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20 Hidden Windows 11 Features You Should Know

by | Apr 22, 2024 | Windows 11

Windows 11 is the latest iteration of Microsoft’s flagship operating system, bringing a fresh design and new features that have captured the attention of tech enthusiasts and everyday users alike. While many users are quick to explore the surface-level changes—such as the centered Start Menu and rounded corners—there are numerous hidden features that can significantly enhance your productivity and overall experience. These features, though not immediately apparent, offer powerful tools and customization options that are worth discovering. In this article, we’ll uncover some of the most useful hidden features in Windows 11 that you should know about.

20 Hidden Windows 11 Features

Enhanced Snap Layouts

One of the standout features in Windows 11 is the enhanced Snap Layouts, which makes multitasking more intuitive and flexible. Snap Layouts allow you to organize multiple open windows on your screen efficiently, but there’s more to this feature than meets the eye.

Customizing Layouts:
While the default Snap Layouts are helpful, you can further customize them to fit your specific workflow. By hovering your cursor over the maximize button in any open window, you’ll see several layout options appear. You can snap your window to different parts of the screen, creating a custom layout that suits your needs. For instance, if you often work with two documents side by side, you can snap one window to the left half of the screen and another to the right. If you need more windows open, Windows 11 also allows for more complex configurations, like snapping four windows into a grid.

Snap Groups:
Another hidden gem within Snap Layouts is Snap Groups. Once you’ve set up your preferred layout, Windows 11 remembers the arrangement of your open windows. This feature is particularly useful when you frequently switch between different tasks or projects. You can easily revert to a specific Snap Group with just a single click on the taskbar, allowing you to continue working without having to rearrange your windows.

Virtual Desktops

Virtual Desktops have been around for a while, but Windows 11 has taken them to the next level with several new features that make managing multiple workspaces easier and more intuitive.

Renaming Desktops:
One of the simplest yet most effective hidden features in Virtual Desktops is the ability to rename them. Instead of juggling “Desktop 1,” “Desktop 2,” and so on, you can assign meaningful names to each workspace, such as “Work,” “Gaming,” or “Personal.” This makes it much easier to switch between tasks, knowing exactly which desktop is which.

Custom Backgrounds:
To further distinguish your Virtual Desktops, Windows 11 allows you to set different backgrounds for each one. This feature is perfect for visual learners who like to associate specific images or colors with different tasks. For example, you could set a calming nature background for your “Personal” desktop and a more structured, minimalist background for “Work.”

Reordering Desktops:
If you find that your priorities shift throughout the day, Windows 11 also lets you reorder your Virtual Desktops by simply dragging them into the desired sequence. This small but significant feature helps keep your workflow organized and adaptable to changing needs.

New Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts are the unsung heroes of productivity, and Windows 11 has introduced several new shortcuts that can help you navigate the system faster and more efficiently.

Win + W for Widgets:
Widgets are a new addition to Windows 11, providing quick access to news, weather, calendar, and other personalized content. The Win + W shortcut opens the Widget panel instantly, allowing you to check updates without interrupting your workflow.

Win + Z for Snap Layouts:
This handy shortcut opens the Snap Layouts menu, letting you quickly arrange your open windows without having to use the mouse. It’s perfect for power users who want to maintain their focus and minimize distractions.

Win + Ctrl + C for Clipboard History:
Clipboard History is another feature that has been enhanced in Windows 11. By pressing Win + Ctrl + C, you can access a history of items you’ve copied, making it easy to paste older snippets of text or images without having to recopy them.

Additional Hidden Shortcuts:
Windows 11 is packed with other useful shortcuts that can save you time, such as Win + A for the Action Center, Win + N for Notifications, and Win + V for Clipboard History. These shortcuts make it easier to access important tools and settings without breaking your workflow.

Enhanced Search and Start Menu

The Start Menu and Search Bar have been redesigned in Windows 11, making them more user-friendly and visually appealing. However, there are several hidden features within these components that can further improve your experience.

Customizing the Start Menu:
The new Start Menu in Windows 11 is clean and minimalist, but did you know you can customize it to better suit your needs? By right-clicking on pinned apps, you can resize them, move them around, or unpin them altogether. You can also manage the “Recommended” section, deciding which files or apps you want to appear there. This level of customization ensures that your Start Menu reflects your personal workflow and preferences.

Search Bar Tricks:
The Search Bar in Windows 11 is more powerful than ever, capable of searching both your local files and the web simultaneously. You can narrow down your search by category (e.g., Apps, Documents, Settings) using the filters at the top of the Search Bar. Additionally, you can use specific commands in the Search Bar, like typing “cmd” to open the Command Prompt directly or “calc” to launch the Calculator. These tricks can significantly speed up your navigation and task execution.

Hidden Settings:
There are several hidden settings within the Start Menu that allow for deeper customization. For instance, you can enable or disable showing recently added apps, most used apps, or items from the jump list on the taskbar. By tweaking these settings, you can create a Start Menu experience that is tailored to your preferences.

Focus Sessions

Focus Sessions is a new productivity feature in Windows 11, designed to help you stay on task by minimizing distractions and promoting a balanced work routine.

Setting Up Focus Sessions:
Focus Sessions can be accessed through the new Clock app. To start a session, simply choose a task from your Microsoft To-Do list, set a timer, and begin. The app will block notifications and limit distractions, allowing you to focus on the task at hand. You can also schedule regular breaks to ensure you’re not overworking yourself.

