Windows 11 comes with a stylish look and some great built-in features. But did you know there are many hidden features just waiting to be found? These hidden Windows 11 features can make you more productive, simplify your work, and even add some fun to using your computer.
In this article, I will reveal 10 hidden Windows 11 features that you’ll wish you knew about sooner. From becoming a multitasking pro to taking quick screenshots, get ready to make the most out of your Windows 11 PC!
10 Hidden Windows 11 Features You Will Love
Let’s explore the 10 Hidden Windows 11 Features You Will Love and wish you knew about these features.
1. Become a Multitasking Master with Virtual Desktops
Feeling overwhelmed by a cluttered desktop? Windows 11’s virtual desktops come to the rescue! These are essentially separate workspaces, allowing you to organize open applications and files based on projects or tasks.
Creating a virtual desktop is a breeze. Simply press the “Windows key” + “Tab” to open Task View. Click the “New desktop” button in the top right corner, and voila! You now have a dedicated space for, say, work-related tasks. Need to switch between them? Use the same shortcut or a three-finger swipe gesture on your touchpad (if supported) to move seamlessly between desktops.
2. Snap It Up: Effortless Window Management
Windows 11 makes juggling multiple windows a breeze with its intuitive snapping feature. Drag a window to the top or edge of your screen, and it’ll automatically resize and snap into place, filling half or a quarter of the screen.
Want more control? Use keyboard shortcuts! The “Windows key” + Up arrow maximizes the window, while “Windows key” + Down arrow minimizes it. Snapping to the left or right is as easy as using the “Windows key” + Left or Right arrow, respectively.
This feature is a lifesaver for comparing documents, referencing websites while working, or multitasking between different applications.
3. Peek into the Past with Clipboard History
Ever copied something important, only to accidentally overwrite it with another snippet? Windows 11’s clipboard history is here to be your hero. Enable it by going to “Settings” > “System” > “Clipboard” and turning on “Clipboard history.”
Now, whenever you copy text or an image, it gets stored in your clipboard history. Press “Windows key” + “V” to access this history and browse through previously copied items. You can even pin frequently used snippets for easy retrieval later, eliminating the copy-paste fumble forever!
4. Silence the Chaos with Focus Sessions
Feeling easily distracted? Windows 11’s Focus sessions help you stay on track and minimize distractions. Access it through the Clock app or navigate to “Settings” > “System” > “Focus.”
Focus sessions let you set a timer for your work period and choose to integrate Do Not Disturb mode. This blocks notifications and minimizes tempting apps, allowing you to concentrate on the task at hand. For an extra focus boost, you can even integrate Spotify playlists with Focus sessions, creating an immersive work environment.
5. Shake it Off: Minimize Mayhem with a Wiggle
Remember the classic “Aero Shake” feature from older Windows versions? Well, it’s back in Windows 11! This handy feature lets you minimize all open windows except the one you’re currently using with a simple shake.
Enable “Shake to minimize” by going to “Settings” > “System” > “Multitasking” and turning on the toggle. Now, whenever your desktop gets cluttered, just grab the title bar of any window and give it a quick shake. All open windows will instantly minimize, bringing focus to your current task.
6. Unleash Your Inner Power User with GodMode
If you’re a fan of having everything organized in one place, GodMode is your new best friend. This isn’t an official feature, but a clever trick that creates a folder housing shortcuts to a vast array of system settings.
Here’s how to create GodMode:
- Right-click on your desktop and select “New folder.”
- Rename the folder to “{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}” (without quotes).
- Press “Enter” and watch the folder icon transform into the Control Panel icon.
Voila! GodMode grants you one-click access to a wide range of settings, eliminating the need to navigate through endless menus.
Note: While convenient, Microsoft doesn’t officially support GodMode.
7. Screen Recording Made Simple with Snipping Tool
Gone are the days of relying on third-party screen recording software. Windows 11’s built-in Snipping Tool now packs a powerful punch, allowing you to capture not just screenshots, but screen recordings as well!
To unleash this hidden power, launch the Snipping Tool using the shortcut “Windows key” + “Shift” + “S.” You’ll see a new recording icon alongside the usual snipping options. Click it, select the area you want to record, and hit record. The Snipping Tool captures both system audio and microphone input, making it perfect for creating quick tutorials or demos.
8. Emoji Extravaganza: Express Yourself with Ease
Windows 11 offers a treasure trove of emojis, symbols, and even GIFs to add personality to your communication. Unleash this hidden gem by pressing “Windows key” + “.” (period) or “Windows key” + “;” (semicolon).
This emoji panel is a goldmine for expressing yourself. Browse through a vast collection of emojis, categorized for easy findability. Need a specific symbol or GIF? Use the search bar to find exactly what you’re looking for. The panel even integrates your clipboard history, allowing you to seamlessly paste previously copied snippets.
9. Peek Behind the Curtain with File Explorer Tabs
If you’re tired of juggling multiple File Explorer windows, here’s a hidden gem you’ll love. Windows 11 lets you enable tabs within File Explorer, similar to your web browser. This allows you to open multiple folders within the same window, making file management a breeze.
To activate this feature, open File Explorer and navigate to “View” in the menu bar. Click on “Options” and then on the “View” tab within the Folder Options window. Under “Advanced settings,” scroll down and check the box for “Launch folder windows in a single instance (Single pane view).” Click “Apply” and “OK” to save the changes.
Now, whenever you open a new folder, it’ll appear as a tab within the existing File Explorer window. You can easily switch between folders using the tabs, just like you would in a web browser.
10. Scroll Inactive Windows: A Multitasking Must-Have
Windows 11 has a hidden setting that lets you improve multitasking efficiency. By default, you can only scroll through the content of the active window. But with a tweak, you can enable scrolling even in inactive windows!
Here’s how to unlock this hidden gem:
- Go to “Settings” > “System” > “Multitasking.”
- Under “Snap windows,” toggle on the switch for “Scroll inactive windows when I hover over them with my mouse.”
With this setting enabled, you can simply hover your mouse over an inactive window and scroll through its content without needing to activate it first. This is a fantastic feature for quickly reviewing information in other windows without interrupting your current workflow.
These 10 hidden features are just a taste of what Windows 11 has to offer. By exploring these gems, you can transform your PC experience and become a Windows 11 power user!
Conclusion
Windows 11 goes beyond its sleek interface. Packed with hidden features, it can be a goldmine for productivity and fun. From mastering multitasking with virtual desktops and snap assist to expressing yourself with a vast emoji collection, Windows 11 offers something for everyone. So, dive deeper, explore these hidden gems, and unlock the full potential of your Windows 11 PC!
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