{"id":16462,"date":"2010-12-22T13:28:26","date_gmt":"2010-12-22T07:58:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/?p=16462"},"modified":"2026-10-12T09:53:13","modified_gmt":"2026-10-12T04:23:13","slug":"increase-productivity-on-computers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2010\/12\/increase-productivity-on-computers\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Ways to Increase Productivity on Computers (2026)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>How can you increase productivity on computers when the day disappears into tabs, chats and email? Not having enough time is one of the biggest complaints of office workers, and much of it leaks away without us noticing. Guest author Sulakshan once won back 30 minutes a day just by blocking two news sites after 15 minutes. Here are 10 ways to <strong>increase productivity on computers<\/strong> in 2026, with updated tools.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-59583\" src=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/computer-productivity-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Increase productivity on computers\" width=\"760\" height=\"506\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/computer-productivity-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/computer-productivity-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/computer-productivity-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/computer-productivity-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/computer-productivity.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Quick answer:<\/strong> Limit time-wasting sites with a blocker, turn on Do Not Disturb or Focus for your best hours, check email at set times, keep one task list, learn keyboard shortcuts, use clipboard history and a password manager, keep your PC and connection fast, and take a short break every 60 to 90 minutes.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_89 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6ae1e9804656f\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #1a202c;color:#1a202c\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #1a202c;color:#1a202c\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6ae1e9804656f\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2010\/12\/increase-productivity-on-computers\/#10_ways_to_increase_productivity_on_computers\" >10 ways to increase productivity on computers<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2010\/12\/increase-productivity-on-computers\/#1_Limit_time-wasting_sites\" >1. Limit time-wasting sites<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2010\/12\/increase-productivity-on-computers\/#2_Use_Focus_and_Do_Not_Disturb\" >2. Use Focus and Do Not Disturb<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2010\/12\/increase-productivity-on-computers\/#3_Check_email_at_set_times\" >3. Check email at set times<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2010\/12\/increase-productivity-on-computers\/#4_Bring_all_your_email_into_one_place\" >4. Bring all your email into one place<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2010\/12\/increase-productivity-on-computers\/#5_Keep_one_task_list\" >5. Keep one task list<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2010\/12\/increase-productivity-on-computers\/#6_Learn_keyboard_shortcuts\" >6. Learn keyboard shortcuts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2010\/12\/increase-productivity-on-computers\/#7_Automate_repetitive_typing_and_logins\" >7. Automate repetitive typing and logins<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2010\/12\/increase-productivity-on-computers\/#8_Talk_instead_of_typing_long_threads\" >8. Talk instead of typing long threads<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2010\/12\/increase-productivity-on-computers\/#9_Keep_your_computer_and_internet_fast\" >9. Keep your computer and internet fast<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2010\/12\/increase-productivity-on-computers\/#10_Take_regular_breaks\" >10. Take regular breaks<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2010\/12\/increase-productivity-on-computers\/#Bonus_read_smarter\" >Bonus: read smarter<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2010\/12\/increase-productivity-on-computers\/#FAQ\" >FAQ<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2010\/12\/increase-productivity-on-computers\/#What_is_the_best_way_to_stop_procrastinating_on_the_computer\" >What is the best way to stop procrastinating on the computer?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2010\/12\/increase-productivity-on-computers\/#Does_multitasking_make_you_more_productive\" >Does multitasking make you more productive?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2010\/12\/increase-productivity-on-computers\/#How_often_should_I_take_breaks\" >How often should I take breaks?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_ways_to_increase_productivity_on_computers\"><\/span>10 ways to increase productivity on computers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Limit_time-wasting_sites\"><\/span>1. Limit time-wasting sites<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>News, video and social sites are designed to keep you scrolling. A blocker such as <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/addons.mozilla.org\/en-US\/firefox\/addon\/leechblock-ng\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">LeechBlock NG<\/a><\/strong> (Firefox and Chrome) or <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/freedom.to\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Freedom<\/a><\/strong> (all devices) lets you set daily limits or block sites during work hours. Here are more ways to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2011\/06\/block-facebook-twitter-email\/\">block Facebook, Twitter and email<\/a> when you need to focus.