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10 Overlooked Windows 11 Features You Should Start Using

by | Apr 22, 2024 | Windows 11

Windows 11 has arrived, and with it comes a host of new features and visual changes that have everyone talking. The sleek design, centered taskbar, and rounded corners might be what caught your eye initially, but there’s so much more beneath the surface. Beyond the headline features, Windows 11 packs a variety of lesser-known tools and enhancements that can significantly boost your productivity and overall experience.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into these overlooked Windows 11 features that you should start using today. Whether you’re a casual user or a power user, these hidden gems are sure to make your daily tasks easier and more efficient.

Overlooked Windows 11 Features

Enhanced Virtual Desktops

Overview of Virtual Desktops in Windows 11
Virtual desktops have been around since Windows 10, but Windows 11 takes them to the next level. If you’re someone who likes to keep your work and personal tasks separate, virtual desktops can be a game-changer. They allow you to create different workspaces within the same PC, each with its own set of open applications.

Custom Backgrounds
One of the coolest new features in Windows 11’s virtual desktops is the ability to assign custom backgrounds to each desktop. This might seem like a small change, but it can make a big difference in how you organize your tasks. Imagine having a soothing nature background for your personal desktop and a clean, minimalistic background for your work desktop. This visual differentiation helps you quickly identify which desktop you’re on, keeping you focused and organized.

Reordering Desktops
Another improvement is the ability to reorder your virtual desktops. In Windows 10, you were stuck with the order in which you created them. But in Windows 11, you can easily drag and drop desktops to rearrange them. This feature is particularly useful if you find yourself constantly switching between different tasks and want to prioritize certain desktops over others.

Practical Uses
Virtual desktops are perfect for anyone who juggles multiple roles throughout the day. You can have a dedicated desktop for work, another for personal tasks, and yet another for entertainment. By compartmentalizing your activities, you reduce distractions and improve your productivity.

Snap Layouts and Snap Groups

Introduction to Snap Layouts
Snap Layouts is one of Windows 11’s standout features, designed to help you multitask like a pro. If you’ve ever struggled with organizing multiple windows on your screen, Snap Layouts is here to save the day. It allows you to quickly arrange open windows into various predefined layouts by hovering over the maximize button.

How to Use Snap Layouts
Using Snap Layouts is incredibly easy. When you hover over the maximize button on any open window, a small pop-up with several layout options will appear. You can choose to have your windows side by side, stacked in columns, or even in a grid. Once you select a layout, you can simply drag your windows into place, and Windows 11 will automatically resize them to fit the chosen layout. This feature is a huge time-saver, especially if you frequently work with multiple documents or apps simultaneously.

Snap Groups Explained
Snap Groups is another powerful feature that works hand-in-hand with Snap Layouts. Once you’ve arranged your windows into a Snap Layout, Windows 11 remembers the configuration as a Snap Group. This means that if you minimize or close one of the windows, you can quickly restore the entire group with a single click. This is particularly useful when you need to switch between different tasks or projects, as it allows you to return to your preferred setup without having to manually rearrange everything.

Why Snap Layouts and Groups Matter
Snap Layouts and Snap Groups make multitasking a breeze. Whether you’re comparing data across multiple spreadsheets, writing a report while researching online, or just trying to keep your work and entertainment separate, these features streamline the process and keep your workspace organized. They’re perfect for anyone who wants to work smarter, not harder.

New and Improved Clipboard

Introduction to the Updated Clipboard
The clipboard is one of those features you use every day but probably don’t think much about. Windows 11’s updated clipboard, however, is worth your attention. It’s more powerful than ever, allowing you to store multiple items, access your clipboard history, and even sync your clipboard across devices.

Clipboard History and Cloud Sync
One of the most useful additions is clipboard history. By pressing Win + V, you can now access a list of the last several items you copied. This means you no longer have to worry about losing something you copied earlier in the day. Even better, if you’re signed in with your Microsoft account, you can sync your clipboard history across multiple devices. This feature is perfect for anyone who works on multiple PCs or switches between a PC and a tablet throughout the day.

GIFs and Emojis Integration
Windows 11 also integrates GIFs, emojis, and kaomoji directly into the clipboard. This might seem like a fun addition, but it’s also incredibly practical. If you frequently communicate via chat or email, you can quickly insert GIFs or emojis to add some personality to your messages. It’s a small touch, but one that can make your communications more engaging.

Practical Applications
The updated clipboard is a must-use tool for anyone who does a lot of writing, research, or communication. Whether you’re drafting an email, writing a report, or just chatting with friends, the ability to store and access multiple items makes it easier to manage your content. And with cloud sync, you can maintain continuity across all your devices.

Focus Sessions in the Clock App

Introduction to Focus Sessions
Staying focused in today’s distraction-filled world is a challenge for many of us. Windows 11’s Focus Sessions, built into the Clock app, is here to help. This feature is designed to help you manage your time effectively by combining task management, music, and productivity techniques into one seamless experience.

Integration with Microsoft To-Do and Spotify
Focus Sessions integrates directly with Microsoft To-Do, allowing you to select tasks from your to-do list to work on during your session. It also integrates with Spotify, so you can listen to your favorite focus-enhancing music or playlists while you work. This combination of task management and music creates a conducive environment for productivity.

Setting Up a Focus Session
Setting up a Focus Session is straightforward. Open the Clock app, select ‘Focus Sessions,’ and choose the tasks you want to focus on from your Microsoft To-Do list. You can set a timer for how long you want to work, with breaks scheduled in between if needed. Once you start the session, the app will track your progress and remind you when it’s time to take a break or move on to the next task.

