Hidden Features in Windows 11 You Need to Try Right Now
Windows 11 is Microsoft’s latest operating system, released in late 2021. While many users may be familiar with the general layout and features of Windows, there are several hidden features that may not be immediately apparent. These features can enhance productivity, streamline multitasking, and improve overall functionality. In this article, we will explore 10 hidden features in Windows 11 that you need to try right now. Whether you are a casual user or a power user, these features can help you get the most out of your Windows 11 experience.
Virtual Desktops for Enhanced Productivity
One of the most useful features in Windows 11 is Virtual Desktops, which allows you to create multiple desktops for better organization and productivity. With Virtual Desktops, you can separate your work tasks from personal tasks or group similar applications together.
How to Create and Manage Virtual Desktops
To create a new Virtual Desktop, click on the Task View button (next to the Search bar on the taskbar) and select “New desktop” in the top-left corner. You can also use the keyboard shortcut “Windows key + Tab” to open Task View and create a new desktop. To switch between desktops, simply use the “Windows key + Ctrl + Left/Right arrow” shortcut.
Keyboard Shortcuts for Managing Virtual Desktops
There are also several other shortcuts you can use to manage Virtual Desktops. For example, you can move a window to a different desktop by selecting it and then using the shortcut “Windows key + Shift + Left/Right arrow.” You can also close the current desktop with “Windows key + Ctrl + F4” or switch to the last active desktop with “Windows key + Ctrl + D.”
Snap Layouts and Snap Groups for Streamlined Multitasking
Another great feature in Windows 11 is Snap Layouts and Snap Groups, which make it easy to multitask and organize your applications on the screen. With Snap Layouts, you can quickly arrange multiple windows in a specific layout, while Snap Groups allow you to group related windows together and switch between them easily.
How to Use Snap Layouts and Snap Groups
To use Snap Layouts, simply drag a window to any corner or side of the screen, and Windows 11 will suggest different layouts to choose from. Once you select a layout, you can easily resize the windows as needed. To use Snap Groups, just select the windows you want to group together, right-click, and choose “Add to group.” You can then switch between the windows in the group by hovering over the group icon that appears.
Customizing Snap Layouts and Snap Groups
You can also customize the Snap Layouts and Snap Groups in Windows 11 to suit your needs. To customize Snap Layouts, go to Settings > System > Multitasking and select “Snap Layouts.” From there, you can create your own custom layouts or change the default ones. To customize Snap Groups, go to Settings > System > Multitasking and select “Snap Groups.” Here, you can create and manage your own groups and adjust the settings for switching between them.
New Start Menu Customization Options
The Start Menu in Windows 11 has been redesigned and offers more customization options than ever before. With the new Start Menu, you can personalize your PC by adding, removing, and rearranging app tiles.
How to Customize the Start Menu
To customize the Start Menu, right-click on an app tile and select “Pin to Start” or “Unpin from Start” to add or remove it from the menu. You can also resize the tiles and group them together by dragging them around.
Adding and Removing Tiles from the Start Menu
To add more app tiles to the Start Menu, simply open the Start Menu and click on “All apps” at the bottom-left corner. Find the app you want to add, right-click on it, and select “Pin to Start.” To remove an app tile, right-click on it and select “Unpin from Start.”
Enhanced Touchscreen Support
Windows 11 has also improved touchscreen support, making it easier to navigate and interact with your device using touch gestures.
New Touch Gestures in Windows 11
Some of the new touch gestures in Windows 11 include swiping down from the top of the screen to access the desktop, swiping up from the bottom of the screen to access the taskbar, and swiping left or right with four fingers to switch between Virtual Desktops.
How to Customize Touchscreen Settings in Windows 11
To customize touchscreen settings in Windows 11, go to Settings > Devices > Touchpad & touchscreen. Here, you can adjust the sensitivity of the touchscreen, enable or disable gestures, and choose what happens when you tap or press the screen.
Improved Windows Explorer with Integrated File Search
Windows 11 has brought a much-needed improvement to the Windows Explorer, making it more intuitive and convenient than ever before. One of the most exciting new features of the Windows Explorer in Windows 11 is the integrated file search. With this feature, you can quickly and easily find specific files on your device without having to navigate through multiple folders and directories.
