If you’re new to Windows or have just upgraded from Windows 10 to windows 11, you’ll find a variety of features and shortcuts that enhance your experience. While some may be familiar to you, there are also several lesser-known ones that are worth discovering. These features can boost your productivity at work and allow you to personalize the appearance of Windows to suit your preferences. Here are seven essential tips and tricks that every Windows 11 user should be aware of.
Utilize Snap Layouts to arrange your windows more effectively.
You might already be aware that dragging a window to the left or right edge of the screen allows it to automatically fill half of the display. Windows 11 enhances this feature by providing additional layout options based on your screen size, along with a new context menu. If you have a large monitor, hovering your cursor over the maximize button of a window will reveal six options. This makes it easy to arrange your open windows so you can see all the content at once. After snapping them into place, you can still resize some windows, and the others will adjust automatically.
Use Phone Link to receive OTPs directly on your PC
Phone Link comes pre-installed with Windows 11 and serves as a useful tool for managing notifications from your phone right on your PC. You’ll also need the Phone Link app on your mobile device, but once you have everything configured, it works similarly to the integration between an iPhone and a Mac. You can select which apps can send notifications to your PC, and I’ve found it particularly valuable when making online payments from my computer and needing the OTP sent to my phone. Additionally, it allows for easy drag-and-drop of images and files between your phone and PC.
Use tabs in Notepad and File Explorer for better organization and efficiency.
This update to Windows was much needed, allowing you to open multiple drives and folders in a single File Explorer window. It simplifies the process of copying and pasting content, eliminating the hassle of managing numerous explorer windows at once. The Notepad app has received similar enhancements, functioning almost like a sticky note. You can now have multiple tabs within the app and close it when you’re finished, without the need to save first. When you reopen it, you can easily continue from where you left off.
Organize your pinned apps in the Start menu by creating folders.
If you’re finding that your taskbar is getting crowded with pinned apps, you can easily pin them to the Start menu instead. However, there’s still a limit to how many apps can be displayed at once. If your Windows 11 is updated, you can now drag a pinned app in the Start menu over another one to create a folder, just like on your smartphone. This feature allows you to group similar apps together and even add a custom label to the folder for easy identification.
Personalize the Taskbar.
If you prefer not to have the menu items centered on the taskbar (the bar at the bottom with the Windows logo and pinned apps), you can easily shift it to the left, just like in earlier versions of Windows. To do this, right-click on the taskbar, select Taskbar settings, and then go to Taskbar behaviors. The first option you’ll see is ‘Taskbar alignment’; change this to ‘Left’. Additionally, you can check the box to automatically hide the taskbar if you need more space to work.
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There are certain hours in the day when it’s essential to concentrate on your tasks without interruptions. The Focus feature in Windows 11 is built into the clock app and effectively mutes all incoming notifications for the duration you choose. You’ll receive a reminder to take a break in between, and you can even connect a music app like Spotify to automatically play a podcast playlist when you start.
Enable the “Shake” feature for the title bars in Windows.
This isn’t a new feature, but it does need to be activated in Windows 11. Essentially, it allows you to quickly minimize all windows except the one you’re currently working on by holding down the left mouse button on the title bar of a window and shaking it a few times. You can find this option in the Multitasking section of the Settings app. It’s a really simple way to clear away the clutter of open windows. You can repeat the same action to bring all the windows back to their original positions.
Utilize Quick Assist for remote support.
Have you ever received a call from a family member or loved one asking for help with their PC? It can be challenging to assist them without seeing their computer screen. If the person you’re helping doesn’t have a remote screen-sharing app like AnyDesk, you can use the built-in Quick Assist feature in Windows 11. Both you and the person needing help will need to open the app. As the helper, you’ll click the ‘Help someone’ button to create a code. Then, you can ask them to enter that code on their PC, giving you full control over their computer. It’s important that both of you are signed in with a Microsoft account, ensuring a secure way to provide remote assistance.