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Use_Focus_and_Do_Not_Disturb\"><\/span>2. Use Focus and Do Not Disturb<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Turn on <strong>Focus<\/strong> in Windows 11 (Clock app or Settings &gt; System &gt; Focus), Focus modes on Mac and phones, and set Slack or Teams to &#8220;Do not disturb&#8221; for your three most productive hours.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Check_email_at_set_times\"><\/span>3. Check email at set times<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Checking every few minutes breaks concentration. Open your inbox a few times a day, deal with everything quickly, and close it. Turn off new-mail pop-ups.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Bring_all_your_email_into_one_place\"><\/span>4. Bring all your email into one place<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Add work and personal accounts to one app such as Outlook, Thunderbird or Apple Mail, or use Gmail&#8217;s <em>Send mail as<\/em> to reply from different addresses.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Keep_one_task_list\"><\/span>5. Keep one task list<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Write tasks down so your head is free to work. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/todoist.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Todoist<\/a><\/strong>, Microsoft To Do or <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.notion.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Notion<\/a><\/strong> work well; pen and paper is fine too. Keep it simple enough that you actually use it.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Learn_keyboard_shortcuts\"><\/span>6. Learn keyboard shortcuts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A few shortcuts save hours a year: Ctrl + L for the address bar, Ctrl + Shift + T to reopen a closed tab, Windows + V for clipboard history, Windows + arrow keys to snap windows, and Windows + Ctrl + D for a new virtual desktop.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Automate_repetitive_typing_and_logins\"><\/span>7. Automate repetitive typing and logins<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A password manager fills logins instantly. Text expanders and saved replies in Gmail or Outlook turn common answers into one click. AI assistants can draft routine emails and summaries for you to edit.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Talk_instead_of_typing_long_threads\"><\/span>8. Talk instead of typing long threads<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>What takes 15 minutes of back-and-forth messages often takes five minutes on a quick call or Teams, Zoom or Meet huddle.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Keep_your_computer_and_internet_fast\"><\/span>9. Keep your computer and internet fast<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Waiting for a slow PC or page breaks your flow. Here&#8217;s how to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2008\/11\/run-computer-faster\/\">make your computer run faster<\/a> and get <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2010\/08\/faster-broadband\/\">faster broadband<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Take_regular_breaks\"><\/span>10. Take regular breaks<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Attention fades after an hour or so. Stand up, stretch and look out of a window every 60 to 90 minutes; the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds) helps tired eyes.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bonus_read_smarter\"><\/span>Bonus: read smarter<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Instead of visiting dozens of sites, follow blogs and news in a feed reader such as <a href=\"https:\/\/feedly.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Feedly<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.inoreader.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Inoreader<\/a>. (Google Reader, recommended in the original post, closed in 2013.) Save long articles to read later.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ\"><\/span>FAQ<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_best_way_to_stop_procrastinating_on_the_computer\"><\/span>What is the best way to stop procrastinating on the computer?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Remove the temptation: block distracting sites during work hours and start with one small task.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_multitasking_make_you_more_productive\"><\/span>Does multitasking make you more productive?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Usually not. Switching between tasks costs time and focus. Batch similar tasks together.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_often_should_I_take_breaks\"><\/span>How often should I take breaks?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A short break every 60 to 90 minutes works for most people.<\/p>\n<p><em>Originally written by guest author Sulakshan, who blogged at BinaryDay. Updated for 2026 by QuickOnlineTips.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How can you increase productivity on computers when the day disappears into tabs, chats and email? Not having enough time&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":59583,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[44,49],"class_list":["post-16462","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-computers","tag-guest-posts","tag-tutorials"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16462","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16462"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16462\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":64173,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16462\/revisions\/64173"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/59583"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16462"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16462"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16462"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}