40 Lesser-known Windows 11 Tips and Tricks

 

Here are some secret tricks and tips to enhance your experience with Windows 11:

 

1. Virtual Desktops

Create Multiple Desktops: Use virtual desktops to organize your tasks. Press Win + Tab, then click on "New Desktop" to create a new one. Switch Between Desktops: Use Ctrl + Win + Left/Right Arrow to navigate between desktops quickly.

 

2. Snap Layouts

Effortless Window Management: Hover over the maximize button on any window to access Snap Layouts, allowing you to arrange windows in various configurations.

 

3. Focus Assist

Minimize Distractions: Use Focus Assist to silence notifications during specific times. Access it via Settings > System > Focus Assist to set rules.

 

4. Widgets

Personalized Feed: Use the Widgets feature to get personalized news, weather, and calendar updates. Access it via the taskbar or press Win + W.

 

5. Enhanced File Explorer

Tabs in File Explorer: Windows 11 supports tabs in File Explorer, allowing you to manage multiple folders in a single window. Just open a new tab using Ctrl + T.

 

6. Keyboard Shortcuts

Useful Shortcuts:

Win + D: Show or hide the desktop.

Win + V: Access the clipboard history (enable it in Settings).

Win + L: Lock your PC quickly.

 

7. Snap Groups

Restore App Layouts: When you snap a group of apps together, Windows 11 remembers that layout. Hover over the Task View button to quickly restore your Snap Group.

 

8. Voice Typing

Dictate Text: Press Win + H to enable voice typing, allowing you to dictate text in any text field.

 

9. Storage Sense

Automatic Cleanup: Enable Storage Sense in Settings > System > Storage to automatically clean up temporary files and optimize storage.

 

10. Game Mode

Optimize Gaming Performance: Enable Game Mode in Settings > Gaming > Game Mode to enhance performance while playing games.

 

11. Taskbar Customization

Adjust Taskbar Settings: Right-click on the taskbar and select "Taskbar settings" to customize items like the system tray icons, taskbar alignment, and more.

 

12. Clipboard History

Manage Clipboard Items: Enable clipboard history in Settings > System > Clipboard. Use Win + V to view and paste from your clipboard history.

 

13. Quick Access in File Explorer

Pin Frequently Used Folders: In File Explorer, right-click on any folder and select "Pin to Quick access" for easy access.

 

14. Adaptive Brightness

Automatic Screen Brightness Adjustment: If you have a compatible device, enable adaptive brightness in Settings > System > Display to automatically adjust screen brightness based on ambient light.

 

15. File Recovery Options

Previous Versions: Right-click on a file or folder, select "Properties," then go to the "Previous Versions" tab to restore earlier versions if you've made changes.

 

16. Battery Saver

Extend Battery Life: Activate Battery Saver mode in Settings > System > Power & battery to limit background activity and notifications when your battery is low.

 

17. Live Captions

Accessibility Feature: Enable live captions for audio and video content. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Hearing to turn on captions.

 

18. Remote Desktop

Access Your PC Remotely: Use Remote Desktop to connect to your PC from another device. Enable it in Settings > System > Remote Desktop.

 

19. Windows 11 Widgets

Customize Widgets: Personalize the Widgets panel by adding or removing widgets. Click the profile icon in the Widgets panel to manage your preferences.

 

20. Quick Notes

Use Sticky Notes: Quickly jot down notes by using the Sticky Notes app. You can access it from the Start menu or by searching for it.

 

21. Voice Access

Control Your PC with Voice: Enable Voice Access in Settings > Accessibility > Speech to control your PC using voice commands. This is great for hands-free operation.

 

22. Advanced Power Options

Customize Power Plans: Go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options to create and customize power plans that suit your usage patterns.

 

23. System Restore Points

Create Restore Points: Regularly create restore points to safeguard your system. Search for "Create a restore point" in the Start menu and click on the "Create" button under the System Protection tab.

 

24. Snipping Tool Enhancements

Snipping Tool for Screenshots: Use the Snipping Tool (or press Win + Shift + S) to take screenshots. You can choose between rectangular, freeform, window, or full-screen snips.

 

25. Windows Hello

Secure Login Options: Set up Windows Hello for facial recognition or fingerprint login. Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options to configure.

 

26. Clipboard Sync

Sync Clipboard Across Devices: Enable clipboard sync to access your clipboard items across devices. Go to Settings > System > Clipboard and turn on "Sync across devices."

 

27. Taskbar Overflow Menu

Manage Taskbar Apps: If you have too many apps pinned to the taskbar, they will overflow into an overflow menu. Click on the three dots to access the hidden apps.

 

28. Background Apps Management

Control Background Activity: Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features to manage which apps can run in the background, helping to conserve battery and system resources.

 

29. Windows Backup

Backup Your Files: Use the built-in backup options to save your files to OneDrive or an external drive. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup.

 

30. Windows Snapping with Keyboard

Advanced Window Snapping: Use Win + Arrow Keys to snap windows to different parts of the screen quickly without using the mouse.

 

31. Custom Shortcuts

Create Custom Keyboard Shortcuts: Right-click on any app shortcut, select "Properties," and set a shortcut key in the "Shortcut key" field.

 

32. Dynamic Lock

Auto-Lock Your PC: Use Dynamic Lock to automatically lock your PC when you step away. Pair your device with your phone via Bluetooth to enable this feature.

 

33. Nearby Sharing

Share Files Easily: Enable Nearby Sharing to quickly share files with nearby Windows devices via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Access it in Settings > System > Nearby sharing.

 

34. System Performance Monitor

Real-Time Performance Tracking: Use the Performance Monitor (search for "Performance Monitor" in the Start menu) to track system performance and resource usage.

 

35. Change the Default Browser

Set Your Preferred Browser: Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps to change your default web browser and set other default file types.

 

36. Pin Websites to Taskbar

Quick Access to Favorite Sites: In Microsoft Edge, you can pin your favorite websites directly to the taskbar for easy access.

 

37. Background Picture Slideshow

Dynamic Desktop Backgrounds: Set your desktop background to change periodically by selecting a folder of images in Settings > Personalization > Background.

 

38. Control Volume per App

Adjust Volume for Individual Apps: Right-click the sound icon in the taskbar and select "Open Volume Mixer" to adjust sound levels for each open application.

 

39. System File Checker

Repair Corrupted Files: Use the System File Checker tool by running sfc /scannow in Command Prompt to scan and repair corrupted system files.

 

40. Use Windows Memory Diagnostic

Check for Memory Issues: Run mdsched.exe from the Run dialog to check for memory problems that could affect system performance.

 

These tips can help you make the most of Windows 11's features and improve your overall productivity!