The Ultimate Windows Hacks You Never Knew Existed (For Free) 
Discover secret, underused Windows tricks that give you more control, better performance, and hidden tools—all built into your system or free to unlock. These aren’t your typical tips. They’re the kind of tweaks usually known only by power users, sysadmins, or underground forums.
1. God Mode Folder
Activate a hidden control panel with every Windows setting in one place.
How:
Create a folder and rename it to:
GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}
Gives instant access to 200+ settings—no digging through menus.
2. Windows Package Manager (winget)
A CLI-based app store for power users—like Linux’s apt.
Install apps in seconds:
winget install firefox
Useful for auto-install scripts, clean reinstalls, or software automation.
3. Windows Sandbox (Built-in Virtual Machine)
Run untrusted programs in a throwaway environment.
How:
Search “Turn Windows features on/off” → Enable Windows Sandbox
Great for testing unknown software or scripts safely.
4. Secret Volume Mixer Per App (Legacy)
Use the old volume mixer for individual app control.
Shortcut:
sndvol.exe
Helpful for adjusting mic-sensitive apps or muting certain ones without affecting others.
5. Ultimate Performance Power Plan
Hidden mode for maximum system speed (ideal for editing/gaming rigs).
Activate via CMD (Admin):
powercfg -duplicatescheme e9a42b02-d5df-448d-aa00-03f14749eb61
Then select from Control Panel → Power Options.
6. Storage Sense + Free Deep Cleaning
Clean junk files automatically—even those not cleared by Disk Cleanup.
Steps:
Settings → System → Storage → Enable Storage Sense
Also use:
cleanmgr /sageset:1
cleanmgr /sagerun:1
7. Wireless Network Passwords Recovery
Recover saved Wi-Fi passwords using CMD.
netsh wlan show profiles
netsh wlan show profile name="WiFiName" key=clear
Finds the saved password under Key Content.
8. Hidden Clipboard History (Multiple Copy Paste)
Enable clipboard history to access previous text copies.
Go to Settings → System → Clipboard → Enable Clipboard history
Press:
Win + V
9. Task Scheduler + Event Triggers = Auto Hacks
Automate tasks triggered by system events (like boot/login).
Examples:
-
Auto-clear temp files on boot
-
Disable Wi-Fi on battery
Use:
taskschd.msc
10. Game Mode + GPU Scheduling
Unlock better performance for games/DAWs.
Enable via:
Settings → Gaming → Game Mode → ON
Settings → System → Display → Graphics → Enable Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling
11. Hidden Activity Monitor (Detailed Resource Tracker)
Use Resource Monitor for deeper diagnostics beyond Task Manager.
Shortcut:
resmon
Tracks per-process disk usage, TCP connections, RAM usage, and more.
12. Search Everything with ‘Everything’ Tool (Super Fast)
A free, ultra-fast file search engine for Windows that beats default search.
voidtools.com
Finds any file in real-time, instantly—even system files.
13. Registry Hack: Instant Right-Click Delete Without Confirmation
Remove the “Are you sure?” popup when deleting.
Registry path:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
→ Create DWORD: ConfirmFileDelete = 0
Be careful—no undo.
14. Built-in SSH Client in CMD
Windows now includes OpenSSH—no need for PuTTY.
Command:
ssh username@ip-address
Perfect for managing Linux servers or IoT from CMD.
15. Quick Launch Hidden Toolbar
Bring back classic quick access to apps/files.
Right-click Taskbar → Toolbars → New Toolbar →
Paste:
%APPDATA%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch
Brings back fast app launching near Start button.
16. Invisible Folder Trick (Stealth File Storage)
Create a folder with no name and no icon.
Steps:
-
Create new folder → Rename → Hold
Alt + 255for blank name -
Right-click → Properties → Customize → Change Icon → Scroll to invisible icon
Now you have a hidden-in-plain-sight folder.
17. BitLocker (Built-in Full Disk Encryption)
No need for VeraCrypt—Windows Pro has free disk encryption.
Control Panel → BitLocker Drive Encryption
Protect sensitive data even if the drive is stolen.
18. Built-in Diagnostic Tools (No 3rd Party Needed)
Run all hidden tools from one place:
control /name Microsoft.Troubleshooting
or
msdt.exe
Includes tools for:
-
Network
-
Windows Update
-
Audio
-
Keyboard
-
System Maintenance
19. ‘SystemPropertiesPerformance’ Tweak
Speed up Windows UI by disabling fancy animations.
Run:
SystemPropertiesPerformance
Uncheck:
-
Animate windows when minimizing
-
Fade menus
-
Show shadows
Result: Snappier and lightweight UI feel.
20. Clipboard File History via OneDrive
Sync clipboard content across devices.
Settings → System → Clipboard → Sync Across Devices → On
Requires Microsoft account + OneDrive
Bonus Pro Tip: Hidden CMD Commands to Know
Use these often-underrated commands for system control:
cipher /w:C:\ # Securely wipe free space
whoami # Current user context
tasklist # All running tasks
driverquery # List all drivers
systeminfo # Get hardware + OS info
Summary:
Unlock hidden features and power-user modes in Windows:
-
God Mode folder = All settings in 1 click.
-
Winget = Install any app via terminal.
-
Windows Sandbox = Safe test space.
-
SndVol.exe = Per-app volume.
-
Ultimate Power Plan = Max performance mode.
-
Storage Sense = Clean junk files automatically.
-
Wi-Fi Password Recovery = CMD magic.
-
Win+V = Clipboard History.
-
Task Scheduler = Automate Windows.
-
Game Mode + GPU Sched. = Lag-free experience.
-
resmon= Advanced Task Manager -
Everything= File search on steroids -
Alt+255= Invisible folder -
ssh= Secure remote access -
BitLocker= Encrypt drives for free -
SystemPropertiesPerformance= Speed boost -
Quick Launch Toolbar= Old-school shortcut launcher -
cipher /w:= Secure file deletion -
msdt.exe= Diagnostic toolbox
!