Benefits of Focus Sessions
Focus Sessions are perfect for anyone who struggles with staying on task or managing their time effectively. By integrating task management and music, this feature helps you maintain focus, avoid distractions, and make the most of your working hours. It’s an excellent tool for boosting productivity and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Microsoft Team Integration

Overview of Microsoft Teams in Windows 11
Microsoft Teams has become an essential tool for communication and collaboration, especially in the workplace. With Windows 11, Teams is now more accessible than ever, thanks to its deep integration into the operating system.

Chat from the Taskbar
One of the most convenient features is the ability to start a chat or video call directly from the taskbar. A new Teams icon sits in the center of the taskbar, allowing you to quickly connect with colleagues, friends, or family with just a click. This integration makes it easier than ever to stay connected without having to open the full Teams app.

Seamless Integration with Other Apps
Teams in Windows 11 is also designed to work seamlessly with other Microsoft apps and services. Whether you’re collaborating on a Word document, sharing a PowerPoint presentation, or scheduling a meeting in Outlook, Teams is just a click away. This deep integration enhances your ability to work efficiently and collaborate effectively.

Why You Should Use It
Even if you’re not a business user, Microsoft Teams is worth using for personal communication. It’s great for staying in touch with family and friends, organizing group activities, or working on personal projects. The convenience of having it integrated directly into the taskbar makes it a handy tool for anyone who values easy communication.

Dynamic Refresh Rate

Understanding Dynamic Refresh Rate (DRR)
Dynamic Refresh Rate (DRR) is a feature that automatically adjusts your display’s refresh rate based on what you’re doing. If you’re just browsing the web or working on a document, the refresh rate might drop to save battery life. But when you’re gaming or scrolling through content, it can ramp up to provide a smoother experience.

Benefits for Battery Life and Performance
The primary benefit of DRR is that it helps strike a balance between performance and battery life. By dynamically adjusting the refresh rate, Windows 11 ensures that your device performs optimally during intensive tasks while conserving power during less demanding activities. This is particularly beneficial for laptop users who want to maximize their battery life without compromising on performance.

How to Enable and Use DRR
Enabling DRR is easy. Go to Settings > System > Display > Advanced display settings, and you’ll see an option to enable Dynamic Refresh Rate. Once it’s turned on, Windows 11 will automatically adjust the refresh rate based on your usage. You can also manually select a fixed refresh rate if you prefer.

Who Can Benefit the Most
DRR is a fantastic feature for a wide range of users. Gamers will appreciate the smooth performance during gameplay, while professionals who work on graphic design or video editing will benefit from the enhanced visual experience. Even everyday users will notice the difference when scrolling through web pages or using apps that involve a lot of motion.

Redesigned Settings App

Overview of the New Settings App
The Settings app in Windows 11 has received a complete overhaul, making it more user-friendly and intuitive. The redesigned interface is cleaner, with a more organized layout that makes it easier to find and adjust settings.

Key Changes and Improvements
One of the most noticeable changes is the new left-hand navigation pane, which categorizes settings into clear sections like System, Bluetooth & Devices, and Network & Internet. This makes it easier to find what you’re looking for without having to dig through multiple menus. The search function has also been improved, making it faster to locate specific settings.

Hidden Gems in the Settings
Within the Settings app, there are several hidden gems that you might not be aware of. For example, the power and battery settings have been expanded, allowing you to customize how your device manages power consumption. There are also enhanced accessibility features, like live captions and screen readers, that make the operating system more inclusive. Additionally, privacy settings have been made more transparent, giving you greater control over how your data is used.

Practical Tips for Customization
Customizing your settings can significantly improve your user experience. For instance, you can personalize your display settings to match your preferences, adjust notifications to minimize distractions, or tweak security settings to ensure your device is protected. By exploring these settings, you can tailor Windows 11 to better suit your needs and lifestyle.

Widgets and the New Taskbar

Introduction to Widgets
Widgets are a new feature in Windows 11 that provide quick access to personalized information, such as news, weather, calendar events, and more. They’re designed to keep you informed at a glance without interrupting your workflow.

Customizing Your Widgets
Customizing your widgets is easy. Simply click on the widgets button in the taskbar to open the widgets pane. From there, you can add or remove widgets, resize them, and choose which information is displayed. You can also personalize the news feed to show topics that interest you, ensuring that you get the most relevant information.

Using the New Taskbar
The taskbar in Windows 11 has been redesigned with a more modern and centered layout. Icons are now centered by default, giving the taskbar a clean and balanced look. Additionally, the taskbar includes new features like the aforementioned Teams integration and quick access to settings and notifications.

Why Use Widgets and the New Taskbar
Widgets and the new taskbar are designed to streamline your daily tasks and keep you informed. By customizing your widgets, you can quickly check the weather, stay up to date with the latest news, or keep track of your calendar without having to open multiple apps. The new taskbar layout also makes it easier to access your most-used apps and features, improving your overall workflow.

Conclusion

Windows 11 is packed with features that go beyond the obvious visual updates. By taking advantage of these overlooked tools—such as enhanced virtual desktops, Snap Layouts, the updated clipboard, and more—you can unlock the full potential of your operating system. These features are designed to make your life easier, more organized, and more productive.

So, don’t just settle for the basics. Explore these hidden gems, start using them in your daily routine, and see how they can transform your Windows 11 experience. And if you have any favorite Windows 11 features or questions, feel free to share them in the comments below.

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