuring it out alone. Our monitoring agent helps us keep track of performance, and our support is just one click away.

✅ Takeaway

Before downloading new software, try the tools already on your computer. Windows and Mac come with powerful utilities that can simplify your digital life — you just need to know where to find them.

👉 Want help learning these tools? Reach out to PCRescue — we’ll walk you through step by step.