Windows 11: Top 10 Tips and Features to Try.
Microsoft released Windows 11 on compatible devices in the first week of October, and many users have since received the Windows Update notification to download and install Windows 11. Thus, many users who found the new operating system quite attractive and had a device that met the necessary requirements for installing Windows 11, forced their computer to upgrade to the new operating system.
Just as promised, Microsoft has exceeded customer expectations with the Windows 11 user interface, because the new operating system has so much to explore and enjoy – from new security features, improved multitasking and enhanced productivity.
To get the most out of Windows 11, below are some tips and tricks that can help you get the job done faster and easier.
Top 10 tips & features to try in Windows 11.
1. Multiple desktops
The "Multiple desktops" (or "Virtual desktops") feature, in the latest Windows operating systems, allows you to work in different projects easily and make your life easier.
Microsoft redesigned the old "Task View" button icon on the taskbar with an icon that users will find refreshing to increase productivity.
To use "Multiple Desktops" in Windows 11:
1. Click on the Task View icon icon on the taskbar or press the Windows key + Tab.
2. Create as many desktops as you want and then rearrange the desktops or drag applications from one desktop to another.
2. Align the taskbar to it's old position (Left).
Microsoft align Windows 11 taskbar icon to the center of the screen. This is a whole different innovation compare to the Legacy Start menu on previous Windows version that aligns to the left. Quite a number of buttons was introduced – Chat, Widgets, Multi-desktop while the system tray comes with a different experience.
To Align Taskbar on the left:
1. Right-click on the taskbar and select Taskbar settings.
2a. Expand Taskbar behaviors.
2b. Click the Taskbar alignment dropdown menu and select Left
3. Add Useful Widgets on Windows 11.
Windows 10 gave us News and Interest as a snippet of what widgets will look like in the near future, but Windows 11 comes with the Widgets icon on the taskbar.
By default, the Widgets menu in Windows 11 is empty and you have to sign-in with a Microsoft Account to add the Widgets you want. Then, if you want to check the local weather, search for events and sports scores, track stock prices, watch nearby traffic or read the latest news, just click the Widgets icon which will include everything you need.
Of course, you can customize the widgets as you wish and according to your interests, as well as set your news feed preferences using Microsoft News.
4. Activate Clipboard History.
If you type thousands of words daily and you are constantly copying and pasting text, from one editor to another, well respite has arrived with this new feature in Windows 11. Clipboard History is here to make your editing journey seamless.
To activate and use Clipboard history feature, you have to enable it first. To do that:
1. Press Windows key + V and click Turn On.
2. Then, whenever you want to access all the content you copied recently, press Windows key + V. Clipboard History saves up to 25 copied text and offers you the choice to use Emojis and GIFs while chatting with friends.
5. Customize Quicks Actions/Settings Panel
The old Action Center menu with the notifications and the Quick Settings in Windows 10 its now separated in Windows 11.
1. To view the Notifications in Windows 11, click the Date and Time indication on bottom right corner.
2. To view or modify the Quick Actions/Settings menu in Windows 11 that gives you the opportunity to enable or to disable a device (e.g. the WiFi, the Bluetooth, etc.):
a. Click the Speaker or the Network icon.
b. Click the Pencil icon to modify the options shown here, adding new options or unpinning the ones you don't need.
6. Chat With Microsoft Teams
The Microsoft Teams Chat icon is now embedded on the Taskbar in Windows 11. Microsoft teams helps you to stay connected to the people you love and care about with chats and video calls integrated on Windows 11 computers.
Microsoft Teams specifically design a chat app for the Consumer market. You can sync all your contacts through the Microsoft Teams mobile app, however, if your contacts don't use Teams, you can send them invites via email or text. You can also engage contacts in SMS conversations even if they don't sign up for Teams.
7. Snap Layouts
Microsoft has enhanced how snapping Windows works so it’s easier to put Windows side-by-side, and also arrange them to user’s preference. This feature makes productivity much faster and easier, including the addition of Snap Groups. Once you snap windows, for instance, a browser to the side of the screen, you can use your mouse to drag, resize or change the shape.
To snap layout in Windows 11:
1a. Hover your mouse to the top right corner of any open window and place the cursor on the Maximize icon for a split second.
1b. When you get the layouts of different dimensions, select your preferred layout.
8. View the App list
The Start menu shipped with Windows 11 is different from the previous version – Windows 10, however, there is still an App list – a list of all apps that is installed on the system. The hard part is identifying how to access the Apps list. The App list is not “easy” to locate due to the design of the Start menu in Windows 11.
To view the App list with the installed programs in Windows 11:
1. Click the Start menu on taskbar and then click the All Apps button.
2. This will display all the apps installed on the computer alphabetically.
9. New Keyboard shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts are useful when we need to save time and optimize our performance. As in the previous version of Windows, some key combinations help to quickly start applications, explore features or perform actions. Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts can launch Widgets, Chat, Quick Settings, Snap layout, etc. *
* Note: Classic keyboard shortcuts (such as copy, paste, etc.) remain the same in Windows 11, just like in previous versions of Windows.
Keyboard shortcuts | Functionalities |
Win + W
Win + Z Win + A Win + N Win + C |
Open Widgets panel
Launch Snap Layout Open Quick Settings for Wi-fi, Speaker, Battery Open Notification Centre Open Microsoft Teams Chap app |
10. Install a Linux Distribution inside Windows 11.
If you're a Linux fan or user and don't want to deal with double booting or installing virtual machines, then you can install Windows for Linux (WSL) on Windows 11 as you would on Windows 10.
The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) received loads of improvement on Windows 11. Users who need a platform to test apps on different OS are raving about the simplicity in setting up Linux environment on Windows, and they can attest that this is a major win for Microsoft.
You can install the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), by entering this command, in an Administrator PowerShell or Command Prompt:
- wsl –install
This command will enable the required optional components, download the latest Linux kernel, set WSL 2 as your default, and install a Linux distribution for you (Ubuntu by default). See here for more details.
These are the most important features of Windows 11. We hope these tips and tricks help you increase productivity and improve your overall experience while using the sleek, seamless, and aesthetically pleasing Windows 11 operating system.
We'd love to know your favorite features in Windows 11 and share them with us in the comments. Who knows; you may introduce our readers to new tips , tricks and features worth mentioning.
That’s it! Let me know if this guide has helped you by leaving your comment about your experience. Please like and share this guide to help others.
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