Windows 11 began its staggered rollout last year, and since then Microsoft has said its latest operating system is ready for widespread deployment. This means that anyone with a computer that meets the minimum requirements should be able to download and install Windows 11.
Whether you’re using your computer for work or your personal life, it’s a great time to master some of Windows’ productivity features. These built-in tricks can help you do everything from setting up taskbar shortcuts to saving battery power. Microsoft isn’t typically upfront about its hidden features in the same way that Apple is, which can sometimes make it more difficult to know how to take advantage of everything Windows has to offer. But we have you covered here with our list of hidden features that you can start using right now to get the most out of Windows 11.
So no matter which Microsoft, Dell, HP or other Windows compatible rig you have, these clever tips will help you stay organized and get more done. Plus, here’s everything you need to know about Windows 11, the best features in Windows 11 and how it compares to Windows 10.
1. Minimize every window except the active window
If your desktop screen becomes too crowded with open windows, you can quickly minimize them all except the one you’re currently working on. You have to turn it on in Windows 11 by going to Settings, then System, then Multitasking and turning on. title bar on window shake
Simply click on the title bar of the window you want to be open to select it. Then, hold the mouse down and quickly move the window back and forth — essentially shaking it. After a few quick shakes, all other open windows will shrink, leaving only the ones that you’ve shaken open. clear, huh?
2. Open the ‘Secret’ Start Menu
You know that to get to the Start menu, you hit the Windows icon on the left side of the screen or at the bottom of your keyboard. But Windows 11 includes a lesser-known second Start menu that makes it easier to access important features like the Command Prompt, Control Panel, and Task Manager. You can access it in two different ways, either by pressing Windows Key + X, or by right clicking the Windows icon/Start button.
3. Take Screenshot on Windows 11
I know, it’s a basic one – but it’s amazing how easy it is to forget to take a screenshot on your laptop or desktop when you don’t do it often.
There are at least eight different ways to take a screenshot with Windows. If you want to capture and save a picture of your full screen, the easiest way is to hit the Windows key + Print Screen key, and that picture will be saved in the Pictures > Screenshots folder.
To capture just part of your screen, hit Windows Key + Shift + S to open a tool called Snip & Sketch, which allows you to click and drag to create a screenshot, saved to your clipboard. goes.
4. Open Pinned Items from Your Taskbar with a Keyboard Shortcut
If you’ve pinned programs to your taskbar at the bottom of your screen to create shortcuts, you don’t need to click the icons to open them. Instead, use the keyboard shortcut Windows key + [number key], with the number key corresponding to the position of the program pinned to the taskbar. For example, Windows key + 2 will open the second pinned item on the taskbar.
This is especially useful if you’re typing furiously and don’t want to lift your fingers off the keyboard. It might feel more natural to reach for the Windows key.
5. Know how much space apps are taking up
When the space is low, the computer starts running slow. A quick way to speed them up can be to get rid of apps that take up a lot of space, especially if you don’t use them regularly.
To see how much space apps, temporary files and documents are taking up, navigate to Settings > System > Storage. Tap Show more categories to see the full list.
To get an idea of what to toss, tap on Cleanup Recommendations to see what Windows 11 recommends. You probably won’t get rid of your browser, but you may find that a game you haven’t played in years is some decent dead weight.