Integrating with Spotify:
One of the unique aspects of Focus Sessions is its integration with Spotify. You can connect your Spotify account to play background music or playlists during your session, creating a more enjoyable and productive work environment. This feature is perfect for those who find music helps them concentrate.

Using Focus Sessions with To-Do Lists:
Focus Sessions work seamlessly with Microsoft To-Do, allowing you to tackle your tasks in a structured manner. You can set up sessions specifically for different tasks, track your progress, and even reflect on your productivity over time. This integration makes it easier to manage your workload and stay on top of your goals.

Advanced File Explorer Features

File Explorer has been a staple of Windows for years, but Windows 11 introduces several new features that make file management more efficient and intuitive.

Using Tabs in File Explorer:
One of the most requested features—tabs in File Explorer—has finally made its debut in Windows 11. This feature allows you to open multiple folders in a single window, much like tabs in a web browser. You can easily switch between folders without cluttering your taskbar, making file management more streamlined.

Quick Access Improvements:
Quick Access in File Explorer has also seen improvements in Windows 11. You can now pin more items to Quick Access, including files and folders that you frequently use. Additionally, the Quick Access menu now offers more detailed previews and easier access to recent files, making it a powerful tool for quickly navigating your files.

Advanced File Operations:
Windows 11 also introduces several advanced file operations that can make your workflow more efficient. For example, the “Copy as Path” option allows you to copy the full file path of a file or folder, which is especially useful for advanced users working with scripts or commands. Another hidden gem is the ability to “Pin to Quick Access” directly from the right-click menu, enabling faster access to important files.

Accessibility Improvements

Windows 11 is committed to making technology more inclusive, and this commitment is evident in the enhanced accessibility features that are both powerful and user-friendly.

Live Captions:
Live Captions is a new accessibility feature that generates real-time subtitles for any audio or video playing on your device. This is especially useful for users who are deaf or hard of hearing. To enable Live Captions, go to the accessibility settings and turn on the feature. You can customize the appearance of the captions, including font size and color, to suit your preferences.

Voice Typing:
Voice Typing has been significantly improved in Windows 11, making it more accurate and responsive. This feature allows you to dictate text into any application using your voice. Simply press Win + H to activate Voice Typing, and start speaking. The system will automatically convert your speech into text, which is particularly useful for those who prefer voice commands or have difficulty typing.

Magnifier & High Contrast Modes:
Magnifier and High Contrast Modes have also received updates in Windows 11. Magnifier now offers smoother zooming and better text-to-speech integration, while High Contrast Mode has been refined to provide clearer visuals without sacrificing readability. These features can be customized in the accessibility settings to meet the specific needs of users with visual impairments.

Microsoft Team Integration

With remote work becoming increasingly common, Microsoft Teams has become an essential tool for communication and collaboration. Windows 11 has deeply integrated Teams into the OS, making it easier than ever to stay connected.

Quick Access to Teams Chat:
One of the most noticeable changes in Windows 11 is the addition of a Chat icon on the taskbar, which provides quick access to Microsoft Teams. By clicking on this icon, you can start a chat or call instantly without having to open the full Teams app. This feature is designed to make communication more seamless and reduce the time spent navigating between apps.

Hidden Settings for Better Team Collaboration:
Windows 11 also includes hidden settings within Teams that can enhance your collaboration experience. For example, you can customize notifications to only alert you for important messages, helping you stay focused on your work. Additionally, you can pin specific chats or channels to the top of the Teams window, ensuring that your most important conversations are always within reach.

Using Teams with Other Windows 11 Features:
Microsoft Teams integrates well with other Windows 11 features like Virtual Desktops and Snap Layouts. You can set up a dedicated Virtual Desktop for Teams, keeping your communication separate from your other workspaces. Additionally, you can use Snap Layouts to have Teams open alongside other apps, making multitasking during meetings much easier.

Privacy and Security Enhancements

As privacy and security concerns grow, Windows 11 has introduced several new features designed to protect your data and give you more control over your digital life.

Configuring App Permissions:
Windows 11 provides more granular control over app permissions, allowing you to decide what data each app can access. By going to Settings > Privacy & Security > App Permissions, you can view and adjust permissions for location, camera, microphone, and more. This ensures that your personal information is only shared with apps you trust.

Using Windows Hello:
Windows Hello is a biometric authentication feature that makes logging into your device more secure. You can set up Windows Hello to use facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, or a PIN instead of a traditional password. This not only speeds up the login process but also provides an extra layer of security, as biometric data is much harder to compromise.

Advanced Privacy Settings:
Windows 11 also includes several advanced privacy settings that are often overlooked. For instance, you can control which apps have access to your advertising ID, or manage how diagnostic data is collected and shared with Microsoft. These settings can be found under Privacy & Security in the system settings and should be reviewed to ensure your data is protected according to your preferences.

Conclusion

Windows 11 is packed with new features and enhancements, but many of the most useful tools are hidden just beneath the surface. By exploring the enhanced Snap Layouts, Virtual Desktops, new keyboard shortcuts, and more, you can unlock the full potential of this operating system. Whether you’re looking to boost productivity, improve accessibility, or enhance your security, Windows 11 offers a wealth of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. So, dive in, explore these features, and see how they can make your Windows 11 experience even better.

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