How to Use the Integrated File Search in Windows Explorer
Using the integrated file search in Windows 11 is incredibly easy. To start, simply open up the Windows Explorer and type the name of the file you’re looking for in the search bar at the top of the window. Windows 11 will immediately start searching for the file and display the results in the window. You can also use filters to narrow down your search results to specific types of files, such as documents or images.
New Features in Windows Explorer for Enhanced File Management
In addition to the integrated file search, Windows 11’s Windows Explorer also comes with many new features to enhance file management. For example, you can now quickly preview files without opening them by hovering over them with your cursor. The Windows Explorer also has a new layout that makes it easier to navigate, and you can now pin your favorite folders to the top of the window for easy access.
Revamped Settings App with New Features
The Settings app in Windows 11 has undergone a significant overhaul, making it more intuitive and user-friendly than ever before. With the new design, you’ll find it easier to navigate to the settings you need. Additionally, the Settings app now comes with several new features that were not available in previous versions of Windows.
New Features in the Settings App
One of the most exciting new features in the Settings app is the ability to customize the Start menu and taskbar. You can now choose whether you want to display app icons or the Start menu on your taskbar. You can also choose how many apps appear in the app list and customize the layout of the Start menu.
How to Use the Settings App in Windows 11
To access the Settings app in Windows 11, click on the Start menu and then select the gear icon. From there, you can navigate through the various settings categories to find the settings you need. You can also use the search bar at the top of the Settings app to quickly locate specific settings.
Widgets for Easy Access to Information
Windows 11 comes with a new feature called Widgets, which provides easy access to news, weather, sports scores, and other information without having to leave your desktop.
How to Use Widgets in Windows 11
To use Widgets in Windows 11, simply click on the Widgets icon in the taskbar. The Widgets panel will then slide out from the left side of your screen, displaying the latest news and information. You can customize the content that appears in the Widgets panel by clicking on the gear icon and selecting the widgets you want to add.
Customizing Widgets in Windows 11
In addition to selecting the widgets you want to appear in the panel, you can also customize the layout of the Widgets panel. For example, you can change the size of the panel, move it to a different location on your screen, or resize individual widgets.
Dynamic Refresh Rate for Better Battery Management and Performance
Windows 11 comes with a new feature called Dynamic Refresh Rate, which adjusts the refresh rate of your display based on the content on your screen, saving battery life and providing a smoother experience.
How to Enable Dynamic Refresh Rate in Windows 11
To enable Dynamic Refresh Rate in Windows 11, go to Settings > System > Display and scroll down to the Refresh Rate section. From there, you can toggle on the Dynamic Refresh Rate setting.
Benefits of Dynamic Refresh Rate
Dynamic Refresh Rate provides several benefits, including improved battery life on laptops and other mobile devices, a smoother user experience, and reduced eye strain. When enabled, the feature adjusts the refresh rate of your display based on the content on your screen, providing a more seamless experience and saving power when viewing static content.Windows 11 is packed with new and exciting features that can improve your productivity and enhance your overall computing experience. By taking advantage of these hidden features, you can streamline your workflow, customize your system, and unlock new capabilities. Whether you’re a casual user or a power user, Windows 11 has something to offer. So, what are you waiting for? Try out these hidden features today and discover all that Windows 11 has to offer!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use Virtual Desktops if I only have one monitor?
Yes, you can still use Virtual Desktops even if you have only one monitor. However, the experience may not be as seamless as it would be with multiple monitors.
How do I enable Dynamic Refresh Rate?
To enable Dynamic Refresh Rate, go to Settings > System > Display > Advanced display settings > Display adapter properties. From there, select the Monitor tab and check the box next to “Enable Variable Refresh rate” under “Adaptive sync.”
What are Snap Layouts and Snap Groups?
Snap Layouts and Snap Groups are features that allow you to organize your open windows into specific layouts and groups, making it easier to multitask and switch between different tasks.
What are Widgets in Windows 11?
Widgets in Windows 11 are small apps that provide quick access to information such as news, weather, and sports scores. They can be customized and rearranged to suit your preferences.
