The newest Windows OS, Windows 11, is quickly gaining ground on Windows 10. As of August 2024, Windows 11 holds over 31% of the Windows market share, and this number is expected to rise rapidly as Windows 10 reaches its end of support in 2025.
Already upgraded to Windows 11 or planning to do so soon? You’ll appreciate these tips for optimizing your Windows 11 experience. The operating system offers several powerful features, but you need to know how to use them to boost productivity.
Let’s dive into some of the most effective settings and tools that can transform your daily workflow.
1. Smart Menu Customization
The Start Menu may seem less significant compared to other features, but it serves as the gateway to all the apps and settings on your computer. It's constantly used for launching apps, searching for files, and more, making it a powerful tool for enhancing productivity.
By customizing your Start Menu, you can reduce the time and effort spent navigating through your computer. Here are some tips to help streamline your experience:
Pin Frequently Used Apps: Right-click on any app and choose "Pin to Start." This keeps your most-used apps easily accessible with just one click.
Organize Apps into Folders: Drag and drop apps onto each other to create folders. You can label these folders for quick identification and better organization.
Adjust the Start Menu Layout: Head to Settings > Personalization > Start, where you can select which folders appear on your Start Menu and modify the layout to suit your preferences.
2. Virtual Desktops
Virtual desktops help you organize your workspace by allowing you to separate different tasks into distinct virtual environments. For instance, you can dedicate one desktop for work and another for personal activities.
Create a New Desktop: Click the Task View button on the taskbar or press Win + Tab. Then, click on “New Desktop” to add a new virtual desktop.
Switch Between Desktops: Use Ctrl + Win + Left Arrow or Ctrl + Win + Right Arrow to quickly switch between your virtual desktops.
3. Snap Layouts and Snap Groups
Snap Layouts and Snap Groups are excellent tools for multitasking, allowing you to arrange windows side by side for efficient work. By using these features, you'll significantly reduce the time spent switching between apps.
Use Snap Layouts: Hover over the maximize button of any window to view available snap layouts. Select a layout to position the window accordingly.
Create Snap Groups: Arrange windows using a snap layout, and Windows 11 will remember the configuration. Simply hover over the taskbar icons to view and restore the snap group.
4. Focus Assist
Focus Assist helps you stay focused by reducing interruptions and distractions.
Enable Focus Assist: Search for "Focus" in the taskbar search and select Focus Settings. Choose your preferred options and start a session to minimize distractions.
Set Automatic Rules: You can set automatic rules to activate Focus Assist during specific activities, such as when duplicating your display or while playing a game.
5. Widgets
Widgets offer quick access to personalized content such as news, weather, calendar, and more.
Access Widgets: Click the Widgets icon on the taskbar or press Win + W to open the widget panel.
Customize Widgets: You can add or remove widgets, as well as adjust their size and position to match your preferences.
6. Taskbar Customization
A well-organized taskbar can greatly improve your productivity. If you're tired of seeing icons you don’t use, hide them to declutter your space. This reduces distractions and helps you access what you need more quickly.
Pin Apps to Taskbar: Right-click on any app and select "Pin to taskbar" to keep it easily accessible.
Adjust Taskbar Settings: Right-click on the taskbar and select "Taskbar settings." Here, you can customize taskbar behaviors, such as hiding it in desktop mode or enabling badges on taskbar buttons.
7. Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts can significantly boost your efficiency. Once you get the hang of your favorites, using them will become second nature. Here are some essential shortcuts to know:
Win + E: Open File Explorer.
Win + I: Open Settings.
Win + D: Show or hide the desktop.
Win + L: Lock your PC.
Alt + Tab: Switch between open apps.
8. Power and Battery Settings
Optimizing power and battery settings can help extend your device's battery life while also improving its performance. These adjustments are especially useful when you're away from a power source for an extended period.
Adjust Power Mode: Go to Settings > System > Power & battery. Select a power mode that strikes the right balance between performance and battery life.
Battery Saver: Turn on Battery Saver to conserve battery life. This is especially helpful when your device is low on power or when you're away from a power source for a longer period.
9. Storage Sense
Storage Sense helps you manage disk space by automatically removing unnecessary files.
Enable Storage Sense: Go to Settings > System > Storage, then turn on Storage Sense and set it to run automatically.
Configure Cleanup Schedules: Set up schedules for tasks like deleting temporary files, emptying the recycle bin, and removing unused files to keep your storage organized.
10. Accessibility Features
Windows 11 offers various accessibility features that can improve your productivity.
Magnifier: Use the Magnifier tool to zoom in on areas of your screen. Press Win + Plus to activate it.
Narrator: Enable Narrator to have text on your screen read aloud. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Narrator to turn it on.
High Contrast Mode: Enhance visibility by enabling High Contrast Mode. Navigate to Settings > Accessibility > High contrast to activate it.
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